The Cavendish Hotel London: Closure, History, and Alternatives

The Cavendish London on Jermyn Street in St James’s is currently closed for a full refurbishment, leaving travelers and history buffs wondering what happened to one of Mayfair’s longest-standing hotel names. This article digs into the closure, traces the hotel’s layered past—from Rosa Lewis’s Edwardian heyday to the 1966 concrete building—and points you toward nearby alternatives while you wait for its reopening.

Last checked: 2026-09-03

Address: 81 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6JF · Phone: 020 7930 2111 · Star Rating: 4-star · Status: Closed for refurbishment

Why is the Cavendish Hotel in London closed?

The official website of The Cavendish London states the property is “currently closed for an exciting refurbishment journey,” though no specific reopening date has been announced (Discover ASR). The closure appears to be a complete renovation rather than a temporary seasonal shutdown. Travelers have noted the hotel stopped accepting reservations in late 2023, and as of early 2025 the site remains offline for bookings.

Refurbishment details

No detailed plans have been released to the public. Given the building’s 1960s concrete structure, the work likely includes updating guest rooms, common areas, and possibly the façade. The hotel’s operator, Discover ASR (part of CapitaLand’s Ascott group), has not provided renderings or a timeline.

Reopening timeline

At present, the only guidance is “stay tuned for future updates.” Those hoping for a return should check the official website periodically. The pattern: without a published completion date, it is prudent to assume the hotel will remain closed through at least 2025.

Who owns the Cavendish Hotel London?

The property is part of the Discover ASR portfolio, which itself is owned by The Ascott Limited, a Singapore‑based lodging group. Ascott’s UK holdings include several serviced residences and hotels, though The Cavendish London is the only one currently under its “Discover ASR” sub‑brand in the capital.

Historical ownership

The original Cavendish Hotel was purchased by Rosa Lewis in 1902 when she acquired the lease of the existing building on the corner of Duke Street and Jermyn Street. Lewis ran the hotel for nearly five decades until her death in 1952 (Women Who Meant Business). After her passing, the hotel continued under her associate Edith Jeffery until it closed in 1962 and was demolished. The current building opened in 1966 under new ownership, eventually landing in Ascott’s hands.

Is Cavendish in central London?

Yes. The Cavendish London sits on Jermyn Street in the St James’s district, squarely inside Zone 1. Its address—81 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6JF—places it within a few minutes’ walk of Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Fortnum & Mason, and Buckingham Palace (Luxury Lifestyle Magazine).

Location overview

St James’s is one of the most prestigious postcodes in London, home to royal residences, gentlemen’s clubs, and high‑end retail. The Cavendish’s position on Jermyn Street, famous for its shirt‑makers and traditional shops, gives guests a genuinely central base for sightseeing and business.

Nearest Tube stations

Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo, Piccadilly lines) are each roughly five minutes on foot. Both provide direct links to the West End, the City, and Heathrow Airport.

Proximity to landmarks

• Buckingham Palace – 10‑minute walk
• Trafalgar Square – 10‑minute walk
• Fortnum & Mason – adjacent
• Westminster Abbey – 15‑minute walk
• Oxford Street – 10‑minute walk

Note: Cavendish Square is a separate location in Marylebone, about 1.5 miles north‑west of The Cavendish London hotel on Jermyn Street. The square is known for being the home of the Royal College of Music, the University of Westminster, and the original site of the Middlesex Hospital. It was laid out in the 18th century as part of the Cavendish (later Devonshire) family estates and is today a busy traffic roundabout with a small garden in the centre. While the hotel bears the Cavendish name, it does not sit on Cavendish Square.