Small is beautiful with smart design

Sep 14 2007 Travel

Rhona Ganguly finds her upmarket London hotel room a little on the small side

If you’re looking for a cultural weekend away in the capital, the Mandeville Hotel could be the perfect place to stay.

Based in the ever-fashionable Marylebone Village, the hotel exudes elegance and luxury and is just a few minutes walk from some of London’s most exciting attractions, art galleries and antique shops.

Located close to Bond Street tube station, it covers eight floors with 142 bedrooms and is described as 4 star deluxe.

On first impressions, the hotel, with its white-washed walls, really does not stand out from its neighbouring businesses. But once you step inside, it is easy to see that great design is key to this hotel.

Every room is touched by world-class designers with vibrant colours and is equipped with flat screen interactive LCD televisions and broadband internet access.

The marble bathrooms, although small, feature a power shower and combined "hands-off" radio and telephone, with The White Company bath accessories.

Fitness fanatics can also make use of preferential rates at two local health clubs and a Day Spa in Marylebone Village.

Although visually perfect, there are a few complaints. It would be fair to presume if you book a twin room, you know that person relatively well but still require your own personal space. So considering this need for privacy, it is slightly worrying that the bathroom door is made from frosted glass.

Yes it looks very impressive and is in keeping with the need for sharp design, and yes you can only see fudged figures through the door, but the fact there is no lock and the door is left to balance shut does not leave a guest with much confidence.

The other negative is that of size. The superior twin room, which has been designed by the ARA Design Company and furnished by Julian Chichester, exudes style and comfort. However at £275 a night, the size of the room, which for two people does seem rather pokey at times, can hardly be described as superior.

The price is the same for a superior double room. This lack of space is a quick and unfortunate reminder of just how little room your money can buy in the capital.

But if you are looking for a bit more Hollywood glamour for a weekend away and aren’t too worried about breaking the bank, then the Penthouse Suite offers a lot more space and privacy.

At £650 a night, it offers guests the privacy of a townhouse apartment-style space with its own entrance staircase, bedroom and sitting room area.

It also features a 10ft by 10ft roof terrace overlooking Hinde Street Church, Manchester Square to the right and the rooftops of London. Add to that a powder pink bathroom situated up a second set of the stairs, under the eaves, which features a walk-in power shower, bath and full vanity dressing table.

One great point about the Mandeville Hotel is the attentive and friendly staff. On arrival, all guests are greeted by the concierge who whips away luggage with a friendly welcome and directs you to the desk, where there is always someone on hand to help with recommendations for places to visit and give directions.

The Mandeville Hotel’s restaurant is also a pleasant surprise for guests.

Created by world-renowned interior designer Stephen Ryan, the deVille Restaurant has been fashioned for those who "wish to dine in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere, while trying the delicious modern British cuisine".

The décor of the dining room is emphasised by the modern, large patterned floral wallpaper motif, punctuated by theatrical clear Perspex-framed paintings and Venitien mask wall lights.

It looks stunning and I was surprised to find it empty on arrival for my dinner reservation at 8pm.

But with Borlotti bean and rosemary soup for starters, Buccleuch sirloin steak for main and rhubarb and blueberry crème brûlée with sablé biscuit for dessert on the menu, maybe the empty restaurant is a result of eager tourists hoping to explore the capital on what was a glorious August summer night.

The deVille Restaurant also serves the hotel’s new afternoon tea menu, which offers a delicious selection of homemade scones, deep-filled sandwiched and divine cupcakes, accompanied by an extensive selection of teas and Champagnes.

Another plus at the hotel is its divine deVigne Bar, decorated in vibrant red, yellow, green and silver.

Warm and ambient, bar staff offer an imaginative cocktail list and an extensive whisky list. Be careful with those cocktails, though. They can be deceptively strong . . .  Size might not be everything for visitors to London and although on the expensive side, it can be argued the location, fantastic design and service are all worth the cost.

• FACTBOX
  Rhona Ganguly was a guest of Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville Place, Marylebone, London, W1U 2BE. For details, tel 0207 935 5599 or visit www.mandeville.co.uk. 
  A petite double single occupancy costs £250; a superior double/twin room, £275; a deluxe, £300; junior suite, £400; double bedroom suite £450; penthouse with terrace, £650. All rates are per night.