Sophisticated and quirky, glamorous and decadent, and centrally located in the heart of Leicester Square is the W London Hotel, offering luxury and style just steps away from theatreland, the catwalks of Brewer Street and Soho’s electric nightlife. The hotel – like the city itself – is a bold contrast of themes, colours, textures and characters, making it perfect for our recent trip to London.
A large freestanding lit up W is the only indication you have arrived at your destination, as you walk through the dark glass doors into a jet-black lobby, with glass ball chandeliers and sparkly lifts to take you up to the reception area on the first floor.
The lift doors open to a view of disco balls hanging from the ceiling (a reminder of the nightclub history that once dominated Leicester Square). Mirrored reception desks stand on a shiny black floor with neon purple lights, abstract artwork on the walls and a floor to ceiling bookcase filled with plates that depict business men in different stages of business to going out attire. The hotel is a bold contrast of themes, colours, textures and styles.
Check in was faultless and within minutes we were closing the lift doors on the impressive disco balls and heading to our room for a stay full of relaxation, serenity and mindfulness.
Our stay was focused around the ‘Intentions Stay’ curated by wellness and psychology expert Roxie Nafousi. The room itself was a blend of calm and tranquillity with thoughtful products selected by Roxie including a reed diffuser with the most gorgeous tranquillity scent, mantra cards, a manifesting deck, body oil and a journal, all for you to use to elevate your holistic well-being and self-care.
The beds were adorned with soft white linen, perfect for lying back and doing absolutely nothing, except ensuring lights are dimmed, curtains drawn, soft music plays and room service is ordered, all without leaving the bed via the hi-tech iPad, that with one touch controls nearly everything.
A serene, reset stay wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the hotel’s AWAY Spa. An ambient space of sensory delights and tranquil relaxation. As you enter, the smell is divine, the plush sofas are calling for you to just curl up and do absolutely nothing. A refreshing glass of ginger juice sets you up ready to step into the sauna and steam rooms and revitalise your senses before entering one of the serene treatment rooms for a blissfully relaxing treatment.
I opted for a massage that was all it promised and more. Using light pressure (my preference) this massage is designed to lower brain waves, promote the release of toxins, improve sleep and help gently ease muscle tension, it certainly did all of this and more. The soft gentle strokes had me drifting into a tranquil state of bliss, allowing myself to float into a feeling of calm as the relaxing music entered my subconscious mind effortlessly, leaving me floating gently on a cloud as I left the spa and headed back to my room to get familiar with my own personal butler (the iPad) and decide what delicious delights I was going to order to the room.
The food here is a foodie’s delight. The main menu is infused with Asian influences as well as a unique food and drink menu curated especially for the Intentions Stay. The Perception Bar has collaborated with DIRTEA to compile a selection of hot drinks, smoothies and Mantra mocktails that are mood boosting, imaginative and energising. We opted for a Turmeric Latte and Rejuvenate Smoothie as well as a Trust Your Intuition Mocktail, all refreshing and perfect additions to our in-room dining experience.
The food choices reflect the wellness theme flawlessly, with dishes such as Ramen Noodles, Avocado Tacos and Protein Bites to tempt the tastebuds, but the star of the show has to be the Charcoal Burger, a classic beef burger, with cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato in a charcoal bun served with sweet potatoes fries. Despite looking massive, the burger didn’t bloat or make you feel heavy it was devouring delicious, light and flavoursome.
Food and drink well and truly consumed we headed out to China Town to soak up the evening’s atmosphere. It’s hard to believe that this relaxing stay is right in the heart of Leicester Square. Whether it’s because our room is so high up, or the window panes are so thick, I don’t know, but none of the noise reaches us until we step outside and walk out of the hotel’s entrance.
The best way to end the evening is a nightcap in The Perception Bar, with its bold contemporary design, curvy lounging corners, glamorous mirrors and neon signs it’s a glamourous space to sip cocktails and just enjoy the vibes of London night life.
Next morning breakfast was another delight, made to order and brought fresh to our table. Fresh fruit, soft pastries and Eggs Royale were our choices and a great way to start the day. Nothing is too much trouble, the service and attention to detail is still as exceptional in the restaurant as it is throughout the hotel.
Whether it’s for shopping, sightseeing, a show, meal or just catching up with friends, W London is the perfect glamorous base to stay at whilst you explore London, and the vibrancy surrounding it.
For more information or to book, visit W London Hotel Here.
