Residences Review: Four Seasons Hotel London

Fancy a corner of London to call your own? If a hotel room just won’t do, check into an exclusive Residence, says Siobhan Grogan. Her first pick is the illustrious Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square.

Hotel Review: Residences at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square

STAY

Just steps from the Tower of London, the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square is a historical landmark in its own right. First opened in 1922, the Grade II listed building was the grand former headquarters of the Port of London authority and it has since appeared in The Crown and the Bond film Skyfall.

The hotel is a hushed haven of elegance beyond the soaring Corinthian columns that guard its entrance. A central Rotunda serves as an all-day dining area where local City slickers meet over coffee and cocktails. Upstairs, there are just 100 rooms including 11 signature suites, but if you want a little more room to make yourself at home, choose one of the hotel’s exclusive Residences. With their own entrance and leather-lined lift, these are more like private apartments than hotel rooms, though guests have full use of the Four Seasons’ facilities including a Gielly Green hair salon, 24-hour gym, a nail salon and an art gallery. One particularly chic apartment comes courtesy of design studio Martin Kemp Design, featuring stylish interiors alongside views of Tower Bridge.

All have between one and four bedrooms making them ideal if you’re travelling with family or are staying for longer, with fully equipped kitchens and spacious living and dining areas.

Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence was enormous, with a curated collection of books on the shelves, a glossy marble entrance hall with its own utility room and a table big enough to host a dinner party. The kitchen is the stuff of culinary dreams if you do feel inclined to cook, with a large granite-topped island, top-of-the-range Gaggenau appliances and a wine fridge stocked with seriously pricey bottles. Bedrooms are similarly plush with muted, contemporary colours, luxe linens and the thickest carpet imaginable.

DO

In this location, you’ll never be short of things to do. Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast and the Tate Modern are just across the river, while the rest of the capital is within easy reach from nearby Tower Hill tube station.

 The Tower of London is the real draw, though. Just steps away from the hotel, the world-famous visitor attraction is well worth a visit to see the iconic Yeoman Warders known as the ‘Beefeaters’, the famous ravens and of course, the priceless Crown Jewels themselves. Be sure to join one of the regular Beefeater-led tours (included in the price of entry) for a fascinating journey through the Tower’s history including the room Guy Fawkes was held in and the spot where two of King Henry VIII’s wives were beheaded.

Back at the hotel, grab your robe and head straight to the spa, the most lavish in the City of London. The Roman-inspired space feels seriously decadent with huge changing rooms, a glamorous, colonnaded 14 metre pool, a private hammam, sauna and steam rooms and a vitality pool the size of most other hotels’ swimming pools.

The World’s Most Luxurious Destination Spas

EAT

Visitors come just to dine at La Dame de Pic, the first London restaurant from two Michelin-starred French chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Book in for a tasting menu to sample her exquisite French cuisine with typical dishes including Hereford beef fillet marinated in whisky, dill seeds and coffee or pasta parcels plump with Brie and pine nuts.

Alternatively, Mei Ume offers both traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes on one menu, including whole Peking duck, freshly made sushi and Szechuan crispy king prawns with chilli and peppercorn. The Rotunda Lounge takes care of munchies the rest of the time. An all-day menu offers a lavish breakfast, top-notch club sandwiches and burgers, great cocktails and an afternoon tea inspired by the Crown Jewels.

Best New London Restaurants Opening in 2022

THE LAST WORD

If you dream of a city crash pad but love hotel pampering, the Residences at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square are paradise. They’re perfectly placed for families to explore some of London’s best attractions but the extra space, oh-so-chic spa and Instagram-worthy kitchen mean visitors staying for longer will feel truly at home.

BOOK: One-bedroom residences start at £2300 per night for short stays. Rates can vary depending on the length of stay. Book at Fourseasons.com/tentrinity. Adult tickets to the Tower of London start at £29.90.

READ MORE: The Best Food & Drink Pop-Ups in London / A Guide to London’s Landmarks: Insiders Touristing / The Best Art Exhibitions in London