The Landmark Hotel truly is an oasis in the heart of London – an ideal setting for a staycation, a recommended five-star hotel that oozes superb charm, attention to detail and wide-open spaces. What we noticed most at this prestigious establishment was truly in its staff – never failing to greet anyone that entered with warmth, sarcasm and charm. Without being intrusive, its staff remained friendly and accommodating which ultimately made for an unforgettable experience for us.
Why should one choose The Landmark when deciding on a five-star hotel to stay at in London? The staff for one thing, but the décor and its signature Winter Garden are aspects of the hotel that can make one feel inspired, comfortable and energised. Each morning, one can make their way to the vast atrium and gather that sense of refreshing energy as the sky above declares itself, greeting you with whatever weather London has to offer. There is something about natural sunlight and wide-open spaces surrounded by charming accents that really puts one’s mood at ease. And for this, we regard The Landmark as an architectural sight to behold.
To describe The Landmark is also to describe its history, starting from 1894 to be exact. The idea to build this premise was first conceived by then railway giant, Sir Edward Watkin. A formidable figure in the railway industry, he had plans to create the Great Central Railway (Marylebone Station) and with that a grand hotel to accommodate its passengers. The project turned into a rather huge and trying feat (affecting Sir Watkin’s health) and by the time the railway was nearing its construction phase, Sir Watkin suffered an untimely death caused by a heart attack. It wasn’t until 1899 that the hotel was officially opened for business costing three-and-six pence a night. Fast forward to 1945-1946 and The Landmark became the place where Prisoners of War were being examined but none so prolific then the Irishman, James Brady, who was found to have fought alongside the Nazi’s. It is safe to assume that prior to his arrest he was residing at the hotel.
Today, The Landmark is part of the Leading Hotels of the World and is considered a world-class establishment offering very well-appointed and spacious suites and rooms based on guests’ preferences. On this occasion we reviewed the Marylebone Suite, an ideal room for those travelling with family or friends. We found The Suite to be safe for children, as they have the space to run around without bumping into too many corners. However, for those travelling alone, with friends or on business, the space and comfort will not disappoint. The Suite comes with two 49-55-inch smart TV’s, one located in the bedroom and the other in the lounge. We loved that the French doors could separate both areas so that if you’re travelling with company, you have the option for some privacy. The room was clean and well prepared with a cot along with toiletries for the little one. Temperature-wise the levels were just about right – mild during the morning and evening. In terms of scent, the hotel’s lobby had a refreshing aroma that could easily be unnoticed, testament to the hotel’s strategy of ensuring that guests feel comfortable as soon as they step in.
The 24-hour room service had no fault and our order arrived promptly whether it was at 9pm or 1am. Perhaps the only downside to the Suite was in the lighting – there is a master switch which controls all of the lights in the rooms (this includes all the lamps) and should you wish for the bedroom lights to be turned off but have the lounge lamps on, this isn’t possible. Instead, the only option is to have the hallway light on. This ultimately became our only source of light when working late in the evening as we wanted to keep the bedroom lights off.
In terms of dining, The Landmark offers daily breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner at their much-loved Winter Garden. We had the pleasure of sampling their dinner menu – a lobster bisque soup, roast chicken with garden vegetables and a rhubarb cheesecake. These were all well-prepared and delicious with each dish arriving in a timely manner. Another testament to a superbly trained hotel is when staff know to bring a child’s meal as soon as the adults start on their appetizers. Often, hotels bring the child’s meal together with the adult’s main course which means that the child has to wait until the adults finish their appetizer and we’re all aware how impatient little ones can be. So, we were more than thrilled to tick this quality off of the list. Furthermore, the dining experience was heightened by the Maître d’s approachable nature and hospitality – coming over every once in a while to check that everything was to our liking. We would highly recommend booking an afternoon tea here at The Landmark’s Winter Garden – the scones are light and airy, with fresh jams and clotted cream to match.
For those guests who emphasize a stay based on hotel amenities, The Landmark’s chlorine-free pool is one to bask in along with their jacuzzi and sauna. It is a great respite making for an altogether enjoyable stay. Come to The Landmark for its superb charm, excellent staff, spacious rooms, simplicity, location and above all, the dining experience.
