Sanderson London Hotel Review – Location, Design & Stay Experience
I’ve mentioned this a few times in blogs, as much as I love having weekend (or longer) stays in London, there is always the awkward choice of whether we go back and stay at a favourite hotel, or if we try somewhere new. There’s no shortage of five star hotels there (I think the highest concentration anywhere in the world), but it can make for a hard choice. Absolute favourites are The Londoner, The Langham, Hotel Cafe Royal, Four Seasons (x2), The Landmark, The Beaumont, and more.
There is always so much to do and see in London (you can check out this itinerary here).
My Stay at Sanderson London
Design heritage, central location, and a suite with terrace views
On this trip, I opted to stay again at The Sanderson, having stayed for a very short overnight last year. I did like my last stay, primarily for the location and the wonderful history of the Sanderson building, though my main recollection was the property was in serious need of refurbishment and in the main, updating.
We had a good (longer) stay this time and we opted for one of the top suites with a full balcony on the 6th floor. Read on to find my whole report, but in summary my view was the same - great location and wonderful history, good bar and restaurant, but marred by what is now (to me) an extremely dated design and in no way comparable with many other London five star hotels.
Although not a chain hotel, The Sanderson is part of a joint venture (as I understand it) with Ennismore and Accor, under their Morgans Originals Lifestyle brand, a collection of independent hotels. Ennismore is also the two Gleneagles Hotels, much closer for me back home in both Edinburgh and Auchterarder, the original property. I will go on to explain that Sanderson could be in that comparable category, but would be a significant investment.
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Fast Facts for Sanderson London
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Sanderson London |
| Address | 50 Berners Street, London W1T 3NG, United Kingdom |
| Nearest Tube | Oxford Circus (approx. 5 mins walk) |
| Nearest Airport | London Heathrow (LHR) – approx. 45 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | 150+ rooms and suites, designed with Philippe Starck’s signature style |
| Dining & Bar Options | Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, The Restaurant at Sanderson, Long Bar |
| Spa & Wellness | Small gym only now (used to have Agua Spa |
| @sandersonsocial | |
| Website | sandersonlondon.com |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #356 of 1,129 hotels in London (as of September 2025) |
| Visited | September 2025 |
Hotel Accommodation: Sanderson London
Iconic design hotel in central London, though now in need of a refresh.
A once trailblazing design hotel with unbeatable location and heritage charm—though now showing signs of age and ready for a refresh. Read on to find out all about my stay.
Room and Suite Types
Sanderson London occupies what was once the headquarters and showroom of Arthur Sanderson & Sons, the iconic wallpaper and textile company. Built in 1958, the listed modernist building has been reimagined into a design-led hotel, but you can still sense the creative spirit in its light, airy spaces.
Rooms carry Philippe Starck’s playful design language—sheer drapes, clean lines, and whimsical details that soften the modernist architecture. They feel more open than you might expect for central London, with a contemporary yet slightly theatrical edge that would have been great when first created, but now feels dated..
Suites take things further: the Loft Suites are bright and expansive, while the Terrace Rooms offer rare private outdoor space in Fitzrovia. The Penthouse Suite crowns it all—retro glamour paired with modern indulgence, ideal for stylish entertaining or an unforgettable city break.
Room & Suite Categories:
Standard Rooms
Superior Rooms
Deluxe Rooms
Loft Suites
Terrace Rooms
Penthouse Suite
Suites come with extra benefits like:
“Rejuvenate with a Cannaray UK bath melt and lip balm, enjoy complimentary minibar treats, and unlock 20% off at all our food and drink outlets with your personal VIP card. Stay active with a Central London running map and in-room yoga mat, or simply unwind using your Dyson hair dryer and multi-styler before heading out—your dedicated concierge is just a message away. Plus, we’ve got your wardrobe covered with complimentary dry cleaning, pressing and shoe shining.”
