Situated a stone’s throw from bustling Leicester Square is one of the most Instagrammable hotels in London, the St Martins Lane Hotel. Designed by French industrial architect Philippe Starck, here he delivers his signature contemporary flair, with a focus on creating a uniquely innovative and futuristic experience for guests.
As you step through the hotel’s discreet glass-fronted entrance you’ll note London’s tallest revolving doors and marvel at the striking lobby, complete with its own array of eccentric decorative items and furniture. There’s an installation of 18th-century Venetian mirrors suspended from the ceiling, which reflects the light streaming in through the glass frontage to create a mesmerising effect that is both dramatic and elegant. Guests can’t fail to be captivated by the supersized vase of flowers and the array of stools disguised as giant gold teeth. Not to mention the oversized chess pieces and playful gnome-themed stools…Yes. it’s safe to say that, at St Martins Lane, there are photo opportunities galore.
The hotel’s 204 guest rooms and suites are designed in a minimalist style with a monochromatic colour scheme of black, white, and grey. The rooms feature high-tech amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations, and are equipped with custom-designed furniture that is both functional and stylish.
Our room is the loft double. It’s bigger than your average London flat and has an ultra-modern feel, with striking floor-to-ceiling city views, colour changing mood lighting which you can control, a mirrored mini bar, all the amenities you can think of and, of course, the most comfortable bed adorned with a whole host of pillows. The supersized bathroom is a serious hit; its open plan with well thought out lighting, a rainfall shower and a huge bathtub stocked with Malin+Goetz amenities.
The hotel’s restaurant, known as ‘The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London’, formally Asia De Cuba, blends a fusion of European cuisine with influences from the East. The dramatic interiors won’t disappoint either, with sky-scraping ceilings, chic furniture and a statement book wall. Highlights on the menu include corn-fed chicken, miso aubergine and a seriously moreish dark chocolate passion fruit mousse. We should also mention the sublime service – something it’s getting harder and harder to come by.
Breakfast is also served at the restaurant in the morning – we highly recommend indulging in a fluffy stack of pancakes. If you prefer to dine later in the day, then the afternoon tea here is also not to be missed. Expect a colourful array of British classics, such as Bakewell tart with a royal twist, strawberries and pavlova, savoury bites and the piece de resistance, homemade scones and clotted cream.
No trip to the St Martins Lane Hotel is complete without enjoying an evening tipple at the hotel’s hidden bar, the Blind Spot. Found behind a secret door in the lobby, enjoy live music, DJs and the finest cocktails – one is never enough!
If you have time to explore the heart of the theatre district, there are restaurants and shops galore right on your doorstep and the hotel is perfect for those who want to enjoy a 5-star London hotel moments from its cultural epicentre. Make the most of its centralised Covent Garden location by booking tickets to an evening show, strolling around the Piazza, or stopping to enjoy the numerous restaurants, shops and London landmarks all within walking distance.
It’s easy to see why the St Martins Lane Hotel has won numerous awards. If you are looking for a unique and luxurious London getaway, look no further.
St Martin’s Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX
