The Londoner stands proud, sixteen stories tall, above some of Central London’s favourite theatres, museums and attractions. It proclaims itself as the World’s/UK’s first super-boutique hotel. What does that mean? Quite swiftly into your stay at the Londoner, the penny drops once you start experiencing the fabulousness of the hotel. It’s stellar location in the middle of Leicester Square is top-notch and being bang in the middle of Theatreland is handy and yet the property seems discrete and away from the all the buzz. It has all the luxuries that you’d want from a premium, ultra-luxury hotel but it feels very much like home and the staff and personnel endeavour to make you feel so and a fantastic job they do as well. Additionally, six vibrant restaurarants are dotted around the property including a roof-terraced haven at the top the summit. Most importantly, the 350 rooms and suites are sufficiently opulent yet very homely. The Londoner lives up to its big name and claims and here’s how!
All that Luxury and all at Home
You will, most definitely, feel at home at the Londoner and there are little touches in the hotel that make sure you do! The Residence is the hotel’s private, guest-only mezannine that serves complimentary drinks and snacks all day. It is the beating heartbeat of the Londoner community and a worthy supplement to its beautiful lobby.
Pina Robata – Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej mezcal, roasted & clarified pineapple juice, pandan, jasmine & coconut milk
The Retreat, on the other hand, is a dedicated wellness floor with pool, spa, gym and beauty services. I checked in a bit earlier and the wonderful manager, Michael Chung, happened to mistakenly knock on the door. The slight interruption was enough for Michael to very kindly and quickly have a personal card delivered to me, apologising for the ‘tap on the door’ along with a box of chocolates and some bubbles. How sweet is that? Similarly, for breakfast at Whitcomb’s, I expressed the desire to have a bit of chai and Mohammed, one of the waiting staff, made sure it was around the next day despite it not being on the menu. Michaela was another wonderful member of staff who always had a lovely smile to welcome us back to the hoteland always made sure everything was in order. This lovely hotel makes it their business to make you feel at home and cater to even your smallest needs. It was a very special experience indeed.
Heavenly Abode
The Londoner doesn’t scrimp on luxury. Fabulous beds reside in ample bedrooms and the living spaces are stacked full of all manner of amenities and accessories such as vinyl players, a classy set of field binoculars to watch teh passerbys on St. Martin’s Lane and a TOTO Japanese toilet at your beck and call, literally. Lush bathrooms come equipped with premium Miller Harris toiletries and convenient steam presses ensure that your clothes remain wrinkle-free. The Capital Suite has a gorgeous curling sofa that makes for a super-comfy lounging experience whilst the Penthouse suite is simply extraordinary. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the latter is a 200-square-meter, two-story luxury apartment with glorious views of Big Ben, the London Eye, and Leicester Square.
We are Family
In every way, The Londoner is very much a family hotel as well. The cosy, residence-like rooms and suites offer an extensive array of children’s amenities from baby cots to bath robes and welcome amenities filled with spectacular treats little guests will enjoy. The aforementioned Retreat (an entire floor of treats for kids especially!) is an ideal place little ones can splash, play and race laps in the wonderful, heated indoor swimming pool particularly during dedicated children’s hours. The surrounding area means that the whole family has tons of activities to look forward to at any times of the day.
Whitcomb’s ,within the lobby, also offers relaxed Mediterranean menus alongside a dedication children’s selection, plus a special Kid’s Sunday Roast complete with activity and puzzle books, keeping small hands busy, giving parents a moment to unwind.
Family – SORTED!
The Rest is Sorted Too!
As if the central neighbourhood with all its myriad choices for dining and wining wasn’t enough, the Londoner piles on the choices with some delectable offerings. 8 at The Londoner is a sophisticated 8th-floor rooftop izakaya bar offering contemporary Japanese small plates, rare whiskies compete with a gorgeous Japanese garden, and skyline views whilst The Stage is the glamorous ground-floor Champagne bar serving breakfast, classic cocktails, and signature afternoon tea. Joshua’s Tavern is a neighborhood-style gastro pub featuring a massive selection of terroir-driven gins and local craft beers whilst The Lobby Bar & Refuel is the ultimate-intimate central space for casual drinks, small bites, and vibrant smoothie bowls at the spa.
Talking about the Spa and The Retreat does offer private cabanas too and The Green Room, a dreamlike space with rich velvet furniture, a striking mirrored ceiling and contemporary design, perfect for cocktail receptions, elegant soirées, and afterparties for up to 150 guests.
We here at KCR can safely confirm that The Londoner is the UK’s first super-boutique hotel. It is essentially an ultra-luxurious, family-orientated and super-centrally located home-away-from-home that delivers effusively on all of its bold promises and claims. We can’t wait to go back.
https://www.thelondoner.com/ From £400 per night for a King Room including daily breakfast
Photos: Andrew Beasley
