Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the hotel after a short early-morning taxi ride from Paddington Station. Located on the site of the former Gaiety Theatre and adjacent to Marconi House—the place of the BBC’s first radio broadcast in 1922—the hotel’s Radio Bar takes its name from this heritage. The entrance sits where the Strand meets the Aldwych. Inside the originally austere exterior, the interior surprises with a modern, elegant design of black marble and polished stainless steel. The reception sits one level up in a striking vertical space that resembles the interior of a hollow obelisk, rising nine stories to a skylight that brings in natural light. That dramatic reception area sets the tone: expect stylish, inventive design and a memorable arrival experience.
Guest Quarters: I stayed in room 510, an Aura Suite, which offered a comfortable sitting room and a spacious bedroom. The bathroom was generous and accessible both from the bedroom and from the entrance hall, making the water closet convenient for visitors as a powder room. The living area featured a large wall-mounted smart TV, a substantial sofa, a roomy easy chair, and a desk workspace equipped with desktop outlets. The bedroom included a king-sized bed, another easy chair, and a second wall-mounted smart TV.
The bathroom provided a large shower with two showerheads, a separate vanity with double sinks, and a deep Jacuzzi bathtub. Toiletries were supplied by Apivita, a Greek organic brand. The room included an iPad for ordering services and browsing hotel information; while I did not use it, it clearly adds convenience. My only minor drawback was the sophisticated mood lighting system, which took a while to master. That small issue did not detract from an otherwise very satisfying stay.
Services/Amenities: The hotel offers a range of attractive venues for dining, drinks, or relaxed socializing. The most notable is the Radio Rooftop Bar, with a wraparound terrace that delivers excellent views across London—from St. Paul’s to the West End—making it popular with theatergoers and professionals from the nearby financial district.
Cucina Asellina is a lively new Italian restaurant that has its own separate entrance as well as access from the hotel. I dined there with a London colleague and found it to be well worth a visit. For a more informal atmosphere, STK provides a high-energy dining experience inside the hotel, where guests can enjoy full meals or burgers and listen to a resident DJ after 10 p.m. It was busy during my stay, suggesting it appeals to both guests and locals. For quieter conversation, the ground-floor Marconi Lounge just off the entrance is a popular spot and was also consistently well attended.
The Experience: ME London is conveniently situated within a few blocks of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral, and it is also close to the city’s financial district. That central location makes it a great choice for business travelers, culture seekers and shoppers alike. During my visit the hotel felt energetic and lively, driven by the restaurants, rooftop bar and fashionable interiors. Staff were friendly, attentive and quick to respond to requests. Overall, I would recommend ME London and look forward to returning.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/Valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
ME London
336-337 The Strand
London
WC2R 1HA, United Kingdom
tel 44 207 395 3400
melia.com