Urban Spa London

My time at the Sanderson was too short. From the moment I stepped foot in this property, I was treated like royalty, and that experience lasted until the moment I left.

I booked one night at the Sanderson via the Morgans Hotel Group website, mainly because I am a huge fan of their other properties. I've always enjoyed the Mondrian in Los Angeles, and the Clift in San Francisco, and thought that since I would be in London, I would check out another. While the hotel rate could not be qualified as "budget, " it certainly was much less expensive that choices like the Four Seasons, Berkeley, or Mandarin Oriental. I had booked a standard room, and planned for a wonderful stay as a solo traveler.

I arrived at the Sanderson on foot, after taking the tube to the Oxford Circus station. It is only a short walk from the station to the hotel (maybe 10 minutes total), and in a very populated shopping area (no chance of ever feeling like you are walking through a "shady" neighborhood at night). Upon walking into the hotel, I felt like I was in another world. The furniture was incredibly unique and fun, and while I would certainly consider the lobby "minimalist, " everything worked well together. Since I had arrived around 12:00pm, I was informed my room was not available yet (check-in time is at 3:00pm, as are most other properties in the world), and I was apologized to for the inconvenience. I gave the young lady my mobile number, checked my bags at the hotel, and went to do a little shopping. The employees of the Sanderson quickly learned my name, and upon returning to the hotel about an hour later to use the restroom, I was greeted by first name whenever I walked past someone I had already met.

Around 1:30pm I received a phone call saying my room was ready. I went back to the check-in desk, and the same young lady apologized once again for me having to wait (no apology necessary in my mind, as I was 3 hours early for check-in anyway). She had informed me she upgraded me to a "loft" room, which was beyond words to describe. Another employee came out with my bags, introduced himself, and helped me to my room. The elevators are very unique in this hotel as they all include a sort of "outer space" vibe, but still maintain an antique London quality. My room was on the first floor, only a short walk from the elevator. The hallways, while dark, are very private and unique, and all room numbers are labeled in lights on the ground (a nice change from the typical number on the door).