Get ready to be wowed! The Londoner, billed as the world’s first super boutique hotel, opened its doors in September 2021. While a bit delayed due to the pandemic, this opulent haven has been on my radar for ages. I finally had the chance to experience it for a weekend in March 2022, and I can confidently say it exceeded all expectations.
A Londoner in another world. Nestled in the heart of Leicester Square, this hotel transports you to a world of luxury and tranquility, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. The moment you step inside, you’re embraced by a symphony of exceptional design, exquisite craftsmanship, and unparalleled service. It’s a testament to the power of design, creating a haven of peace and sophistication in the heart of London’s vibrant theatre district.
A Prime Location: The Heart of London
The Londoner is strategically situated in the heart of London’s entertainment hub, right on the corner of Leicester Square. Within minutes, you can access the tube, explore the vibrant Chinatown, wander through the bustling Soho, or lose yourself in the charming Covent Garden. A short stroll takes you to the prestigious Regent Street for high-end shopping, or to Oxford Street for more mainstream retail therapy.
The Londoner is practically built into the theatre district, with multiple cinemas and theatres just a stone’s throw away. Even the iconic Odeon cinema sits within the hotel itself! The area is simply teeming with bars and restaurants, making it a haven for both theatre-goers and foodies.
Rooms That Delight: From Deluxe Kings to Tower Penthouses
The Londoner offers a range of luxurious accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Whether you crave the elegant charm of a Deluxe King room or the exclusivity of a Corner Suite, you’ll find the perfect sanctuary. For those seeking the ultimate in indulgence, the two-story Tower Penthouse Suite awaits, offering breathtaking views of London’s iconic skyline and an unparalleled entertainment space.
A design masterpiece. My stay began in a beautifully appointed Deluxe King room, showcasing a captivating blend of neutral tones, sumptuous materials, and subtle wood-panelling with vibrant pops of color. The open-plan bathroom was a luxurious oasis, featuring bold tiling, a colorful sink, a separate walk-in shower, and a Japanese electronic Toto toilet. Every detail was flawlessly executed, from the sparkling cleanliness to the thoughtful amenities: a well-stocked minibar, a massive LCD TV, a digital and Bluetooth enabled Roberts radio, complimentary mineral water, a hairdryer, an electric steamer, robes, slippers, and binoculars. The Miller Harris Tea Tonique range toiletries added a touch of refined luxury.
A serendipitous upgrade. After a minor housekeeping hiccup that couldn’t be immediately resolved, I was upgraded to a Junior Suite, a delightful surprise that added to the overall experience. While similar in style to the Deluxe King, the Junior Suite offered more space, more windows for expansive views, and an enclosed bathroom featuring a larger shower and bath area. The spacious layout also accommodated a writing desk and chair, making it ideal for those who need a workspace while traveling.
A Culinary Journey: Dining Delights for Every Occasion
The Londoner is a foodie’s paradise, offering a plethora of dining options within the hotel, eliminating the need to venture out into the bustling city.
Breakfast at Whitcomb’s. Start your day in style at Whitcomb’s, a bi-level French/Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving an exquisite breakfast buffet. From a delectable array of fruits, cereals, yogurts, and juices to a tempting selection of pastries and a full hot breakfast menu, including an omelet station, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, teas, and a variety of hot and cold a la carte options served by attentive staff.
Dining throughout the day. Whitcomb’s is also open for lunch and dinner, serving delicious French and Mediterranean cuisine. As a hotel guest, you’ll be recognized and treated to a special aperitif, making the experience even more memorable.
A touch of tradition. For a touch of traditional British charm, head to Joshua’s Tavern, a pub-style haven with an incredible selection of gins, including expertly crafted Gintonicas.
Japanese-inspired Izakaya lounge. After dinner, take a step into the 8 at The Londoner, a Japanese-inspired izakaya lounge offering stunning views of the London skyline through a glass wall. Enjoy a delectable menu of Japanese dishes, sip on refreshing drinks, and soak in the ambiance on the covered outdoor Shima Garden. This outdoor space, open only at night, features a DJ and heaters for cozy evenings.
Exclusive haven for guests: The Residence. For a more intimate experience, The Residence, located on a higher level accessed by a stunning curved staircase above The Stage, is a haven exclusively for hotel guests. This space offers three distinct bar areas, a restaurant with a casual menu, complimentary teas, coffees, and soft drinks, a selection of Italian antipasti, board games, an iMac, and newspapers and magazines for relaxation. And for those seeking a quiet escape, there’s a hidden whisky bar tucked away in the back.
Champagne breakfasts and afternoon teas. For a special treat, indulge in a champagne breakfast or a traditional afternoon tea served in The Stage area, just off the main reception.
Healthy options at The Retreat. The spa, The Retreat, offers the perfect spot for a healthy snack or drink at Refuel, or guests can enjoy their refreshments poolside.
The Retreat: A Spa Sanctuary
Located on the lower levels of the hotel, The Retreat is a spa lover’s paradise. This expansive space features a state-of-the-art gym, a serene spa with treatment rooms, beautifully designed changing facilities, Refuel (a superfood and drinks clinic), and a style and beauty “street” offering men’s grooming by Joe Vipond, Hair & Beauty by Hiro Miyoshi, and nail services by AMA.
A sanctuary of relaxation. The Retreat’s centerpiece is a generous-sized swimming pool and hydropool, surrounded by private cabanas for ultimate relaxation.
Exceptional service. The spa manager, Stefani, is incredibly welcoming and makes a point of personally greeting guests, adding a personal touch to the experience.
A Few Minor Hiccups: Not Enough to Dampen the Experience
While my stay at The Londoner was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few minor hiccups that didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
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The pool area gets busy. While there’s a reservation system in place, guests can access the pool directly from their rooms without having to check in at the Retreat reception, which might lead to crowding.
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Room hiccup. The initial room allocation, though chosen through the interactive online check-in, was not quite what I expected. Fortunately, I was upgraded to a suite, allowing me to experience two different room types.
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Afternoon tea at The Stage. While The Stage is generally known for its exceptional afternoon tea service, our experience was a bit disjointed. The sandwiches were slow to arrive, and there was a communication error regarding the vegetarian options. However, I’m confident that this was a blip, and I’m looking forward to trying their afternoon tea again to experience its true potential.
A Londoner’s Delight: A Place to Return to Again and Again
A memorable stay. From the moment I stepped into The Londoner, I was captivated by its unique blend of luxury, design, and service. The hotel is a true oasis of tranquility, offering a sanctuary from the bustling city life while maintaining easy access to all that London has to offer. Whether you’re a theatre-goer, a foodie, or simply seeking a luxurious escape, The Londoner is a destination that will leave you wanting to return again and again.
The Londoner is a true triumph. The hotel stands out for its exceptional design, the quality of its amenities, the variety of dining options, and the impeccable service. It’s a testament to the power of design to create a unique and unforgettable experience, a Londoner’s delight in the heart of the city.
