Hamilton Place, London
Hamilton Place is a short but historically rich street in the City of Westminster, central London. It runs from the southeast corner of Hyde Park at Park Lane down to Piccadilly, serving as a transition between the green edges of Hyde Park and the commercial bustle of Mayfair. Though just a few hundred metres long, Hamilton Place offers a microcosm of Mayfair's aristocratic elegance, with luxury hotels, refined architecture, and historic significance packed into its short length.
Overview and Surrounding Roads
The street begins at a busy roundabout where Park Lane, Piccadilly, and Hyde Park Corner converge. From there, Hamilton Place runs northwards before ending where it merges into Park Lane. Nearby roads of interest include Piccadilly to the south and Old Park Lane to the west.
Despite its modest size, Hamilton Place is surrounded by landmarks, including Hyde Park Corner, the Wellington Arch, and some of London’s grandest luxury hotels. The area is frequented by tourists, business travellers, and city residents alike.
History and Etymology
Hamilton Place derives its name from the Hamilton family, particularly James Hamilton, who was a groom of the bedchamber* to King James I in the early 17th century. The land around the current street was granted to Hamilton, and by the late 1600s, the street began appearing on maps of Westminster. As London developed westwards, the area became a fashionable district for aristocratic townhouses in the 18th and 19th centuries.
* What's groom of the bedchamber?
Is he some kind of butler? A "Groom of the Bedchamber" was not exactly a butler, though the roles could overlap slightly in the sense that both served a person of high rank. However, the Groom of the Bedchamber was a much more prestigious and courtly role. It was a royal household position in England, dating back to the Tudor period and continuing into the 19th century. Grooms of the Bedchamber were gentlemen (often noblemen or of high social rank) who attended personally to the monarch or prince. Their duties included:
- Assisting the royal personage in dressing and undressing
- Being in close attendance during private moments
- Occasionally delivering confidential messages or undertaking trusted tasks
It was a position of great trust and access, even if not always one of significant administrative responsibility. So while a butler managed household staff and the wine cellar in an aristocratic home, a Groom of the Bedchamber was more like a personal attendant to the king or prince, often from the gentry class, and sometimes rewarded with political influence or other court appointments.
In the case of James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn, his service as Groom of the Bedchamber to Prince Albert and Queen Victoria reflects his high social standing and closeness to the royal family - hence the naming of Hamilton Place in his honour.
The character of Hamilton Place has changed little in spirit since those days—it remains a street associated with exclusivity and heritage.
Character and Architecture
The atmosphere of Hamilton Place is stately and reserved. Its architecture is a mixture of Edwardian grandeur and 20th-century refinement. Two notable hotels dominate the street:
- The InterContinental London Park Lane – A modern luxury hotel on the east side, with commanding views over Hyde Park Corner and Buckingham Palace Gardens.
- The London Hilton on Park Lane – Though technically addressed on Park Lane, its back entrance connects to Hamilton Place, making it part of the street’s prestige circuit.
Between these landmarks are elegant façades and private offices. Trees lining the pavement add a sense of calm, despite the traffic nearby.
Points of Interest Nearby
- Wellington Arch – Located just steps from Hamilton Place, it’s one of London’s triumphal arches and a popular photo spot for visitors.
- Hyde Park – The southeast corner of this vast green space opens onto Hamilton Place, making it a relaxing break spot for walkers and tourists.
- Apsley House – The historic home of the Duke of Wellington is around the corner and now serves as a museum.
Transport Connections
Nearest London Underground Stations
Hamilton Place is exceptionally well-connected by public transport. The nearest station is Green Park Station, about five minutes' walk away, served by the Jubilee Line, Piccadilly Line, and Victoria Line. Hyde Park Corner Station is also nearby, though its position along the Piccadilly Line only may limit some journeys.
Other convenient stations within walking distance include:
- Piccadilly Circus Station (Bakerloo Line, Piccadilly Line)
- Bond Street Station (Jubilee Line, Central Line)
- Oxford Circus Station (Bakerloo Line, Central Line, Victoria Line)
Bus Routes
Several London bus stops surround Hamilton Place, particularly at Hyde Park Corner and Piccadilly. Routes passing nearby include:
- Routes 9 and 14 – Connecting Kensington and central London
- Route 38 – Linking Victoria with Hackney
- Route 19 – Running through Chelsea, Soho, and north London
Real Estate on Hamilton Place
Hamilton Place is not known for residential offerings, but when private flats or penthouses become available, they command some of the highest prices in London. As of May 2025, serviced apartments in nearby Mayfair start at around £3,000 per square foot (£32,300 per sq metre), while luxury penthouses can exceed £5,500 per square foot (£59,200 per sq metre).
Typical property sizes in this area range from 1,200 sq ft (111 sq metres) for a two-bedroom flat to over 3,000 sq ft (278 sq metres) for larger luxury apartments. Office space and commercial real estate dominate the street itself, often leased to private equity firms, embassies, or luxury travel companies.
Fun Fact
Hamilton Place was once the location of the original Les Ambassadeurs Club, a famous London casino and social club that attracted royalty and celebrities in the mid-20th century. It featured in the 1962 James Bond film Dr. No, making it a destination of film and cultural history as well as elegance.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Piccadilly (south) to Park Lane (north)
- Neighbourhood: Mayfair
- Historical Origin: Named after James Hamilton, early 17th century
- Character: Luxury, heritage, and diplomacy
- Main Landmarks: InterContinental London, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner
- Nearby Transport: Green Park Station, Hyde Park Corner Station, bus routes 9, 14, 19, 38
- Average Real Estate Price (2025): £3,000–£5,500 per sq ft (£32,300–£59,200 per sq m)
- Fun Fact: Featured in James Bond’s Dr. No at Les Ambassadeurs Club
Map of Hamilton Place, London
Painting of Hamilton Place, London