Pre-Arrival
– Was there any pre-arrival communication by the hotel with myself via email or social media?
My stay was organised via email weeks before and there was no further communication.
– Did I try to engage the hotel via Twitter? Did the hotel interact with me and made me feel welcome/special?
I did indeed, but really didn’t get a lot of response.
– Has the hotel tried to gather any personal information (e.g. preferences) prior to my stay?
Not really.
Arrival
– The wow factor! What was the hotel decor style?
This hotel is what we could call an oldie but goodie – it is quite old-fashioned, but comfortable. The hotel has two entrances (the back one facing Marylebone station) and the front one facing the main street. I used the ‘back door’ when I arrived, but the front door on other occasions. Once you get to reception, you are wowed with the amazing winter garden which you cannot miss. It is tired in terms of decor and it shows.
– How quick and efficient was the hotel check-in?
It was very straightforward and efficient.
– Was I addressed by name once reservation has been located? (it is all about the small details, some others are outstanding with this, and I love it, like I do when I board an airplane)
I was indeed.
– Did I get an upgrade from my confirmed pre-booked room type?
I wasn’t sure what room type I was going to get – and I was assigned the Marylebone Studio Suite.
– Did I feel genuinely welcomed by the hotel staff?
I thought the staff were very good. I spent quite a bit of time at the hotel during my stay and never had a problem.
– Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know
I had some meetings so I left my luggage at reception and it was taken to my room.
– Wi-fi – was I told anything about it? Was there a charge?
I used it and it was complementary. The signal wasn’t stellar in the bedroom.
Room Experience
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The Marylebone Studio was spacious and quiet
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
The room was really large for London standards – and the decor was absolutely fine. The hotel needs a refurbishment, in my honest opinion, but the rooms were comfortable.
– Welcome amenity
I had some fruit and some water – not terribly exciting.
– The bed
Was really a bit hard but the pillows were good, though.
– Closet/Wardrobe – proper hangers or those annoying ones where you need a PhD to get them out one by one? This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can’t stand them.
All good in this department.
– Iphone Charger/Dock
There was an iPhone 4 dock and sound system. Sadly no use to me.
– Bathrobes and slippers
Yes but looking tired.
– Coffee and Tea
Yes, a Nespresso coffee maker.
– Free bottled water
Yes indeed.
– Magazine selection – had some nice surprises and doesn’t happen often enough!
Not brilliant, but I did appreciate the copy of Harper’s Bazaar.
– Power sockets in useful places – we have more and more devices and we know where we want them! By the bed, by the working area.
Right by the bed, not a problem at all.
Bathroom
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
The bathroom was the real let down of the experience and where you could tell that there have been some years since the last update.
– Bath, shower and taps – I am looking for Duravits and Hansgrohes (or other fab brands) around the world. How fab was the shower? And a little pet peeve.. was I able to operate the shower without asking Mr. O for help?
We had a bath and a separate walk-in shower. The shower was not brilliant and a lot of water came out, but it had good pressure.
– Towels – yes, please! How many and how soft and lovely?
Not fantastic to be honest.
– Toiletries – own brand, super brand, baby ones or proper ones? I shall find out!
A huge disappointment, as you can see in the photo. This is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and to be honest, I did expect more.
– Amenity kit – I don’t want more sewing kits thank you very much, but I will need a shower cap.
I did have a shower cap. That was all.
– Hairdryer – is it a human one, or just something stuck to a wall that only makes noise?
There was one, but quite old and not useful.
Restaurant
Dinner was a very pleasant surprise. We had a very very nice dinner at the Winter Garden – we chose the Tasting Menu, which was outstanding value at £50, with wine pairing at £75 (total). Service was impeccable and personal – it was lovely indeed. I adored the white onion soup and the roast pigeon. And do not get me started on the cheese selection – excellent!
Breakfast
Breakfast was really good – I have to say the food was outstanding at The Landmark London. I opted for the continental buffet and was spoiled for choice. I loved the juice selection (not just your average ‘apple or orange?’), the real fresh fruit and the bread selection. Top marks.
General thoughts
– How good and reliable was the wi-fi?
In public areas it was good, but not in the bedroom, I must say.
– Did the hotel interact with me via Twitter during my stay?
Not really.
– Location
A very interesting location – although it is in a main road, it is close to everything. Back to back with Marylebone station, it is also very close from Paddington, Euston and King’s Cross. And within walking distance to Marylebone and the West End.
– Cost – rooms starting from…
Standard rooms start at £225 and the Marylebone Studio from £450 including breakfast.
– Would I recommend it to my best friend?
Honestly, no. I think there would be other options best suited for her.
– Would I stay again?
I don’t think I would unless there is a refurbishment.
Have you visited this hotel? What were your thoughts?
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: I was a guest of The Landmark London during this stay, but hopefully you will see that this has not influenced my thoughts about the property. For more information about the hotel, visit its official website.