Can’t stomach another night of drinking and dining? Why not try an evening with the stars on for size. But if watching a flick in your local multiplex holds little appeal, panic not. The Sybarite has the low-down in on the hottest hotel cinemas around the world. Popcorn at the ready…
This much loved London icon is the first word in luxury, the last and most of those in between. The Wilton Place property boasts 214 rooms including 65 suites, all of which overlook the park or the charming St Paul’s Church and is famed for Prêt a Portea – London’s most popular afternoon tea.
However, The Berkeley’s piece de resistance is its roof top terrace, which transforms into a magical outdoor cinema every winter. Six lucky hotel guests and Londoners can book to watch their favourite flicks on the big screen, while keeping the chill at bay with warm down feather Moncler blankets and hot water bottles.
Designed by husband and wife team, Tim and Kit Kemp, the £100 million Ham Yard Hotel (which takes its name from a neighbouring 18th-century pub called The Ham) personifies la dolce vita. Sybarites can expect a Soholistic Spa and gym – complete with a hypoxic chamber for altitude training – plus a buzzy bar and restaurant, bijoux 1950s bowling alley – imported pin-by- pin from Texas – and lovely ground floor library whose shelves have been stocked with carefully curated books by literary expert, Philip Blackwell.
But the bolthole’s biggest draw is its 190 seat theatre. Sink into one of the tangerine orange leather seats to watch a film before retiring to the theatre’s Dive bar (named in honour of a 3ft neon-lit lady diver that hangs on the far wall) for a nightcap under neon signs evoking a rock ‘n’ roll vibe.
The brainchild of larger than life nightlife impresario, Mark Fuller, Sanctum Soho compromises two tasteful Grade-II listed Edwardian townhouses that were once occupied by MI5.
But push through the revolving doors and the hotel’s rock star credentials are all too evident. Expect to find diamante door handles, glittering mirrors, a 24-hour rooftop bar – the perfect place to sip champagne – and, the icing on the cake for film fans, a private 45 seat cinema complete with opulent arm-chairs, sofas and a well-stocked bar. Every Saturday, Sanctum Soho presents The Gourmet Cinema Club – a unique experience which includes edible tickets, bubbles on arrival and luxurious food platters to share during the movie.
For full movie listings and to purchase tickets please visit www.gourmetcinemaclub.com.
Located only a stone’s throw from the iconic Carnaby Street, The Courthouse London was once a courthouse jail. Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have both been held in the Grade II-listed building. These days the renowned Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Court has been transformed into a stylish Soho hotel boasting 166 impressively spacious rooms, several restaurants and bars, in addition to the Soho Sky Terrace – a smart, secret escape that is fast becoming one of our favourite rooftop hangouts – and one of the biggest private cinemas in central London.
The screening room, which is equipped to the highest standard with professional 35mm and video / digital projection system -can seat 100 people in comfort and style (expect a rich aubergine carpet, suede walls and luxurious mauve leather seating all with armrests and fold out tables.)
The legendary Italian jeweller opened this boutique hotel back in 2012. Situated in the salubrious environs of Knightsbridge, The Bulgari is perhaps best known for its sprawling spa. ( Set over two floors, it’s home to a relaxation room, ice fountains, cooling showers and a 25 metre, three lane swimming pool complete with columns and surrounded by Vicenza stone).
However the hotel also has a pretty spectacular 47 seat screening room, dedicated to Sir Richard Attenborough. Every Sunday afternoon, following a delicious, gourmet Italian (natch) brunch, viewers can relax and watch a classic film from the hotel’s carefully library of over 200 new and classic films. The screening room also hosts film premieres and is available for private hire.
ENGLAND
Situated in the centre of the Cotswold village of Barnsley, this 18 bedroom luxury hotel is a firm favourite with not only with horticulturists (the country hotel is set in exquisitely landscaped gardens designed by Rosemary Verey that are worth a day out in their own right) but with films fans who flock to the property for its private cinema.
