The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture and vibe but often shocked by the noise levels and strict pool access rules.
The Ned
$400-600/ night
Book this if You want to sleep inside a 1920s movie set where the lobby is the hottest party in the City and you don't mind paying extra for the rooftop pool.
Why People Love It
- The jaw-dropping 3,000sqm former banking hall lobby with 8 restaurants and live jazz
- Soho House-style design in the rooms (vintage radios, velvet armchairs, Cowshed products)
- The Vault bar located inside the original 20-tonne bank vault door
Quick Take: It’s less of a hotel and more of a massive, noisy, glamorous members' club that happens to have bedrooms attached.
Reviewed by @periclesrosa: I stayed in the Signature Two Bedroom Suite and honestly, I didn't want to leave. The open-plan bathtub in the master bedroom is a dream, and having a full cocktail station made our pre-dinner drinks feel so special. It’s pure vintage glamour.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will feel like a second-class citizen if you book a standard room and get turned away from the rooftop pool.
- You thrive in high-energy, social environments and don't plan on sleeping before midnight
- You love having 8 different dining options without leaving the building
- You appreciate 1920s Art Deco design and heavy velvet aesthetics
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Turn-down service is standard and well-executed.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Marble bathrooms are well-maintained, though drains in older buildings can be slow.
- Maintenance: High standard. The building is historic but the renovation is recent and robust.
- Linens & towels: Premium quality. Heavy, fluffy towels and crisp, high-thread-count sheets.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of expensive cologne and food; rooms smell of Cowshed herbal products.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Live jazz and DJ bass from the central banking hall atrium
- Early morning construction and delivery trucks in the City of London
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'discretionary' 5% service charge on your room rate is opt-out, but you have to ask.
- Hotel guests get access to the basement gym and pool, but rooftop access is tier-restricted.
- Check-in is 3 PM, but the lobby is a great place to kill time if you arrive early.
What to pack
- Swimwear (even for the basement pool)
- Smart casual outfits – the lobby has a dress code vibe even if not official
- High-quality earplugs
Room Genie
Best picks
- Large Room (or above) – crucial for unlocking rooftop pool access
- Heritage Rooms – for high ceilings and original 1920s details
Rooms to avoid
- Crash Pads – unless you are solo and literally just crashing (claustrophobic, no view)
- Low floor rooms facing the central atrium – you will hear every drum beat from the bandstand
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper. Please assign a room on the highest possible floor, facing the internal courtyard or a quiet side street, away from the central atrium music.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does my room get me into the rooftop pool?
Only if you book a 'Large' room category or higher. 'Crash Pad', 'Cosy', and 'Medium' rooms only get access to the basement pool and gym.
Is it noisy?
Yes. The lobby is a massive open-plan dining hall with live music daily. It is not a quiet hotel.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, small dogs (up to 10kg) stay for free, but they are not allowed in the restaurants or members' areas.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking. You'll need to find a public car park nearby, which is expensive in the City.
What is the 'Crash Pad' room?
It is a budget-friendly, tiny (17sqm) room designed for short stays. Expect limited storage and potentially no external windows.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, but with restrictions. Children can use the rooftop pool only between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and evening dining with kids is limited.
Insider Tips
- ✨
If you didn't book a Large room, try asking nicely at reception for a 'day pass' to the roof – sometimes they sell them if occupancy is low.
- ✨
The Vault bar in the basement is open to hotel guests (even in small rooms) and is built inside the original gold bullion vault – a must-see.
- ✨
Use the 'Ned Friends' app or ask the concierge to book restaurants; they fill up with locals fast.
5 things to know before you go
💡The lobby toilets can feel like a public train station restroom due to the sheer volume of non-guest diners.
💡The 'discretionary' 5% service charge on the room rate is rarely mentioned at booking but appears on the final bill.
💡You might have to queue to get into your own hotel lobby on Friday nights due to security checks for the bars.
💡The basement pool is actually a very good lap pool (20m) and often quieter than the rooftop.
💡Room service breakfast is surprisingly excellent and worth the splurge to avoid the chaotic lobby morning rush.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Ned is located and what's nearby.