You'd imagine a hotel owned by the management of the rock group Iron Maiden is going to be a bit different and the Soho Sanctum doesn't disappoint. With a basement boutique cinema and a really cool rooftop garden/lounge/bar- including hot tub - as part of the offering, it's a hotel with celebrities in mind.
I pretty much took the place over for a launch event, which meant I ended up in one of the loft suites, which go for around £400 per night. Comfortable, nicely designed, high quality of furnishings and fitments, the room was nice - however I wasn't blown away. There just seemed to be something lacking and I just couldn't put my finger on what. It had a stunning stand along hot tub nearby the bed, a disappointingly small bathroom for a room of this cost, a cool speaker which housed the mini-bar and a large, comfortable, king-size bed. Lot's of plus points, however the sum part of them all, didn't add up to something bigger if that makes sense.
The room was located the other side of the door into the rooftop lounge, which was great for accessing my event, however I'm sure it would be noisy if you had booked the room and a function went on a bit late, next door. I had a good look round all the rooms on a pre-inspection visit, they are a mix of crash pads and larger rooms, some with a heavy boudoir theme to them, which may not appeal to everyone, so check before you book.
Staff are welcoming and the intimate reception area, gives a nice feel to the place. The restaurant/bar is combined with the restaurant occupying the bulk of the available space, to accomodate all the Soho luvvies who'll be stopping by for lunch/dinner. It didn't feel like somewhere you could sit all night working on your laptop whilst having a beer, I guess the roof garden is where that should be at, providing there isn't a function on (again check before you book as access is limited).
Location wise, it's very good for the West End, being only a stones throw from Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. Ideal for London meetings or sightseeing.
My Rating - 4P's. Mainly due to not feeling the WOW appeal from the room that I was hoping for. It's a great hotel, well worth a visit to make your own judgment and to have a beer or two in the roof garden and see if you can spot a celeb.
