The  posh Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, a very upscale part of London, has been laid low by singer Alicia Keys, who walked out on a free 3-day stay worth £5,000 in the hotel’s Luxury Suite.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower London

Jumeirah Carlton Tower London

Madonna has stayed in the same suite. So has Michael Jackson. Besides, it wasn’t a ‘nasty surprise’ kind of thing. The hotel had apparently been in discussions for a week with Alicia’s team, to get the suite ready for her. They even closed off one entrance for her arrival.

But the minute she laid eyes on the suite, Alicia demanded a bigger suite. When told that she was looking at the biggest and best suite in the hotel, the Empire State of Mind singer promptly turned on her heel and walked out on the free stay. Something about not ‘feeling the vibe.’

For the record, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel was voted as the ‘Best UK Business Hotel’ at the Conde Nast Reader’s Travel Awards last year. The hotel overlooks the private gardens of Cadogan Place with spectacular views over London’s skyline, and offers three restaurants and one of London’s most exclusive health clubs.

The Luxury Suite, which Alicia Keys snubbed, was designed by interior designer Kuan Chew and showcases commissioned art works by British artists, timber flooring, a crystal chandelier in the bedroom and a Bose entertainment system. The suite’s signature bathroom is kitted out with a Jacuzzi spa bath and mirror TV, under floor heating, and walk-in rain shower.

Photos courtesy Jumeirah

Info: On Cadogan Place London, SW1X 9PY, UK; 020 7235 1234; website

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