The Marylebone Hotel – High Life Luxury in London’s Marylebone

The Marylebone Hotel, a Doyle Collection Property, and winner of Best Urban Hotel in the Condé Nast Johansens UK & Ireland Awards for Excellence 2016, offers something quite unique – rooftop Terrace Suites, where guests can enjoy some genuine High Life Luxury.

I remember Marylebone back in the 90s. Like any self-respecting Yuppie of the era, the lure of The Conrad Shop meant that this W1 neighbourhood was the place to shop for furniture for my new London flat. Back then, the transformation of Marylebone was beginning.

Now 25 years later Marylebone is undoubtedly London’s most chic urban village. The High Street remains at its heart but now many more decidedly cool fashion and design stores can be found here, together with other sophisticated independent stores.  It’s a destination too for eating out with some splendid restaurants and bars amongst the elegant Victorian and Georgian properties.

The Marylebone Hotel is on Welbeck Street, moments away from lively Oxford Street and the glamour of Bond Street.

The Wimpole Suite

I’d been invited to stay in one of the hotel’s prestigious Terrace Suites, the hotel’s signature rooms which occupy the top floor of the hotel. As you might imagine, each suite comes with its own terrace.  Yet what you might not imagine, is just how smart are these spaces. The Marylebone is an elegant 4 star property, yet these suites are standout star luxe.

I arrived in London during my favourite time of year, in May and I was truly lucky with the weather. The city was basking in Mediterranean-style sunshine and London was full of that special energy and feel-good atmosphere that embraces the capital when the sun comes out.

So, really there was no better day to enjoy a Terrace Suite in London.

For a better idea of the Wimpole Suite, take a look at this video I captured on my iPhone.

Inside the Wimpole Terrace Suite at the Marylebone Hotel, by Andrew Forbes from AndrewAForbes on Vimeo.

I was brought up to the Wimpole Suite, and once shown around the interior spaces, of the living area, bedroom and bathroom, I was shown the highlight, the outside terrace.

When I arrived the all-weather terrace space was closed – that is, the transparent window blinds were down, and the opaque, retractable roof was closed. Yet with the remote control, as I was quickly shown, the space can be transformed into an al fresco living room. The roof folded back and the blinds rolled up, and the room was flooded with sunlight.

The terrace is designed & furnished like a smart, contemporary Mediterranean outside salon – and for those chilly London nights, the roof and window blinds can close and there is a cool real gas flame fire to create a cosy atmosphere.

Inside the main suite, the décor is equally on point. Cool colours, blond wood and subtle fabrics are highlighted with bursts of colour from contemporary art and the striking turquoise of the lacquered coffee table and the bed throw.

In-room technology is up-to-date with fast free internet, a large screen TV discreetly embedded within the living area’s large wall mirror.

The large bed was super-comfy and faced another TV. There was a music speaker too.An alcove between wardrobes had been cleverly used for a work space with city view.

In terms of service, John, a member of the front desk team provided standout service during my stay.

Welcome Amenity

In addition to fresh fruit, complimentary Nespresso Coffee and delicious fresh loose teas from the Rare Tea Co. there was also a goodie bag with the elegant branded memory stick and a book on London’s Urban. Villages.

Bathroom

Doyle Collection bathrooms are great – always sleek, polished and luxurious. This one was smaller than I was expecting, yet beautifully appointed with a marble bathroom. It was also well stocked with Aromatherapy Associates bathroom amenities, a real favourite of mine, as well as grooming products, slippers etc. There was yet a TV here, for enjoying whilst relaxing in the bath.

Third Space & Gym

Guests have complimentary access to the gym and wellness area. I didn’t use the spa or gym, but the 18 metre swimming pool was a pleasant and unexpected surprise for a morning dip.

Dining

Despite the temptation of nearby eateries, I made the very most of my stay with dinner at the Marylebone Hotel’s 108 Brasserie. Together with the hotel’s 108 Pantry and Juicery juice bar, the restaurant makes up the property’s all-day dining offering.

108 Brasserie

I met my fellow dining guest at the bar – it was a Friday evening and the place was buzzing. The brasserie has all the energy and vitality of London, yet without any of the pretentiousness sometimes found in the capital’s eateries. The barman and the waiters were friendly and authentic – excellent service that was echoed the next day during breakfast in the 108 Pantry.

Thomas our waiter was excellent – the F&B team understood good, friendly service.

We enjoyed first plates of seared tuna; crispy pigs’ cheeks; and burrata. For the second plates we tried the salmon and the rack of lamb.

Overall it was an excellent brasserie-style meal with a great atmosphere; a good choice for a fun and sociable meal out in London without the fuss and ceremony of many W1 restaurants.

So next time you’re in central London for a shopping spree, why not make a weekend of it and enjoy some London High Life Luxury in a Terrace Suite?