REVIEW: The Londoner, Leicester Square, London
There is something quite magical about waking up in the middle of London and feeling as if the whole city is spread out below your window. On my latest London stay, I checked into The Londoner, Leicester Square, a luxury hotel that calls itself a “super boutique”. That description intrigued me: could a large, central London property really feel intimate and personal?
After staying there, I think it comes very close.
First impressions & location
If your idea of London is bright lights, theatre marquees and a constant low hum of excitement, Leicester Square is exactly that. Stepping out of the taxi, I was right in the centre of the West End energy: cinemas, theatres, street performers and that unmistakable London buzz.
The hotel’s entrance feels quietly confident rather than flashy. You are seconds from the square itself, but once you step inside, the noise softens and there is an immediate sense of calm.
Why the location works so well:
Perfect for theatre breaks: most West End theatres are a short walk away.
Ideal if you want to walk almost everywhere: Covent Garden, Soho, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly are all on your doorstep.
Excellent for first–timers to London who want to be in the middle of it all, not commuting in from further out.
If you imagine classic London views, long city walks and slipping back to the hotel between sightseeing and dinner, this location is pretty spot–on. The best thing about the entrance to this hotel is THE SMELL, they have a gorgeous, luxurious scent wafting around the whole hotel which really elevates the experience.
Rooms: cosy, quiet and cleverly designed
I was curious about how a hotel on Leicester Square itself could possibly be quiet. The answer: very good soundproofing and a focus on making the rooms feel like little urban cocoon spaces.
In my room, I found:
A calming, layered design with soft tones, textured fabrics and thoughtful lighting rather than anything shouty or overly trendy.
A bed that absolutely falls into the “sink–in and sleep” category, with lovely linens and proper pillows.
A sleek bathroom with walk–in shower stocked with the sort of amenities that make you feel nicely looked after.
Storage is well thought through, and the technology is intuitive rather than irritating. Everything feels designed to make your stay very easy: close the door, drop the suitcase, and you are instantly in a different world from the street outside.
If you are used to tiny, awkward London rooms, The Londoner will feel like a real upgrade: still urban and compact in feel, but unashamedly luxurious.
The social heart: bars, lounges and spaces to linger
One of the things I loved about The Londoner is that it does not feel like a “sleep here, go somewhere else to enjoy yourself” kind of hotel. You can absolutely treat it as part of the experience.
There is a lobby or lounge area that feels like a stylish living room, perfect for coffee, a laptop session or people–watching.
A rooftop bar that manages to be both buzzy and cosy, with well–made cocktails and the kind of lighting that flatters everyone.
There is also a club lounge or exclusive area, here you can get complimentary drinks, snacks and a quiet space to sit and work, read or just relax. It also offers an alternative space for dining which is quite nice if you are travelling alone. You can enjoy a quieter breakfast, evening drinks, snacks, and a more private feel in such a central location.
It is very easy to spend a London evening entirely inside the hotel: pre–dinner drink, dinner on site, then a nightcap before riding the lift back up to bed.
Dining: breakfast to late–night bites
Breakfast in city hotels is one of my favourite things, and The Londoner did not disappoint.
You can adapt the detail here according to your experience:
Breakfast is served in Whitcombs restaurant; it is well–presented, with a mix of hot dishes, pastries, fruit and proper coffee. Enough choice to feel indulgent without feeling like an airport hangar.
There are a number of on–site restaurant(s) which is ideal if you want a slow, easy night in.
There is the rooftop which is called 8 at The Londoner and this offers drinks and small plates, largely Japanese inspired with paired cocktails and an extensive wine list.
There is then Whitcombs which is the French–Mediterranean restaurant, and it feels like a real occasion spot without ever tipping into stuffy. Think elegant brasserie styling, soft lighting and a menu that leans into beautifully done classics: grilled fish, well–sourced meats, pasta and seasonal vegetables, all presented with just enough flair. It works as well for a long, lazy lunch as it does for a pre–theatre dinner, and there is a sense that you could be in Paris or the Riviera rather than right by Leicester Square. Service is polished but relaxed, and the wine list is exactly what you want in a hotel like this: generous, food–friendly and full of European favourites that pair perfectly with the kitchen’s rich, comforting flavours.
