Hotel Review: The Landmark London

One of London’s grandest Great Dame Hotels dating back to the 19th century, the allure of The Landmark London is going nowhere. Ellie Smith investigates why.

STAY

One of London’s grandest Victorian-era railway hotels, The Landmark London in Marylebone dates all the way back to 1899. It was designed around a vast courtyard, which provided light and air to all the bedrooms – but also allowed guests to be delivered by horse and carriage directly inside the hotel. While the latter sadly doesn’t happen anymore, the courtyard – now known as The Winter Garden – remains the centrepiece of The Landmark London. All rooms look onto this huge glass-roofed atrium, which is eight stories high and filled with palm trees and lush plants: a Mediterranean-inspired oasis in the middle of the capital.

There are nods to the hotel’s 19th century roots throughout. Upon arriving at the red brick building you’ll be met by friendly doormen, while grand chandeliers, frescoes and antique furniture add a classical feel. Bedrooms, too, feature traditional design features – though most were given a refresh as part of a recent multi-million-pound refurbishment, courtesy of design studio Alex Kravet. Elegant opulence reigns supreme, with marble bathrooms sitting beside plush drapes, sumptuous duck-egg hues and cut-crystal lamps. The rooms are more spacious than most London hotels – particularly given its central location – with the 51 suites among some of the largest in the capital.

DO

As The Landmark London is located directly opposite Marylebone Station and just a few minutes from Baker Street, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the capital. Amble around the pretty Georgian streets of Marylebone, dine at the famous Chiltern Firehouse, go for a walk in Regent’s Park or take an educational trip to the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Saying that, one could happily spend the entirety of their stay within the confines of the hotel. The Landmark London reopened this summer with a range of new staycation packages, including one dedicated to self-care. Opt for this and you’ll be treated to a supply of beauty products, including a Germaine de Cappuccini bubble bath kit, an eye mask and a foot care pack to rejuvenate tired legs. Guests can continue the relaxation theme at the hotel’s spa, a relatively small yet beautiful retreat nestled on the lower ground floor, complete with a jacuzzi, 15m heated pool, gym, steam room and sauna. There’s also a glass-walled gym looking onto the pool – again, this is small but has a good range of equipment. The whole spa area smells incredible too.

EAT

Dining in the dazzling Winter Garden is a must – naturally light and airy in the daytime, atmospheric and twinkling come evening. Its High Palms High Tea is famous for a reason: think traditional sandwiches, freshly baked scones and exquisite desserts – macaroons, tartlets and mousses – alongside Laurent-Perrier champagne and bespoke teas. Dinner is equally special, with a mixture of traditional British and Mediterranean-inspired dishes to choose from. Starter highlights include the buffalo mozzarella (perfectly creamy, lathered in balsamic), and the elegant yellow fin tuna tartare, served with cucumber, chilli and lime. For mains, order something from the grill and you won’t be disappointed – the dry aged English ribeye is delicious, particularly when paired with chunky chips, sautéed baby spinach and peppercorn sauce. To finish, it’s got to be sticky toffee pudding: the ultimate British dessert, produced here to perfection. As expected from a hotel of this calibre, service is impeccable throughout.

THE FINAL WORD

The capital certainly isn’t short of five-star hotels, but The Landmark London offers something entirely unique. Grand yet cosy; traditional yet modern; central yet quiet; this glamorous spot really has it all. And, while foreign travel remains limited, the tropical Winter Garden will transport you to sunnier climes.

BOOK

Rooms from £290, landmarklondon.co.uk

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