Nestled discreetly behind the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Hotel Amano in Covent Garden beckons, offering not just a stay but an immersion into the pulse of London's cultural and historical tapestry. Venture along the Embankment, seamlessly transitioning from the serenity of Somerset House to the artistic allure of the Courtauld Gallery, where the latest exhibitions await your admiration.
The journey unfolds as the Strand guides you to Trafalgar Square, a prelude to indulgent afternoon teas at esteemed establishments like the Ritz, the Savoy, the Langham, or the Dorchester. A leisurely walk around Hyde Park, with Buckingham Palace gracing the horizon, becomes a prelude to an evening of culinary delights and theatrical wonders.
Despite its prime location in the vibrant West End, Hotel Amano maintains an unexpectedly dignified façade. Absent the comings and goings of guests, one might mistake its interior for the entrance to an ultra-exclusive spa. While the design by Woods Bagot impresses with its sophistication, there's a sense that an opportunity was missed, especially considering the Israeli-Spanish heritage that inspires the hotel's restaurant, Penelope's.
Inside, the rooms exude a business-like modernity, adorned with grey walls, felt headboards, and subtle gold accents. The Goldy rooms add a touch of opulence with freestanding gold bathtubs, complete with provided bath salts and oils for a luxurious soak. However, the art adorning the walls, featuring unremarkable prints of moody women, leaves room for a more inspired touch.
Ascend to the rooftop terrace and restaurant, where elegance prevails, though a hint of individuality and character seems elusive. Service, like a mixed melody, varies from the warm efficiency of the reception desk to a slower response on the rooftop. However, the restaurant team, led by the affable maître d’ Paolo, adds a delightful touch, turning dining at Penelope's into an experience akin to visiting a friend's home.
With 141 rooms, including the lavish Goldy suites, Hotel Amano offers a range of sizes, from the compact "Cosy" to the more spacious "Roomy Plus." Each room, from "Comfy" to "Roomy," invites you to sink into a king bed, revel in a coffee and tea station, and appreciate ample smart storage space. As you step into Hotel Amano Covent Garden, you enter not just a hotel but a haven within the heartbeat of London's cultural symphony.
In the realm of luxury, Hotel Amano Covent Garden elevates the ordinary into an experience of opulence, paying attention to the finer details that define a truly exceptional stay. Bathrooms, adorned with full-size toiletries, including the indulgent exfoliating handwash from the esteemed German brand Daluma, reflect a commitment to lavish comfort.
The Goldy bedrooms, nestled in corner settings with floor-to-ceiling windows, boast impressive panoramic views. However, the sheer grandeur of these windows introduces a quirky challenge—navigating around the bathtub to draw the curtains. Privacy becomes a delicate dance, urging guests to master the art of window adornment, especially if they wish to avoid unintentional displays for the West End audience.
The culinary haven of Penelope's, though with room for refinement, stands poised to become the crowning jewel of Amano Covent Garden. Steeped in dark and moody decor, the ambiance complements the decadent menu crafted by the culinary prowess of Shimon Peretz, head chef at Amano's Mani restaurant in Berlin, and Penelope's executive chef Fezile Ozalgan, formerly of Barboun, Shoreditch.
The pre-dinner cocktail selection beckons exploration, featuring intriguing concoctions like the Psichee, blending tequila, mezcal, and squid ink, or the smoky, spicy Pasión de Malaga. A carefully curated wine selection enhances the dining experience. While the small plates exhibit a hit-and-miss dynamic, highlights include the tantalizing tuna ceviche and the rustic taboon bread accompanied by green harissa, spicy yogurt, and whipped cod's roe.
Main courses, such as the chicken shawarma with mujaddara and hake with haricot beans, impress with their well-cooked profiles, albeit carrying an unexpected wave of saltiness. The sinfully rich baklava cheesecake emerges as a delightful conclusion, with crisp pastry soaked in honey syrup and adorned with a generous scattering of pistachios.
