Since opening its doors last year, ME by Meliá has already drawn the likes of models of the moment Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn as well as fashion designer Victoria Beckham. Former X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger stayed at the capital’s newest luxury five-star hotel during London Fashion Week and Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria has held her Global Gift Gala there. The hotel was also the official hotel partner of the BRITs this year.So, what is it about ME by Meliá that's attracting the hot A-listers in town?
For starters, the hotel is the fourth from the fashion-forward brand of the eponymous Spanish hotel group and aims to captivate travellers with a decisive taste for cutting edge art and design, international cuisine and world music.
Designed by the world famous architects Foster and Partners, its triangular site is situated on the corner of Aldwych in the heart of London’s Theatre-Land, making it the perfect location for trendy visitors.
The design-led, lifestyle hotel – the original London home of BBC radio and the old Gaiety Hotel & Restaurant – boasts 157 glamorous guest rooms, including 16 suites, all clad in white leather panels with dark grey carpets and silver-grey textiles.
A Nespresso machine (think George Clooney), desks complete with i-Pads and a built-in bank of plugs, chargers and adaptors all make for an experience with the utmost of convenience and comfort. You needn't worry about the electronic panels to control temperature and lighting – the dedicated Aura Manager will take care of the mood of your room based on your request, play your favourite song upon your arrival and leave your preferred magazines out (think Her, starring Joaquin Phoenix).
Another is the hotel's rooftop bar, Radio, with breathtaking panoramic views over the city's skyline including the river Thames and world-famous landmarks such as The Shard, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's and The London Eye. Try the pretty and delicious signature cocktail, Flower in the Rain, and tuck into some yummy pulled pork buns.
The highlight must be The Atrium. The hotel's check-in lobby offers a calm haven from the bustling capital in a stunning minimalistic space housed within a nine-storey high pyramid. Clad entirely in white marble, the impressive light beamed onto the walls makes for quite a spectacular show.
Stop by from 24 April for the Stealing Banksy? Exhibition, when the most expensive collection of Banksy artworks ever assembled under one roof will be showcased.
Other culinary offerings are the vibrant STK steakhouse and grill, contemporary Italian Cucina Asellina and the ground-floor Marconi Lounge. Named after Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of the radio, the sexy space features floor-to-ceiling chrome poles and groovy black concentric light rings.