Straddling between the chic French shops and trendy eateries of Marylebone
Village and the vast designer department stores of bustling Oxford Street, the
independently owned boutique-style Mandeville Hotel allows serious shoppers a luxurious spot to recharge.
You can kickback with afternoon tea or cocktails at the new Reform Social & Grill or book a room and soak your tired limbs in a deliciously smelling hot bath with complimentary Etro toiletries from Italy.
On arriving at this grand building, staff are quick to welcome you in. As you
enter the lobby area, the individuality of the design by one of London's top
interior designers hits you with a cute model vintage racing car taking centre
stage.
All the rooms in this five-story building have also had an interior designer's
touch, with flashes of colour and glints of mirrored chrome against a natural
backdrop of woody, country colours.
Bedding and beds are the most important thing if you're staying for long, and
in a hotel in this setting, you expect nothing less than crisp white linen, soft
touch duvets and feather pillows. And you won't be disappointed when you
slip between the sheets.
Showers are also a big selling point nowadays and most rooms at The
Mandeville have both a hand-held and power shower either above the bath or,
in the junior suites, in a separate walk-in shower. Afterwards you can wrap
yourself in the biggest and fluffiest bath towels I've enjoyed in a hotel. The
Etro toiletries also include good-size shampoo and conditioner, and hand-held
ionic hairdryers have been placed in all of the closets so you won't have to
leave the room with wet hair.
Free internet and Wi-Fi is provided, which is sometimes still a rarity even in
top city hotels. Plugs are both UK and European.
Rooms also have a Nespresso machine for guests to enjoy a quick coffee
shot, although if you're like me and enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit as you
wind down (or even to start the day), you'll have to call room service as there
are no kettles provided. The room service menu is excellent however with
meals served 24 hours, and if you don't want to call down, you can pick from
a small selection in the paying minibar, which you'll find in most rooms. If you
enjoy breakfast in bed, this can be ordered to your room, but to refuel
properly, head downstairs and choose from the healthy buffet with fruit,
yogurts, smoked salmon, cold meats, cheeses, cereals and mini pastries or
order an English breakfast or an egg dish from the selection on the breakfast
menu.
With a mix of rooms ranging from singles to the beautiful Terrace Suite with its
own cute flower-filled rooftop terrace, guests stay here from one night after
their wedding next door to much longer stays. Business clients from the swish
upmarket brands in the area lay their heads here during the week, while the
weekends are much quieter. Aside from being close to Oxford Street and Marylebone with its Sunday market, the Mandeville is also a short walk to trendy Soho, a bit further to the Museum
, and almost halfway between Regent's Park and Hyde Park.
But you don't need to head far for somewhere to eat, as the crowning glory at
May 2012. Not only has it had a complete refit befitting of the area, but it has
a completely new name. The shiny chrome bar and luxurious leather bar
stools are the perfect place to start your evening with a selection of cocktails.
We were welcomed in and tempted to try one of five small taster cocktails
prepared by mixologist Andre, and each had our favourites: so if you want to
treat me, buy me a Daughters of Albion with a cucumber twist.
The theme behind the Reform is a mix of gentleman's club with social area
filled with armchairs and leather sofas, a chrome bar which glows amber with
its huge selection of whiskys, and the grill which combines a French bistro
look with copper wall coverings and rich, soft leather banquettes. Tucked
away in the corner is a private area for up to 10 diners.
The British-inspired grill menu is exceptional and the chef prepares starters
from around the country: think pheasant scotch egg or Cornish mackerel and
squid on a bed of samphire. Follow that with traditional grill dishes such as
porterhouse or a really succulent rib-eye steak that just melts in the mouth.
Fish dishes include fish pie with scallops or the freshest lobster you'll likely
find around Oxford Street, and well worth heading here for. Dishes are all
accompanied with artisan breads from London's The Bread Factory. Finish up
with classic desserts that might include sticky toffee pudding with clotted
cream ice cream, a chocolate pot with salted caramel or a cheeseboard with a
selection of five British cheeses. So even if you're not stopping in the hotel,
the Reform is definitely worth arranging an evening out with friends and
enjoying the drinks and food.
Photos & stay courtesy of: The Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville Place, London W1U 2BW. www.mandeville.co.uk. Tel: 0207/935-5599. 
