the arch, london
The Arch London is one of our newest Members of The Wedding Affair Review Club... Chris and I had the absolute pleasure of staying at this stunning venue, to attend, as a Judge, at the National UK Blog Awards.
Opened in 2010, The Arch London is a luxurious Georgian townhouse hideaway in the heart of Central London. A regular resident among the top ten hotels in the capital on TripAdvisor, the officially rated five star property is renowned as one of London’s best kept secrets for those in the know. (I do believe 'Madonna' lives a stone's throw away, we were on Celebrity Watch!) The hotel is tucked away on a calm residential street a stone’s throw from the city bustle of Bond Street and Hyde Park, and spans seven Grade II listed former Georgian townhouses and two mews homes.
We were firstly greeted and escorted into the Hotel by a very smartly dressed gentleman with a warm and welcoming smile and ushered into a designer reception manned by attentive receptionists. Guest’s senses are enveloped in the hotel’s custom designed orange and pearl fragrance, whilst an open roaring fireplace normally provides a warming welcome to weary travellers although we were experiencing warm weather, so the fireplace was cold that day.
English heritage is fused with contemporary boutique design in the decor, which features walls covered in eye-catching hand-made wallpaper and artwork by rising British talents. On wondering the corridors, which have been deliberately permeated with character, guests can take in the black and white alphabet prints spanning the length of the gallery-inspired halls.
Even though we had arrived early, the room was surprisingly ready and what a delight after a long but enjoyable car, train and taxi journey from Yorkshire. This gave us enough time to freshen up and explore the streets of London before the Awards started early evening. With the Hotel being a short walk to Marble Arch, Oxford Street and Hyde Park, everything we needed was on our doorstep. First stop Selfridges & Co for a beauty makeover by Chanel and the lovely Sonny and Amena... Ladies this Hotel is perfectly positioned for lots of shopping!
The interior of the foyer is quietly glamorous, boasting studded leather, statement artwork, marble and glass, and a specially commissioned video painting of iconic London scenes is digitally projected. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ and Pride of Britain, the hotel boasts 82 bedroom including four sumptuous suites spread over six floors. Spacious interconnecting rooms are on offer for families or larger groups. Floors are considerately numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5 as the number 4 is considered unlucky in Asian cultures. (Did you know that? You certainly learn something new every day!)
The hotel is one of London’s few dog friendly five star hotels, with an ethos to treat pooches to the same indulgent experience as their owners, with luxurious dog beds, feeding bowls, and delicious doggy food cooked to order by a chef. Dog walking services are also available, allowing owners to relax whilst their furry friends are exploring the 350 acres of nearby Hyde Park. My Bailey would love it...
The hotel offers a selection of complimentary treats for guests to enjoy free of charge. These include soft drinks, water and juice in all mini bars, Jing teas, a Nespresso coffee machine, MALIN + GOETZ toiletries, and daily changing exotic flavored drinks in the lobby.
Guestrooms are all light, airy and spacious with high Georgian ceilings. Individually decorated with the hotel’s signature bespoke wallpaper, guestrooms feature unashamedly luxurious furnishings and are immaculately finished with the highest attention to every detail in every aspect. The beds are a majestic fixture in every room, as each one is handmade and adorned with duck down duvets and pillows.
The luxurious amenities in all guestrooms are personally designed to anticipate guests every need and comfort. A handpicked selection of classic novels can be found in the suites, while all rooms have a full Sky HD TV package, iPod docking station and internet radio with over 19,000 channels for international guests. Guests also have free access to the hotel’s Oscar winning movie collection, ensuring a night in at the hotel is always fun. The bathrooms feature modern flourishes such as heated anti-steam mirrors and flatscreen TVs built into the wall above every bath.
Chris and I were treated to a Deluxe room on the 5th floor with views into the delightful mew's gardens and balconies, across the London skyline. Two delicious rich, melt in the mouth chocolate Macarons lay in wait on a slate plate, dusted with icing sugar from the General Manager, along with a lovely welcome card... it was a fabulous example of their attention to detail and very tasty too.
At the upper end of the scale, the four stunning Suites offer the ultimate contemporary boutique experience. The spectacular Wellbeck Suite offers a private outdoor terrace, while the Abbey Suite is even fitted with its own stylish kitchenette to accommodate longer stays. Each has an impressive Loewe television, complete with surround sound. Large artworks, thoughtfully handpicked to complement each space, provide dramatic focal points throughout.
The digital ‘Maid Service’ and ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs outside each room perfectly showcase the hotel’s blend of eco-friendly awareness, and love of the latest mod cons. I was dying to press one of them, although I refrained from doing so. I did require an Iron and board, although not in your room, it was delivered promptly and left with us for the remainder of our stay. I was assured that there was an ironing service, but having one close to hand made me feel at home!
There are a number of public areas within The Arch London, each with something unique to offer. Every room compliments each other and flows perfectly surrounding their guests in luxury but with a homely feel.
