St Martins Lane: Artsy, Boutique Hotel in the Center of London
St Martins Lane: Artsy, Boutique Hotel in the Center of London
The hotel scene in London is constantly expanding with hip and welcoming newcomers. The average traveler might feel torn on which hotel is best in this hotspot, but for me, the decision was simple. I am already a big fan of the Morgans hotels in New York City, so when we learned that they have a few properties in London, it was settled - we were going to check them out! Although this brand is a global chain, they focus on creative and artistic elements, which give their hotels a very boutique quality, yet with the flair I expect. For a few nights we were at the Mondrian in South Bank (a very art centric and in a “newer” part of London) so to end our trip, we stayed at St Martins Lane, in the thick of London life.
St Martins Lane is located in the busy Covent Garden district, on the west end of London. Streets are lined with trendy restaurants, squeezed between historic pubs, important museums and quirky theatres. People seem to hustle around chaotically, yet with purpose...it’s a fascinating area to people watch. Somewhere between a perfect rusty old bar and French Bistro, St. Martins Lane stood tall with their white washed facade and brightly colored windows. Though you’re scratching your head trying to understand the area, you still feel charmed by the pure creativity before you.
At first glance, the hotel looks just like another modern place, with classic white walls and pops of color. Look a little bit closer and you’ll notice the chaos, much like the area the hotel calls home. Oversized gilded gold teeth are used as chairs, crimson velvet-tufted couches and giant chess pieces welcome you in, as smartly dressed team members quickly attend to you.
The crowd is fashionable – Fashion bloggers were strewn across the cool chairs taking selfies and I nearly ran over DJ Akoi in the lobby. St. Martins Lane is where the cool kids hang out and it’s definitely a fun place to call home, during a trip to London.
There are some cool highlights of St Martins Lane that up the ante, like its clandestine bar Blind Spot, which is tucked covertly behind the lobby’s tea counter. This cocktail lounge is dark and sexy, with fashionable types rotating in and out as the night unfolds. Drinks here are inspired by their camouflage, as they feature flavors from ancient tea trade.
Other amenities include the hotel’s partnership with Gymbox, an unconventional fitness center located right next door. Gymbox’s eccentric facility provides the newest cardio and resistance equipment, Olympic-sized boxing rings, free weights, spin rooms, and even a nightly DJ to mix a unique soundtrack for your workout. The hotel also gives free bike rentals during your stay, so you can venture through London at your leisure.
We stayed in a standard room with floor-to-ceiling windows that made us feel like the whole city was at our feet. Our room was decorated smart and simple, save for the LED light display behind the bed, that Chris quickly mastered and started giving me light shows.
The bathrooms was large, well equipped and even had my favorite brand, Malin + Goetz, for their amenities. With so much going on outside, we didn't spend much time in the room, but the comfortable bed and all white everything was a welcome sight at the end of a day full of pub crawls and sightseeing.
The two dining options at St Martins Lane compliment the spunky vibe of the hotel. The hotel’s main restaurant is called Asia de Cuba, a concept of chef Luis Pous and restaurateur Jeffery Chodorow. The restaurant offers a menu of Latin-Asian fusion that has enchanted guests and food critics around the world.
We didn’t have dinner at the restaurant, but enjoyed a satisfying brunch each morning. Part of the brunch is buffet-style, offering fresh fruit, breads, and cheeses. It also includes a menu for healthy smoothies and hot dishes. The eggs Benedict served over a homemade waffle were our favorite! Saturday brunch at Asia de Cuba also pairs with live music for a perfect start to the weekend.
The other dining option at St Martins Lane is The Den, which is the hotel’s spin on a standard gentlemen's lounge. In The Den, you can read a book, unwind with a glass of wine, play a game of backgammon, or sip afternoon tea while admiring the slightly askew art on the walls. There are so many restaurants and cafés around the hotel that you will find something yummy just a few steps away. Make sure to chat with the concierge team too, they’ll tell you where to find the best falafel and great places to find craft cocktails.
“The ambiance at Asia de Cuba is quirky and relaxed during the day and a trendy scene in the evening .
Staying at St Martins Lane, you’ll be close to all of the important sights in London. The hotel is a four minutes’ walk from the National Gallery, and a three minutes’ walk from Leicester Square tube station to get you anywhere. The hotel is close to Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Saint James’s Park, so you really can walk everywhere. If you don’t feel like making your way through touristy crowds, get to know the Covent Garden district a little better with some classic aimless wandering and don’t forget, all the museums are free to enter everyday!
“St Martins Lane Hotel is close to Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Saint James’s Park, so you really can walk everywhere.
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