Leicester Square Luxe: The Londoner Hotel

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The Londoner Hotel sits squarely on Leicester Square – a perfect location for art museums, theater, nightlife and shopping at Covent Garden. But what about as a place to stay? When I was considering my stay there, I asked these questions: Could I sleep at night amidst the roar of the crowd? Could I relax for 20 minutes between dinner and the curtain going up at a West End theater?

The answer was a clear yes. Stepping away from Leicester Square, the symphony of street performers, the flashing neon of billboards and the excited chatter of crowds faded into a sophisticated urban world.

The Londoner Hotel is Ideal for:

Weekend escapes to London
Couples looking for a happening getaway
Fitness-first visitors who want a well-appointed gym and pool.

Business travelers seeking quiet surroundings near the hotel are likely to pick a location in the City of London or closer to their business appointments.

SheBuysTravelTip: The Residence space is invaluable for those checking in early or wanting an escape from the hotel’s lobby which can be quite busy.

The writer was hosted by The Londoner Hotel.

West End at Your Fingertips

Shaftsbury Avenue in London's West End is lined with theaters showcasing smash hit musicals and plays such as Les Miz and Oliver. — Score the best theater tickets at the TKTS half-price booth and beyond to catch the smash hit musicals and plays on London’s West End minutes from the hotel. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Unquestionably, The Londoner Hotel offers one of the best locations for visitors. No need for subways or buses, just two willing legs.

Within a 15-minute walk, discover:

Covent Garden: Artisanal markets, boutique shops and a delightful array of cafes and restaurants.
Trafalgar Square: Right behind the hotel is this grand public square dominated by Nelson’s Column and home to major museums.
National Gallery: Located on Trafalgar Square, this is one of the most renowned art museums in the world. And it’s free!
Theater District: Dozens of historic venues featuring smash-hit musicals to gripping dramas to British comedies are within a few blocks.
TKTS Booth: Across from the hotel in Leicester Square is the official outlet for discounted same-day theater tickets and regular-priced day-of tickets.
Soho: The heart of late-night pubs and clubs.
Chinatown: Opposite the square from the hotel is the UK’s thriving center of Chinese restaurants and shops.

Read our full story about London’s West End here.

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First Stop: Unusual Space for “Residents”

At the Londoner Hotel, The Residence is an unusual space for hotel guests to work quietly, have a pre-theater drink or relax prior to check-in or after check-out. — Checking in early? Looking for a comfortable space to work? The Residence offers a sanctuary for adults with free drinks and snacks in an upscale setting. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Frequent travelers arriving from the States on an overnight flight know it’s typical to check in but have to wait until the room is ready. The Londoner’s solution for those who have checked in – or anytime during a hotel stay – is The Residence which is only for registered hotel guests.

On the Mezzanine level, the space includes:

The Drawing Room: A comfortable lounge ideal for reading, working or informal meetings, with a selection of beverages and light snacks, mostly free.
The Y Bar: An intimate, stylish bar perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a quiet nightcap.
The Whisky Room: A sophisticated space offering a curated selection of fine whiskies and spirits.

Glimpse Inside a Guest Room

The Londoner Hotel in London feature a real king size bed, not just two twin beds placed together. Get a good night’s sleep at The Londoner. — Looking for a real king-size bed, not just two twin beds placed together? Get a good night’s sleep at The Londoner. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

The Londoner boasts 350 exquisite guest rooms, including 35 suites and a Tower Penthouse, most with an excellent view of the cityscape. The design thoughtfully blends modern luxury with the classic British sensibility of wooden floors and paneling, ensuring both comfort and sophistication. Rooms feature custom-made furniture and curated art pieces, providing a truly luxurious and residential feel.

The rooms feature:

King-size beds that are not just two twin beds joined together. Ask about other bedding options beyond king beds.
Seamless control over lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems through in-room tablets.
High-speed WiFi and integrated charging points.
Marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and premium bath amenities that offer a spa-like experience.
Windows that open to let in fresh air. An excellent AC and heating system because not all hotels have AC in London.

Larger suites offer expansive living areas, separate bedrooms and often private terraces, ideal for extended stays or special occasions.

Enjoy An Array of Dining and Bar Experiences

At the Londoner Hotel, the rooftop lounge and bar has a unique look with modern sculptures placed dramatically in the room. This London hotel on Leicester Square sets itself apart with hip, modern spaces. — Rooftop lounge and bar offers unusual artwork that makes it stand out from traditional London hotels. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

The star of the show at the hotel is 8 at The Londoner, a lounge “experience” located on the hotel’s 8th-floor rooftop. It offers stunning panoramic views of the London skyline. There is a separate area with a Japanese Garden surrounding several unique pieces of art. The lounge features a menu of exquisite Japanese small plates, sushi and signature cocktails.

