Imagine escaping the hustle and bustle of London’s iconic Leicester Square and stepping into a world of luxury and tranquility. That’s the experience you’ll find at The Londoner, a super boutique hotel that opened its doors in September 2021. While the pandemic slightly delayed its grand debut, The Londoner has quickly become a top choice for travelers seeking a sophisticated and unforgettable London experience. As a seasoned traveler who had this hotel on my radar for quite some time, I was thrilled to finally spend a weekend at The Londoner in March 2022.
This detailed review will delve into the hotel’s unique features, including its stunning design, exceptional service, and the abundance of dining and relaxation options. I’ll also highlight the hotel’s prime location, which offers easy access to London’s most renowned attractions.
A World of Luxury in the Heart of London
The Londoner’s prime location on the southwest corner of Leicester Square is a major plus, placing you within walking distance of some of London’s most famous landmarks. Just across the square lies Chinatown, while vibrant Soho and the renowned Covent Garden are mere steps away. A short stroll will take you to the foot of Regent Street, offering high-end shopping, while a bit further down, Regent Street intersects with Oxford Street, a haven for high-street fashion. Multiple movie theaters, including an Odeon cinema located within the hotel itself, are right on your doorstep. And let’s not forget the numerous theaters, including some of London’s most popular shows and musicals, all easily accessible from the hotel.
The hotel is a true oasis, shielding you from the city’s vibrancy while still offering seamless access to its attractions. With an abundance of bars and restaurants within walking distance, as well as the ever-popular Lego store and M&M’s World, The Londoner’s location ensures you’ll never be far from entertainment and culinary delights.
A Room to Suit Every Traveler
The Londoner offers a variety of accommodation options to cater to diverse needs. Choose from classic King and Deluxe King rooms, complete with breathtaking city views, or indulge in a Junior or Corner Suite for added space and comfort. For those seeking an extraordinary experience, The Londoner offers a Capital, Signature, or the magnificent Tower Penthouse Suite, a two-story statement apartment with panoramic views of iconic London landmarks.
I started my stay in a Deluxe King room, which impressed me with its meticulous design and breathtaking views. The neutral color palette, exquisite materials, and subtle wood paneling were punctuated by pops of vibrant color, creating a harmonious and sophisticated ambiance. The open-plan bathroom boasted bold tiling, a colorful sink, a separate walk-in shower, and a Japanese electronic Toto toilet, all gleaming with pristine cleanliness. The room was equipped with every amenity imaginable, including a mini-bar, a large LCD TV, a Bluetooth-enabled traditional ‘Roberts’ radio, complimentary mineral water, a hairdryer, an electric steamer, robes, slippers, and binoculars. The toiletries by Miller Harris (Tea Tonique range) added a touch of luxury.
After a minor housekeeping mishap that couldn’t be immediately rectified, we were upgraded to a Junior Suite, an even more spacious and luxurious experience. While maintaining the same elegant style, the Junior Suite offered more windows, allowing for an expansive view, which also opened outward for fresh air (although all rooms and suites are air-conditioned). The bathroom was more enclosed, but equally stunning, with a larger shower and bath area, although it did not have a separate WC. The suite also included a reclining sofa, a small dining table and chairs, a writing desk, and a chair, creating a perfect balance of comfort and functionality.
A Culinary Journey Within the Hotel
The Londoner offers an impressive array of dining options, making it unnecessary to venture outside for a delicious meal.
Breakfast is served in Whitcomb’s, a fine dining French/Mediterranean inspired restaurant that features a generous buffet with a variety of fruits, cereals, yogurt, juices, pastries, and a hot breakfast selection, including an egg/omelette station. Teas and coffees are made to order, and a full a la carte menu of hot and cold dishes is available. Whitcomb’s is a popular spot, especially during breakfast, but the ample space and efficient service ensure a pleasant experience.
For lunch and dinner, Whitcomb’s offers a delectable menu that showcases the best of French and Mediterranean cuisine. As hotel guests, we were delighted to be recognized and treated to a special aperitif, adding a personalized touch to our dining experience.
For pre-dinner drinks, Joshua’s Tavern, a traditional pub-like establishment, is a fantastic choice. Here, you’ll find an impressive selection of gins, meticulously crafted Gintonicas, and a warm and inviting atmosphere.
After dinner, the concierge team graciously reserved an outdoor table at the Japanese-inspired izakaya lounge, 8 at The Londoner. With breathtaking views of the London skyline from a glass wall, 8 at The Londoner offers a sophisticated ambiance and a delicious menu of both food and drinks. The outdoor Shima Garden, covered with a retractable roof, provides a cozy and inviting setting with a DJ and heaters for cooler nights.
The hotel also features a guests-only space, “The Residence,” accessible via a stunning curved staircase located above The Stage, a venue that often hosts live music. The Residence boasts three separate bar areas and a restaurant offering a limited casual menu. Guests can enjoy complimentary teas, coffees, and soft drinks throughout the day, along with a selection of Italian antipasti. A curated selection of board games, an iMac, and a variety of newspapers and magazines provide entertainment options. A small “secret” whisky bar is tucked away towards the back of The Residence, adding a touch of mystique to the space.
Champagne breakfasts and afternoon teas are served in The Stage area, just off the main reception. The Retreat, the hotel’s spa area, also features Refuel, a superfood and drinks clinic, where guests can enjoy healthy snacks and beverages poolside.
Unwind and Rejuvenate at The Retreat
Located on level -4, The Retreat is a true highlight of the Londoner, especially for spa enthusiasts. The Retreat houses a well-equipped gym and fitness room, a spa with treatment rooms, beautifully designed changing facilities, Refuel (a superfood and drinks clinic), and a style and beauty “street” offering a variety of services, including men’s grooming by Joe Vipond, hair and beauty by Hiro Miyoshi, and nails by AMA.
The spa area itself features a decent-sized swimming pool and hydropool, surrounded by private cabanas. Stefani, the Spa and Wellness Manager, is incredibly passionate about The Retreat and ensured a warm welcome during our first visit.
My 90-minute Opium deep-tissue massage was an exceptional experience, and I will be writing a more detailed review of The Retreat on my blog, This Man’s Journal.
Exceptional Service and Minor Hiccups
Throughout our stay, the service at The Londoner was phenomenal, from the warm welcome and informative tour upon arrival to the attentive service in the bars, restaurants, and spa.
The only significant issue we encountered was with our initial room allocation, which I had selected using the interactive online check-in feature. However, the housekeeping issue was resolved quickly, and the room upgrade to a Junior Suite was a pleasant surprise. The slow service at The Stage during our departure for afternoon tea seemed like a one-off occurrence, possibly due to it being the last serving of the day.
The Retreat pool area, while beautifully designed, can get busy, and although a reservation system is in place, some guests seemed to disregard the procedure, directly accessing the pool from their rooms without checking in.
Despite these minor hiccups, The Londoner delivered an exceptional experience, exceeding expectations in most areas. The unique and thoughtful touches, including the personalized aperitif at Whitcomb’s, the reserved cabana after my spa treatment, and the abundance of exceptional dining options, contributed to a truly memorable stay.
A London Gem: A Place to Escape and Indulge
The Londoner is much more than just a hotel; it’s a captivating experience. It effortlessly blends luxury and convenience, providing a sanctuary from the bustling city while offering easy access to London’s top attractions. The hotel’s unique design, exceptional service, and diverse culinary offerings create an unforgettable and personalized experience for every guest. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply a luxurious escape from the everyday, The Londoner will exceed your expectations and become a new favorite destination in the heart of London.
