Hotel Review: The Arch London
A British boutique hotel as you would imagine it - chic rooms, intimate feeling and tailored service. All that comes with walking distance to Selfridges and Mayfair - great dining venues included.
It‘s always a joy to come back to London and indeed it‘s been four years since I last went to the capital city of the UK. Actually one should regularly come back to London to fully enjoy this international city with one of the hugest varieties of different cultures - more than any city in Europe. For me, London represents the latest trends in Europe in terms of skincare, interior design, hotels and restaurant concepts. While Paris was the birthplace of small hotels, boutique hotels were invented in Britain. This is where The Arch makes debut - one of the most authentic boutique hotels I have ever stayed at. Sometimes boutique is referred to hotels that even offer a spa with pool, however, the core of a boutique property consists of a small gym and little restaurant maximum. While I was actually looking to stay at another Small Luxury Hotels property, I came across The Arch Hotel by chance and from the moment I found it, I fell in love with the pictures and look of the rooms. Minutes later, I was booked in for a spontaneous Sunday night stay after my stay in a big brand hotel on Park Lane. Of course, the difference was massive and I can‘t hide that I was not as enthusiastic at first once I arrived at Cumberland Place.
Everything was small size from one moment to the other. Instead of ten employees at the front desk and lobby when entering the wooden doors, all that was welcoming me was a warm but powerful „Welcome to the Arch“. I was checked-in by a friendly lady who represents exactly what my perception of London is: elegant, fast-paced and multicultural. It was lovely to see this kind of mix at the first moment after arriving at a place that did shock me first. The bellmen accompanied me to my Executive room on the second floor at the rear end of the corridor which was another benefit the other property did not do. I love personal touches and this point definitely goes to The Arch. Since they have only a few floors and we passed almost all the rooms before we arrived at the mine, I thought they might have something like 30-35 rooms maximum. It was lovely to have an explanation of the room by the bellman even though I stayed at enough hotel rooms to handle even the most difficult technology - besides electronic Japanese Spa toilets which I don‘t manage yet.
Luckily the bathroom was old school in terms of toilet seats and everything was easy to handle. Beautifully refurbished last year, all rooms now shine brightly in wonderful colors with lots of daylight without dusty courtyard views. Inside the bathroom there was a single vanity desk, toilet as well as a walk-in shower (a plus for me and good to see that London got mostly rid off shower-tub combos) whose pressure could be slightly improved but I still managed to wash my hair with those amazing Malin + Goetz toiletries which are definitely one of the highlights this hotel has to offer. Towels were comfy just like the bathrobes behind the bathroom door with the cleanliness to be flawless. Generally, the room was very comfortable and it did have a good layout with a cozy double bed, writing desk with various power sockets, chair, and coffee table as well as a sideboard with tv, minibar and safe in addition to a wardrobe.
All soft drinks from the minibar were complimentary whereas the other products were available upon an additional charge. Turndown service was very attentive and during the night I did not hear any noise thanks to the location of the room going towards an area without cars but small houses - that even had a relaxing vibe. After settling down in the room, I walked around a bit and discovered the different areas and rooms of the hotel including the Martini Room which serves as an event venue as well as a relaxation area for in-house guests with bookshelves, fireplace and comfortable sofas. They even do afternoon tea in these rooms so that the restaurant is being used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner solely. For all those wanting to work out, there is a small gym in the basement of the hotel with a few gadgets that seem to be perfect for a city break.
As mentioned before, breakfast is served in Restaurant Hunter situated right next to the front desk. While the buffet is on the small side, the products were of the highest quality with excellent ham, cured ham, delicious cheese selection as well as freshly baked bread and high-quality salmon. All other dishes are a la carte and served on the table. I went for the Eggs Benedict which was perfect in each and every way: the hollandaise not too fat and creamy, the muffin a bit crispy still and the egg on point. I would say it was the best on my entire London trip, however, the service actually was. Thanks to the small number of tables and people sitting in the restaurant, the server was super attentive and always here whenever I wanted to order something. He brought fresh orange juice and Cappuccino that was really good actually with a lot of foam and just an espresso underneath it as you normally only get it in Italy. Once I spilled something on my pullover he noticed from the angle and came around the corner with a hot towel. It’s one of the details that makes a hotel special and remarkable.
Before I left, I checked out and was given some recommendations by the super friendly front desk team plus the extremely knowledgeable concierge who took good care of any shopping recommendation. All in all, the stay was very good and consequent for a London boutique hotel came without any issues but beautiful interior matching the capital city. Once I was told the actual amount of rooms (fortunately after the stay), I was totally surprised and couldn‘t believe it at all given how personal and tailored the service is. With more than 80 rooms and suites this place isn’t the smallest luxury hotel in London but still meets the criteria to be a boutique hotel. So whenever you look for an affordable option with the amenities of a luxury hotel plus appreciate British interior design, you definitely should go for a stay at The Arch London. If you wonder where the name comes from: the hotel is in the same line as the Marble Arch right on the top right corner of Hyde Park. It was the perfect base for exploring Oxford Street and Hyde Park as well as shopping at Selfridge’s which is just around the corner. Value for money is for sure a great asset of this hotel.
Disclaimer// Credit (last two pictures): The Arch London. All above written expresses our own opinion and hasn’t been influenced by the fact that we have stayed at the property by courtesy of The Arch Hotel London.
