The hype
Reviewers are consistently blown away by the design, the pool, and the silence of the rooms.
The Londoner
$600-850/ night
Book this if You want a self-contained luxury resort experience in the absolute center of London's theater district.
Why People Love It
- The 'Retreat' underground wellness complex with a stunning pool and cabanas
- Guest-only 'Residence' club that feels like a private living room away from the crowds
- Incredible soundproofing that makes Leicester Square feel miles away
Quick Take: A engineering marvel of a hotel that manages to be a zen sanctuary in the middle of London's most chaotic tourist trap.
Reviewed by @meetcutelondon: I stayed in this stunning room at The Londoner and felt like a total VIP. The moody lighting sets such a cool vibe, and the bathroom technology blew my mind. It’s the perfect spot to crash after exploring the city.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Service can sometimes feel 'corporate' or slow at peak times, and the price tag sets extremely high expectations that small rooms might not meet for some.
- You love the idea of a 'vertical resort' where you don't have to leave the building to eat, drink, or swim
- You are seeing a West End show (you are literally next door to theaters)
- You value high-tech, modern design over creaky historic charm
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Reviews consistently mention 'gleaming' surfaces and twice-daily service (turndown included).
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless. High-tech toilets and modern grouting mean no mold or grime issues reported.
- Maintenance: Like new. The hotel opened in 2021 and is maintained to a very high standard.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count linens and thick, branded towels.
- Odors & scents: Signature scent throughout the lobby (woodsy/amber); rooms smell fresh and neutral.
Sleepability™
9SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Internal hallway noise (rare)
- HVAC hum (minimal)
Before you book
Good to know
- A 2025 court ruling banned amplified busking in Leicester Square, significantly reducing street noise compared to older reviews.
- The pool has restricted hours for children (usually 8:00-9:30am and 3:30-5:00pm); it is adults-only otherwise.
- A discretionary service charge (often 2.5-3.5%) is added to bills.
What to pack
- Swimwear for The Retreat (the pool is a highlight)
- Smart casual outfits for The Residence and rooftop bars (dress code is enforced)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Corner Suites for dual-aspect views and significantly more space
- Deluxe King City View on high floors (Level 5+) for skyline vistas without the street level bustle
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing the square if you are extremely sensitive to vibration (though soundproofing is top-tier)
- Standard King rooms if you have more than two suitcases—storage is tight
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a higher floor (Level 5 or above) facing the City/Skyline rather than the internal courtyard, to maximize natural light.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open to all guests?
Yes, access to The Retreat (pool, gym, sauna) is included for all guests, but children have restricted swim times.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not in the base rate; the buffet costs approximately £39 per person.
Can I bring my dog?
No, The Londoner has a strict no-pets policy, with exceptions only for registered service dogs.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center is open 24 hours for hotel guests.
What is 'The Residence'?
It is a guest-only club on the mezzanine with three private areas (Y Bar, Drawing Room, Whisky Room) offering complimentary soft drinks and antipasti.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is available but very expensive, costing around £90 per 24 hours.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The Whisky Room inside The Residence is hidden behind a secret door near the powder rooms—ask a host if you can't find it.
- ✨
You can order food from the Japanese rooftop restaurant (8 at The Londoner) to your room if you can't get a table.
- ✨
Use the 'Express Check-out' via the TV or app to avoid the busy front desk at noon.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel goes as deep underground (6 levels) as it does up—the ballroom and spa are subterranean engineering feats.
💡The 'Japanese' toilets in the rooms are high-tech Toto washlets with heated seats and auto-lids.
💡There is a guest-only passage to the Whisky Room that feels like a speakeasy.
💡The 'Green Room' is a private area often used for red carpet event holding—you might spot celebs during film premieres.
💡The curtains in some standard rooms are manual, not electric, which surprises some guests given the high-tech vibe.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Londoner is located and what's nearby.