The Landmark London – Exterior
Let’s face it, London does Grand Dame hotels like no other city. Considered as one of the finest is The Landmark London, which is as iconic as its name suggests. Opened in 1899, the then Great Central Hotel was one of the last of the large Victorian railway hotels, at a time when – believe it or not – steam-powered train travel was considered romantic. It became The Landmark London in 1995 and it has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment.
LOCATION The towering red-bricked building stands on Marylebone Road just seconds from Marylebone Station. The location is great if you have your tourist hat on, with Madame Tussauds, Regent’s Park and London Zoo all within walking distance. For shopping, a taxi to Bond Street (10 mins) or Knightsbridge (15-20 mins) can easily be arranged at reception.
The Winter Garden restaurant features soaring palm trees and a pianist which add to the grandeur of the hotel’s history.
STYLE & CHARACTER A combination of classic British elegance and grandeur is how I’d describe The Landmark, and its sheer scale is impressive, as is its crowning feature, Winter Garden, glimpsed when entering the lobby. This vast cream restaurant, complete with soaring palm trees and a pianist, provides a sense of space and light that is unique among London hotels; it could almost be mistaken for a luxury hotel in Dubai. Meanwhile, the other public areas bring you back to the Victorian ambiance, with oversized chandeliers, antique furniture, high ceilings, marble columns and stunning art decor.
The Landmark London – Family room
The Landmark London – Deluxe room
ROOMS & FACILITIES The hotel has 300 rooms, including 51 suites, among the largest in the capital. I stayed in the Corner Executive suite. Exceptionally big and beautifully designed, this was the kind of suite that you could live in, with a king-size bed, cosy lounge area, 42-inch TV, iHome System, well-stocked minibar and Nespresso machine. The bedroom leads on to the equally impressive marble bathroom, with a huge tub, double sink and walk-in ‘rain’ shower. For those in the highest bracket, you can stay in the Presidential Suite (160sqm), consisting of nine rooms, including a kitchen and 12-seater dining room.
The Landmark London – Spa & Health Club
Another stand-out feature is the Spa & Health Club. This includes four treatment rooms, a gym and a 15-metre chlorine-free, heated swimming pool, which is quite unique for this type of hotel.
The Landmark London – Mirror Bar
FOOD & DRINK The highlight of my stay was dinner at the Winter Garden. London has no shortage of fine dining, but this setting is tough to beat. The menu is British – Scottish salmon with mango, duckleg with poached eggs and asparagus soup on the starter menu. For mains, the stand-out dishes were dover sole with shrimps and English fillet of beef. After dinner, you can retire to the Mirror Bar (above), a snug, Victorian room offering cocktails, champagne and spirits.
The Landmark London – twotwentytwo
The hotel also has a slightly more casual option for dining, the twotwentytwo bar and restaurant. Of course, there is also the option for room service if it’s been a long day.