The above came from the website, but the negative was that there was no messaging through either the check-in process or in-room that the mini bar treats were complimentary, nor anything about the dry cleaning etc. There were signs of the Cannaray pop up shop off reception, but not of the bath melt nor lip balm.
In terms of dry cleaning, the service was super-efficient (we both had a suit to get cleaned while in London) - putting them in on arrival on the Friday, and they were back by the Saturday evening. What wasn’t so good was that reception told me, on check-out, that for the suite three pieces were complimentary. Two pieces each (jacket and trousers) x 2 suits to my mathematical brain = 4 pieces total less 3 free = 1 charged. What I was charged was for a suit (2 pieces).
“A playground of bold design and social energy in a central spot between Fitzrovia and Soho, with beautiful room terraces, iconic socialising, and legendary afternoon tea and long bar.”
Facilities & Service at Sanderson London
Playful touches, pared-back offering.
Sanderson has always been known as a social hub as much as a hotel, but today its facilities feel more limited than they once were. The iconic Agua Spa has gone, leaving only a well-equipped gym, while dining has been pared back to the main restaurant, the Long Bar, and the Courtyard Garden for afternoon tea. Service, meanwhile, is friendly but a little inconsistent—some thoughtful touches balanced by moments that lacked polish. Here’s a closer look at the hotel’s current offering, and my personal take on how it measured up.
Here’s a closer look at the hotel’s facilities and services, along with my personal take on each.
Our Terrace Suite 609
The space and outlook was great, but without labouring the point the whole hotel now feels really dated, especially the reception area and corridors felt a bit tired. This was certainly the case on the 6th floor (top floor, save for the penthouse above which seemed to have its own lift access) with the corridor outside of our suite being extremely narrow.
The suite was basically one open plan space (and a really good size) with the bed on one side and a small table and corner chaise longue, with the open-plan bath and shower room to the other side. There were an array of sheer drapes, which makes the reception area look particularly gloomy and dated, but in our bedroom these were to create privacy, if you wanted, beside the bedroom and bathroom sides of the suite.
The piece de resistance was for me the full width step out balcony, which as I’ve said had great views and in particular to the BT Tower. There was decent space for relaxation loungers, seats and occasional tables, but everything just felt a bit old, and the terrace sliding door wouldn’t even lock.
Levels of Comfort
One thing, the suite was exceptionally clean and very well maintained. It was serviced to perfection on arrival, and again the following morning and during turndown too. All the things too that were mentioned online, like the very fancy Dyson hairdryer set and yoga/fitness equipment was all there, as was a coffee maker and kettle slightly hidden in a recessed cupboard off the dressing area.
While the bed was extremely comfortable, and everywhere supremely clean, I wouldn’t say the suite was the best for comfort overall. Though dated style, it felt like the style came first before comfort. An example would be the chaise longue - looked good, but not very practical to sit on by two people, with only the corner of it having a back. There was a separate single chair - so when watching TV we either had to sit on the bed, or one of us on the sofa and the other on the chair, not ideal. There was also a hanging lamp over the high table - we knocked our heads on it a few times!
Bathroom
Not really a separate room, but one side of the suite made up of three glass boxes/cubes. There were electronic sheer drapes between the bathroom and bedroom side, which could be opened or closed at the touch of a button to either open up, or make the bathroom area more private.
The first glass walled cube was the sink (only a single I must say) and next to that a clear-walled walk-in shower cubicle. Next to that was a frosted glass WC box, and at the end a partially open wardrobe with drawer units below. To the side was a freestanding bath; with the windows onto the terrace being an unobscured as you like. Toiletries were by Malin & Goetz and the towels were perfectly white and fluffy.
Breakfast
Breakfast was served in the main (and only) restaurant but was a really good combination of both quite an extensive buffet as well as hot breakfast items to order a la carte. The restaurant is nicely designed, and doesn’t seem to have aged as quickly as the rest of the hotel with various seating areas. Tables extend across two levels of the restaurant, so it’s a bit quirky that you can sit on one side at bar stools, or a normal lower seat on the upper level. Each table is for 6, but there was a decent amount of space such that even if two couples sat at either end, there was still some vacant table space in between.
