Words by Sarah Finley
In London, it’s rare to find a hotel that wows me. Most of the time I’m still aware that I’m in the busy capital and just a step away from the hustle and bustle of rush hour or tourists.
But walking into the Me London hotel is a step away from reality, it’s as though you’ve walked on to a sci-fi movie set. The dark setting allows for holograms on the marble walls, which complement a long white leather sofa, and is sometimes used as a movie backdrop.
You can’t help but look up when you get into the reception area – designed in an irregular pyramid shape, just like the shard, it forms the basis of the whole hotel as it reaches the hotels rooftop bar.
Check-in was seamless and I was even greeted with a glass of prosecco from its bath of chilled prosecco bottles – something I could definitely get used to.
As I stepped out of the lift on my floor more dark marble walls greeted me, which were in complete contrast to my room containing white washed bedding, walls and bathroom. I stayed in an Energy Urban room – which came decked out with a balcony overlooking Covent Garden, the best rain shower I’ve ever experienced and even mood lighting.
The hotel prides itself on making the rooms as tech savy as possible, with cables to plug in laptops, phones for speakers and digital-display panels that control everything, from lighting to temperature.
The hotel also houses the trendy STK restaurant – hidden behind a door which you barely realise is there. As soon as I walked in I felt important – full with business men, girls on Instagram-worthy nights out and couples – it also has more than an impressive steak menu.
Our host was very attentive and gave my (vegan) dining partner and I some excellent menu suggestions, given we were in a steak restaurant (!) and also picked out a great seletion of cocktails for us to try. We finished off the night’s meal with what must be one of their most popular desserts – an ice cream for two, with candy floss for decoration.
The rooftop bar is well worth a visit too – even if you’re not staying at the hotel. Housed above the skyline of London, with spectacular views of Somerset house, the Eye and London Bridge it also offers an impressive cocktail menu. If you’re staying at the hotel you have instant access to the bar but you can also try your luck when you’re not. This summer they’ll also open up the bar to those wanting brunch, cocktails and early morning breakfast meetings.
With 157 rooms there are also 17 suites – where, if you have the sort of budget for them, you can enjoy bedrooms which look straight down to the Strand, living rooms that look like London flats and extras like your own bar and coffee machine.
After a few night caps at the radio bar I was ready to snuggle into my Egyptian sheets, and that evening I fell asleep completely forgetting where I was for the night.
Rooms at Me London hotel start at £200.
Address: Strand, London WC2R 1HA
Phone: 020 7395 3400
