Landmark London review

Located just a stone’s throw from Marylebone train station, The Landmark London was born in the romantic era of train travel and has a long history as one of the capital’s most renowned railway hotels.

First opened in 1899, the hotel has maintained its luxurious standards ever since, with stunning interior architecture and classic design. The hotel has since undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment, maintaining the same opulence but with a contemporary flair and modern “five-star” amenities.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by friendly doormen who swing open the vast doors to reveal a grand entranceway, complete with marble flooring and floral displays. Check-in is a smooth process, with guest service attendants on hand to whisk bags up to the rooms.

The entryway leads to the heart of the hotel, a glass-roofed atrium which houses the famous Winter Garden, described as “an oasis of luxury” in the heart of the city. Vast palm trees soar overhead, while the tinkling of the grand piano lures guests further into the serene surroundings.

Rooms and amenities are spread across six stories in the grand main building which surrounds the courtyard, with two of the upper levels set out like balconies, situated behind black wrought iron railings, creating a sense of being outdoors.

Residents can also escape the busy London streets and retreat to the spa inside the hotel, where they can have a swim or indulge in a variety of treatments. The spa houses its own hair and beauty salon, as well as a well-equipped gym and 15-metre, chlorine-free swimming pool. The cost of treatments ranges, with a 50-minute aromatic massage available for £115.

Rating: 5/5

There are several dining and drinking options to choose from at The Landmark London, some of which are open to the public as well as guests. However, on a weekend, the breakfast buffet remains exclusive to those holding a room key.

One of the hotel’s most famous offerings is its afternoon tea, which takes place in the Winter Garden between the luscious towering palms giving an al-fresco experience while being indoors.

Our afternoon tea experience occurred in the period leading up to Valentine’s Day, meaning a romantically-themed menu. Though the afternoon tea offers a specific menu, helpful waiting staff are able to cater and accommodate to dietary requirements.

Finger sandwiches include organic egg mayonnaise with black truffle and chives and coronation chicken on sumptuous walnut bread. One of the main features that sets this afternoon tea apart from the rest is the offering of unlimited fresh sandwiches.

For those with a sweet tooth, melt-in-the-mouth scones are provided with an array of jams including strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb redcurrant and vanilla, marmalade and apricot.

Decadent desserts are also on offer, though change seasonally. For our stay, we feasted on strawberry and white chocolate macarons, raspberry and ginger jam tarts, mango and passionfruit tarts and salted pistachio choux pastries.

An all-encompassing menu of teas is also available, but guests do have the option of making turning their occasion into a sparkling one with champagne for an extra cost.

For those with a penchant for gastro-pub grub, the Great Central Pub by Matt Fletcher offers a relaxed dining experience with a number of classic dishes to choose from. The pan-roasted chicken breast with creamed savoy cabbage, carrots and a bacon and mushroom sauce is an instant winner.

Side dishes include hand-cut chips with rosemary salt, buttered tender-stem broccoli and a chard, rocket and spinach salad. For dessert, diners can choose from classics such as an Eton mess, chocolate nut sundae, lemon brûlée tart and British cheese board.

If you’re in the mood for a tipple, one of the hotel’s best-kept secrets is The Mirror Bar, which operates a walk-in policy and services a huge selection of alcoholic drinks including a hand-crafted cocktail menu.

When morning comes, guests can enjoy a jam-packed breakfast buffet and choose from both continental and cooked options. The warm buttermilk pancakes and sweet, crisp Danish pastries are well worth trying.

Upstairs, the Garden Terrace provides a cosy lounge area, ideal for a coffee, drink or a light meal. The creamy hot chocolate is a particularly delicious way to warm up on a chilly day.

Rating: 5/5

Based in Marylebone, The Landmark London is adjacent to Marylebone train station meaning guests can access direct trains to the Chilterns. Meanwhile, Baker Street tube station is just a five-minute walk away offering links to the wider capital for those looking to explore the city.

Rating: 3/5

Room rates vary depending on price and time of year, with a Superior Room available for £400 per night on average. The Marylebone Suite is approximately £800 per night, depending on the time of year and availability. Find rooms and book direct on The Landmark London website.

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