Travel review: London's Marylebone Hotel

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic we've wearily accepted the delay and cancellation of our much-needed holidays.

But with no end in sight to foreign travel restrictions, surely we don't have to stay at home forever – do we?

Many of us are working from home, making the desire to break free from our familiar four walls all the more urgent.

But relaxing, fun and luxurious breaks are as close as a train ride away in central London.

At the five star Marylebone Hotel, managers go out of their way to ensure a safe, Covid-secure environment.

But it takes nothing away from the joy of a wonderful weekend in the capital.

The hotel is a stone's throw from Oxford Circus and Marble Arch and offers a comprehensive range of rooms and rates to suit most budgets.

Guests can enjoy a la carte breakfast and dinner at the hotel's 108 Brasserie and also have access to the top-notch Third Space health centre.

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From £335 the hotel offers accommodation for two people, sharing a luxuriously appointed bedroom or suite.

The current offer, called Make a Night of It, also includes a la carte breakfast, dinner and a glass of champagne each at 108 Brasserie and upgrade, subject to availability, on arrival.

The hotel's Cosy and Classic Rooms start at £244 with Deluxe from £294, Studio Suites from £356 and luxury suites from £900.

There are Terrace Suites from £1,500 and the spectacular Marylebone Suite from £2,625 per night.

The latter's price tag is likely to make most people's eyes water but for a special occasion, it would be almost impossible to beat.

There can be few hotel rooms in London so luxuriously appointed, but also incredibly comfortable at the same time.

And I doubt there are many where you could sit outside and watch the sun setting over the London skyline.

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Patio heaters and a retractable roof make it possible to be used all year round.

The suite is full of modern technology with four televisions, blinds which close themselves when you've forgotten to do it yourself before you get into bed and what must be one of the most comprehensive minibars in the whole of London.

We travelled to London for a two-night weekend break and were greeted by charming staff at the hotel reception.

On our first night we enjoyed dinner at the 108 Brasserie, sitting outside next to cosy patio heaters despite it being late October.

108 Brasserie at the Marylebone Hotel

Particular highlights were the Miso blackened cod, Hereford fillet steak and Classic creme brulee.

The following morning saw us head off to Third Space, where we discovered luxuriously appointed gym areas and a relaxing pool buried deep underneath the London pavement.

Then it was back to 108 Brasserie for a high quality breakfast with the full English breakfast and the smashed avocado with chilli flakes gaining our seal of approval.

We also had the chance to enjoy some of London's famous sights without the usual crowds.

Most places are open and operating in a Covid-safe manner and trips to the Imperial War Museum and the V&A were a delight with plenty of space to move around We even managed a bit of shopping with central London very much open for business at the time of writing.

The Marylebone Hotel is part of the Doyle Collection, a group of exclusive hotels in London, Ireland, Washington DC and Bristol.

For those who perhaps don't fancy travelling to London at the moment, there are also a range of rates and offers available The Bristol, with its lively harbourside position in the city.

Factfile:

The Marylebone Hotel, 47, Wellbeck Street, London, W1G 8DN.

Telephone: 0207 486 6600

Website: doylecollection.com

Rates: Cosy and Classic rooms - from £244. Deluxe rooms - from £294. Studio suites from £356. Luxury Suites from £900. Terrace suites from £1,500. Marylebone suite from £2,625.

Restaurant: 108 Brasserie Health club: Third Space