The luxurious London hotel that's 'a little bit special' and perfect for couples or families
Joanna Lovell
Associate EditorNetmums’ Joanna Lovell and family enjoyed a stay at Melia White House in central London and say it's a real treat – here's how Netmums readers can get 20% off
When it comes to choosing a hotel in London it's difficult to know where to start because there's actually too much choice.
Location and price are key factors for many families, but a quick online search will return SO many options it can be difficult to whittle them down and make a final choice.
Where do you even start?
Well, if you're looking for a little treat with a luxurious stay, I've got a great recommendation. Note – this isn't a budget option, this is top class and one of the best hotels in London IMO.
We recently stayed at Meliá White House – and just wow. There is something very special about this hotel.
- The hotel that's PERFECT for footie-mad kids
- Will my family like a Eurocamp holiday?
- How to get on every ride at Alton Towers
- Mum's 36-hour £300 'Caribbean' cruise
- The family holiday with wine on TAP
The hotel has recently reinvented itself following a substantial renovation. The project restored the Grade II-listed 1930s building to retain its art deco style and completely transformed all hotel areas.
'An absolute treat'
From Prosecco on arrival to amazing food, fabulous attention to detail and friendly staff, this hotel has it all.
Not to mention it's great location near all the tourist hot spots, just a stone's throw from Great Portland Street tube station.
We were staying for my son's 13th birthday and what a treat it was.
Includes food and drink
Since it was my son's 13th birthday, we were splashing out a touch and choose to book The Level experience, which elevated an already impressive stay.
Level guests enjoy:
- Private check-in and check-out
- Breakfast in a private area
- Access to the private Lounge with complimentary food and drinks
- Late check-out
From the moment we arrived and were seated at the private Level check-in desk with a glass of bubbly, (and a Fanta for the kids), we felt extremely well looked after.
The private space for Level guests allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of busy London where you can feel completely at home, able to help yourselves to food and drink.
From 10am until 10pm you'll find free-flowing wines, beers, cava and delicious light bites to help yourself to. Then in the evening between 5.30pm and 7.30pm the drinks are extended to include all spirts and the tapas is served.
Why it's actually good value for money
When booking a hotel it's tempting to go for the cheapest room – we often say that when in London the hotel is just a 'base', that you won't be in for that much of the time, but the opposite was true of this stay.
We splashed out, so we were making the most of the hotel and going to be spending a lot of time there.
Due to the fact drinks were free-flowing all day, and tapas is served in the evening, it actually worked out to be very good value for money, because we weren't just booking a hotel room, we were effectively booking an all-inclusive stay.
If you think, in London, the average glass of wine is upwards of £7, we saved a fortune on drinks, not to mention the food.
You won't need an evening meal after the tapas feast, which actually makes the extra for the hotel stay very reasonable.
Throughout the festive period, little ones can enjoy hot chocolates and sweet treats, too.
The rooms
Our room wasn't huge, but it was big enough for our family and extremely stylish with elegant decoration and views of the city from its large window.
It provided a king-size bed, a comfortable sofa-bed for the kids, coffee table and dresser, flat-screen TV and bathroom with a rain shower.
You'll also find fluffy towels, robes and slippers and a chocolate on your pillow after your room is turned down in the evening.
Top-quality food
Meliá White House boasts its own in-house restaurant, Arado – a dining experience featuring authentic Spanish flavours.
It's open to hotel guests and locals alike. It's also available for private bookings.
'An experience to remember'
We were lucky enough to stay during the festive period when the hotel had been transformed with a beautifully decorated Christmas trees and festive florals.
In the lead up to Christmas, guests staying at the hotel can enjoy a range of festive workshops, with gingerbread-house making every Wednesday and wreath-making sessions guided by a local florist every Thursday.
Kids can also meet the man himself, as Santa visits the elegant hotel for a magical festive experience, bringing gifts for children and some beautiful photo moments.
Families staying at The Level can enjoy an exclusive family entertainment room throughout the festive period; an area for families to spend time together watching Christmas movies or getting creative with festive arts and crafts.
What do other travellers think?
It's not just me who gives this hotel a rave review.
Travellers who have left a review on Trip Advisor rate it as excellent, with most reviews making mention of kind, friendly, helpful and attentive staff, which we certainly noticed ourselves.
One said: 'We have given this great thought after staying here many times, it is not the location, it IS the people.
'Of course one could be dazzled by the white marble and the beautiful green plants around the reception and the relaxing atmosphere that abounds in this establishment.
'However the difference between here and other hotels is the way you are so warmly welcomed and treated.
'We would especially recommend you join the Level 1, an oasis of calm under the management of Amo in where you are treated to a magnificent breakfast in the morning and when you return in the early evening to a surprise of wines and tapas.
'Made to feel extraordinary'
'You are made to feel extraordinary in Level 1.'
Another said: 'We enjoyed the Level lounge for its wonderful spread but MOST of all we enjoyed the impeccable service.'
A third added: 'Always an excellent experience staying at The Level at Melia White House.
'The most comfortable stay and the level lounge is amazing with the best staff.
'Special shout out to Zubair for always being so attentive and nice. Highly recommended!'
Attraction ticket stays
The hotel is currently planning a new collaboration with London Zoo for 2024, so look out for some exciting news in the New Year about stays which include attraction tickets.
The Zoo is just across Regent's Park, so families would be able to walk there for a day out.
Upgrade your stay
The most prestigious room in the hotel is The Marylebone Suite, an exclusive room complete with lounge and a large separate dining room, plus the option of a second connecting bedroom.
Location, location, location
And the hotel has got a great location for exploring the capital city. too.
On the corner of Regent’s Park, alongside the exclusive neighbourhood of Marylebone, it's just a short walk to Oxford Circus, Regent’s Street and the British Museum.
Our main reason for visiting was for a Wembley visit to watch England play – and the hotel was just a few stops from Wembley Park – making it very handy.
But whatever your reason for visiting London, this hotel is extremely central, close to Euston station and less than five minutes walk to Great Portland Street tube station, which is on the Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan lines.
Why Melia?
We got the idea to choose a Melia hotel after staying at INNSiDE by Meliã Liverpool, where our kids were treated like VIPs and loved the new tipi experience.
Melia White House is one of two hotels in London, with others around the world.
How much does it cost?
It's not for those on a budget!
Prices for a Level stay are around £350. However, Netmums readers can take advantage of a 20% off their stay.
Simply use code LONDONMWH to get the discount.
To be able to redeem the code, you must sign up to the hotels ‘MeliáRewards’ via this link.
About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Spain, Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels in more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and TRYP by Wyndham.
For more information, visit www.meliahotelsinternational.com
• Joanna Lovell was a guest of Melia hotels. All views her own.
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