Hard Rock Hotel London

This is a central hotel in the heart of London and the vibe is lively as a result. The lobby area is spacious and buzzing with activity. There’s a wraparound sketch-like image of London’s skyline on the white walls, a few potted plants, and some seating -- but little else in the way of interesting decor in the lobby. Downstairs in The Market restaurant, things take a nose-dive with some dated plastic chairs and a gaudy red color scheme calling to mind cafeteria-style dining rather than a chic hotel restaurant. There’s some generic food artwork on the wall, including a bunch of chillies and carrots, which looks uninspired. It’s a much more sophisticated feel in the Club Lounge, where the hotel has nailed a modern, but relaxed, look with some brown-gray armchairs, chic yellow cushions, and live plants. The hotel itself is overwhelmingly social with leisure guests chatting in the lobby before heading out to Oxford Street, and business guests breaking for lunch from the busy meeting rooms. It’s not quite as trendy as some of its nearby competitors, but the ongoing refurbishment (as of 2018) promises to rectify that. 

One of the main reasons guests stay at The Cumberland Hotel is its incredible location, which could scarcely be more central. The street is the intersecting point where Oxford Street meets Park Lane -- which says it all. With Hyde Park just across the road and Marble Arch tube station right above the hotel, it’s about as well connected as you can get. This is a vibrant part of London with shopping, sightseeing, and dining all at the doorstep. There are numerous restaurants and bars within a 10-minute walk, one of which is Michel Roux Jr.’s French fine dining restaurant, Le Gavroche, which is just a six-minute walk away. It takes 10 minutes to walk to Oxford Street or five minutes on the bus. Similarly close by is the upscale Mayfair District. It takes nine minutes to reach Mayfair by train, and from there you can walk to the many art galleries and high-end designer stores. It also takes nine minutes to reach the restaurant Sketch by train, which is a celebrity favorite. Iconic landmarks are easy to reach via the Central Line from Marble Arch. Big Ben takes around 13 minutes and Buckingham Palace takes just under 20 minutes. The closest airport is Heathrow, which is a 35-minute drive from The Cumberland, or an hour’s train journey. Gatwick Airport takes an hour to reach by car or an hour and 15 minutes by train. 

The rooms at The Cumberland were undergoing extensive refurbishment as of our early 2018 visit, with plans to finish by the end of the year. The refurbished rooms are calm and contemporary, but the most impressive element is probably the views looking out over Hyde Park and the busy streets below. Interiors in the refurbished rooms consist of soft carpeted floors and varnished wooden furniture, which replaces the lighter cheaper-looking pinewood found in the older rooms. Material headboards in moody grays and heavy curtains in dark blue hues give rooms a rich feel. Accents like the fun patterned cushions make the decor pop, but really, they could use a good dose more personality. Beds are comfy, and all rooms have Hypnos mattresses.

High-end amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi (though some guests complain of patchy connections), coffee-and-tea-making facilities, bottled water, and a safe. Bathrooms are impeccably modern and spacious with power showers, bathrobes, and slippers, as well as hairdryers and heated bathroom mirrors. All rooms come with air-conditioning, stationery, and a work desk. Some rooms have additional Nespresso machines and mini-fridges.

The most interesting option, however, is the Jimi Hendrix Suite, which is said to be the room where the guitarist gave his last interview in 1970. The suite is a psychedelic mix of garish colors and zany furnishings, with rainbow colored swirls on the ceiling and clashing prints on the cushions. I

The hotel’s popularity with corporate guests can be seen in the number of busy meeting rooms and event spaces. These range from board meetings, interview panels, and private dining rooms suitable for 30, to the huge Ocean Room capable of seating 400. All are equipped with air-conditioning and have designated break-out areas and dining options available. Larger conferences and weddings are also held at the hotel. 

Breakfast is served in The Market restaurant, which has a corporate vibe. Hard wooden seats and bland decor create a cheap canteen look, though there is an extensive breakfast spread which guests seem to appreciate. While the buffet is regularly topped up, guests do complain that overcrowding at breakfast spoils their morning meal. Lunch and dinner, as well as an afternoon tea, are served in The Market restaurant too. The menu features casual options like soup, salads, pizzas, burgers, and fish and chips, but prices are premium. Room service is available 24 hours. 

The Club Lounge at the hotel is open to guests staying in executive rooms and suites. The benefits are good, with free continental breakfasts, and a sophisticated and serene area in which to socialize or work. This is by far one of the more stylish corners of the hotel, with fresh orchids, a gray and mustard color scheme, and free daily newspapers. 

For guests traveling with pets, its worth noting that the rooms here are pet-friendly, ask ahead and the hotel can arrange a pet bed, water, food bowls, and a welcome treat. There's a small fitness center with a few cardio machines and weights. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though the connection can be spotty.