Hotel Review: Edition Hotel, London

BACKGROUND The Edition London was the world’s first Edition hotel, and while part of Marriott’s portfolio, the influence from designer Ian Schraeger is more akin to the Ritz-Carlton name than Marriott’s family of brands. Ian is known to make almost every design decision in the hotel, and in this historic property, now turned into one of London’s most hip design properties, that has clearly made a difference. Formerly known as the Berner’s Hotel, this Georgian-designed property is as attractive as the city gets, but pays homage to its hip, younger clientele, which skews 40 percent North American. In its basement is a hip night club that draws London’s hippest late-night owls while the lobby lounge is home to a happening crowd afternoon and night. London is not wonton for clever design properties, but Edition has achieved an ideal balance between modern-day chic and historic London living. One block away from Oxford Street’s shopping bliss and within the heart of the city’s best street energy, Edition could not be better located. The best part of the hotel’s locale is its proximity to some of the best Indian and Asian cuisine the city can offer; plus popular SoHo is just a stone’s throw away.

DINING Berner’s Tavern is the main restaurant serving everything from an express breakfast and lunch to weekend brunches with live music. It is common to see almost every table filled at almost any hour, thanks to a loyal local following. Breakfast first timers can never go wrong with the sourdough toast topped with a generous topping of avocado and two poached eggs. It is the kind of breakfast you want to have multiple days in a row. Cocktails in the Punch Room are a new London pastime. The fumed-oak paneled den serves traditional punches in silver-lined bowls. Make a reservation to insure a spot as the after-business hours can fill up quickly with young executives. Also popular is the hotel’s lobby lounge, complete with billiard table, serving hand-crafted cocktails with clever names like Cereal Killer crafted with hand-cut ice (pop down in the early afternoon hours to watch the seasoned bartender hand carving the massive block of ice).

AMENITIES The meeting space here is designed for small to medium-sized groups that place an emphasis on personalized service rather than name tag-clad events. Free wireless Internet is the norm, and it works uninterrupted with perhaps the fastest speed in town. The basement level has a small fitness room, but the surrounding area is perfect for energetic runs with ample attraction. Also appreciated is the replenishment of bottled water daily in guest rooms, and the name recognition from staff that is most appreciated by repeat travelers looking for a home away from home.

ROOMS Wood-paneled guest rooms showcase a bucolic décor that is uncommon in central London. Pay particular attention to the artwork of the Dutch designer that has paintings in every guest room. Variations on the original theme showcase the signature young damsel donning unique items like toilet paper or tin foil on her head. Duvet-topped beds are drizzled with corner-placed fur throw rugs that only add to the warm, cabin-like décor. Built-in desks have sleek lighting underneath immense flat-screen cable TVs. All-rooms benefit from free wireless Internet, coffeemakers with Blenheim Castle bottled water, double-paned windows, and full-length mirrors. Spacious closets feature robes and umbrellas while the tiled bathrooms all come with deep soaking tubs, massive shower stalls with scented toiletries, and long sinks with ample vanity space. Turndown service arrives nightly, and housekeeping has a loosely-designed schedule that allows late sleepers to have uninterrupted quiet time. Many of the 7th floor suites have lovely furnished terraces, but the real secret is in Deluxe guest rooms 528 and 529. These are the only two standard rooms that come with balconies and are worth requesting.

CONCLUSION The stunning lobby is a gathering spot for locals, especially business travelers that work in the area. Any hotel that is a block away from Oxford Street is perfect for tourists, too.