Evaluate: The Cumberland, Marble Arch, London, UK

The Cumberland regained its outdated identify in Would possibly, having spent numerous years because the Exhausting Rock Lodge London. However, in spite of the identify exchange, the musical associations of the 900-room lodge, which was once the closing respectable place of abode of Jimi Hendrix and residential to the unique Exhausting Rock Cafe, nonetheless stay. In reality, musical references abound, from the lodge’s brand (a ‘C’ set towards the form of a guitar pluck) to the “It’s Oh So Quiet” do-not-disturb indicators (a nod to a track via Betty Hutton, and later Björk).

The lodge is owned via Clermont Lodge Team, stated to the most important owner-operator in London via room rely. The crowd was once previously referred to as GLH Accommodations and as Guoman ahead of that.

The welcome

I arrived on the lodge at round 8am – a long way too early for check-in, however in order that I may just drop off my baggage and cross about my day with out taking it with me in all places. The concierge personnel have been very accommodating, offering me with a price tag in order that I may just re-claim my saved baggage on my go back.

That night, re-united with my baggage, I went to check-in. I used to be staying in a Famous person Suite and, as soon as reception had established this, instantly resulted in a 2d ‘hidden’ and extra intimate reception in the back of closed doorways, and invited to sit down with a tumbler of Champagne. This personal ‘Behind the curtain’ living room was once an surprising perk, comes with limitless refreshments and snacks, and is to be had to visitors staying in govt rooms and suites.

The room

I used to be proven to my Famous person Suite (Room 8005) via Angelica, who kindly helped with my baggage. I might in most cases were satisfied to hold it myself however, with an unexpectected glass of Champagne, some forms and my room keys in hand, that had unexpectedly develop into slightly tougher.

The suite spans 45 sq. metres and springs with a super-comfortable King measurement Hypnos mattress. It could possibly actually sleep as much as 4 other folks because the settee in the living room can double up as a settee mattress.

It will have to be over 30 years – perhaps nearly 40 – since I’ve if truth be told performed a vinyl report, however within the room is a Crosley turntable and a field filled with vinyl, containing the whole lot from Blur’s Park Existence to Black Stone Cherry reside from The Royal Albert Corridor, in addition to a Fender guitar and Marshall amplifier.

“Welcome, Paul!” is written on a replicate that doubles as a top chart, with markings starting from Snoop-Dogg (6’4″) to Ariana Grande (5’0″). At 6’0″, I percentage the similar top as George Michael and Stevie Surprise. The partitions also are decorated with photos of Amy Winehouse and Bryan Would possibly.

Room facilities come with tub gowns and slippers, a complimentary minibar this is re-stocked as much as 3 times consistent with day, a Nespresso gadget, a separate living room space, and the entire different modcons chances are you’ll be expecting.

On drawing again the curtains, I uncover I’ve an outstanding view of the London Eye.

The toilet

The toilet is ethereal and light-weight, with flooring to ceiling tiles, and a separate tub and rainfall bathe.

Essentiel Parts toiletries are equipped – a Gilchrist & Soames emblem that comprises high-grade crucial oils, with out a artificial fragrances or dyes, developing merchandise that nourish the frame whilst awakening the senses.

The amenities

Some of the issues that moves you in regards to the lodge at the arrival is the large lobby space. On the time of my consult with, the centre of this was once occupied via a London cab, offering visitors with a amusing photograph alternative; however to the left is a big space taken up via the SOUND Café, billed as ‘3 venues in a single’ because it serves as a sports activities bar, reside song venue and a café serving foods and drinks.

The eating may be very casual – I took a spot on the bar the place it was once slightly bit brighter for taking images. Pictured is the salt and pepper calamari, deep-fried and served with a chive and garlic mayonnaise.

My major was once a chief New York strip steak, crowned with a herb butter and highly spiced shrimp, and served with triple-cooked chips, grilled mushroom and tomato, in conjunction with a Caesar facet salad. I requested for the steak ‘very uncommon’ and it was once cooked completely.

Downstairs within the basement is ‘The Inexperienced Room’ the place a buffet breakfast is served each and every morning, and there’s an additionally an omelette station in the event you’d desire one thing made to reserve.

The positioning

With ease positioned at a crossroads within the middle of London’s bustling West Finish, The Cumberland is simply moments clear of town’s iconic Marble Arch, frequently regarded as the gateway to London’s tradition, trade and leisure. Simply yards from Marble Arch Underground station at the Central Line and with Hyde Park and Oxford Side road’s world-renowned buying groceries each just a leisurely walk away (it’s handiest 5 mins to Selfridges), the lodge is fantastically located.

Different great touches

The Cumberland sorted me exceptionally smartly. In my room was once a bottle of fizz, a plate of clean fruit and a few complimentary goodies. 

The fee

Double and dual rooms get started from £199 consistent with night time.
Famous person Suites get started from £455 consistent with night time.

The most efficient bit

The exclusivity of the check-in was once very surprising. It gave a phenomenal first impact, and the behind the curtain living room served as a relaxed oasis of calm clear of the hustle and bustle of the principle lobby.

The general verdict

Seamlessly combining fashionable sophistication with vintage class, my keep at The Cumberland was once a completely stress-free one. The lodge’s trendy decor, spacious Famous person suites and attentive carrier create a welcoming environment for visitors within the middle of town.

Dislcosure: Our keep was once subsidized via The Cumberland.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Shuttle Weblog and has labored within the shuttle business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Inventions in Shuttle ‘Very best Shuttle Influencer’ Award from WIRED mag. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the crucial international’s easiest shuttle blogs” and “easiest for luxurious” via The Day by day Telegraph.