This article will take you on a journey through The Londoner, a super boutique hotel that opened its doors in September 2021. While the hotel’s debut was slightly delayed due to the pandemic, I was eager to experience its grandeur and finally got the chance to stay for a weekend in March 2022. Despite a couple of minor hiccups, it was an exceptional weekend that left me craving more.
A World Apart in the City Center
The Londoner’s prime location on the southwest corner of Leicester Square is a major draw. Just a stone’s throw from the bustling Piccadilly Underground and Leicester Square Underground stations, you’re surrounded by the vibrant energy of London’s West End. However, step inside the hotel and you enter a different world, a haven of tranquility where the city’s hustle and bustle fades away.
The hotel’s design and construction are top-notch, and the exceptional service, world-class amenities, and unique ambiance are perfect for a hotel of this size. With so much to offer, I wouldn’t hesitate to return – it’s easily become one of my new favorite London destinations.
Location, Location, Location
You’re in the heart of it all! Within easy walking distance, you have access to vibrant Chinatown, the trendy Soho district, and the charming Covent Garden market. A short stroll will take you to the upscale shops of Regent Street, which intersects with Oxford Street for more high-street shopping. The hotel is a movie buff’s dream, with multiple cinemas and theaters right on its doorstep, including the Odeon cinema within the hotel itself. And if you’re looking for entertainment, you’ll find a wealth of bars, restaurants, and even the iconic Lego store and M&M’s World – all within walking distance.
Luxurious Accommodations for Every Traveler
The Londoner offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Choose from comfortable King rooms, Deluxe King rooms with stunning city views, or opt for a Junior Suite or Corner Suite for extra space. If you’re looking for something truly special, consider the Capital Suite, Signature Suite, or the breathtaking Tower Penthouse Suite, a two-story masterpiece with awe-inspiring London vistas.
I began my stay in a Deluxe King room, which impressed me with its exquisite design and attention to detail. The beautiful views, combination of neutral colors and rich materials, subtle wood paneling, and pops of vibrant color created a truly captivating space. The open-plan bathroom was equally stunning, featuring bold tiling, a colorful sink, a separate walk-in shower, and a Japanese electronic Toto toilet. Every detail was spotless, from the sparkling surfaces to the amenities – a mini-bar, a large LCD TV, a traditional Roberts radio with digital and Bluetooth capabilities, complimentary mineral water in recyclable cans, a hairdryer, an electric steamer, plush robes, slippers, and even binoculars. Miller Harris Tea Tonique toiletries, including shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, and body lotion, added a touch of luxury.
After a minor housekeeping oversight, we were upgraded to a Junior Suite on another floor, and what an upgrade it was! The suite retained the same elegant style as the Deluxe King, but offered more space, including additional windows for a more panoramic view. The bathroom, while more enclosed, was just as beautifully designed and boasted a larger shower and bath area. The suite’s spaciousness extended to the living area, where a reclining sofa, small dining table with two chairs, and a writing desk with chair provided ample room to relax and work.
A Culinary Journey Through The Londoner
The Londoner’s culinary scene is equally impressive, offering an array of dining experiences that make venturing outside unnecessary. Whitcomb’s, the hotel’s fine dining French/Mediterranean restaurant, is a treat for the senses. The expansive buffet breakfast, served on two levels, is a delightful mix of fresh fruits, cereals, yogurts, juices, pastries, and a delicious hot selection with an egg/omelette station. You can also order teas, coffees, and a full à la carte menu of hot and cold dishes. Whitcomb’s is equally enjoyable for lunch and dinner, and as hotel guests, we were warmly recognized and even treated to a special aperitif.
For a more casual and traditional pub atmosphere, Joshua’s Tavern is a great choice. Their extensive gin selection and expertly crafted Gintonicas will satisfy any gin enthusiast. After dinner, the concierge team secured us a table outside at the Japanese-inspired 8 at The Londoner izakaya lounge. This stylish lounge boasts incredible views of the London skyline through its glass walls, and offers delicious food and drinks both inside and out. Their Shima Garden is a perfect spot for after-dinner cocktails, featuring a retractable roof and heaters for cooler evenings.
The Residence, a guest-only area accessed by a stunning curved staircase, offers a haven of exclusivity. Here you’ll find three bar areas, a restaurant with a limited casual menu, complimentary teas, coffees, soft drinks, Italian antipasti, board games, an iMac, and a selection of newspapers and magazines for a relaxing afternoon. Tucked away towards the back, you’ll discover a hidden gem – a secret whisky bar. The hotel also offers Champagne breakfasts and afternoon teas in The Stage area, located just off the main reception. Down at the spa, The Retreat, you can enjoy healthy drinks and food at Refuel, which can also be served poolside.
Indulge Your Senses at The Retreat Spa
Level -4 is home to The Retreat, a spa lover’s paradise. The spa features a large gym and fitness room, a tranquil spa with treatment rooms (I highly recommend the Opium deep-tissue massage), beautifully designed changing facilities, and Refuel, a superfood and drinks clinic. For those seeking beauty and grooming services, there’s a stylish “street” with men’s grooming by Joe Vipond, hair and beauty by Hiro Miyoshi, and nails by AMA.
The spa area itself is a sanctuary of relaxation, with a decent-sized swimming pool and hydropool surrounded by private cabanas. It was a pleasure to meet Stefani, the Spa and Wellness Manager, who warmly welcomed us and introduced us to The Retreat. I’ll be writing a more detailed spa review on my blog, This Man’s Journal, soon.
A Touch of Magic and a Few Minor Hiccups
The service throughout the hotel was outstanding, from the warm welcome and hotel tour to the bars, restaurants, and spa. However, we did encounter a couple of minor hiccups: the initial room we were allocated (which I had selected online before arriving) and a housekeeping issue. Additionally, we experienced slow service at The Stage on our departure for afternoon tea, though I believe this was an isolated incident, possibly due to being the last serving of the day.
The room hiccup, however, didn’t detract from our stay, and allowed us to experience two different room types. We were also looking forward to the afternoon tea at The Stage, which was booked between two parts of the Harry Potter show we saw that day. While still a good experience, and normally considered one of the best luxury afternoon teas in London, we did face some delays with the sandwiches and a misunderstanding about vegetarian options. However, we plan to revisit soon to try the champagne afternoon tea and see if it lives up to its reputation.
Overall Impression: A London Must-Stay
The Londoner is a truly exceptional hotel, offering a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and a world-class experience in the heart of London. Its prime location, stunning design, exceptional service, and diverse culinary options make it a must-stay destination for anyone visiting the city. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be transported to a world of tranquility and indulgence, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
