Pays a visit to an eye-catching new London hotel with cool green credentials
JOSEPH DEXTER,
ONDON has a wealth of exciting things to see and do – and there’s also a host of hotels on offer.
Whether you’re in the capital to see the sights, shopping or stopping by for business, how do you decide on the best place to stay?
You can go for style or you can go for substance, but why not have your cake and eat it too?
Bankside Hotel offers both, with artwork from local artists throughout as well as exceptional rooms, food and customer service.
Celebrating its first anniversary, the new kid on the Thames-side block is in a class of its own – and you won’t see anything else quite like it.
Part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection, it’s designed by Dayna Lee of the Los Angeles’ Powerstrip Studio. As a former film set art director, Dayna’s cinematography roots can be seen in the bold designs, quirky art and beautiful furniture.
On arrival I was instantly made to feel at ease, the reception desk more like a bar than a place to check-in on iPad.
Then there are surprises around every corner. Whether it’s the portraits of historical figures wearing caps and chains, or the sparkling pants with LED lights, you can’t help but get distracted.
In your room, meanwhile, you’re impressed just how luxurious everything is, right down to the smallest of details. The en-suite bathroom has a shower big enough to swing several cats, there was an enormous TV, a giant bed and sofa, and a coffee maker.
Despite the unfriendly view of a building site and a Waitrose, it was fun playing with the automatic blinds and, of course, ordering room service from the tablet.
Beside the remarkable art, one of the major themes here is the environment.
The tables are made of recycled plastic; there are no plastic bottles (you use water stations to fill your glass on each corridor); there’s no newspaper in the room – it’s been replaced by an iPad on which you can check the weather, local attractions and order room service.
Instead of having a minibar, guests can buy items from the eye-catching touchscreen vending machine in the corridor including bottles of Champagne, Tom Ford sunglasses, Apple AirPods, an ‘adults only’ Love Bag (don’t ask) and even a £125 adjustable engagement ring! – only one ring has been bought so far, on Valentine’s Day last year. How romantic!
With the Tate Modern just around the corner, it would be rude not to visit and we took a tour with Travel Curious, who organise expert-led trips in the local area.
Having learned more about abstract paintings, dinner beckoned – and was a bit of a let down.
With an extensive menu, you’re spoiled for choice, but due to its simplicity and vagueness it wasn’t always clear what you were going to get.
My steak, which was admittedly cooked to perfection, was served with a side of chimichurri shoestring fries but after five bites it was all gone and I didn’t feel any fuller. My partner’s wood-fired chicken, meanwhile, was less than appetising, under-cooked and ‘rubbery’.
Service was also incredibly hit and miss with the barman preparing each drink with a smile whilst the waiter couldn’t have been more miserable.
Other meals throughout our stay were the polar opposite. The full English breakfast was superb and the Smoked Haddock Hash I had with the bottomless brunch couldn’t have been more flavoursome.
But, that apart, while some hotels go overboard with design and style, Bankside has hit the nail on the head and created a beautiful hotel that’s a delight to stay at.
Just be sure to look over your shoulder before you start looking through the ‘Love Bag’’ – if you happen have bought one from the vending machine. banksidehotel.com 0203 319 5988.
■ The ArtYard Bar & Kitchen can be found at the back of the hotel, serving everything from bottomless brunch to a romantic dinner. Call to book on 0203 943 2020.