Olga Polizzi

Olga Polizzi is head of building and design for Rocco Forte Hotels. Her latest project is Browns hotel in Mayfair, which is London’s best hotel for the business traveller who hankers after a central location and oodles of elegance.

Where do you live and why?

I live close to Marble Arch. If I have to live in a city, I want to be central. Because I have so little time, I want everything to be close to hand.

What advice would you give a tourist? Any must-dos?

Make sure you try the afternoon tea at Brown’s Hotel—it’s a quintessentially English experience.

What advice would you give a visiting businessperson?

Be centrally located, so if you do have time once your work is finished, you can make the most of what London has to offer, be it the shops, art galleries and/or restaurants.

What and where have been your most memorable meals?

I always go to San Lorenzo on Sundays because it’s family friendly and glamorous, but if I’m after the perfect place for a business lunch, I head to Luciano [the Rocco Forte/Marco Pierre White restaurant that opened in November 2005].

Where would you take a client to wow them?

The Wolseley for its combination of European café-style food and star gazing. It’s owned by Jeremy King and Christopher Corbin, the duo who made the Ivy, Le Caprice and J Sheekey such hot tickets.

What do you miss about London when you’re away?

Harvey Nichols, by far the best place to shop when in town—and my mother!