The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the staff's warmth and the 'indoor garden' suites, though some find the lack of street views disorienting.
Middle Eight
$350-550/ night
Book this if You want a sexy, music-obsessed lair in Covent Garden where the suites have indoor gardens instead of windows.
Why People Love It
- The QT basement bar hosts genuine jazz and cabaret talent, not just hotel lobby filler
- Suites with 'indoor gardens' and skylights offer a bizarrely cool, dead-silent sanctuary
- Sycamore Vino Cucina serves Italian food that locals actually book tables for
Quick Take: A high-concept luxury hotel that trades natural light for impeccable soundproofing and speakeasy vibes.
Reviewed by @lisa_jetset: I stayed at Middle Eight for a weekend trip and it’s honestly my new favorite London spot. The design is stunning—gold accents everywhere—and having Covent Garden right outside my door was a game changer. Perfect for a chic city break.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The high-tech lighting controls and lack of natural light in some rooms can make you lose track of time completely.
- You are a light sleeper who values silence over a view
- You want to stumble from a world-class jazz gig straight into an elevator
- You appreciate high-spec tech like Chromecast and Nespresso in every room
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Daily service is meticulous. Reviews consistently praise the 'spotless' condition.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble bathrooms. No reports of mold or grout issues.
- Maintenance: New property feel (opened ~2020). Everything works, though one guest noted complex lighting controls.
- Linens & towels: Egyptian cotton linens and high-quality Boca Terry robes.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh. No musty carpet smells reported.
Sleepability™
9.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Internal HVAC/fan noise (minor)
- Corridor noise if near the elevators
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is 100% cashless—bring your cards or Apple Pay.
- The 'pool' listed on some third-party sites is actually a partnership with AIRE Ancient Baths, a 10-minute walk away.
- Pre-theatre dining at Sycamore is excellent but requires a reservation.
What to pack
- Smart-casual evening wear for the QT bar downstairs
- Universal travel adapter (though USB ports are plentiful)
- Moisturizer—London air + hotel HVAC can be drying
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior Street Room for actual windows and natural light
- Changes Suite for the 'indoor garden' experience if you want total privacy and silence
Rooms to avoid
- Cosy Pad if you have more than one carry-on bag
- Any 'Urban' category room if you suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) due to limited light
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking forward to my stay. Please assign a room on a higher floor to maximize natural light. If I am upgraded to a Suite, please confirm if it is one of the 'indoor garden' units without external windows, as I would prefer a street-facing view if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. They partner with AIRE Ancient Baths nearby, but there is no pool on-site.
Does the hotel have parking?
No on-site parking. The nearest garage is NCP Covent Garden (Parker Mews), about a 3-minute walk.
Are the rooms loud due to the bar?
Surprisingly no. The QT bar is in the basement and soundproofing is excellent.
Can I open the windows?
In 'Street' category rooms, yes, usually slightly. In 'Urban' or 'Suite' categories with indoor gardens, no.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, pets stay for free, which is rare for London luxury hotels.
How much is breakfast?
Around £33.50 per person for the cooked-to-order menu. It's highly rated but pricey.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Balcony' library on the first floor is often empty and a perfect spot for a quiet Zoom call.
- ✨
You can book the 'Green Room' experience at QT for a private table and meet-and-greet with artists.
- ✨
Ask the concierge to book your slot at AIRE Ancient Baths well in advance; it sells out days ahead.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Middle Eight' name refers to the bridge of a song—the whole hotel is a musical metaphor.
💡The suites' 'outdoor' terraces are actually internal atriums in many cases—don't expect a view of the London Eye.
💡The toiletries are by Anatomē, a high-end wellness brand focused on sleep and relaxation.
💡The building used to be a Methodist church (Kingsway Hall) famous for classical music recordings.
💡There is a hidden 'petrified wood' wall feature in some suites that looks like stone but is actually wood.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Middle Eight is located and what's nearby.