W London

Hotel review

Between the neon glow of Chinatown and the red carpets of Leicester Square sits glass-fronted W London. Given its Soho location, it's fittingly sexy; cool Britannia’s best bits distilled into hotel form. Flash, convenient, slick… in other words, full of attitude.

The glittering lobby feels like a VIP afterparty, with ambient beats pulsing through the cavernous space, and polished but friendly staff. This vibe continues in the rooms - vanity-focused islands with dazzling mirrors bisect some, while the corners of some Suites are taken up with curvy red sofas. Many feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the happenings of Chinatown. When it’s time to rest, an iPad - mercifully easy to use - controls everything from mood lighting to temperature to TV, the latter loaded with Netflix, Amazon Prime and even guided meditations.

Turn-down service feels like a knowing butler has nipped by - curtains drawn, calming music played, soft robes and slippers laid out on the oh-so-comfy bed. If you’re determined to fire up the Nespresso machine, blast the Roberts radio and get back out there, a thoughtful array of toiletries - plus a rainfall shower stacked with full-size Davines Momo goodies - makes getting spruced up half the fun.

A session in the state-of-the art gym clears away the cobwebs, followed by a session in the adjoining steam room and sauna (take a lazier approach by perusing the AWAY Spa's extensive massage, facial and body treatment menu). Don’t miss the newly-launched, decidedly luxe Sunday film club, showing brand-new blockbusters to a sea of classy red cinema chairs - cocktails and two-course meals added on request.

Come morning, the glitzy W Lounge encourages guests to order unlimited dishes from a menu spanning dirty breakfast burgers, three-egg omelettes, French toast and waffles - offset with saintlier smoothies, juices and 'wake up' shots.

Location-wise, you really couldn't ask for a more convenient positioning. Some of the world's biggest film premieres unfold practically on the doorstep, while Chinatown's authentic treasures (don't miss Xing Fu Tang for bubble tea or Golden Gate Bakery's pork floss rolls) sit opposite. Shopping addicts can march to Oxford Street and Bond Street in minutes, and a throng of bars, clubs, restaurants, galleries and theatres beckon. Stay here if you want to soak up London's energy right up to hitting the pillow - with the option to shut it all out at the touch of a button.

Amy Rose Everett