I stayed in a stylish new ‘conscious luxury’ London hotel - and felt like a film star

Budget or Boutique?

Rooms start from £450 per night in this eye-catching, central London hotel, so it’s very much a boutique offering and it shows from the minute you walk in.

Room service

I checked in quite late to the hotel, so was delighted to find that my room had been upgraded to a suite (as was my friend who’d met me for dinner and ended up getting a tour of the large room complete with living space, bedroom and the biggest bathroom I think I’ve ever seen in a hotel).

The interior design is funky and colourful - a million miles away from a staid neutral palette that that could be seen anywhere. From the painterly headboard and throw pillows in the bedroom to modular, bright red armchairs and footstools and the Hollywood mirror bare bulb lighting, it feels fun and unlike the luxury abode it is. It’s this colourful palette that makes it more relaxing and like a stylish home rather than five star hotel.

The bathroom is a serene space filled with marble tiles and light wood, and so big it doubles as a dressing room with a vanity unit for makeup and hair. Double sinks and a massive walk-in shower complete the amenities.

Wining and dining

The BoTree has an American-Italian restaurant, LAVO and an all-day namesake bar where guests and visitors can enjoy coffees through to classic pre and post dinner cocktails.

We enjoyed a late dinner at LAVO, from a compact menu - divided into antipasti, insalate, pasta, specials and carne - of classic Italian dishes, made with seasonal ingredients.

More-ish bread sticks and olives were followed by yellowfin tuna tartare served with avocado, carta di musica and taggiasca olive dressing; beef carpaccio served with black truffle, rocket, parmigiano reggiano and button mushrooms. We chose two pasta mains - lobster linguine with fresh chilli and white wine and parmigiana aubergine. Generous portions left no room for dessert so we missed out on the grand sounding 20-layer pumpkin cake with white chocolate chantilly cream, pumpkin, cinnamon and chai tea or classic tiramisu.

LAVO is a huge, double-height space that’s relaxed and stylish, but not over the top. It’s also where a small breakfast buffet, with a chef-manned egg station, is served. If weather permits there’s an al fresco terrace for relaxing with a drink.

Worth getting out of bed for

This is prime shopping territory, with Bond Street and Oxford Street minutes away. Bond Street Underground station is by the hotel entrance, meaning a short journey to the theatre district.

Once you’re done shopping or sightseeing, book into the hotel’s private screening room for guest’s favourite films.

Little extras

There are plenty of luxury touches at The BoTree to add an extra dimension to five star hospitality. My room had a well considered mini bar with complimentary soft drinks, a good range of teas and coffee for the Nespresso machine, smart TV you could cast programmes easily to. In the bathroom there was a full Dyson hairdryer and air wrap, with attachments; slippers and robes; full sized Jo Loves Pomelo toiletries and extras such as cotton wool, dental and shaving kits in a lovely, colourful bag. Not to mention, on arrival, I was treated to a glass of champagne and in-room panettone from LAVO.

As well as the in-room extras, all of The BoTree’s rooms and suites have dedicated hosts to provide butler service to organise personalised experiences, local advice and help plan itineraries.

Guestbook comments

This new luxury address is steps from Bond Street station, offering the perfect gateway to London. The unique location blends the elegance of Mayfair, character of Marylebone and creative energy of Soho, to offer a gateway to the city’s most iconic experiences.

The BoTree, 30 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2DR, 020 7309 9700, www.thebotree.com