Centrally located minutes from Marble Arch, Hyde Park and the West End, The Arch is the perfect base for a luxurious getaway in the heart of London. Whether you're a seasoned Londoner, frequent traveller or first-time visitor this boutique hotel is well positioned to take in the very best of the capital.
As soon as you step into the property the bustle of Oxford Street will feel world's away as the friendly and attentive staff make you feel like part of the family. With a curated art collection throughout the property showcasing eye-catching pieces from British artists, the hotel delivers the service demanded of a luxury hotel with the feel of a (albeit, much more luxurious) home away from home.
The ground floor of the hotel - which spans seven Grade II listed Georgian townhouses and two mews homes - features a number of spaces for guests to enjoy. In addition to the Hunter 486 restaurant, guest areas such as The Martini Library and Le Salon de Champagne are the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea or a cocktail before dinner.
The Room
Our room had a beautiful outlook over Great Cumberland Place and with high ceilings and lavish finishings it was the perfect location for a decadent weekend away. The open plan bedroom is exquisitely furnished, with each guestroom featuring a hand-painted bespoke wallpaper behind a bed adorned with duck down duvets and pillows that are so opulent you might be tempted to skip a night out in London in favour of room service from bed.
The spacious bathroom is large enough to ensure there will be no bickering over bench space although you can leave your own products at home in favour of the MALIN + GOETZ toiletries that were so good you might consider pinching a few for your own bathroom cabinet.
The rooms are full of character but a number of modern touches such as the flat screen television about the bathtub and digital 'Do Not Disturb' and 'Maid' signs allow the room to seamlessly blend old world charm with modern luxury.
Eating and Drinking
On the ground floor of the hotel is the elegant Hunter 486 restaurant which offers a faultless dining experience that caters to everyone's requirements. It's rare that you can enjoy a menu designed to showcase the best of Britain and leave one fussy eater with a nut allergy (that would be me) and a difficult vegetarian satisfied.
With an extensive wine and champagne list, the restaurant offers an intimate setting for a sumptuous three-course meal. We started things off with the tomato terrine and pork belly before moving on to an aubergine tart and a lobster, crab and king prawn risotto. Unsurprisingly, the risotto is the most popular item on the menu. For dessert, we had the fig mille-feuille and chocolate fondant, capping off a delightful evening with very full and happy bellies.
In the morning the restaurant offers a range of breakfast options from grab-and-go buffet items to a brunch offering that would make even the trendiest of cafes proud.
When To Go
The Arch is the perfect place to visit all year round. If you happen to visit during an unseasonably warm summer like we did, you'll be thrilled to find the rooms and suites are air conditioned (yes, I'm crediting The Arch with the best sleep I've had in months) but we imagine the hotel is just as charming in winter with lounge areas such as The Martini Library providing guests with the perfect spot to settle in with a warm drink and a book by the fireplace.
How To Book
Prices start from £350 for a deluxe room and £420 for a suite. For reservations, please visit www.thearchlondon.com or call 020 7724 4700.