News · Six Senses
Six Senses London Secures Its Inaugural Michelin Key
The Six Senses London, located within the historic Whiteleys department store, has been awarded its first Michelin Key just six months after its debut. This recognition places it among a select group of luxury properties distinguished by the inaugural Michelin hotel guide.
The central courtyard and grand staircase of the Six Senses London, beneath the glass roof of the former Whiteleys department store
Six Senses London, the brand's inaugural British outpost within the reimagined Whiteleys department store in Bayswater, has garnered its first Michelin Key in the 2026 selection. Opening its doors on March 1, 2026, the hotel quickly achieved this notable distinction, joining a portfolio of 51 IHG luxury and lifestyle properties recognized in this year's guide.
Nicolas Garnier of LRDH - le magazine des hôtels de luxe reports that ten of these IHG hotels received two Keys, while 41, including Six Senses London, were awarded one. Garnier notes that this achievement occurred within six months of the hotel's opening.
The Grade II listed Whiteleys building, a landmark often cited as London's first department store, closed in 2018. Its meticulous rehabilitation, as detailed by Nicolas Garnier, preserved significant architectural elements including the original façade, the central dome, the inner courtyard, and a grand staircase said to be inspired by Milan's La Scala opera house. The interior design was executed by AvroKO, collaborating with EPR Architects.
LRDH - le magazine des hôtels de luxe further outlines the property's offerings: 109 rooms and suites, 14 Six Senses residences, and the brand's pioneering private members' club, Six Senses Place London. The hotel's 2,300 square meter spa features a 20-meter swimming pool, a magnesium bath, a first for a London hotel, and cryotherapy facilities, aligning with the brand’s deep commitment to wellness.
Our take: The rapid attainment of a Michelin Key by Six Senses London underscores the growing influence of comprehensive wellness offerings and a meticulously curated guest experience in defining modern luxury hospitality. This early recognition for a new property suggests that the blend of historical architecture, thoughtful design, and a robust, integrated wellness program— hallmarks of the Six Senses ethos — is resonating strongly with industry arbiters. It also highlights London's continued preeminence as a global destination for discerning travelers seeking both heritage and innovation in their accommodations.
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