MARVEL ARCH
STEVE WOLLASTON says a break in London is a capital idea, and you may catch a glimpse of a superstar neighbour
ON a recent trip to London, I found it hard to prise my wife and daughter away from the hotel window. I would love to say they weren’t being incredibly nosey, but they were. With good reason though. Madonna’s London home is close to where we were staying and they were hoping to catch a glimpse of the pop icon popping out for a pint of milk or walking the dog.
It’s not a surprise that The Arch has such prestigious neighbours though, it’s a boutique hotel that oozes class and sophistication.
Nestled in the heart of Great Cumberland Place near Marble Arch, it’s an ideal base for exploring the wider city. The vast green expanse of Hyde Park is only minutes away by foot, for example.
And what a base it is, a bold fusion of modern design and Georgian architecture. Dating back to 1791, it’s good to see that the old can sit so successfully with the modern world of hotels.
From the moment you set foot in the hotel, the emphasis is on style and service.
Staff stand ready to cater to your every need, but not in a overbearing manner. You just get the impression that nothing is too much trouble.
Striking artwork by top contemporary British artists adorns the walls at every turn.
The amenities couldn’t be more impressive, either. A state-of-the art gym is tucked away in the bowels of the hotel on the bottom floor. There’s an award-winning restaurant Hunter 486, where we sampled a number of meals that were certainly befitting of the surroundings.
I tried a 28-day aged rib-eye steak, as good as any I had tasted, anywhere. My wife made appreciative noises about the lamb shank and my daughter enjoyed eating her freshly made pizza as much as she enjoyed watching its creation.
The dessert and wine menus were equally impressive, and for those wanting a luxurious afternoon tea, The Arch is quickly carving out an enviable reputation.
These can be enjoyed in the wonderfully named Martini Library, and there is, of course, a well-stocked champagne bar for those with a penchant for the fizzy stuff.
When it comes to drinking, I have to say I was delighted to discover ‘Jing Tea’, the most satisfying and refreshing breakfast tea I can remember tasting.
All rooms come equipped with complimentary drinks and Nespresso machine, plus a free non-alcoholic minibar.
We were lucky enough to stay in one of the hotel’s suites. I’ll be honest, I would happily have moved in and posted my house keys back home.
Suites are beautifully decorated and, once again, a fusion of old and new. Old-fashioned armchairs and desks blend seamlessly with the vibrant art the hotel prides itself on.
Plasma televisions rise from the bedsteads and there’s another one in the bath, too. Obviously.
The suite was something special but in truth, it’s not a one-off. We had a look at a number of the different rooms on offer, and one thing was constant – the quality.
It really is an impressive place, lovingly cared for and striving for excellence in every department.
It’s no surprise then, that it gets its fair share of celebrity visitors. But despite its exclusive feel, it is both child and dogfriendly.
It’s competitively priced for the calibre and I can’t imagine anyone checking out without wishing they could stay longer. Comfort and class are wedded to excellence and tradition. We didn’t see Madonna though. It’s not like the Material Girl to be quite so shy.