Experience staying at The Londoner, a grand 'boutique' hotel located in central London

London boasts one of the finest hotel scenes in the world, with nearly every major hotel brand — from vibrant lifestyle options to the pinnacle of luxury — represented in the city. When a new establishment proclaimed itself as "the world's first super boutique hotel" in 2021, it piqued our curiosity... what does that really mean?

During a recent visit to London, I finally had the opportunity to check into this "super boutique" hotel to discover what it truly offers. Here's everything you need to know about staying at The Londoner and whether it lives up to its grandiose self-description.

What exactly is The Londoner?

Nestled in the bustling Leicester Square, The Londoner is a stylish hotel featuring 350 rooms and suites, a variety of bars and restaurants, an indoor pool, a spa, and numerous chic spots to relax or explore. It appeals to both tourists seeking proximity to major attractions and locals in search of an upscale cocktail experience, offering a wealth of amenities.

How to reserve your stay at The Londoner

Hotel prices in London, particularly in Central London, tend to be quite high. At The Londoner, nightly rates usually begin at over $500.

While The Londoner doesn’t have its own loyalty program for earning back part of your stay, there are excellent options for gaining elite-like perks. If you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can book your stay through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts to enjoy benefits like guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout, complimentary daily breakfast for two, a $100 amenity credit, possible room upgrades, and early check-in.

The hotel is part of Chase's luxury hotel program, The Edit. When you book through this program with a qualifying card (such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®), you'll receive elite-like benefits, including up to a $100 credit, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and room upgrades and check-in/out options based on availability.

The Londoner also participates in the Preferred Hotels I Prefer loyalty program, where nights begin at 20,000 points. Alternatively, if you reserve with cash through Preferred, you can find rooms starting at $359 and earn I Prefer loyalty points for future stays at Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties.

A suite I wish I could call home

During my two-night stay, I enjoyed a Corner Suite that was spacious and adorned with eclectic patterns and prints. It struck a perfect balance between trendy and cozy — just what you'd expect from a boutique hotel and exactly the vibe I aspire to create in my own home.

My room, number 232, was located at the end of a chic, monochrome yellow corridor, behind a sleek yellow door featuring an intricate center doorknob. The door was equipped with a doorbell that illuminated to indicate whether I preferred privacy or wanted housekeeping service.

Upon entering the suite, I was welcomed by a stunning wooden wall featuring square paneling that beautifully contrasted with the lighter hardwood flooring. A pink velvet modern fainting couch added a touch of elegance, and an umbrella hung conveniently from a peg by the door — perfect for those rainy days in London.

Next to the door was a compact desk equipped with multiple power outlets and USB ports, along with a selection of travel magazines.

Across from the pink lounger, there was a small coffee table accompanied by a sitting chair. A full-length mirror added to the space, along with my first view of the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a look at the public library across the street.

A minifridge and a tea and coffee station were cleverly tucked away in a wooden closet next to the desk. The selection included sodas, wines, beers, Nespresso pods, and an array of teas.

The king-size bed was soft and inviting, and I truly appreciated being able to control the lights and do-not-disturb sign directly from the nightstand. A bottle of water and a glass beside the bed added a nice touch of luxury.

However, one aspect that didn’t feel luxurious was the fact that the curtains covering the floor-to-ceiling windows were not automatic, meaning guests had to get out of bed to adjust them.

The spacious and practical closet offered ample room for my carry-on bag and backpack. It also housed two robes, slippers, a Dyson hair dryer, and a steamer.

At the far end of the room was the bathroom, adorned with subway tiles in rich greens and blues. I have a fondness for hotel bathtubs, and at first glance, this one appeared to be a deep soaking tub. However, I soon discovered that it was actually quite shallow when I attempted to enjoy a soak.

The remainder of the bathroom featured a striking green sink accompanied by a variety of bathroom amenities, including a toothbrush kit, cotton swabs, and a nail file, along with Miller Harris Tea Tonique soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

The electric Toto toilet was located separately from the main bathroom area, alongside a powerful shower that activated with the push of a button.

Dining and drinking experiences at The Londoner

The Londoner features a French-Mediterranean restaurant named Whitcombs, a rooftop bar styled as a Japanese izakaya called 8 (which, regrettably, was closed during my visit), and a pub-style gin bar known as Joshua's Tavern. Additionally, The Stage, a lobby Champagne bar, offers breakfast, afternoon tea with Champagne, and light bites and drinks late into the evening.

