How does a legend get reborn? Go to the finely overhauled The Connaught in London’s village of Mayfair to discover the answer. I did. I am converted, and I now believe in legends having a second life.

The Connaught did not undertake this venture without seriously considering the implications of change. Some people don’t like change but, as The Connaught was ready for a refreshing refurbishment, change here is better than a rest: it’s positively uplifting.

You couldn’t really wish for a more prime location, either: sitting, now vibrantly so, on Carlos Place, alongside Mount Street, it doesn’t get a lot better for the lucky luxe-trotter. In fact, it seems that Mount Street is being hailed as the most desirable street in London, with serious fashion houses such as Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs queuing up to moor their flagships. Mount Street restaurants are, for many, Mayfair institutions, and with all this limelight they have become even more desirable

I took a stroll along Mount Street, having had ‘the’ conversation with my personal butler about my wishes for the evening, to a sky turning twilight-pink behind the 19th Century rooftops of this very grand, patrician, and now rather trendy, street. The newfound blend of tradition aside modernchic felt liberating, sprinkling the street with 21st Century bonhomie.

As electric took over from dusk with a twinkling iridescence, it was time to return to The Connaught for my night of tailored and finely-tuned indulgences. The Concierge led me up the revered, soul-steeped, Cuban-mahogany staircase, to my Connaught Suite (105) on the first floor, where my butler awaited in order to familiarise my widening eyes with my lavish surroundings. The suite was radiant in pale mint and gilt. The bay of almost floor-toceiling windows facing Carlos Place was draped in blissfully interlined lengths of subtle damask; a perfect match with the very fine sofas.

The bedroom is inviting and extremely comfortable. Comfort is key at The Connaught and that requires fastidious attention to slumber accoutrements. The sovereign-size beds in the suites are clothed in glorious white linen from the exclusive Italian luxury linen company, Pratesi. The bathroom, as with all The Connaught bathrooms, has a solid functionality within its metres of Grecian Thassos marble with chunky chrome fittings and flattering lighting. There is still the enormous cast-iron bath, though now it is indulged with a flatscreen. The towels, gowns and slippers are perfect, Frette perfect. Oodles of delectable Asprey goodies shower the marble surfaces.

So the past and the present all sit beguilingly well together while the refreshing refurbishment is done in a style both befitting and rewarding.

Read the full review and book online at www.luxuryexplorer.com