Coronavirus plus Brexit will probably put a huge, but temporary dent in the number of visitors London receives (22 million in 2019). Despite that, a number of exciting new hotels have just/will soon be opening, proving that the UK capital still has massive appeal. Not only that, many of these hotels will offer unique designs, plus restaurants and bars which are sure to become as popular as the accommodation. Here are eight of the most luxurious:
NoMad London (opened Nov 2020)
Once home to London’s first professional police force, this Bow Street building – which was once a Magistrates court – has seen the Kray twins, Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst, Oscar Wilde and General Pinochet pass through its doors. Now it will host discerning guests as an upmarket hotel, who will enjoy plush velvet and oak interiors, plus a magnificent fireplace. The rooms at the NoMad London look so refined that you’d expect Wilde to walk in at any moment with a quip as brassy as the bathroom taps.
Stay for: the Bow Street Police Museum, created as part of the hotel, and the Royal Opera House across the road.
The Londoner (May 2021)
I’ve been watching the construction of this building with interest. In an enviable position – on a corner of London’s famous Leicester Square – The Londoner is a large hotel with 350 rooms, 35 suites and numerous restaurants and bars. With five event spaces, it’s sure to attract businesspeople who want to combine work with pleasure. The simple design of the rooms will feel bright even on the greyest of London days, and some come with stupendous views of the city.
Stay for: the integrated Odeon cinema, which ties the hotel with Leicester Square’s famous film premieres.
Mondrian Shoreditch London (Spring 2021)
Shoreditch is one of those places I just don’t get. People seem to think it’s fun playing mini-golf in a dingy basement crowded with loud City workers, and paying vast sums for a warm rum and Coke. If that’s your thing, then the re-vamp of the trendy Mondrian Shoreditch London hotel (it was previously The Curtain hotel) may not be for you because, unlike that basement, the Mondrian Shoreditch is far from dingy. It’s housed in an elegant brick building with large windows, and it will re-create the Southbank’s popular Rumpus Room bar. In fact, it looks the polar opposite of Shoreditch’s dingier places, and will no doubt infuse some class into the area.
Stay for: Cocktails in the rooftop bar, where you’ll rub shoulders with those who crave attention.
Pan Pacific London (Spring 2021)
Another building which I have watched being built from the ground is the Pan Pacific London. How do you stand out amidst the City of London’s immense skyscrapers? Build a 43-storey bronze-clad wonder and fill it with the sort of Asian opulence that Pan Pacific do best. Are the rooms generously sized? Yes. Do they have the sort of amazing views you'd expect from such a lofty building (even if it’s the lower half)? Yes. Do I want to stay in one of the Pan Pacific suites? Yes, yes, YES! I’m particularly excited by the ‘Wellbeing floor’ which contains a spa and infinity pool that looks out across London.
Stay for: views, lots and lots of views.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair (Spring 2021)
Rooftop bar! Sumptuous spa! Five star! Oh Mandarin Oriental, you sure know how to tick the boxes. Lucky London is soon to have its second Mandarin Oriental property – the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair – although unlike the grand hotel on Hyde Park, this Mayfair location will be a slightly more subdued affair. Well, apart from on the inside, where you’ll find lavish rooms and that spa, which comes with a 25m pool.
Stay for: the deluxe accoutrements of Mandarin Oriental, with none of the Knightsbridge fuss.
Westin London City (August 2021)
Occupying a prime location on the banks of the river Thames, Westin London City‘s outside is suitably glassy, and overlooks the Globe Theatre on the far bank. Inside you'll find calming, nature-inspired rooms plus a spa with pool. The restaurant will no doubt have people flocking for its panoramic views, and I can’t wait to reserve a window-side table and watch the water flow by.
Stay for: strolls along the Thames path.
Chateau Denmark (Summer 2021)
This hotel has a lot to live up to, being as it is on Denmark Street – once one of the world&’s hottest places on the music scene. Judging by the website, they know exactly what they're doing. The 55 bedrooms (which will be called ‘session rooms’ – I love it) at Chateau Denmark will be individually styled, and look as though they will be a worthy tribute to the history of the buildings in which they're located. I hope Ziggy Stardust approves.
Stay for: the maxi bars, which sound considerably more rock ‘n’ roll than mini bars.
Broadwick Soho (late 2021)
Described by the hotel’s designer Brudnizki as “your eccentric godmother’s Soho townhouse”, considering how eccentric Soho is, the Broadwick Soho is going to have to be truly extraordinary. The pictures I’ve seen certainly do seem to promise somewhere most unusual and, with a location like this, the rooftop bar will no doubt be in great demand. I can just imagine sitting on one of the room’s balconies, soaking up the Soho buzz below.
Stay for: the floral wallpaper, and maybe some eccentric godmothers.
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