Just off the lobby is Whitcomb’s, the hotel’s mainstay restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner. During warmer months, dine on an outdoor patio with a view of Leicester Square. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients

To the rear of the larger lobby is The Stage, a lounge that serves an all-day menu of contemporary British cuisine, including a celebrated traditional afternoon tea complete with delicate pastries, savory bites and an extensive tea selection. In the evenings, it transforms into a sophisticated bar with live entertainment.

Gin enthusiasts, take note. Nestled within the hotel is a classic British pub, Joshua’s Tavern, with an impressive collection of 52 gins sourced from around the globe. The tavern also features traditional pub fare, a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits.

SheBuysTravelTip: Joshua’s Tavern gets its name from Sir Joshua Reynolds, the famous painter. Reynolds’ portraits can be seen nearby at the National Gallery of Art which is free to the public.

Retreat for Pool and Spa Lovers

Inside the Londoner Hotel, a major amenity is The Retreat featuring a swimming pool for laps, a hot tub for relaxing and private poolside cabanas for people looking to relax for the afternoon. — Private cabanas, a hot tub and a swimming pool are welcome refuges from London’s busy streets. The Retreat is a major attraction for guests at the hotel. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Having stayed in several dozen London hotels, I can’t remember a single one with such a well-appointed spa and swimming pool. While I was there, guests arrived early and stayed late to enjoy the 14-meter swimming pool and hot tub/hydropool, sauna and steam room. Families especially appreciated the special hours for children to swim.

The Retreat also includes:

Private cabanas poolside and relaxation areas for unwinding before or after treatments.
Multiple treatment rooms offering a comprehensive menu of therapeutic massages, facials and body treatments.
A clinic offering nutritional advice and tailored programs, focusing on healthy eating and holistic well-being.

A State-of-the-Art Gym Open 24 Hours

Londoner's gym rivals or exceeds most hotel gyms in London. They feature treadmills, elliptical machines, Stairmasters, free weights and matts and gym equipment for almost any workout. — Not your standard hotel gym, the Londoner’s gym rivals any private health club or gym in London’s capital city. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Although billed as part of The Retreat which is closed at night, the gym is open 24 hours and goes beyond the typical hotel gym. For those adjusting to jet lag, using the gym early or late is a major benefit. There are cardio machines, free weights, strength training equipment and mat equipment.

Take Advantage of Other Hotel Amenities

The Londoner’s lobby is both a place to relax, hang out, have afternoon tea, order a drink and at night, hear soothing jazz or contemporary piano music. — Relax after a busy day in the Londoner’s lobby. It’s both a place to hang out and work during the day, and an active bar and lounge at night. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Beyond dining and wellness, The Londoner provides exceptional amenities designed to enhance every aspect of your stay:

24-Hour Concierge: A dedicated team ready to assist with anything from theater tickets and restaurant reservations to bespoke city tours and travel arrangements.
Hair salon, nail salon and gentlemen’s barber are right inside the hotel.
Near the spa, there’s a “superfood” bar.
Part of the hotel complex includes Odeon Luxe cinemas with reclining lounge chairs and a bar.

Safe at All Hours

Leicester Square's main fountain features a well known statute of William Shakespeare. Because it's also a well known destination for tourists, the area is well patrolled by London police and by almost any measure, safe to walk around day or night. — Feel safe at all hours just outside the hotel among the many tourists at the well-patrolled Leicester Square. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

Even at night around this area, I’ve never had any safety concerns over many trips to London. However, as London’s tourist hub, be aware of pickpockets. Staying at this hotel gives you the option to leave most of your valuables in the room, while still being able to return quickly if you need anything.

Never once during my trip did I use a credit card or cash. Setting up payment through your phone should be mandatory on every traveler’s list. The London subway and bus system can be accessed easily with one touch on your phone, requiring no special purchase of tickets or transit cards.

Getting There and The Basics

The London Transit Museum at Covent Garden may be the only time you'll see the London Underground because many of London's major tourist destinations are within a 15-minute walk of the Londoner Hotel on Leicester Square. — See all the sights around Leicester Square without needing to ride the tube. Yet, the London Underground’s stop at Leicester Square is a convenient way to directly access Heathrow Airport. Photo credit: R.C. Staab

At the center of Greater London, The Londoner hotel is an easy cab from all train stations. Cabs drop off on Whitcomb Street about a half block away from the hotel. The doormen will help from the cab to the front of the hotel which is directly on Leicester Square.

The Leicester Square stop of the Piccadilly line is the closest London Tube stop. Take the Piccadilly line directly from and to Heathrow Airport without changing trains.

The Londoner

38 Leicester Square, London
WC2H 7DX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7451 0101