LONDON Guests staying at 51 Buckingham Gate will have royalty as neighbors. The new all-apartment luxury hotel, located one block from Buckingham Palace, recently opened. The Gate offers 82 rooms ranging from studios to three bedroom suites, all of which are housed in three connected and restored 1898 mansions across a courtyard from the Crown Plaza London St. James Hotel. Both are Taj Hotel Resorts properties.
The buildings share the services of four butlers trained by Ivor Spencer, who has provided for the royal palace. Guests also have access to 24-hour concierge and room service. The hotel also boasts a business center and a boardroom, three restaurants and a piano bar. (12/18/00)