Next up is The Stage, this feels like a little jewel box of a bar, centred around champagne and the kind of elegant grazing that makes any evening feel special. By day it works beautifully for a refined pause with a glass of something cold and a light bite, but it really comes into its own later on, when the lighting drops and the atmosphere turns quietly glamorous. The menu leans into champagne and sparkling cocktails, so it is perfect for celebrations, pre–theatre bubbles or a decadent nightcap after exploring the West End. It is the sort of space where you can settle into a plush seat, listen to the low buzz of conversation and feel that you are exactly where you are meant to be in London that night.
Joshua’s Tavern at The Londoner has the feel of a modern British tavern reimagined for the West End: relaxed, characterful and built around a seriously good gin and drinks list. It is the sort of place where you can drop in casually after a day in the city, settle into a cosy spot and order a well–made drink without any fuss or formality. The atmosphere is warm and buzzy, with a more laid–back, local vibe than the hotel’s glitzier spaces, making it perfect for an easy evening with friends or a relaxed pre– or post–theatre drink that still feels distinctly “London”.
Finally, we have Refuel at The Retreat which is The Londoner’s wellness–focused bar, and it feels like a calm little antidote to the buzz of Leicester Square above. Tucked within the spa space, it is the spot for freshly made juices, lighter bites and feel–good sips that actually complement a morning in the gym or a lazy hour by the pool. Think clean, contemporary styling, soft lighting and a menu that leans into nourishment rather than indulgence, while still feeling like a treat. It is ideal if you want to rebalance after a busy London day, or start the morning slowly with something fresh and restorative before heading back out into the city.
Room service is also available and perfect for the moment when theatre finishes late and all you want is something comforting without leaving the room.
One of the main draws to the Londoner hotel is that you can treat it as either a central London base with all your meals out in the city, or as an integrated part of their foodie plans.
Wellness & facilities: a surprising retreat beneath the city
One of the treats at The Londoner is the sense of retreat the deeper you go into the building. The offerings are:
A spa and wellness area that feels cocooning and low–lit, ideal for switching off from the city above.
Pool / hydro pool / sauna / steam options for unwinding after a day of walking.
A well–equipped gym for those who like to keep up their routine.
This is a strong selling point: it turns a London city break into something that feels closer to a mini–retreat, especially if you book spa treatments or use the pool.
Service & little touches
What really elevates a central London stay for me is not just the décor, but how the hotel makes you feel. At The Londoner I found:
Staff who were genuinely warm and conversational, rather than polished but distant.
A nice balance between discretion and attentiveness: I never felt hovered over, but help appeared quickly whenever I needed something.
Small touches that signal luxury: perhaps a welcome amenity, turn–down service, thoughtful details in the room…..and of course that SMELL!
This is the sort of hotel where people celebrating an anniversary, special birthday or theatre weekend will feel that their occasion is being properly marked, not just processed.
Who I would recommend The Londoner, Leicester Square to
I would especially recommend this hotel to:
Couples on a theatre break or special weekend away who want a mix of West End buzz and high–end comfort.
Friends planning a luxe London escape with shopping, dining and perhaps a spa treatment.
Solo travellers who want a secure, central base with everything on hand and easy walking access to the main sights.
Final thoughts
The Londoner, Leicester Square surprised me in the best way. I expected a slick, central London hotel with great design and a good bar, and it delivered that. What I did not fully expect was how calm and cocooning it would feel once I was inside, and how much I would appreciate the ability to drop down into the spa, lounge in the bar, or simply watch London from above.
If you are looking for a London hotel that combines luxury, theatre–ready location and a strong sense of occasion, The Londoner deserves a place very near the top of your list.