The Landmark London is a unique 5-star hotel, steeped in history and regarded as one of the best classical hotels in London.
Location and building
The Landmark London is a mere stone’s throw from Marylebone Station and first opened as The Great Central Hotel in 1899, one of the last of the great Victorian railway hotels of that era. The imposing Gothic Revival facades steep the hotel in grandeur but it is the remarkable central atrium that wows upon arrival. An extension of the road for guests arriving by horse and cart, the glass-roofed courtyard at the heart of the hotel was converted into a dance floor during the “roaring twenties” and now hosts the hotel’s main restaurant, the Winter Garden.
The local Marylebone area has undergone an impressive regeneration in recent years. Marylebone High Street is now bustling with clothing, homeware and artisan food stores, plus a fantastic local market every weekend. Chiltern Street is now home to the hip Chiltern Firehouse restaurant too, plus the Monocle cafe and stores. A little further south, Selfridges and Oxford Street are both accessible by foot.
Just a five-minute walk to Baker Street or Edgware Road Tube stations, The Landmark Hotel is very well connected within London while Marylebone Station runs connecting trains to Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham and beyond.
Rooms
We stayed in an extremely spacious Marylebone Studio suite, though the Landmark London is renowned for their space and comfort in all rooms.
Welcomed with some chocolates and an exotic fruit bowl, we couldn’t have felt more at home and immediately sank into the big comfy sofa in the living space. The Landmark London decor is a warm and friendly, classic hotel style. The upholstery and features are reserved yet luxurious, with plush carpet underfoot, a desk should you need to work and big TV in both the living and bedroom spaces.
The kingsize bed was a dream and you’ll have no trouble getting a superb night’s sleep at the Landmark London, with an armchair for dressing and ample cupboard and drawer space for clothes.
Landmark London suites also feature Nespresso machines, speaker systems and DVD players.
Bathroom
The bathroom was equally spacious, with luxurious fixtures and fittings and comfy waffle gowns. The bathroom was split into three mini-rooms, the first with big his and hers washbasins leading to the walk-in shower and lavish bathtub, and finally a separate WC at the end of the walkway.
Amenities
In a recent change, The Landmark London now offer free WiFi throughout the hotel, including every room, plus free access to the pool and health club.
The 15-metre pool is perfect for morning laps or a relaxing afternoon swim, with plenty of floats and foam boards on hand. The health club also boasts a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and two excellent monsoon showers. The pool has two designated periods for children, while at all other times it is intended for adult use only.
As part of the health club, the Landmark London also offers a state of the art gym plus spa treatments in adjoining specialist suites.
Hotel guests can expect the usual range of services from a 5-star hotel, including a laundry services, complimentary newspapers to your room every day, continental power sockets, and extremely plush bathrobes and slippers.
Restaurant and bars
The Winter Garden restaurant is the main restaurant at the Landmark London, situated in the breathtaking central courtyard. Particularly magnificent under spotlights at night, the restaurant serves a modern British menu. The food is excellent and we sampled the Seared Scallops and Cauliflower to start – the scallops cooked to complete perfection – and the excellent Rack of Lamb and Seabass dishes for main. The knowledgable waiting staff and sommelier will help you pick a wine or cocktail to compliment your meal and be sure to have a desert too, the Sticky Toffee Pudding is sumptuous to finish.
The Winter Garden is also home to the Landmark London’s amazing breakfast buffet, the best we’ve experienced in London. With everything from freshly squeezed juices, pastries, hot dishes, fruit, sourdough breads and more, it’s a glorious feast not to be missed. Every Sunday, the Landmark London offer a famous Champagne Brunch with unlimited champagne and an equally impressive buffet for £90-a-head, while the Winter Garden is known for an excellent afternoon tea too.
Guests can find a more traditional dining experience in the twentytwentytwo restaurant and bar, or intimate cocktails at the Mirror Bar.
Verdict
The Landmark London’s relaxed and subtly luxurious atmosphere makes the hotel a wonderfully warm and approachable stay. The unique courtyard space and excellent Winter Garden restaurant are the hotel’s trump card but the spacious rooms and supremely comfortable beds don’t come far behind either. The Landmark London is for people looking for a more classical hotel in the capital, steeped in history with great access to attractions nearby. Long may it continue.
For reservations and more, please visit: www.landmarklondon.co.uk
The Landmark London Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