Covent Garden Hotel

When it comes to ultra-luxurious stays, the scene is largely dominated by monolithic five-star chains which have properties in every major city. That isn’t the case with Firmdale Hotels. Instead, owners and designers Tim and Kit Kemp have kept their portfolio – which comprises nine London and three New York stays – modest, and what it’s resulted in are efficiently run, tastefully-designed hotels. 

This particular building functioned as a hospital for French soldiers during the Second World War before becoming the Shaftesbury Hotel and operating as such until 1992. It was in 1996 that it became the Covent Garden Hotel, and 30 years on, it’s still a worthy member of London’s hotel crème de la crème. 

What are the rooms like at the Covent Garden Hotel?

Full of texture, colour, and lavish touches. There are 58 rooms on offer at the Covent Garden Hotel, and if you’re lucky enough to afford something at the upper end of the price range, opt for the palatial Loft Suite. Spread over a first and mezzanine floor (with an entrance at each level), this place had a downstairs bathroom, dining and living space, plus an airy and bright master bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and en suite upstairs.

As is typical at Firmdale Hotels, there was a well-executed balance of country-house cosiness and modern amenities. The chain of boutiques are pleasingly uniform in their flamboyant yet quintessentially English interior aesthetic (courtesy of Kit Kemp), and from the wallpaper and the curtains to the throw pillows and crockery, nature is everywhere you look. Prints are made up of birds, flowers, trees, or all of the above, and paired with pretty antique furniture, dainty teacups and glassware, this place definitely maxes out on the quaint, traditional vibe. Even the headboard is embroidered with a whimsical floral print. 

And they really know a thing or two about comfort. The sofa and armchairs were practically doughy in texture, robes and slippers were unbelievably soft, and the silky bedsheets, weighty duvet and plump down pillows made for a pleasant night’s sleep. To top it all off, there were plenty of thoughtful touches  – like bottled water on the nightstand and lavender and eucalyptus pillow mist – that you only really find at seriously fancy hotels. 

Oh, and there were three TVs (in the living area, bedroom, and above the bath), a charmingly crackly record player (accompanied by smooth Bluetooth speakers), and easy-to-control air conditioning – no shortage of contemporary comforts. 

What are the best things to eat and drink at the Covent Garden Hotel?

We all know hotel restaurants can be a little meh, but it wouldn’t be fair to lump Brasserie Max in with that stereotype. Located to the right of the hotel lobby, it’s a buzzy and decadently decorated restaurant with a satisfying menu, a comprehensive wine list, and some well–oiled and attentive service. 

As per the recommendation of our waiter, we began our meal with a glass of Brut and a plate of flatbread with broad bean hummus while browsing the menu. The brasserie-style options include lots of gastropub classics, and though the prices teeter towards eye-watering – with starters ranging from £11-22, and the Dover Sole main setting you back £52 – everything we ate was indulgent and flavourful. Order the Devon chicken schnitzel with the fried egg and dressings, and save some room for the poached rhubarb and vanilla crémeux. 

Treating a savoury tooth? Brasserie Max just launched an Afternoon Cheese with produce courtesy of Neal’s Yard Dairy, which is just around the corner from the hotel. It’s available from Monday to Sunday between 2-6pm. 

What are the facilities like at the Covent Garden Hotel?

Head up to the first floor and you’ll find the Drawing Room (which doubles as an event space) and the adjoining smaller Library (available for guests to take meetings). Both are as stylish as the rooms, decorated with just as much wood and clashing patterns, and are handy if you’re staying in a business capacity. 

There’s also a 40-capacity screening room with supple Italian leather chairs which can be hired for presentations or media events, and hosts screenings of new and classic films on the weekends. 

On the lower-ground floor are a 24-hour gym and a bookable treatment room, but the best part? Guests at the Covent Garden Hotel are free to use the more comprehensive facilities at the other Firmdales nearby, including the Soholistic Spa at the Ham Yard or the swimming pool at the Haymarket. 

What’s the area like around the Covent Garden Hotel?

It won’t shock you to learn that this hotel is right in the busy, convenient heart of Covent Garden, and there are few places better to stay if you’re being a bit of a tourist in London. Keen to see some theatre? Great, there are around 40 in the immediate vicinity. Hungry for an elegant, tasty dinner? Cool, it’s restaurants galore. Oh, and you’re only a five-minute walk from Soho, which is home to some of this city’s very best pubs and bars. 

DETAILS

Address: 10 Monmouth Street, London, WC2H 9HB

Price: From £550 per night

Closest transport: Both Leicester Square and Covent Garden Underground stations (on the Piccadilly Line) are within a five-minute walk of the hotel, with direct connections to London Heathrow and London St Pancras International. Tottenham Court Road is also close by, which offers the Northern, Central, and Elizabeth lines. 

Book now: via Booking.com

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