I dined at Whitcombs on the Sunday night of my stay. Although the restaurant was absolutely beautiful, it was almost empty. It also appeared to lack a dedicated host, as I found myself waiting over 10 minutes for my table before finally going into the dining room to seek assistance.

In general, my experience at Whitcombs was quite mixed. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty, it took an unusually long time to receive water and the menu, and even longer for a rather disappointing martini. However, once those initial issues were resolved, the staff became much more attentive and were very helpful in guiding me through the menu.

I chose a refreshing green bean salad with Datterino tomatoes and balsamic ($18), along with two Rock oysters ($18) that were unfortunately overly dressed with Veuve Clicquot and green Tabasco, which overwhelmed the oysters' subtle taste. My main course was a beautifully cooked filet mignon accompanied by chanterelle mushrooms and a rich, delightful Parmesan crème ($54), and I also had a side of thinly sliced portobello mushroom carpaccio with Dijon mustard and aged balsamic ($12).

After exploring the vibrant pubs in nearby Chinatown, I made my way to The Stage for a nightcap. Although I missed the live music that typically plays on Sunday afternoons, I enjoyed a delicious yet pricey dirty Oxley gin martini ($36). As I sipped my drink, I listened to the late-night revelers sharing stories about their sunny Sunday adventures in one of the world's most diverse cities.

A second home away from home

Guests at The Londoner can enjoy three exclusive spaces known as "The Residence." The Drawing Room, reminiscent of a cozy library, is stocked with coffee table books, board games, comfy couches, and tables, along with snacks, drinks, and coffee. The Y Bar features a unique Y-shaped bar where you can order cocktails and food (for a price). The Whisky Room offers a speakeasy vibe, showcasing over 50 whiskeys from around the globe.

Although my hectic schedule during my brief London visit didn’t allow for much time here, I did manage a quick walkthrough. I could easily see it would be an excellent spot for working on my laptop, resembling a trendy coworking space that people would gladly pay a premium for.

Additionally, the hotel features a wellness 'Retreat' area

Located in the hotel’s basement, "The Retreat" features an indoor pool, gym, and spa that are accessible to both guests and the public. It even includes a membership option for local residents.

The pool area exudes a chic and laid-back vibe, complete with private cabana spaces, a hydro pool, and a generously sized main pool.

While the ambiance is both relaxed and upscale, there are specific times set aside for children to enjoy splashing around without disturbing guests who prefer to unwind with a book.

The expansive gym area is equipped with Technogym machines, including bikes and treadmills, along with free weights, mats, and a dedicated fitness studio.

At the spa, guests can indulge in facials by Omorovicza, body treatments from Ishga, massages by Ila, and specialized treatments for men by Gentlemen's Tonic. Additionally, there’s a salon that provides hair and beauty services, along with men's grooming options.

The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of all the action.

The Leicester Square area around The Londoner is quite touristy. Nevertheless, the hotel's prime location places guests right in the city's heart, making it easy to walk or take a quick Tube ride to most major attractions. Chinatown is just across the street, while West End theaters are scattered throughout the area, with popular spots like Covent Garden, SoHo, and Piccadilly Circus all easily reachable on foot.

Potential drawbacks of staying at The Londoner

• Travelers on a budget might find The Londoner's rates to be on the steep side.
• Leicester Square is a lively, tourist-heavy area that could feel too hectic for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the city.

Accessibility

The Londoner features a range of accessible rooms, although this information is quite hard to locate on its website. Being a modern hotel, it provides comfortable and practical accessibility options, including grab bars in both accessible rooms and public areas, wheelchair-friendly elevators, spacious hallways, and accessible entrances.

As always, I strongly recommend reaching out to the hotel directly before making a reservation to ensure that rooms are available that cater to your specific requirements.

Departure details

The Londoner is a fantastic hotel boasting stylish and playful design elements, an excellent location, and a wealth of amenities (like a spa and indoor pool) that elevate it beyond a typical boutique hotel. While all the public areas are impressive, my suite felt remarkably spacious for a London hotel. Ultimately, it provided a cozy retreat from the lively energy of the city.

So, is it truly a "super boutique?" Considering its size and the extensive array of amenities — including multiple dining options, bars, The Retreat, and The Residence — I understand why The Londoner claims this title. Hats off to the marketing team for coming up with the term.

Personally, I view it as a solid hotel that I would happily return to, mainly because of the quality of the room and its prime location.