London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [130]
The Landmark London Hotel.
£££££ | One of the true grande dame London hotels, the Landmark has an historic pedigree. Built by a wealthy industrialist to serve the planned Channel Tunnel rail link in 1899, it was the victim of atrocious timing twice in its life—first at the tail end of the Victorian era when the original Tunnel was canceled, and then 40 later when World War II saw it requisitioned by the army; decades of ruin followed until it was lavishly reborn in the late 1990s, and has been going full steam ahead ever since. The glass-covered, eight-story atrium sets the scene (odd numbered rooms overlook its lovely Winter Garden) and the huge bedrooms are done in rich fabrics with white marble bathrooms. Such grandeur comes at a hefty price, but there are good discounts available. Pros: amazing levels of luxury; spacious rooms; one of the few really posh London hotels that doesn’t make you dress up. Cons: busy neighborhood outside; traditional decor. TripAdvisor: “rooms were spacious and comfortable,” “lobby and atrium are wonderful,” “would definitely stay here again.” | 222 Marylebone Rd., Marylebone | NW1 6JQ | 020/7631–8000 | www.landmarklondon.co.uk | 299 rooms, 47 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet. In-hotel: 2 restaurants, bars, pool, gym, spa, laundry service | AE, DC, MC, V | Marylebone
Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes Hotel.
£££–££££ | This was once a rather ordinary Hilton, until somebody had the idea of exploiting the Sherlock Holmes connection (the fictional detective had his home on Baker Street); making it a boutique hotel; adding a beautiful bar for a bit of local buzz, and—presto!—the place took off like a rocket. With wood floors and leather furniture, the bar is relaxing; rooms have a masculine edge with lots of earth tones, pinstripe sheets, and hyper-modern bathrooms stocked with fluffy bathrobes. Overall, it’s a handsome option near the good shopping of Marylebone High Street. Rooms are equipped with international electrical outlets, including those that work with American equipment. Pros: nicely decorated; good location for fans of shopping and Holmes. Cons: have to walk through the bar to get to reception; not well soundproofed from the noisy street. TripAdvisor: “staff were friendly and very helpful,” “quiet and spotlessly clean room,” “great location for getting around.” | 108 Baker St., Marylebone | W1U 6LJ | 020/7486–6161 | www.sherlockholmeshotel.com | 119 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, spa | AE, DC, MC, V | Baker St.
SOHO
Dean Street Townhouse.
£££–££££ | An adjunct to the private member’s club, Soho House, and much beloved of the glitterati, this chic boutique hotel offers a discreet, unpretentious, but oh-so-stylish place to stay in the heart of Soho. Bedrooms come in four self-defined sizes—“Tiny,” “Small,” “Medium,” and “Bigger,” and each one is individually designed to resemble a kind of upper-class pied–à–terre. Walls are papered in tones of subtle cream, gray, or pale green; expensive, comfy sofas and heavy upholstered chairs jostle for space; and many beds are four-poster—minus the canopy, which somehow just adds to the bohemian vibe. The excellent, modern British restaurant (referred to simply as the “Dining Room”) is decorated with art by, among others, Kenneth Tynan and Tracy Emin. It’s all hip and