Great Scotland Yard hotel review: Upscale cool hits Westminster in this sophisticated new opening

In a nutshell: Luxurious but offbeat design meets world-class eating (and a hidden whisky bar for these within the know) at this refined new providing from Hyatt

Worth level: £££

The neighbourhood

After opening briefly pre-pandemic, this new favorite from Hyatt’s Unbound Assortment lastly loved its official launch in March 2022. Tucked discreetly down a aspect road off Whitehall, you wouldn’t know Nice Scotland Yard was there except you’d been tipped off beforehand.

It’s simply down the street from London’s political large hitters – Downing Avenue, Huge Ben, the Homes of Parliament – however is equally nicely positioned for wanders alongside the Thames on the Embankment or Southbank, in addition to vacationer attracts Trafalgar Sq., Leicester Sq. and Covent Backyard. Proper within the thick of it whereas permitting friends to flee the hustle of central London, you would possibly say.

The look

The arty design couldn’t be additional away from the buttoned-up pomp of Whitehall, balancing sophistication with madcap quirkiness. The glossy, cream-walled and floored foyer space, for instance, is given a sublime edge with burgundy rugs, undulating bronze-orbed lamps and cream and mahogany-toned leather-based chairs – however there’s additionally an outsized, shiny black rhino that doubles as a chair, large postage stamp artworks and sausage canine cushions so as to add extra playful touches. In the meantime, the primary bar is all grown-up allure: assume maroon-backed stools, an intricate, modern chandelier, and a bar cloaked in blue-green textured wallpaper.

The brand new Síbín whisky bar has a distinct really feel once more, with a central marble bar good for chatting to the mixologist throughout, placing inexperienced and purple backlit bottle cabinets, and clusters of high-backed velvet chairs and plump sofas for curling up in a comfy nook.

The vibe

The entire place has a glam, grown-up really feel to it: a perfect getaway for a pair seeking to wallow in a decadent slice of London cool or a gaggle of pals wanting a well-placed base dripping with type. It’s a vacation spot all of its personal, thanks to 2 upscale bars and a innovative restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef (extra about that later). Although it doesn’t really feel too formal or stuffy due to the hip vibe, it’s nonetheless the form of lodge the place it’s truly satisfying to throw your gladrags on of a night to match the well-heeled friends and designy decor.

Mattress and tub

Bedrooms are calmer in tone than the widespread areas – a soothing palette of stone, cream, dove and beige dominates, with pops of color offered by deep teal, featured on splashback tiles by the beneficiant tub and a rounded armchair within the lounge (do you have to plump for a set). Marble flooring, honey-hued and subdued lighting, and a double-sized bathe up the luxe issue within the toilet; touches like an ink-drawn print of London with a placing bronze river Thames, and a cabinet created from an ersatz bookshelf stacked with cream-coloured spines, add sudden allure. There’s (in fact) the ever present Nespresso machine and low pods, plus all of the facilities you’d count on from a five-star, comparable to bamboo toothbrushes and toiletries from Nice Scottish Cleaning soap Firm.

Food and drinks

That is the place Nice Scotland Yard really excels. Ekstedt at The Yard brings Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt’s signature wood-fired “outdated Nordic” cooking to London. With an open kitchen the place friends can ogle the weird strategies used to create the exceptional smoky flavour that imbues each dish, that is lodge vacation spot eating at its best. The creative tasting menus apply probably the most rustic of cooking strategies to probably the most refined of fare: assume juniper-smoked turbot; grilled langoustine with fermented cabbage vinegar and lingonberries; hay-smoked beef with morels; and Baked Alaska made in a wooden oven and accompanied by elderflower icecream (seven programs for £135; three programs for £80; wine pairings from £50).

By day, breakfast is served in the identical area – slide into one of many jazzy orange leather-based cubicles and order from a spread of classics, together with eggs royale and avocado on toast.

Elsewhere, The Parlour presents a “distinctly completely different” afternoon tea impressed by HRH-approved perfumery Floris London’s signature perfume, “A Rose For”.

The 40 Elephants bar is the lodge’s central watering gap, serving up craft beers and considerate cocktails (strive Smash and Seize: a mix of Pisco, apple, marigold, Vetiver Gris liqueur, lime, sugar and soda), whereas newly opened Síbín is an in-the-know whisky bar hidden behind a secret door (one other fake bookshelf put to good use). It whips collectively whisky cocktails however not as we all know them: curated by Jo Final, Malt Whisky Ambassador for Diageo and World Class Ambassador, the menu contains revolutionary concoctions like single malt with crème d’apricot, lime juice and mint for a lightweight summer season sip.

Nuts and bolts

Room rely: 152 rooms and suites

Within the toilet: Nice Scottish Cleaning soap Firm

Wifi: Free

Additional fees: Discretionary 5 per cent service cost on lodging. Discretionary 12.5 per cent service cost on meals and beverage.

Incapacity entry: The lodge just lately received a Blue Badge Entry Award; features a discreet Sesame entry elevate on the foyer entrance for wheelchairs and buggies all the way down to the reception space, roll-up reception desks, and transportable induction listening to loop system. Rooms embody emergency strobe gentle and strobe-light smoke detector, cordless cellphone, lowered gentle switches, lowered peephole and door latch, emergency twine in each bed room and loo, strong base mattress, 61cm/2ft mattress peak, wheelchair entry.

Pet coverage: Nice Scotland Yard describes itself as a dog-friendly lodge. Canines weighing as much as 50 kilos or two canine beneath a mixed weight of 75 kilos are welcome; a pet payment of £50 per canine per evening applies. For prolonged stays please contact the lodge straight to find out the speed.

Backside line

Neatest thing: The hidden whisky bar – ideally suited for pretending you’ve been inducted right into a secret members’ membership.

Worst factor: Being tucked down a aspect road, there aren’t any views to talk of; and, contemplating the lodge is housed in an impressive-looking, 1820s, grade-II-listed constructing, ceilings within the bedrooms have been decrease than anticipated.

Excellent for: A grown-up evening away for {couples} or pals on the lookout for a decadently fashionable base.

Not proper for: I believe the glamour of all of it could be misplaced on young children (although they could nicely respect the sausage canine cushions).

Instagram from: The large rhino chair for enjoyable – or the dreamy Forty Elephants bar for sophistication.

Room fee: Doubles from £295.

hyatt.com/en-US/lodge/england-united-kingdom/great-scotland-yard

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