A first international outpost for the Berlin-based Amano Group – which boasts 10 hotels across four cities in its native Germany – this 141-room property sits on the site of a former 1980s office block on a quiet backstreet near Covent Garden Piazza. Rooms are minimally decorated in a clean, masculine style, with tones of charcoal grey, soft indirect lighting, hardwood floors and gold accents, (although for a touch more glamour you can book a ‘Goldy’ room, featuring a free-standing bathtub overlooking the surrounding rooftops.) Chic, full-size toiletries from German skincare brand Daluma add to the bachelor pad vibe of the place – it’s worth noting that the entire place smells fantastic, like the building itself is wearing an expensive cologne – while ample soundproofing and carpeted corridors ensured that we slept soundly despite visiting in the middle of a storm. It doesn’t make a song and dance of things (let’s leave that to the cast of ‘Frozen’ in the building next door) but this is a comfortable spot that’s perfect for a central London business trip with a side of culture.
Neighbourhood
You’re right in the heart of Theatreland here; with one side of the hotel overlooking the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, you could leave your room ten minutes before curtain up and still have time to grab an overpriced wine before Elsa and her pals burst into song. With the flagships and boutiques of Covent Garden and Seven Dials just round the corner, it’s also a prime location for indulging in some retail therapy.
Nearby
Balthazar: The London outpost of New York City’s renowned brasserie has long been considered one of London’s best French restaurants.
Royal Opera House: Home of both the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet since the middle of the 18th century, this Covent Garden landmark is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
Coach & Horses: Boozers in this part of town tend to be expensive tourist-traps run by corporate chains. This cosy little Irish pub is anything but, and supposedly pours some of the best Guinness in central London.
Time Out tip
No city is more enamoured with the concept of a rooftop bar than London, which makes finding a table at any of the city centre’s many rooftop venues a difficult task when the weather is actually pleasant enough to warrant it. Serving up solid renditions of classic cocktails, the bar on Amano’s seventh floor is a good shout if you want views of the big landmarks without having to bellow over the din of several dozen Aperol drinks, and it also has some indoor seating for when the heavens inevitably open.