“A dramatic designer production, the second property in London from duo Schrager and Starck is a destination in its own right.”
This former textiles factory in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia now houses one of the slickest design hotels in the capital – not that you’d immediately guess. The listed building proved a real challenge to the Shrager-Starck team. It is protected to the extent that even internal walls cannot be erected; the result is a space where the only room dividers are silken panels that float over clear glass panes. It is spectacular.
The facilities
Sanderson’s lobby is a vast, white space, punctuated by bright bespoke furniture. The hotchpotch of chairs, little tables and foot-stools channels guests towards the huge reception desk at the far end. The exclusive Purple Bar, designed to look like the inside of a jewellery box, lies off to one side. Dark and decadent, it is lit only by dimmed plum-coloured lamps and myriad candles every evening.
Less hidden from the masses is Sanderson’s ever-popular Long Bar. High stools line up either side, each of them covered with a kooky eyeball print. The bar leads straight through to Suka, where chic Malaysian-influenced cuisine draws in yet more of the fashion-forward Soho crowd.
The design hotel's state-of-the-art gymnasium (one of the largest in London) and gorgeous spa facilities look after inner wellbeing. The spa is a wonderful, two-storey space with white billowing strips of silk falling from ceiling to floor. The Milk and Honey Treatment remains a firm favourite for those seeking Cleopatra-esque pampering.
The rooms
While the lower levels of this design hotel play homage to the festive–fabulous side of the city, the 150 rooms and suites of Sanderson provide a calming and relaxing respite. This transition is apparent the moment you step into the lifts. Every wall is scattered with constellations and the cosmos – a veritable Milky Way to lead guests up to bed.
The rooms are very white, airy and open-plan. Huge sleigh beds stand alone in the centre, surrounded by slivers of flat-screen technology and panoramic views across the city. Most have huge walk-in dressing rooms. The bathrooms are separated by more panes of white silk, and have baths big enough for two (walk-in showers only in Standard rooms), Korres bath products and custom-made dressing tables.
Star rating:
Address: 50 Berners Street, London, England, United Kingdom W1T 3NG
View rooms
Address: 50 Berners Street, London, England, United Kingdom W1T 3NG
Booking info
Arrival:
Sat 30 Aug 2008
Departure: Sun 31 Aug 2008
No. adults: 2
Departure: Sun 31 Aug 2008
No. adults: 2
Check Availability
Who stays here
If you want a bit of rock'n'roll glamour - or are an advertising mogul wanting a base in the thick of things - you can't do better than the Sanderson. It's been a paparazzi hotspot since it opened with Amy Winehouse and Britney Spears having both caused scandals here.
Come for
- Rubbing shoulders with rock stars
- The spa - heavenly
Not suitable for
- Terribly practical people
- Traditionalists
Children
Sanderson will provide an extra cot in the room for chidren, and also offers interconnecting rooms. The hotel restaurant welcomes children and has a special kid's menu.
Eating in
The Long Bar is 80 feet of glamorous cocktails and glamorous clientele. Suka restaurant is a smart, moody room where business lunchers tuck into contemporary Asian fusion and the Purple Bar is invitation only.
