Walking into ME London’s ground-floor entrance just off the Strand is a confusing experience. Across from the popular STK restaurant is a bar concealed behind a barricade of silver poles, with lounge seats scattered about, but no concierge desk. After a few minutes of wandering we are approached by a helpful bellboy who informs us that reception is actually one floor above, accessed by a set of private lifts behind the bar. It’s clear he’s had to explain this before.
The lobby, it turns out, is worth the extra effort. Walls of grey marble extend up to the ceiling on which projected images of jellyfish ascend up the walls. Every night at 8pm there’s a free light show here for guests, with complimentary Cava (Spanish bubbly).
The first hotel to be entirely designed by Norman Foster + Partners, it’s clear that ME London is big on style, but thankfully without sacrificing substance. The Passion Suite, on the sixth floor, is one of the most thoughtfully-planned hotel rooms I’ve seen. The door opens into a central corridor that runs straight through to a semi-circular bedroom, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Strand.
Outside the bedroom, the master bathroom has been split into two on either side of the corridor: one with an enormous triangular bathtub and separate walk-in rain shower, and the other with his and hers sinks, a toilet inside a frosted glass compartment, and a vanity area. Continuing along the corridor, we come across the lounge with a table and chairs beside the window, a nice spot for in-room dining.
Or, you could curl up on the sofa and watch a movie on the enormous flatscreen, inlaid into a slab of black marble covering one wall. The minibar is also split into two, hidden behind sleek, lacquered doors in the lounge and bedroom and offering a selection of gourmet treats, fragrances, special care packages,dog toys, a Nespresso machine in the lounge and tea-making facilities in the bedroom.
Thoughtful extras are abundant: touch-activated panels in the lounge and bedroom control temperature and lighting, while the work desk is embedded with USB ports, adaptors, and iPad chargers. There are candles and matches throughout the suite, and toiletries from all-natural brand Apivita include mouthwash and makeup remover. ME London’s crowning glory is its rooftop bar, Radio, an homage to neighbouring Marconi House, formerly the headquarters of the BBC.
Inside, a central bar is surrounded by tables positioned in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. On the patio, sofas and daybeds share 360-degree city views, so it’s no surprise that Radio is at full capacity when we head up there for a drink. No problem – a quick phone call to our ‘Aura Manager’ (ME’s answer to the personal concierge) and we are personally informed 20 minutes later that a table is ready for us. Style, service and sophistication: trendy doesn’t have to be try-hard.
THE IMPORTANT BIT
What: Passion Suite
Where: ME London, 336-337 The Strand, London
Price: starting from GBP 1,140 (US $1,698) per night, including VAT.
Contact: +44 207 395 3400