There’s something special about a staycation. You don’t really have to get organised – no flights, passports, or travel-size products needed – just throw something in a bag and roll. And that’s the kind of effort we’re after right now. Minimum effort, maximum return. Which is why we have our eye on three hotels to check out for staycations.
First up, it’s Nobu Portman Square. Opened last week, this Marylebone newbie has been designed by David Collins Studio and Make Architects. 249 rooms take garden-spiration from the nearby Portman Sq, and all have that calming, natural, signature zen-Nobu vibe. The dining room looks light and airy, less bling than, say, the Berkeley (RIP), and the location can’t be beat. Marylebone, we see you creepin’ up!
Then it’s a little shuffle over to Covent Garden to check out the new Middle Eight Hotel on Great Queen Street. Here it’s all about contemporary design, 168 airy rooms with soft hues, and a focus again on natural materials: stone, wood, soft colours. Their all-day Italian restaurant, Sycamore Vino Cucina, with booths and a wraparound bar, has DJs at night and northern Italian sharing plates. Looks like there’s some great outdoor space spotted around, too.
Last, it’s the upcoming January 2021 launch of Kingsland Locke in Dalston, the fourth London hotel in the Locke group. With 124 studio apartments, an on-site microbrewery and gin distillery (run by KRAFT Dalston), co-working space and collaboration everywhere, this feels like a very Dalston addition to the list. They say that having things on site reduces their C02 footprint by 75%, which sounds very forward thinking indeed. We love the look of the glass-roof, naturally lit atrium.
One thing all three of these have is their focus on sustainability and eco everything. 2021 is looking up!
