Threadneedles Hotel
5 Threadneedle Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2R 8AY
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#27 of 80
expert-rated hotels in London- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Culture vultures, Mature travellers, People watching
Expert review of Threadneedles Hotel
Calm, impressive-looking former bank at the centre of the high-finance City.
Though it calls itself ‘the City’s boutique hotel’, Threadneedles is actually rather grand, a converted bank building that dates back to the 1850s – and it's located right in London’s traditional banking district. I love the wow-factor lobby, and the masculine bar to the righthand side is great for business entertaining, but little details like carefully coloured lighting, art works and fresh flowers keep the place from feeling too formal.
Location:
The hotel couldn’t be much closer to the Bank of England (and its fun little museum) if it moved into the bank’s lobby. And St Paul’s Cathedral, the Monument, Museum of London, Barbican arts centre, even Tate Modern across the river are close. Should you exhaust the local options, there are loads of black cabs, as well as easy-peasy access to Bank Underground station and, a little further away, Liverpool Street – that means you’ve access to Tube, rail and DLR.
Bedrooms:
Good size, with smart but familiar business décor, given a bit of zip by quiet modern art and flowers. There's free internet and, more unusually for a high-end hotel, complimentary tea/coffee and an iron. The flatscreen TVs are rather small, but I do like having a TV in the bathroom too - tiny here, but still something different from home. The bathrooms themselves are of two types: bathtub and shower combined, or what the hotel describes as ‘Japanese-style’ (the rainforest shower to the side of the tub, so you can rinse off after your bath). I liked no.319, a corner deluxe on the inside of the hotel, so you can see the atrium dome from the outside - and get loads of exterior light coming in. I’m told the top suite has a small balcony, the other suites are open plan.
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Public areas:
The intricate stained glass dome that remains from the original bank is brilliant, flooding the central atrium with light. With flower arrangements, some abstract art and comfy chairs, it’s a real pleasure to sit here - I occasionally drop in for a cup of tea or a light bite even if I’m not staying (it’s open to the public between 8am and 5pm).
Eating and drinking:
On the righthand side of the lobby, pricey Bonds bar is a handsome, masculine setting for wine and well-crafted cocktails. The restaurant, where breakfast is served, is a step up from the bar to the rear and serves modern French food. But non-alcoholic drinks and snacks under that fabulous dome in the lobby is my favourite treat. Watch out at weekends and evenings if you do venture out: this is a business district, so many places in the immediate vicinity shut down just when tourists might want them.
Leisure facilities:
No gym, but the hotel does have a deal with the nearby Virgin Active gym.
Service:
Delivered with a professional snap, but warm too. The doorman lends a bit of gravitas.
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Who stays there:
Definitely a business slant to the guests, but leisure guests appreciate the weekend deals and sights-friendly location.
Price advice:
Some cracking weekend deals can be found. Breakfast usually costs £16, but you can pre-book breakfast for two for just £20.
Pros:
Calming interior
Stunning foyer/lounge
Cons:
Very quiet district at weekends
Not a hotel for tearaways
More information on Threadneedles Hotel:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 5 Threadneedle Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2R 8AY
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet, Restaurant, Room Service
- Neighbourhood:
- City
