The Athenaeum, London
It’s been said that Sally Bulloch became inextricably linked with the London luxury hotel she managed, the Athenaeum in Piccadilly, and that together they created "a party that nobody wanted to leave".
Michael Douglas once remarked, "Knowing Sally Bulloch is like getting your raincoat caught in a fast-departing roller-coaster."
Other guests at the Athenaeum during Sally’s time included Shirley MacLaine, Joan Collins, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Dionne Warwick and many more.
Sally worked on and off at the hotel for some 25 years, the last 10 as executive manager, before leaving for a new life in South Africa, where she died, aged 59, in April 2008.
In an obituary, the UK’s Daily Telegraph recalled, "She had all the characteristics of a brilliant "fixer" for the stars; with her calmness in a crisis and extensive contacts book she was able to solve their various problems with ease."
The spirit of Sally Bulloch lives on at the family-friendly Athenaeum today. Whether it’s in the Whisky Bar (270 whiskies and counting), the Garden Room, where the Tea Guild recently awarded the Athenaeum "Top London Afternoon Tea 2012", or the lobby (where you will find a kids’ concierge).
Across the road from Green Park, the hotel has a mix of rooms and suites – including a rooftop suite – and private Mayfair apartments.
Extras as standard include free broadband wifi, Nespresso coffee, Bose docking stations and gym, hot tubs and steam room.
In 1995 Sally Bulloch conducted a survey of women guests, including MPs, managing directors, consultants and others, which found that women who check into hotels alone experience rampant sexism and feel they get second-class treatment compared to men.
She concluded that hotels should recognise women as important customers with separate needs to men, right down to providing slippers and bathrobes in women’s sizes.
The Athenaeum has not wavered in that approach to women guests.
Diamond Jubilee offer: The Athenaeum has a special offer for the month of June to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Book two nights and receive a third night for £60. The deal includes a complimentary picnic to take along to the Piccadilly Big Lunch street party on June 3.
Also included are complimentary drinks and snacks from the mini-bar, free wi-fi. Plus kids aged 12 and under eat for free when dining with an adult.
By Ian Jarrett
Ian Jarrett
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