Nestled in the heart of one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods, Marylebone, the Holmes Hotel is a somewhat hidden and unsuspecting gem that offers a blend of modern luxury and classic British charm. The team’s attentive service, elegant design and prime location make it a top choice for travellers seeking a memorable, minimal-fuss experience in the city.
Location
The Holmes Hotel enjoys a prime location in Marylebone, a neighbourhood often renowned for its elevated surroundings and chic offering of boutiques and bakeries. Situated just a short walk from famous landmarks such as Regent’s Park, Baker Street and Oxford Street, the hotel provides easy access to some of London’s best shopping, dining and cultural attractions.
Marylebone itself is worth exploring throughout your stay, with picturesque streets and an equally vibrant food scene. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to London or a seasoned traveller, you’ll appreciate the convenience of Holmes Hotel’s location.
The property takes its inspiration from its namesake and infamous detective, filled with playful nods to Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional series making Holmes Hotel a bit more intriguing than your average boutique hotel. Playing upon this, you’ll notice the hotel is full of Holmes-inspired artwork, sculptures, antiques and curiosities but is cleverly paired with modern furniture and accessories by designers including Tom Dixon, Muuto and Mourne Textiles. The property is comprised of four Georgian buildings and features various curious corners throughout the larger rooms of the hotels perfect for reading, relaxing, people-watching and spotting the Sherlock-themed clues hidden throughout.
Rooms
The property offers a range of rooms and suites to suit the needs of every traveller – all equipped with comfortable king-sized beds, plush linens and blackout curtains to ensure a restful night’s sleep, while the in-room amenities include a Nespresso machine, generously stocked minibar, and high-speed Wi-Fi, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
What may surprise guests is the property’s growing commitment to sustainability as the hotel has implemented eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures and a recycling program, all of which contribute to a more environmentally conscious stay without compromising on comfort or luxury.
The property houses a total of 118 rooms which include suites as well as the cosy, deluxe and superior options. The bedrooms continue to the overarching Sherlock Holmes theme with dark accents and accessories complemented by high ceilings and large windows which nods to the property’s Georgian architecture. Those more partial to more simple decor will appreciate the minimal direction of the rooms and considerate smaller touches including the Molton Brown amenity kits, plush embroidered robes and complimentary branded tote bag to double as a souvenir from your stay.
Things To Do
Holmes Hotel provides a range of amenities designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of your stay. The hotel features a well-equipped fitness centre — the Peggy Doyle Gym — which has been cited as one of the world’s most luxurious gyms, fitted with stylish, handcrafted NOHrD equipment crafted from sustainable wood. The property’s serene and skilfully landscaped courtyard garden provides a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Ahead of dinner or other plans in the city, I’d recommend a stop at the hotel’s bar offering a menu of both classic and seasonal cocktails which can be enjoyed against the backdrop of the sounds of the city. The bar features a heated terrace perfect for al-fresco dining, catching up with friends and family and letting the day go by without a care. To create the magic of the hotel’s master mixologists, guests and fans of the brand can find recipes posted here.
For special occasions and those more important moments, pop over to the rooftop which can be rented exclusively for private events and comes with its own set of delicious event menus.
Dining
The signature restaurant’s menu is surprisingly colourful, offering fare of inventive Mediterranean dishes in front of an open kitchen, allowing guests to feel as one with the culinary experience and replicating that ‘on-holiday’ excitement of sitting by an open cooking flame, watching your meal being prepared ahead of you.
Of our chosen starters, the star of the show emerged as the Grilled Octopus served alongside potato, labneh, smoked paprika, burnt leeks and za’atar. The menu offers a considered balance of experimental dishes paired with fan-favourites such as Fried Squid and Zucchini Fritti which serve as comfort food whilst navigating between new flavours.
Highlights amongst the large plates on offer include the rich and indulgent Ricotta Ravioli, served with a generous helping of black truffle, the Pan Fried Hake accompanied by saffron impepata and Green Harissa Swordfish with raw fennel as its star ingredient. The focus of the kitchen is evident throughout as the team delivers a high-quality offering bursting with seasonal ingredients spanning both land and sea. We end in high spirits feeling indulgent and decadent, opting for the Tiramisu. It is a choice well-made and the perfect end to a faultless dinner.
The cocktail list is equally as intriguing as the restaurant offers a selection of aptly-named tipples ranging from the Diplomatico rum-spiked ‘Case Closed 12’ to the spicy ‘Cilantronita’ which surprises guests with herbaceous notes of coriander met with scotch bonnet-infused Olmeca Blanca. For those on the hunt for a low ABV or alcohol-free alternative — try Watson’s Secret, a citrusy number laced with thyme syrup for subtle added sweetness.
Breakfast is served within the same location and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace in the property’s signature restaurant or from the comforts of your room as room service is also available to guests.
Much like their evening service, the ingredients are fresh and the presentation is impeccable. We reflect on the evening over patisserie and split the Courgette & Feta Fritters, elongating our pseudo-Mediterranean adventure over breakfast before we return to the reality that is Central London and soften our departure with a stroll through Marylebone to visit Aesop’s newest opening.
In a Nutshell
Holmes Hotel in Marylebone is a true hidden gem in the heart of London. Its prime location, elegant accommodations and exceptional service make it an excellent choice for travellers seeking a luxurious and memorable stay in the city.
Whether you’re in London for business or leisure, the Holmes Hotel offers a warm and welcoming retreat that captures the essence of British hospitality. I wholeheartedly recommend this charming hotel to anyone looking for an unforgettable London experience. My stay at the Holmes Hotel was a welcome respite in an ever-bustling city, and I am eager to return.
To discover more, visit: holmeshotel.com
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All imagery courtesy of Holmes Hotel, Maryleborne.