We review the W London Soho, a modern, design-forward option that boasts a fabulous location and plenty of creature comforts in the heart of London’s West End.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant chaos of London’s beating heart with the W London Hotel. Hidden away amidst bustling Leicester Square and Chinatown, the W London is your backstage pass to the city’s wild side. With its own personality, quirks, and a whole lot of character, the 193-key W Hotel London is more like your cool friend’s pad in the middle of all the action than a chain hotel. If you’re looking for something a little less God Save the Queen (the anthem version) and a little more God Save the Queen (the Sex Pistols version), then the W London is the perfect place to kick off your London adventure.
The Marvellous Suite
The Room.
The Marvellous Suite, as the name suggests, is pretty…well…marvellous. The suite, clocking in at 50sqm/538sqft, sounds compact – but this is London, after all, and the hotel occupies some of the priciest real estate on the globe. Whilst a St Regis Suite it may not be, the W London’s Marvellous Suite offers ample space to relax and unwind, with a separate combined living area and bedroom and an enormous bathroom. (Standard rooms have the bathroom contained within the same bedroom space studio style, not separated, so these rooms could be difficult when sharing the room in a twin configuration given the lack of privacy.) It’s probably the spacious bathroom that stands out as the major feature of this suite type – if you are someone who loves a soak, you’re in for a treat.
W London’s signature contemporary style shines through in the suite’s design – think white and grey accented by purple and silver – and lots of it. The suite features a king sized bed, smart room iPad controls and a 40-inch flat-screen TV. As one would expect, the room is equipped with a Nespresso machine and mini fridge.
The bathroom features a giant tub, a long, free-standing vanity space (unusually located in the middle of the room) and mirrors aplenty. As two people who were getting ready for an awards event in the suite, there was plenty of room to attack hair, makeup and outfits without tripping over each other.
Hair amenities are, impressively, supplied by Davines, so you can confidently leave your shampoo and conditioner at home – hallelujah! The bottles supplied in the suites were sizable, so you’ll no doubt be taking some home; you might just find yourself a convert to the brand. We were certainly impressed by the quality.
The room has an iron and ironing board, which is handy – though wouldn’t it be nice if hotel rooms started providing steamers instead (like our recent visit to Montage, Healdsburg)? We hope it’s a trend that catches on – who still uses an iron in 2024??
The bedding is, in true W style, marvellous. You’re guaranteed a fabulous night’s sleep when staying at a W, the pillows and duvets are lush and the sheets soft and smooth. As travellers who take our pillow everywhere, we’d be confident leaving it behind when staying at this hotel.
The hotel has a signature W AWAY Spa, a FIT Fitness Centre and if you need a cheeky drink before braving the London madness, a cocktail bar in which to grab a tipple.
You may get a stunning view of the bustling streets of the West End, with the suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows – we were on a low floor however, so our views of the crowded streets were somewhat average.
Location.
The W London’s location in the heart of the city at the corner of Leicester Square makes it an ideal base for shopping enthusiasts. The hotel’s proximity to these major shopping districts allows guests to easily access some of the best retail experiences London has to offer. Whether you’re interested in the bustling energy of Oxford Circus, the exclusivity of Bond Street, or the unparalleled luxury of Harrods and Selfridges, all are within comfortable reach from the W London. It’s a mere stone’s throw away from some of London’s most iconic attractions:
- Chinatown (0.1 miles): Step out of the W and you’re greeted immediately with the grand gates of the popular Asian dining district, with dozens of options on offer for enthusiasts of all things Chinese – but be warned, restaurants don’t open late and the quality can be…questionable. We hear new opening Speedboat Thai may be worth a visit, however…
- Leicester Square (0.1 miles): Right at your doorstep, this bustling square is a hub for entertainment and dining.
- Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles): A short 5-minute walk takes you to this famous road junction, known for its neon signs and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain.
- Covent Garden (0.4 miles): A 10-minute stroll leads to Covent Garden, a delightful area with quirky shops, restaurants, trendy bars, and the Royal Opera House.
- The National Gallery (0.5 miles): Within a 10-minute walk, art lovers can explore this renowned art museum housing a vast collection of paintings.
- Oxford Circus (0.6 miles): This bustling intersection in the West End of London is famous for the flagship stores of numerous high-street brands such as Top Shop and H&M.
- New Bond Street and Old Bond Street (0.5 miles): Synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, New and Old Bond Street house some of the world’s most prestigious brands and boutiques – think Louis Vuitton, Brunello Cucinelli and Hermes, plus many others.
Our Verdict.
The W London, especially the Marvellous Suite category, is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a luxurious and stylish stay in the heart of London. Its proximity to major attractions, popular shopping streets, dining and entertainment districts, combined with its outstanding amenities, makes it an ideal base for exploring the city. Our experience was nothing short of spectacular, and we’d happily return. Whether you’re in London for business or pleasure, the W London promises an unforgettable stay.
