Great Scotland Yard Hotel

After various false starts due to the pandemic, Great Scotland Yard Hotel finally opened its doors in March 2022. Following a multi million pound conversion, this iconic listed building has become one of the latest arrivals in London’s luxury hotel scene. The designers have decided (and why not?) to channel the building’s original life as head quarters of the Metropolitan Police in its décor — after all this is where Jack the Ripper was interviewed! However what is really striking is the stunning use of original artworks throughout the public areas, from “Service” (the flagship piece in the lobby which tells the building’s history through a series of portraits), to the booty laden cabinets in the bar and the incredible pieces done by current prisoners. The art works continue throughout the property including the guest rooms where you will find yet more carefully curated pictures. The rooms are “safe” in their design with a neutral colour palette throughout. But there are pleasing little touches like wrought iron keys bent into behind-door hooks, and leather accessories. The bathrooms on the other hand are a real treat. Marble clad, all with roomy walk-in showers, some with huge soaking tubs and his and hers sinks, plus the obligatory classy toiletries and Japanese loos! The other great thing about this property is the superb food and drink offerings. The 40 Elephants is a buzzing bar where you can choose from an innovative range of cocktails or have a light bite, The Parlour is earning a reputation for an excellent Afternoon Tea (they even host bring your dog events), Sibin is a laid back, dark and sultry hideaway where you can sip from an enormous range of whiskys from around the globe, but the icing on the cake is Ekstedt at The Yard run by head chef Niklas Ekstedt. It’s a fabulous Nordic restaurant where the very best of British ingredients are treated to Scandinavian cooking techniques (everything is cooked over the fire) — the results are fabulous! Location-wise you can’t really beat Great Scotland Yard; just off Whitehall, two minutes to Embankment, round the corner from Trafalgar Square...it doesn’t get much more central! Anyone looking for a luxury London hotel with a real sense of history and panache to match, should definitely check this one out.

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Private villas
• The Townhouse is stunning private two bedroom house for those seeking a little more space and privacy
• Meeting Room
• Not your usual "buttoned-up" style events rooms. Grace and Favour has a design-led relaxed vibe
• Bar
• 40 Elephants Bar for innovative cocktails and Sibin, a hideaway whisky bar
• Restaurant
• Ekstedt at The Yard is overseen by Michelin starred Niklas Ekstedt
• Wifi
• Suites

• Air conditioning
• Room service
• Child friendly
• Pet friendly
• Gym

• Close to nightlife
• Covent Garden is renowned for its vibrant night life and is a short stroll away, as is Leicester Square
• Museums
• London is awash with fine museums, many within easy reach of the hotel including Churchill's War Rooms
• Sights nearby
• Steps from Whitehall and all the government buildings, plus the London Eye is just across the river

• Designer Shopping
• London is a dream destination for anyone who loves a spot of designer shopping
• Learning
• The National Portrait Galley is very close by

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Our history — our famous address is a legendary site immersed in iconic British history housed in a Grade II listed building with Edwardian and Victorian architecture, it’s where Sir Robert peel founded the Metropolitan Police. Plus, our Central London location, which is just moments from Trafalgar Square and within easy walking distance from all of London’s major tourist hotspots from The London Eye, Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament, to Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden.

What is there to do in the area or on site? Situated in the heart of Westminster, it’s the perfect base to explore London's famous landmarks as well as its hidden gems. Surrounded by iconic attractions all within walking distance, including: The National Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Southbank, there’s also a vast array of premier shopping destinations to over 300 museums and galleries and fun-filled family attractions to luscious green parks – you’ll never be bored.

At the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, there’s an abundance of history and over 150 pieces of art, most of which has been specially commissioned for the property by Sarah Percy-Davis of Hollandridge Group, who worked closely with our owners to collate an amazing collection, including an installation in the hotel lobby by Nicola Green and a collection of works which were purchased from Koestler Arts, a prison arts charity, plus many other incredible works of art. The art tells the most important and interesting narratives from the building's rich history, visually telling the story of Scotland Yard.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer a delicious a la carte breakfast including the ‘Usual Suspects’ — a Full English Breakfast, Omelettes, Eggs Benedict and Pancakes. For lighter options, or as we call it ‘Petty Crimes’, we offer Fruits, Granola, Porridge Oats or Cereals to name a few. The full breakfast menu is offered as a room service too and let’s admit, having breakfast in bed is one of the best things about staying in a hotel!

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? At the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, the food and beverage offering is central to what we do. Our flagship restaurant Ekstedt at The Yard by Niklas Ekstedt, showcases a signature style of wood fired ‘old Nordic’ cooking using the very best seasonal British ingredients. At The Parlour, you can enjoy a relaxing lunch, although the venue is best known for its sensory Afternoon Tea created in partnership with the iconic perfumery Floris London, the only appointed perfumery to Her Majesty The Queen, it’s quite unlike anything you have ever tried before. Although The 40 Elephants prides itself with a list of exceptional cocktails, it’s a great place to have a light snack such as Truffle Arancini, Steak & Ale Croquettes or, perhaps, some Caviar to go with your Champagne or something more substantial. Sibin is our hidden whisky bar perfect for learning about whisky or enjoying post dinner drinks and conversations.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Premium rooms are the most popular as they’re larger than our standard category, bright and spacious. The majority are on higher floors, boasting great views over the skyline of of Westminster.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We offer interconnecting rooms as well as children’s amenities.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Our history and storytelling can be found through the hotel’s design and in everything that we do, so we encourage our guests as well as your readers to always stay curious.