Dubbed the world’s first ‘super boutique hotel’, this plush stay has all that’s needed to keep you entertained under one roof, including one of the capital’s best spas. Eight years and £500 million in the making, The Londoner opened at the end of 2021 and has quickly become a celebrity magnet, having been the hub for London Fashion Week and the host of British Vogue parties.
Home to a staggering 350 rooms, suites and a tower penthouse, six eating spots, a member’s club, cinema and an entire floor dedicated to wellness, the hotel is something of an engineering and architectural marvel – with eight storeys towering above ground and eight storeys below the ground, a 30-metre series of subterranean spaces (among the deepest in the world) hidden underneath the bustle of Leicester Square.
The Rooms
Rooms at the hotel are slick and stylish, with a minimal neutral palette and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase those incredible city views – we could see Leicester Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, The British Museum, The London Eye and more from ours. Dotted in the public areas of the hotel, as well as the guestrooms, are a plethora of art pieces from emerging designers. Don’t be surprised to see pieces from the likes of Antony Gormley, Tim Walker, Julian Opie and Tracey Emin. All rooms, including the Junior Suite we stayed in, come with the latest tech, from superfast Wifi and smart TVs to Dyson hair dryers.
There are also well stocked mini bars with cocktails, snacks, tea and coffee-making facilities and some free goodies like orange marmalade biscuits, a bathroom with a large tub, waterfall shower and his-and-hers sinks, plus nice touches like complimentary fluffy robes and slippers (the latter of which you can take home with you) and a duck umbrella for exploring London on rainy days. Breakfast is included as part of your stay and is just as high end as the rooms – expect an à la carte menu of hot dishes such as eggs benedict with black truffle, as well as a full breakfast buffet.
The Spa Experience
Taking up an entire floor in the hotel’s basement, The Retreat is easily one of the capital’s best spas. Billed as an ‘urban wellbeing sanctuary’, it has everything you could want for a spot of pampering, including a pool complete with cabana beds and poolside table service, sauna, steam room, 24-hour gym, as well as beauty and grooming treatments with AMA Nails, Joe Vipond Gentlemen’s Grooming and Hiro Miyoshi Hair & Beauty.
Treatments include facials by Omorovicza and massages by Ila – my ‘relaxing massage’ passed the ultimate test of relaxing me to the point of having my pounding headache bite the dust. Head to the aforementioned Refuel for a superfood lunch paired with a detoxifying smoothie or beauty juice to complete the ultimate soul-soothing spa experience.
Dining Experiences
With no fewer than six restaurants and eateries to choose from (including bars and a tavern), all overseen by an ex-Nobu whizz, even the fussiest of guests will find a dining spot to please. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Whitcomb’s, is a destination in itself, with a Mediterranean menu that wows from day to night, offering breakfast, fixed-price lunches, pre-theatre and all-day dining. Dishes are mostly French-influenced, rich and indulgent, though there are lighter options on the menu, too.
Expect the likes of perfectly cooked filet mignon with chanterelle and aged Parmesan crème, fromage au four served in a hot skillet with warm French baguette and freshly-made beignets with a trio of sauces. The cocktails are worth noting too – kick things off with an ‘Arrivée’, a moreish and floral blend of Lillet Blanc and Noilly Prat, stirred with a sweet elderflower and white melon cordial, orange bitters and prosecco.
Elsewhere, there’s a contemporary Japanese lounge bar with a fire pit and rooftop terrace (go for the panoramic views if nothing else), champagne-centric dining and drinks at The Stage, terroir-led gintonicas, draught beers and gastro bites at Joshua’s Tavern, and superfood and healthy drinks at Refuel at The Retreat.
The Extras
Guests of the hotel get exclusive access to private member-esque ‘The Residence’, a trio of spaces that are lovely spots to hang out in – whether you want to socialise, relax or work – and are open 24 hours a day. The Residence’s Y Bar and The Drawing Room have an à la carte menu, wine list and cocktails, and guests can treat themselves to free soft drinks, breakfast delicacies and Mediterranean antipasti from the roving Residence cart. Come evening, The Whisky Room is the place to be, where a secret passage reveals an intimate parlour – cosy up and enjoy tastings of some of the world’s most rare and renowned whiskies.
If all of the above doesn’t keep you occupied, there’s also a two-screen cinema and ballroom to explore – and with guests getting preferential access to the hotel’s curated events – there’s really no reason to leave The Londoner all weekend.
Rooms at The Londoner start from £400 per night. Find out more.
Hannah Hopkins is a commissioning editor and freelance writer, covering hotels, destinations and restaurants for AGLAIA.