At the window side, overlooking “The Garden” - an outside bar/lounge area but just on the side of the main street - there were other more ‘normal’ tables set up for two or four etc. One buffet area behind a curtain had various juices, yoghurts, fruit, cereals, and a charcuterie/salmon selection etc. while tables in the main restaurant had all the bakery items and some hot foods for self-selection. Hot breakfast items (and one item included per person) were a good selection of the Full English, Smashed Avocado on Sourdough, various eggs and muffins, Belgian Waffles, omelettes, porridge, and a couple of plant-based options too.
I wouldn’t say it was THE most impressive breakfast ever, but really decent standard and choice, with decent service too. Although the outside area was usually already fully set up for the afternoon teas, there was also the option to sit and have breakfast outside too.
Restaurants & Bars at Sanderson London
Playful dining and creative cocktails in a design-led setting.
Sanderson’s food and drink offering is smaller than some of London’s larger five-stars, but it retains a few distinctive experiences that keep it on the city’s social map.
The Restaurant at Sanderson
Contemporary all-day dining with a focus on seasonal British flavours, served in a light and modern space.
Long Bar
A striking, 80-foot-long marble bar serving inventive cocktails, ideal for people-watching or pre-theatre drinks.
Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea
A whimsical take on the classic British ritual, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, served in the Courtyard Garden.
There also used to be the Purple Bar, which was an intimate, velvet-draped cocktail bar with a decadent, almost surreal atmosphere—perfect for late-night drinks. Sadly though this is now closed - I’m not sure when, perhaps it just never reopened after Covid.
Spa, Wellness & Fitness
Once home to the iconic Agua Spa, now offering only a gym with wellness options nearby.
There used to be a dedicated spa at Sanderson, once known as Agua Spa, which was an iconic part of the hotel’s design-led offering. Today, that space has gone, leaving only the gym on the first floor. The gym itself is a decent size, well equipped with modern machines, and ideal for a quick workout during your stay.
Fortunately, being in Fitzrovia means you’re surrounded by spa and wellness facilities just minutes away. During our stay, I chose to visit DAMU Spa London, located on the adjacent street, and enjoyed their unique Origin Pool experience—you can read my full review of that visit here.
Design & Architecture
A modernist landmark reimagined (and needing to be reimagined again)
Sanderson London occupies a striking Grade II listed modernist building, originally designed in 1958 as the headquarters for Arthur Sanderson & Sons, the famed textile company. Its transformation into a hotel by Philippe Starck brought a playful, avant-garde style that once set the standard for London’s design hotels. Today, while the whimsical details—sheer drapes, mosaic walls, and John Piper’s stained glass—remain memorable, much of the interior feels dated and in need of a refresh. With the right investment, the building’s original mid-century features could once again shine at the heart of the hotel’s identity.
I was reminded of my stay at Hotel Villa Dubrovnik in Croatia in summer 2020. First built in 1961, the hotel was completely reconstructed and reopened in 2010, before undergoing another major refurbishment in 2025 that has re-established it as one of the Adriatic’s most stylish modernist landmarks. It shows how mid-century architecture, with the right vision, can be both preserved and elevated for a new generation of guests. Sanderson has the same potential. Another example is Hotel Café Royal: its reception was once an uninspiring corridor space, but a bold redesign that opened it out onto Air Street transformed the arrival experience completely. Sanderson could achieve something similar. If its reception were reconfigured to celebrate the scale of the John Piper stained glass and mosaic walls, a talented architect and designer could return the property to the ranks of London’s most distinctive luxury hotels.
What about the Sanderson London location?
A stylish Fitzrovia base with the best of London on your doorstep.
