Points Miles & Martinis contributor Nicky shares his thoughts on the London EDITION after a recent visit across the pond. This trip took place the end of 2019, as we’ve suspended our recent travel due to COVID-19.

The London EDITION, the third EDITION Hotel, opened in 2013, which was originally the 1908 Berners Hotel.  Located in the Fitzrovia and Soho area, the Georgian and Edwardian style buildings combined five townhouses into 173 rooms and suites.

The hotel is close to Oxford and Regent Street shops along with West End theaters.  It’s a Marriott Bonvoy category 7 property requiring 60,000 points for a standard free night redemption.

EDITION Hotels, one of Marriott International’s luxury branded hotels, mixes a boutique hotel with a modern luxury experience with the partnership with legendary hotelier, Ian Schrager.  Currently there are ten EDITION properties around the world with more on the pipeline. 

Arrival and Check-in

I arrived at the hotel by black cab from another hotel (Sheraton Grand London Park Lane).  The hotel from the exterior has been untouched from the original building – not a high building only about six floors. 

The hotel is in more of a residential area but just one block away from the main street, which makes it quiet yet convenient.  The entrance is a chic glass cube with a marquee like awning. The doorman opened the car door, welcomed me, and assisted with my luggage.  

My first impressions of the lobby I noticed how open and large it is.  I also noticed the Ian Schrager touches – classic yet chic furniture, lobby bar, pool table, fireplace, mood lighting, and minimalistic design. 

There are a lot of marble and wood elements. I liked how the lobby incorporated the original design while adding modern fixtures. Clearly the lobby was designed to be an all day social space.  Right off the lobby is the signature restaurant – Berners Tavern.    

I arrived before check in time and was assisted right away.  The front desk like the rest of the hotel is minimalistic, with a large tapestry behind the desk. 

However my room wasn’t ready but I was upgraded to a larger room – Deluxe Twinn Before I left, the front desk agent provided a glass bottle of water.  I spent the afternoon in a few museums before coming back to the hotel to grab my keys.   

Room

My room, a Deluxe Twin, was quite large at 328 sq.ft. and overlooked the street.  Since the hotel is not a tall building, there is no view to say however I wasn’t bothered since this was a typical London hotel.  As the hotel is in a residential area, there wasn’t much street noise, which is great for those who need a quiet stay. The bed was quite soft and comfy and I was able to sleep throughout the night.  

Upon entering the room, there is a lot of wood elements – from the doors to the desk area.  There are two twin sized beds, one which the signature faux fur throw blanket placed on one of the beds, which is to me, a design element rather than a necessity.  Next to one of the beds is a comfy lounge chair.

The lights overhead is built into the design of the room, instead of having a large chandelier, which helped brighten up the room.  Across from the bed is a single artwork, a humorous nod to the English, and a large flat screen TV.

Below the TV is a long desk that has a few books and guides about London along with a copy of The EDITION Broadstreet – the brand’s guide to what’s happening in their hotels and interviews with celebrities.  

Right before the bathroom is the curated minibar which has non-traditional items such as the signature EDITION candle, books, and a mini Krug bottle.  There is also a Nespresso machine with complimentary pods, which is restocked daily.     

The bathroom unlike the bedroom is very white and clean, and again, minimalistic.  There is a large sink however there isn’t much tabletop space. The large shower has an overhead rainforest shower with great pressure along with a handheld shower head.  

Toiletries are from Le Labo, which created a signature scent just for EDITION. I took an extra set with me to take home. Another annoying thing about the bathroom is that there are no plugs to be found – there is apparently a law that no plugs can be placed in the bathroom in the UK.  

Other amenities include fast Wi-Fi which is  complimentary for all guests and complimentary glass bottled water.  In addition, there is twice daily housekeeping service – one for turn down service.   

Public Spaces

The hotel has a gym located in the basement level.  The gym was quite large for a hotel gym and had everything you need for a gym including machines and free weights.  Also available at the gym are headphones, towels, water, and fruit.

Dining

The signature restaurant, Berners Tavern, serves all day dining from Chef Jason Atherton.  The design of the restaurant incorporates with the hotel design as well. You will notice a wall of artwork with dark tones throughout the restaurant. 

I was fortunate to have dinner there. The food is typical British comfort food with modern elements. On Sundays, they serve a traditional Sunday Roast.  There is an extensive wine and cocktail menu that one might have trouble making a decision. The food was fantastic however the service was quite slow.  

Service

Overall the service at the hotel was fantastic while maintaining a professional composure.   All of the staff went above and beyond and were willing to assist with a smile.   

Bottom Line

In all, I had a great stay at The London EDITION Hotel. The brand is new and upcoming and differentiates itself from other luxury hotels by incorporating the design of the location while providing luxurious boutique style service. 

It is not stuffy like Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons hotels but has a modern luxury approach. Another thing to note, unlike other brands, Platinum members do not receive complimentary breakfast.  Hopefully I have another chance to experience another EDITION property.

Have you stayed at the London EDITION before? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.