Did someone say ME time? A sleekly symmetrical haven sitting in the centre of Theatreland, editor Sophie Ritchie spends the night getting acquainted with ME London’s modish five-star surroundings (and matching Jubilee-inspired cocktails) in celebration of all things royally impressive
Although it’s one of London’s swankiest hotels, approaching ME London’s fairly ordinary entrance from the outside would leave you none the wiser to the ultra luxe surroundings awaiting within. A design dreamt up by the architects Foster + Partners (the same firm behind projects such as the Gherkin, South Quay Plaza and Switzerland’s The Dolder Grand hotel, to namedrop a few) this stay is so much more than just a selection of room categories and a lobby.
Part of Spanish hotel group Meliá, anticipate an out of this world experience from the moment you step over the glossy threshold, with intricate triangular detail woven into everything. From the contemporary interiors to the nooks and crannies that an average Joe would never even think to consider, ME London is immeasurably more than meets the eye.
As well as the 157 guest rooms, 15 luxury suites and the duplex penthouse suite ME, locals and tourists alike flock here for the hotel’s dining scene, which includes a trio of well-known hotspots. For steak meets soiree, there’s the ground-floor STK London – where a bodycon dress is just as easily spotted a plate of top notch USDA prime beef. One floor up, Italian fare can be found at Luciano by Gino D’Acampo, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & drinks in a chicly casual space until late.
Undeniably, the main magnetism comes from buzzy Radio Rooftop bar and its panoramic views – where the eyefuls across London’s building-peppered skyline are captivating enough to entice even the city’s most stylish residents for post-work drinks, date nights or simply meetings with a little wow-factor. Alongside the teetering tipples, there’s also a light menu of small plates in the form of sliders, fries, gyoza and other drool-worthy bites to devour.
You’ll notice that the hotel feels more exclusive the higher up you get – this is another deliberate design detail from Foster + Partners, who aimed to establish ‘a natural hierarchy of privacy, which extends from the public spaces at street level to the guest terraces and roof garden at the very top of the building.’
With impeccable design at the core of this hotel, it’s no surprise that ME London has firmly cemented its reputation for being one of London’s coolest stays. The welcome Marconi lounge (aptly named after Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the radio) is an experience in itself, decked out throughout with hollow silver cylinders that aren’t just easy on the eye – they’ve been designed to absorb sound as guests wander through to avoid an unwanted echo.
Along with the comfy seating areas to stretch your limbs out on, complementary bowls of sweets and an assortment of books provide a laidback luxe space for unwinding or remote working. But of course, this silkily seductive lounge is really just a front – it’s the upstairs first floor lobby that truly prompts a guest to erupt into a chorus of ‘Oohs‘.
Step out of the lift and watch the ceiling stretch upwards into a sky high triangle, creating such an unusual space that you’ll feel as if you’ve been teleported to a subterranean film set. The front desk is manned by a team of helpful and approachable staff, who check-in guests with a welcoming glass of Cava (Meliá is a Spanish-based hotel brand, after all) for an added drop of luxury.
It’s from here guests are directed to their rooms – which are found, contrastingly to the light-drenched lobby, along different corridors cloaked in semi-darkness for a carefully-curated yin and yang effect.
The Room
Swipe the shiny key and open the door to step into an elongated corridor, which stretches out to reveal a canvas composed of white walls and minimalistic decor, creating a clear, calm and clutter-free space with either cityscape or waterside views. A rather tactfully-positioned table and leather chairs provides an elegant perch for drinking it all in, with the triangular bay windows presenting perfect people watching opportunities.
It’s worth noting that most of the room’s details are initially tucked, hidden or folded away. I search through the space and peer inside different drawers to find robes, slippers, hairdryer and of course, the essential Nespresso coffee machine neatly hidden away from initial view in the deliberately sparse space. Ironically, the mini bar contents are still on visible display – tempting anyone who enters with an eye-level (and eye-wateringly priced) assortment of gins, snacks and other goodies.
The bathroom’s sliding doors open to reveal pristine his n’ her sinks, large bottles of sustainable toiletries and a rather sexy double shower room. You know what they say after all, save water and shower together.
Back in the main bedroom area, a sprawling kingsize bed fills the space like a duvet-draped iceberg (and somehow, it feels even bigger once you’ve climbed in). Across the pillows, the nearby bright lights of Mamma Mia the Musical glint from the adjacent street, a visual reminder of how this location is ideal for anyone keen to delve into central London’s cultural scene.
Just in time for the Jubilee, ME London have celebrated the 70-year occasion with a series of fun activations, including ‘The Queen of Arts’ exhibition for all to admire in the ground floor Marconi lounge. Hosted in collaboration with Gone Rogue, a business supporting both artists and art buyers with their purchases, the exhibition showcases a number of different artists’ impressions of the monarch, displayed in a wide variety of interpreted forms.
At their own leisure, visitors can peruse the selection, which features everything from graffiti-covered frames to intricately detailed pieces and paint-splattered portraits – available for all to see (and also purchase, should they wish) as they stroll through the public space.
As well as the creative talking points, swoop up to Radio Rooftop and make the most of a truly delicious Jubilee-themed cocktail menu which gradually unveiled a series of different HRH-inspired tipples in the lead up to the grand June Bank Holiday weekend.
For something truly exquisite, order the rose-infused Strength and Stay gin martini. Created to commemorate the Queen’s and Prince Phillip’s Golden Wedding Anniversary, the delicate potion features lillet blanc to keep it floral and citrusy, delicately paired with Tanqueray No. TEN. Just add skyline for the ultimate regal sip!
The Wordrobe Verdict
God Sauv the Queen. Undeniably one of London’s most incredible design hotels, feast your eyes (and palate) on ME London’s immersive contemporary hotel experience. The rooms are swish, the cocktails are suave, and when it comes to the rooftop skyline – well, that’s truly sublime.
Make it happen
Where: ME London, Strand, London WC2R 1HA
How: Find out more and make a booking via melondonhotel.com
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
