Hotel of the week: Hard Rock Hotel in London

Let’s face it, who didn’t love a coveted trip to the Hard Rock Café when they were younger?

Rock’n’roll memorabilia, those true American burgers and an excuse to drink a milkshake with dinner. Well, the Hard Rock has grown up and its first hotel outpost in the UK is a hint of US glamour in central London.

Where is it?

Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel means being bang in central London. Situated at the top end of Oxford Street, just around the corner from Marble Arch station, you’ll find the hotel’s entrance, complete with wide glass doors and attentive doormen.

(Hard Rock Hotel)

Style

It feels very Hollywood luxe, with gold and turquoise accents lighting up the lobby area. A lot of emphasis has been placed on curating just the right set of memorabilia for the London version, including David Bowie’s “Relax” t-shirt, Freddie Mercury’s piano from his family home in Middlesex and one of Paul McCartney’s iconic Beatles suits.

The highlight, as you walk in, is most certainly the main bar, a golden circular behemoth featuring cosy booths and high-backed stools to take in the marvel of the design.

All rooms feature Hypnos beds, which resulted in one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a while, as well as free Wi-Fi, a digital TV and a Nespresso machine.

Extra Rock Royalty perks include having a Crossley record player and vinyl selection delivered to your room or your own Fender guitar to rock out in style during your stay. Headphones are included.

Food & drink

Make sure to book some time in for a cocktail or two at that lavish lobby bar or the separate cocktail bar found just to the right of the Marylebone entrance, for somewhere a little quieter.

Grab a space in one of the sumptuous booths at the lobby bar or take a seat at the marble bar and watch the mixologists create something delicious – although the cocktails here aren’t cheap, so if you’re looking to have a few rounds it’s worth visiting a nearby pub instead.

The magnificent lobby bar (Hard Rock Hotel)

A few steps away from the lobby bar is the Hard Rock restaurant. The lights are brighter down here which takes away some of the ambience enjoyed by the bar patrons. Expect a clean-cut American menu here, from burgers and steaks to fajitas and the classic Californian Cobb Salad. Luckily, the portions aren’t too American-sized.

This is also the space where the breakfast buffet is served in the morning featuring a whole manner of pastries and English and American breakfast items. Sadly, no pancakes.

Facilities

There is a gym if you have the time – or inclination. Hard Rock partnered up with Technogym to kit its fitness centre out, featuring weights, treadmills, and elliptical machines.

If yoga is more your thing, you can order a complimentary Rock Om yoga kit complete with a Manduka yoga mat, to be delivered to your room. Set up one of the on-demand yoga videos available on the TV and be guided through a routine.

If it’s a Friday night, there can often be live music in the main restaurant area if you want to enjoy some tunes on your visit. And it wouldn’t be a Hard Rock outpost with an exclusive Rock Shop featuring signature Hard Rock-infused clothing and accessories – so pick up a few souvenirs before you leave.

Which room

Make sure to go for a Rock Royalty room for extra benefits including VIP check-in and access to the Rock Royalty lounge, featuring complimentary snacks and drinks, and extra space to stretch out and relax after a long day pounding London’s streets.

All rooms feature Hypnos beds (Hard Rock Hotel)