The rooftop bar extends the culinary journey with Israel-style meze, snacks, and mains, including offerings like Hereford sirloin, whole seabass, and paella. An inventive cocktail list, extensive wine selection, and the staff's willingness to craft off-menu classics like the espresso martini add the perfect finishing touches.
Morning beckons with an equally lavish breakfast experience in Penelope's space, featuring a choice between a classic continental spread or hot options that include a brilliantly spicy shakshuka, buttermilk pancakes with figs and orange cream, or smashed avocado and poached eggs. Hotel Amano Covent Garden ensures that every moment, from dawn to dusk, is a symphony of indulgence, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay in the heart of London's vibrant Covent Garden.
For those seeking a hotel with a built-in spectacle, Amano Covent Garden offers an experience that transcends traditional amenities. While the absence of a spa or gym might disappoint those accustomed to such luxuries, the hotel compensates with an unrivaled location and a blend of glamour and excitement in its rooftop bar and restaurant.
With 141 rooms, including five luxurious "Goldy" suites, Amano Covent Garden extends a warm welcome. The thoughtful inclusion of a tea and coffee station and complimentary bottled water adds a touch of convenience. The provision of free Wi-Fi ensures connectivity, allowing guests to stay in touch with the outside world.
Accessibility is a priority, with accessible rooms featuring spacious wet rooms equipped with benches. Wheelchair-friendly corridors and lifts enhance the overall inclusivity of the hotel. Pet lovers will find solace in the pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs to accompany guests for a modest fee of £10 per night per pet.
The hotel's crowning glory is undeniably its location, offering proximity to London's vibrant cultural scene without compromising on tranquility. However, critics note that the dinner menu, despite its charm, requires some refinement in terms of pricing and variety. A reconsideration of the decor is also suggested to harmonize it with the hotel's exceptional surroundings.
Amano Covent Garden is tailor-made for sophisticated couples and business travelers seeking a refined retreat within easy reach of London's cultural tapestry. However, families and those accustomed to morning workouts or spa indulgences might find the hotel less aligned with their preferences.
For the avid Instagrammer, the rooftop terrace becomes a visual haven, whether capturing the surprisingly realistic floral arrangements or gazing towards the enchanting views of the South Bank. Amano Covent Garden weaves a narrative of urban elegance, inviting guests to savor a stay that transcends conventional hospitality, offering a unique blend of sophistication and proximity to London's pulsating heart.
For those seeking a hotel with a built-in spectacle, Amano Covent Garden offers an experience that transcends traditional amenities. While the absence of a spa or gym might disappoint those accustomed to such luxuries, the hotel compensates with an unrivaled location and a blend of glamour and excitement in its rooftop bar and restaurant.
With 141 rooms, including five luxurious "Goldy" suites, Amano Covent Garden extends a warm welcome. The thoughtful inclusion of a tea and coffee station and complimentary bottled water adds a touch of convenience. The provision of free Wi-Fi ensures connectivity, allowing guests to stay in touch with the outside world.
Accessibility is a priority, with accessible rooms featuring spacious wet rooms equipped with benches. Wheelchair-friendly corridors and lifts enhance the overall inclusivity of the hotel. Pet lovers will find solace in the pet-friendly policy, allowing dogs to accompany guests for a modest fee of £10 per night per pet.
The hotel's crowning glory is undeniably its location, offering proximity to London's vibrant cultural scene without compromising on tranquility. However, critics note that the dinner menu, despite its charm, requires some refinement in terms of pricing and variety. A reconsideration of the decor is also suggested to harmonize it with the hotel's exceptional surroundings.
Amano Covent Garden is tailor-made for sophisticated couples and business travelers seeking a refined retreat within easy reach of London's cultural tapestry. However, families and those accustomed to morning workouts or spa indulgences might find the hotel less aligned with their preferences.
For the avid Instagrammer, the rooftop terrace becomes a visual haven, whether capturing the surprisingly realistic floral arrangements or gazing towards the enchanting views of the South Bank. Amano Covent Garden weaves a narrative of urban elegance, inviting guests to savor a stay that transcends conventional hospitality, offering a unique blend of sophistication and proximity to London's pulsating heart.