The boutique cinema – complimentary for hotel guests and only £200 to hire as a non-resident – can seat 30 in luxurious two-seater pink leather armchairs. Moviegoers can also enjoy pre or post film drinks and canapés in the beautiful Garden Room that’s adjacent to the theatre. In the case that – heaven forbid – you have had your fill of films, Barnsley House also has its own restaurant, kitchen garden, village pub and secluded spa.
Looking for a hotel in Harrogate? Look no further than Rudding Park. This Grade I-listed Regency country house is easily the area’s most outstanding accommodation owing to its stylish bedrooms, award-winning restaurant, spa, gym, 18 hole course and yes 14 seat cinema – all set among beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland.
Located on the lower ground of the Follifoot Wing, the 14 seat cinema is the perfect place to hunker down and watch romantic comedies, action thrillers et al.
Elsewhere, mega movie buffs might be interested in Rudding Park’s one-night cinema suite escape (£700) in a special suite featuring its own private cinema with a three-metre wide screen. The cinema suite escape includes a three-course dinner at 2 AA Rosette Clocktower Restaurant and Yorkshire breakfast the following morning.
SCOTLAND
Built in 1905, The Scotsman – as its name suggests – resides in the former baronial offices of The Scotsman Newspaper and is the only hotel in Edinburgh that can boast views over Edinburgh Castle, The Firth of Forth, Leith, Princes Street and Calton Hill.
It’s also one of the only Scottish hotels that’s home to a private cinema 46 seater cinema, replete with leather armchairs, showing cinematic treats from the Hollywood Golden Age right up to present day spectaculars. Ticket prices typically include complimentary ice-cream but for something more substantial to eat, why not seek out the Scotsman's North Bridge Brasserie beforehand?
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge put St Andrews – a pretty university town of on the north coast of Fife – on the map, when they met here as students back in 2001. But it’s fair to say that Eden Mansion, an epitome of grand Victorian design overlooking the Eden Estuary towards the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has played its part too.
Nestled within five acres of sculptured Victorian garden grounds, the gorgeous hotel offers eight opulent, individually designed suites, an array of restaurants, a private gym and last, but by no means least, a cinema room. Translation? For moviegoers, ‘Eden Mansion’ more than lives up to its name.
REST OF THE WORLD
Le Royal Monceau, Paris (France)
Katara Cinema is the cultural jewel of Le Royal Monceau, a Raffles Hotel. Just steps from the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe, this luxury 99-seat theatre – voted one of the voted as “one of the top private movie theatres in the world” by Departures Magazine no less – is equipped with spectacular state-of- the-art equipment, including 3D, helping make it Europe’s most modern screening room.
Programmes and events held here include festivals, premieres and private screenings, while weekends are all about the ‘Royal Monceau Film Club: expect a chilled glass of Champagne on arrival served in the comfort of your own seat, gourmet popcorn by Pierre Hermé Paris, access to our complimentary screening, a signature cocktail at Le Bar Long and a selection of savory canapés all for 88 Euros. The Sybarite says: it’s the ideal way to end the weekend…
Roxy Hotel, New York (America)
Movies are a massive part of the Big Apple and an even bigger part of TriBeCa (which stands for ‘Triangle Below Canal’) which explains why The Roxy Cinema at the Art Deco-style hotel of the same name, is in such demand. With plush leather seating, state of the art projection, and surround sound, it’s the perfect place to watch a film while in New York. Don’t forget to book The Django – a jaw-droppingly beautiful subterranean jazz club modelled after the boîtes of Paris – next door for cocktails, conversation and small plates, post film.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai (UAE)
The Burj Al Arab – aka the self-proclaimed seven-star hotel that’s shaped like the sail of a dhow – is the Jumeirah property that dominates the headlines and most tourist itineraries. However, film fans bound for the Kingdom of Bling will want to check into Jumeirah Zabeel Saray instead.
For this five star hotel, inspired by the imperial palaces of the Ottoman era, is home to a luxurious private 29 seat cinema that shows a selection of movies for kids and classics for adults every day. Even better? It’s complimentary to all guests. Lights, camera, action!
