If London hotels were in a fashion show, The BoTree would be strutting out in sequins and futuristic tailoring, giving serious “most modern in town” energy.
This is a place that doesn’t just follow trends – it sets them. Think shiny, colourful, a touch of sci-fi drama and interiors that make you feel like you’ve stepped into the future of hospitality.
Location
You couldn’t be better placed: Bond Street station is just around the corner (Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines at your disposal), Oxford Street buses whizz past the door and Mayfair, Soho, Marylebone High Street and Hyde Park are all within walking distance.
Check in
I arrive at 2pm and this seems to be a busy time. I am a little confused as to where the reception is. Of course, I am such a dinosaur as these days it’s a much more casual set-up with wandering staff circling the mid-area in their beautiful teal designer dresses, iPad in hand.
So, after embarrassingly trying to register at the restaurant, I find the “check in” area and am immediately approached by a teal lady proffering a glass of Piper Heidsieck before she duly checks me in to my beautiful, vibrant, flowery room.
The room
Bold, bright and beautiful with a fab comfy bed, a huge shower, fantastic make-up mirror, Jo Malone amenities, a coffee machine, an Alessi kettle, along with exquisitely delicate China teacups and saucers (I am a tea loving Brit, so this makes me smile!)
Blond wooden floors, light floral artwork set off by soft white linens and designer touches everywhere – this is understated luxury.
The air is faintly scented with Jo Loves Pomelo – just enough to feel indulgent. I particularly love the coat hooks as you enter the room. It’s such a homely touch.
Black-out curtains do their job well; the city lights fade and I wake only when I choose to. Noise? Minimal. Even given the proximity to Bond Street and Oxford Street, the soundproofing is solid.
I could hear the distant hum of traffic, but waking up to it felt more London/ambient than annoying.
Service & Facilities
Staff are polished yet properly friendly – you might even linger at reception over a glass of champagne (or two as I did on check in!).
The gym is compact but has everything you need with the best Technogym treadmills, rowers and bikes – enough for a good workout to offset the wonderful food offered in the Lavo restaurant.
The BoTree Bar (above) is stylish and atmospheric with a relaxed day time vibe transforming to electric evenings!
Food & Drink
Tucked downstairs, Lavo is no ordinary hotel restaurant – think more destination dining. Real olive trees sprout across the glamorous dining room.
The menu doesn’t slack: expect house-made fresh pasta (like silk handkerchiefs), wholegrain pizzas and standout dishes such as a 500g Wagyu meatball topped with whipped ricotta, delicate Mediterranean sea bass, (this was my choice and I loved every mouthful!) and Wild boar white bolognese (my nephews choice – he was in raptures and particularly loved the portion size!).
The desserts match the rest of the show – rich, over-the-top offerings like the 20-layer chocolate (or peanut butter chocolate) cake. This could have lasted me the entire weekend in London and I was very happy when our lovely waiter dutifully wrapped three-quarters of it in a takeaway box!
Breakfast, meanwhile, goes big on the global crowd pleasers (yes, there’s avocado toast).
Traveltalk verdict:
The BoTree is bold, bright and brimming with style. It’s a proper “see and be seen” hotel in the heart of London, with interiors that wow, service that sparkles and a dining scene worth booking even if you’re not staying.
The BoTree is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection. Rates start from $US565 per room per night. For more information or to book, visit www.preferredhotels.com. I Prefer members can also enjoy instant benefits at The BoTree and more than 600 hotels across 80 countries the moment they join.
