The London EDITION - Fitzrovia, London

Ian Schrager was one of the biggest movers and shakers of 1970s Manhattan - infamously opening the most sought-after space to see-and-be-seen in New York City and perhaps the world - Studio 54. Since then he's brought those talents to bear across an entire career, carving his name even deeper in the firmament with his Sanderson hotels. However, being a restless type, he set his eyes on London and joined forces with Marriot to launch their first EDITION. Years after it's opening, it still holds punches as one of the capital's best. 

Upon entering the hotel, it's impossible not to be moved by the lobby. In the past, Schrager has aimed and succeeded at making the foyer not only the heart of the hotel but the heart of the neighbourhood, and this is no different. A gigantic pendulous mirrored orb that looks as if it could have come from a science fiction film depends from the ceiling, capturing the room's ornate moulding, rose marble columns, velvet drapes and plush carpeting in its reflection. The bar here is a formidable one, offering the same perfectionism as the Punch Room, a recondite drinking lair tucked away in the back of the hotel. Berners Tavern adjoins the lobby. It's one of the most impressive dining rooms in London and its energy spills over nicely. 

We visited on a Friday evening and were struck by the classiness of the room, one of the hotel's 173. Our room exuded a Nordic vibe with a faux fur throw draped over the bed and wood-panelled walls that could have been lifted from a private yacht. It was furnished with a contemporary walnut desk and a table cantilevered off the wall, with an oatmeal-upholstered George Smith tufted lounge chair, luxurious, linen-and-silk drapery, a silk area rug, and a gold-leaf baroque-framed Hendrik Kerstens photograph. If you want to plump for something over-the-top, there's a 195 square metre penthouse with an expansive wrap-around terrace. 

After overeating in Berners Tavern, you may want to work off some of the calories, and the fitness centre is the ideal place to do so, outfitted with free weights, state-of-the-art cardiovascular machines with personal flat screen televisions, a stretching area, and all of the amenities that make it that much nicer than your local Virgin Active: complimentary towels, headphones and refreshments. For those who want to push it a bit further, personal training sessions can be organised upon request. 

All in, the hotel is up there as one of the best contemporary properties this city has seen. With a high-powered arsenal of excellent restaurants and great nightlife options, sometimes there's no reason to leave. 

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