Hunter 486 restaurant is named after the 1950s dialing code for Marylebone and offers a ‘Best of British’ inspired menu. This has been carefully developed by Head Chef Gary Durrant with Henrietta Green; food and hospitality consultant, award-winning food writer and broadcaster. Henrietta is also a well know advocate of the local food movement, and author of the much loved book ‘A Food Lover’s Guide to Britain’. Designed with an air of nostalgic London glamour fused with contemporary touches, the restaurant features gleaming leather booths, blown glass chandeliers and statement artwork.
The kitchen is delightfully open plan and airy, allowing guests to watch the skilled chefs at work amongst the gleaming selection of copper pots and pans suspended from the ceiling. Light streams through the large windows, treating guests to a charming view of the neighborhood mews, and come the evening, the softly lit restaurant is an intimate and romantic setting for dinner. The bar area within the restaurant features original designer chairs by Tom Dixon, unique glass chandeliers, and a vibrant atmosphere. Guests will enjoy the chic surroundings as much as the fine choice of fizz, signature ‘Grace Kelly Martinis’, and flawless personal service.
After the Awards evening, we ventured back to The Arch and frequented Le Salon de Champagne for a night cap and a taste of their Best of British bar menu. We really were asking for the impossible, at such a late hour with orders of pizza, burgers and club sandwiches but with a smile and nothing is too much trouble, the staff were hospitable and very quickly satisfied our hunger for late night munchies.
Le Salon de Champagne oozes timeless London glamour and is laid back luxury at its best. A stylish area with a unique arty ambience adjacent to the restaurant, and intimate secluded leather booths veiled with floor-to-ceiling silk voile drapes.
Breakfast was elegantly served in Le Salon de Champagne, a fabulous room to enjoy a delicious Full English Breakfast and steaming Porridge dressed with seasonal berries and fruit. A continental option was available with delights such as croissants, ham, cheese, yoghurts and cereals. We managed to secure one of the intimate booths on both mornings which was an absolute delight and oh so comfortable.
The Martini Library is a warm, opulent lounge area for guests to enjoy fine cocktails or Afternoon Tea, perhaps this would be a perfect retreat for a Hen or Stag Cocktail Party. The ‘press to refresh’ service button, sumptuous armchairs and period stone fireplaces make this a truly decadent space. Alternatively it can be turned into a meeting room for up to 16 with an inclusive breakout area.
The Study is a fresh and contemporary place to meet with friends for drinks or conduct an informal business meeting for up to six people. The room is filled with individually selected furniture, and offers guests complimentary computer and printing facilities should they wish to print information for a flight or London show.
Whitehall 944 can be dressed and lit in a variety of ways to suit a boardroom style meeting for 18, a theatre style meeting for 30, a decadent private dinner for 20, or a cocktail reception for 50. With elegant armchairs and sofas lining the walls, state-of-the-art teleconference technology and stylish concealed lighting illuminating the space, Whitehall 944 offers a chic business space with more luxurious comfort and a slightly less corporate vibe.
The hotel offers a gymnasium on the lower-ground floor. Tranquil alcoves perfect for Yoga and Pilates are tucked into corners, whilst a full range of fitness equipment including a PowerPlate machine and multi-functional Kinesis station can be found in the main gym.
Unfortunately Chris and I were not prepared for the Gym, (there really wasn't room left in our case, that's my excuse anyway!) A small but intimate well equipped room with fresh towels, chilled water and air conditioning. I really must pack my trainers next time, I would have had the entire place to myself.
Prices start from £205 for a Standard Room, £235 for a Superior Room, £255 for a Deluxe, £295 for an Executive and from £345 for a Junior Suite, up to £555 for a one Bedroom Suite.
With a Junior Suite and an Executive Junior Suite, three Studio Suites and two one Bedroom Suites, you really do have a fabulous choice. These prices exclude VAT & Breakfast.
As you can see from the official images above and our own images in the gallery below, taken on our trusty mobile, the Hotel has style, panache and the service and facilities are second to none.
With the Hotel being in walking distance to London's famous shopping areas such as Oxford Street and Regent Street, tourist attractions and parks, with excellent bus routes and underground stations for trips further afield, this is truly a perfect choice as a base for exploring and oh so important shopping.
Brides and Grooms can enjoy a fabulous stay on the night of their wedding, as well as the wedding party being well catered for, in a suite of rooms preparing for their Wedding Day. This venue is perfect for intimate Hen and Stag escape weekends and private dinners with friends and family.
Fancy treating your best friend? This is also a perfect retreat for a weekend away or a one night stop over! We treated ourselves to a trip to the Theatre to see The 49 Night Steps and Dinner in the West End with a visit to Covent Garden and The Science Museum.
We highly recommended this Hotel... it certainly gets a 5* Review from The Wedding Affair.
Huge thanks to Luxe PR and to the General Manager and Members of Staff for their impeccable service and a stay to remember!
The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
For reservations, please call: 020 7724 4700 or www.thearchlondon.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/thearchlondon
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