The Londoner, London

With its crowds of camera-wielding tourists and booming screens, Leicester Square isn’t the first place you’d associate with luxury in London. Imagine my surprise, then, when a glass door off the main square leads to one of the most luxurious hotels in London – the incontrovertibly named The Londoner, which describes itself as “the world’s first super boutique hotel”.

On entering, you’re immediately made aware that this stay will be a cut above the rest, with staff members rushing from all angles to greet you. Even the check-in is designed for comfort – seated on a couch with a drink as your assigned host runs through the admin on an iPad. No need to queue at The Londoner. 

It seems like everything at The Londoner has been designed with exclusivity in mind; guests are shown a private bar/relaxation area and instructed how to take the lift directly from your room to the spa, sparing the potential embarrassment of bumping into fellow guests (or worse – colleagues!) while in your robe. 

The rooms are modestly sized (this is central London after all) and, at first glance, appear to be simple but unexceptional. However, The Londoner is quietly confident; the exceptional lies in its amenities and service, and it seems they’ve thought of everything – from hair straighteners to motion sensor toilets. They’ve even pre-empted the guest’s temptation to take home their luxurious slippers with a friendly “take them home!” And how could I not after such a kind invitation? 

Nothing is too much trouble, and there’s a convenient order service via the smart TV should you need extra water, any number of forgotten toiletries, or more of those beautiful slippers. 

What better way to spend the evening than to retreat to the underground spa – a calming oasis of luxurious simplicity in contrast to the buzz of the square above – only to find that turn-down service has taken place in your absence. My favourite. 

Following a restful sleep swaddled in the finest sheets, I prepared for the day ahead with some sustenance in the form of a petit déjeuner (ceci n’est pas un breakfast) of eggs Benedict with truffle hollandaise at the resident Whitcomb’s restaurant. 

The Londoner doesn’t need to be garish or ostentatious. Much like its fellow townsmen, it’s self-assured, uncomplicated and provides plenty of surprises along the way. What you see is not what you get. 

Book at https://www.thelondoner.com/ 

We ate
Le Bénédicte – crispy pancetta and poached eggs with truffle hollandaise on toasted muffin