In mid-September of last year I travelled to London for a weekend away. I wanted a hotel with easy access to many of the main visitor attractions.
The Mondrian London could hardly be better located. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, the hotel offers easy access to the Thames Path river-side walkway and is within walking distance of landmarks such as Tate Modern, St Paul's Cathedral, Royal Festival Hall, the National and Globe theatres, as well as Borough Market, the London Eye and the Tower of London.
The art deco-inspired interior is beautiful. A big play has been made of a luxury cruise-liner theme, with a beaten copper hull welcoming you as you enter the lobby. Model boats are dotted around the hotel, and a large interlocked blue chain statue adorns the reception.
£100 refundable deposit lodged at reception, we were shown up to our room. We opted for a River View Deluxe Room. At 32sqm the room is compact but has plenty of nice little touches, including a Tom Dixon fortune cookie, bespoke designed furniture, mood lighting and a somewhat ‘individual’ splattered wall painting.
Yet it’s the view across the Thames to the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral which steals the show. I confess to having spent a good 20 minutes just staring out at the view, watching the tourist boats busily cruise up and down the Thames.
Though I didn’t get to use it on this occasion, the Agua Bathhouse & Spa looks stunning. The Spa has six private treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite and a private thermal suite. There are separate male and female steam rooms with rain showers, a spa lounge and curated boutique. Surely the most visually striking location in the capital in which to be preened and pampered.
Service at the hotel is faultless. I can highly recommend a trip to the hotels rooftop bar, the Rumpus Room, which features panoramic views across London. The dress code is smart casual, but I would suggest you dress to impress!
A highlight for me was a visit to the award-winning Dandelyan cocktail bar, which offers perfectly crafted potent cocktails. My personal recommendations: The Koji Hardshake (Mr Lyan scotch, Dewar's 12yo scotch, lemon juice, koji, cream sugar, liquorice bitters), or The Dandelyan Sour (Beefeater London Garden Gin, Lemon, Lime, Dandelion Capillaire and Garden Bitters).
The Mondrian’s interior is beautifully quirky. A perfect mix of style and glamour.
With its convenient location, spectacular rooftop bar, private cinema and fabulous spa, this hotel offers an excellent option for a leisure trip!