Is it a hotel? Is it a members’ club? (It’s actually a bit of both.)
With Westminster Abbey over there, St James’s Park a mere swish away, Buckingham Palace practically in front of you, Green Park to your right, up a bit, Horse Guard’s Parade and Trafalgar Square if you care to walk further then carry on to Soho if you’re keen, the location couldn’t be snazzier.
It’s known as London’s glittering Westminster and, up until now, almost unfathomably, its hotel stock has been a bit meh. That is until *checks notes* this little gem of a hotel reared it pretty little bonnet. It’s called The Guardsman and, as our snappy headline suggests, it’s not just your average hotel. Imagine a boutique hotel meets a members club meets an exclusive residence then… well, actually, you don’t have to imagine because it opens on 23rd October.
From the top down we have six exclusive residences – including The Astor, with its proper swell wraparound terrace – then 53 rooms and suites then, down below, two floors for the pleasure of only guests and residents (hence the members’ club vibes) where you’ll find the Dining Room & Bar, Drawing Room and Library.
Food is locally sourced and, save for a few classic British dishes, changes daily, interiors are by Richard Tomlin with lighting by Tom Dixon and – nice touch – you can request a specific room or residence kitted out with – nice twist – your preferred brand of drinks and bathroom products. And everything’s sustainable as sustainable can be, seeing as you ask; only 100% renewable energy throughout provided by solar panels on the roof, vegan bathroom products from Noble Isle, vetted food and drink from organic providers.
And reservations are now being taken, so go get ‘em.