While I was disappointed by the dated design of the hotel, the location was just perfect. In the heart of Fitzrovia, you’re minutes from Oxford Street and its world-class shopping, yet tucked just enough away to feel a little more local. Soho’s restaurants and nightlife are within a short stroll, while Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Marylebone can all be reached on foot.
For culture, the British Museum is less than a ten-minute walk, and with Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Circus Underground stations nearby, the rest of London is effortlessly accessible.
Things to Do Nearby when at Sanderson London
Shopping, culture, and unique London experiences just moments away.
During our time here, as well as some local shopping, we also experienced:
The Origin Pool at Damu Spa, The Mandrake Hotel – an immersive wellness ritual just steps from Sanderson.
Evita at the West End, London Palladium – a classic musical in one of London’s most historic theatres.
V&A East Storehouse Museum – a fascinating new cultural hub showcasing hidden treasures from the V&A collection.
Le Grand Bus – a quirky and stylish way to see the city from a different perspective.
You can read all about these and more in my separate Travel Diaries series, where I dive deeper into each experience.
Highlights of our stay
There were so many highlights of the stay at the but here are just a few of the key points, which I hope you find a useful summary.
Location - so central and a perfect central point for London.
Being contacted in advance by WhatsApp - good, but response times for any queries was exceptionally slow.
Included mini-bar, albeit the hotel never explained this on check-in.
I’ve always loved the building, albeit it now feels in serious need of refurbishment. The John Piper stained glass wall and the original mosaic walls are incredible pieces of mid-century design, and they remain the highlights of the property.
The hotel must surely be due for a refit soon, and I’d love to see this central space opened up further to really showcase these features as part of the main reception area. With the right investment, Sanderson could once again shine as one of London’s most distinctive design hotels.
The restaurant was good, and I’ve been for afternoon tea before which is a nice presentation in a unique central courtyard setting.
Compared to just having a lower level room on my last visit, I loved the larger, more open plan suite with the outside terrace. Amazing views over London and to a favourite building of mine, the BT Tower.
It was great to have our suite early on arrival.
Food was good - a decent buffet at breakfast, as well as a good selection of made to order dishes too.
The Long Bar was also good for an afternoon cocktail, and it was good to see that the outside courtyard (though covered and heated if need be) was very popular for the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea.
Areas for improvement:
While I always prefer to focus on the highlights of any stay, there are occasionally small moments that could have made the overall experience feel even smoother.
Last time I visited, I felt there was an overpowering scent on arrival - felt like it was so strong that it was trying to mask something. This time it was still obvious (and is apparently the hotel’s signature scent) but wasn’t quite so overpowering.
A refit is well overdue I’d say, especially in the reception area where I’d love to see it stripped back to the more original design, and devoid of all the drapes and over the top mirror finishes.
Reception service was a bit lacking - no explanation of benefits, and I know I was overcharged for dry cleaning at check-out.
Would I Stay Here Again?
I would recommend it 100% for location or for afternoon tea, but as a top London five star hotel I wouldn’t be going back until a refurbishment had been carried out. There are far more appealing options currently, which I’ve featured on the website, and too many to list here.
That said, the minute work has been done I’d be really keen to go back and update my review and view!
My final thoughts on Sanderson London
As I’ve said throughout this review - a good stay in a perfect location, but is a property that severely (in my opinion) needs work. I’d love to see this updated and reimagined, hopefully making more of the reception area and ideally bringing back more of the facilities that there had obviously been space for at some point, like the additional cocktail bar and spa.
✨ Planning your own London stay? Whether it’s Sanderson or another of the city’s iconic luxury hotels, I’d be delighted to help. Book your trip with me and enjoy exclusive VIP perks—complimentary breakfast, upgrades, hotel credits and more—all at no extra cost. Visit theprivatetraveller.com or message me via @theprivatetraveller to start planning.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you stayed at Sanderson London, or is it on your travel wishlist? I’d love to hear your impressions—drop a comment below and let me know what you think, or which London property you’d like me to review
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