I’m sure I’m not the only one to wonder how summer is flying by and I’m still yet to book a holiday. As July ticks on the actual likelihood of a getaway (Glastonbury didn’t count…) diminishes by the day, but while a staycation in one’s home city might not quite tick all the same boxes as a week on a foreign beach (NB sunshine not necessarily guaranteed…), there’s a lot to be said for indulging in a dose of restorative R&R once in while and there’s something about it that seems even more indulgent when it’s right on one’s doorstep.
With such a plethora of fine hotels right on London’s doorstep, quite literally in some cases, the idea of a cheeky staycation away from home is definitely one that needs exploring. From luxurious king size beds (undoubtedly an upgrade on some of the less comfortable flats I’ve rented…) and magnificent roll top baths to secret subterranean spas, five star fine dining, city view bars and movie back catalogues to die for, there are a thousand options across town to give yourself an upgrade from another night at home. Grab your toothbrush and your PJs and hop on a tube - for London can be just as refreshing as a trip away.
Stop one on my Staycation tour of London is the hidden gem of My Bloomsbury. Part of the My Hotels group which also includes My Chelsea and My Brighton, the Bloomsbury establishment nestles off Tottenham Court Road a stone’s throw from the buzz of Oxford Street, theatre land and the West End, but couldn’t be further from it.
82 contemporary guest rooms has been carefully curated with a mix of vintage and designer furniture, unique artworks and Egyptian cotton bedlinen (definitely passed the crisp test); the standard doubles have also been recently refurbished with pieces from iconic store Heal’s (ironically just around the corner). If you want to really indulge, the unique penthouse Suite - My Place 1 - features its own rooftop terrace with a sweeping view of London and a private kitchenette and living room. is beautifully designed with aesthetically pleasing lines and an exclusive roof top terrace offering a sweeping view of London.
It’s the little touches that make a stay somewhere like My Bloomsbury memorable, in this case their partnership with Bloomsbury publishers to not only offer guests a selection of books upon arrival but a discount on those ordered online. I walked into my room to find a John le Carré biography on the foot of the best waiting for me (at the time I was reading The Night Manager… are they psychic?) alongside fresh biscuits from the downstairs GAIL’S bakery. More on that later.
With social responsibility at the heart of the My Bloomsbury ethos, the hotel provides in-room recycling bins, while Anyah eco-friendly toiletries can be found in the bathrooms; not a brand I’d come across before but certainly one I’ll be using again if I can find it.
While it’s the perfect pitstop after a night in the West End, I chose to check in early post-work and head down to the basement, home of the secret Body Kalm treatment room. From Ancient Eastern health & beauty rituals to reflexology and massages, it’s the ideal way to unwind after a long day before floating back up to your room for the night, as I did, before wrapping up in the rode provided and getting in to bed with my book, a cup of tea and a biscuit. Absolutely blissful. Though I have to admit the Room Service menu looked fairly tempting, with dishes including a pulled pork BBQ brisket toastie, lentil and pickled beetroot salad and brioche French toast with maple bacon, crime fraiche and fruit compote.
Now then. GAIL’S. You know it. You love it. With good reason. GAIL’S have both a bakery and restaurant situated in the hotel, providing everything from light snacks and top-notch coffee to a sumptuous three course meal. My continental breakfast was just the ticket; simple yet effective, coffee, juice, bread, ham and cheese and a croissant with butter and jam. Perfect fuel for a day at work ahead, though if it tickles your fancy a full menu of delicious treats is on offer.
Cute, compact, cosy and world away from the West End on its doorstep, My Bloomsbury is a hidden gem in London's hotel world.
Doubles from £159 at www.myhotels.com
Book Body Kalm treatments online in advance at www.bodykalm.co.uk
