Hiding in Plain Sight

I wander London a lot. To me, the city is different every day and because of that, it never ceases to please. While I'm not even insinuating that I'm an expert on the capital, I will say I've walked its neighborhoods very often; so imagine my surprise when I finally came across St Martins Lane.

I had spent some time in Covent Garden one morning and while walking back toward the Leicester Square underground station I decided to hang a left instead and moseyed toward Trafalgar Square (I have a weakness for a bookstore there). I've always been very much aware that this gem existed but just never got around to lunching in its lobby until now. Just before St Martins in the Fields (church) I realized I wasn't just hungry, I was thirsty too. I looked up at just the right moment and found myself in front of this amazing boutique hotel that is taunted as 'cheeky and daring with a touch of decadent design by Philippe Starck.' How convenient!

It was too late for breakfast and really sort of too early for lunch but I'd already taken pictures of all the really cool public areas (even the ladies room is funky cool!) when that thirst thing reared itself again. I made my way over to The Den, just off the lobby. I was the only one in the restaurant, like I said, it was a weird time of day, but don't let that fool you; service was exactly as you'd expect...superb but not stuffy!

Deciding it was after noon the first Grey Goose cosmo was perfectly shaken and accompanied my club sandwich and fries nicely (what can I say? I didn't want to be too fancy). The second cosmo paired crazy good with a ridiculously decadent dessert plate complete with pourable warm chocolate sauce. Just look at it!! Good grief, I just started salivating at the memory (and the pic)!

What a special place with an incredibly inviting atmosphere. The location is amazing with Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and The Strand all within walking distance. Even if you don't book a room, if you're sightseeing the local sights, chances are you're close. Drop in for a drink or a bite. You'll be glad you did.

Please leave a comment about your love of travel, your own travel experiences or your favorite boutique hotel (or any hotel, really)...I'd love to hear from you. And please, also take a minute to check out the photo gallery on the homepage...lot's of additional vantage points.