THE JOURNAL
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. Photograph courtesy of The Connaught
Four of the best places around the world for a slap-up meal, and a good night’s sleep too.
Deciding on which hotel to stay in depends on who you are, what you want, and the purpose of your stay. If you religiously read Wallpaper* magazine or Dezeen, for example, you might wish to rest somewhere designed by a notable architect, with interiors that match your carefully curated Instagram page. Perhaps you want a retreat that’s simple, unique only for its startling proximity to a beach. Or maybe you want to stay in a grand, six-star palace, sleep in a four-poster bed, and be waited on hand and foot by men in coat tails. Whatever you’re looking for, service, comfort and decor usually come before food in a list of priorities. Because that’s what restaurants are for, right? And if you’re paying a decent amount for a room, you can safely assume that the food will be fine. Good, even. But why not choose a hotel that houses a restaurant that wins plaudits in its own right? Below, as recommended by our Style Council, we list the hotel restaurants people travel for, regardless of whether they want a room after they’ve finished their post-meal espresso.
Firebird Diner, at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Dubai
Barbecue lamb sticky ribs. Photographs courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Dubai DIFC
Dubai doesn’t really do things by halves. And if an American-style diner is going to open in the UAE city, it’ll be big and unapologetic. Welcome to the Firebird Diner, opened by celebrity chef Mr Michael Mina. If you were expecting a hamburger and cheese, think again. Your head will more likely be turned by the likes of black truffle mac ’n’ cheese and lobster or foie gras sliders. After all that rich food, head upstairs and sleep it off in a room at the illustrious hotel.
Visit Firebird Diner at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC on the Style Council
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London
Afternoon tea at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. Photographs courtesy of The Connaught
Having taken over the space from Ms Angela Hartett about 10 years ago, Ms Hélène Darroze – who spent several years working for Mr Alain Ducasse and runs the Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze in Paris – has established a well-respected two-Michelin-starred restaurant in one of London’s best-loved hotels. As you might expect, it’s not cheap, but given that it’s recommended by The Sunday Times managing editor Mr David Mills and Michelin-starred chef Mr Tom Aikens on our Style Council, you can bank on the quality.
Visit Hélène Darroze at The Connaught on the Style Council
Michelberger Restaurant, The Michelberger Hotel, Berlin
Burrata at The Michelberger restaurant. Photographs courtesy of Michelberger
If you want a little more informal creativity with your trip, the Michelberger Hotel in Friedrichshain, Berlin, might be the destination for you. And if it is, you needn’t travel far for a good meal because the in-house restaurant rivals many you’ll find elsewhere in the German city. If you see the blood sausage with fermented blueberries, or spring carrot salad with roasted barley on the menu, they are not to be missed.
Visit the Michelberger Restaurant at Michelberger Hotel on the Style Council
Maialino, Gramercy Park Hotel, New York
If there is anyone who understands hospitality in New York, it’s serial restaurateur Mr Danny Meyer – responsible for Union Square Café (which he opened at the tender age of 27), Shake Shack and The Modern. He is also behind Maialino, the pleasingly traditional, bustling trattoria in the lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel. Recommended by Style Council member and creative director Mr Marcus Teo, it’s worth a visit whether you’re staying in the hotel or not.
Visit Maialino at the Gramercy Park Hotel on the Style Council
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