With a largely unassuming exterior, you’d be forgiven for walking straight past this unique private member’s club without a second glance. However, if you do happen upon the rather large brown door on Endell Street and peer through the window, I guarantee you’ll want to step inside. For what lays behind the brick facade is one of the most special places in the capital I’ve had the privilege of visiting. The Hospital Club.
Created by the co-founder of Microsoft (Paul Allen), the club is a hub for London’s creative scene, with an in-house television studio, performance space, screening room and several chic cocktail bars and lounges. Every floor offers guests something new to explore – even the hallway walls, which are emblazoned with quirky wooden carvings. Stepping inside is like stepping into an exciting new world – with an aura of calm (away from the hustle and bustle of city life) perfect for getting those creative juices flowing…
We were lucky enough to spend a night in one of their amazing bedrooms. Although I have to admit, it was more of an apartment.
Far surpassing any hotel I’ve visited before, the rooms at The Hospital Club are unique in their own way, with a real homely feel – rather than any too corporate or formulaic. Wooden globes, old cameras and cacti in prism glass boxes were just some of the additional items I noted, while the decor itself was luxurious – but slightly warm, with darker wood.
The main focus for me however, was the incredible bathroom – showcasing a rainfall shower and a standalone tub, complete with yellow rubber ducks.
Every tiny detail had been carefully crafted and perfected to ensure that each guest has the most amazing stay possible. I’ve been lucky enough to stay at some gorgeous hotels around the world, however even the five stars sometimes have a couple of minor defects (which I don’t comment on – but do take note). The Hospital Club had absolutely none. Not a chip of paint, not a peel of wallpaper and not a fleck of dust. Which for me, spells that you’ll be well and truly taken care of. I wasn’t wrong.
We made the most of our stay, by checking in as early as possible (11am) and freshening up before heading down to explore the surrounding area (Covent Garden). With every London attraction, show and shop on your doorstep, the location is absolutely faultless and we really loved having a Central base to head back to should it all get a bit too much.
At around 7pm, we headed ‘home’ and got ready for dinner, which was to be hosted at the Hospital Club restaurant (on the 4th floor – I think). It was such a luxury to be able to run myself a bath and spread out my collection of make-up and beauty products on extensive marble sink. All while testing out our favourite Soundcloud Playsuit on the in-room speakers which connect to your iPhone. And sipping martinis from the complimentary cocktail bar. As if anything couldn’t have been more perfect. Wifi was free.
At 9pm we took the lift to dinner (so lovely to not have to bundle yourself into various coats and gloves) and pursued the menu with a glass of champagne in hand. We were celebrating something special and were so excited to be doing so in such stunning surroundings.
Just as the champagne flowed, so did the food – and we opted to try out a number of courses from the appetisers and mains selection.
Bread and butter is a usual addition to any meal, however the salted butter and sourdough gave this version something a little extra.
We also had lemon and rosemary grilled chicken, bruschetta flatbread, scallops and pumpkin, sweet potato fries and a turkey roast with all the trimmings. It’s safe to say, we didn’t go hungry (or disappointed) that night.
Dessert, although a tempting offer – we had to miss, seeing as we’d been so overzealous at ordering our starters and mains.
The service was faultless – and we ended up giving a very generous tip to the guy serving us, because he was so kind and friendly and went out of his way to make sure we had a special evening.
After a very comfortable night’s sleep, we made the most of our gorgeous room for a few hours longer before packing up and saying goodbye. We’d had a little delivery overnight of a Christmas stocking, book, chocolates and an orange – which was a cute little surprise – and we took it home as a reminder of the most perfect night I could have ever imagined!
If you’re in the market for a place which doesn’t stop at anything to make their guests feel special, I’d definitely look into The Hospital Club. It is a members club, however they do welcome guests frequently – and to be honest, this means it has more of a quiet, exclusive feel all year round – rather than feeling ‘part of the process’ of a hotel stay.
Bloggers certainly would appreciate the decor and the atmosphere, which provides the perfect setting for an afternoon of photo editing, emails and writing up overdue posts. Oh that reminds me. Back to reality…
24, Endell Street, London, WC2H 9HQ
020 7170 9100
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