This mammoth Art Deco building has a history of illustrious guests. Over the years, musical icons including Diana Ross, Madonna, Lady Gaga, The Killers and Jimi Hendrix have bedded down here, largely due to the fact it was just around the corner from the original Hard Rock Café, with the place eventually branding itself as the Hard Rock Hotel in 2019.
In 2023, however, the Hard Rock branding was removed and the hotel reverted back to its previous name – The Cumberland, so-called after The Duke of Cumberland pub that used to exist nearby. Cue a big renovation and rebrand of the huge 900 hundred-room site. But, while the entrance shows no sign of its former musical associations, inside there are still plenty of references to its roots. Musical memorabilia and artwork fill the walls and corridors, each room has a record player and a selection of vinyl, and some suits even have an electric guitar to play. It’s also kept Hard Rock’s VIP ‘Backstage Area’ where, for a premium, guests can access a room off the main lobby with free refreshments.
The former Hard Rock Cafe on the ground floor has been transformed into the Sound Cafe, and it still retains its previous layout of tables fanned out around a main stage, where live music – an acoustic cover artist on our visit – is on the bill nearly every night of the week. The staff are friendly, but the food is an underwhelming mix of US-style classics and pub fodder. Considering guests have the whole of Mayfair on their doorstep, it may be worth swerving a Sound Cafe dinner and instead use it as a base to grab drinks after a long day of sightseeing.
The best bit about the place? The location. You’re right in the thick of it here, with Hyde Park a few steps away – perfect for an early morning run or a late night stroll. Buckingham Palace is close by as are the sights and sounds of Mayfair and Marylebone Village. From £182 a night for a basic room, it’s one of the more reasonably priced places in the city where you can have all this on your doorstep.
Other facilities include a fitness centre, tea and coffee makers in all rooms and a buffet breakfast.