Review

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Opened in 1999, the five-star St Martin’s Lane is slightly older – and less exclusive – in feel than its sister hotel The Sanderson, but is equally stylish. Entered through towering yellow glass revolving doors (the tallest in London), the lobby is a soaring, dramatic space. Giant chess pieces, gilt chairs and molar-teeth stools (all by designer Philippe Starck) are scattered across the open space, while recessed niches are painted a welcoming deep yellow. Flashes of mood-altering colour are a recurring theme at St Martin’s – The Light Bar has four separate colour-saturated areas, and each of the 204 bedrooms has an interactive light installation, allowing guests to bathe the space in a spectrum of colours at the flick of a switch. While not afraid of making bold statements, Starck has been careful not to overdesign: there are pristine white beds, Lucite chairs and onyx desktops with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking busy Covent Garden. If that induces agoraphobia, there’s plenty to stay in for – including excellent caipirinhas at the modernist Rum Bar, fusion food at its restaurant Asia de Cuba and celeb-spotting as they spill out of its new private members’ club Bungalow 8.

Hg2 Special Offer

St Martin's Lane are offering people who book through Hg2 two free cocktails in the Light Bar and a room upgrade (subject to availability). The hotel should be aware that your booking has come through Hg2, but we recommend taking along a copy of your booking confirmation, just in case.