Background
The capital’s second InterContinental – the first being on Park Lane – had its soft opening at the end of November and opened officially in April.
What’s it Like?
Housed in the 19th-century Queen Anne’s Chambers on Broadway, the 256-room property is a luxurious, well-equipped hotel, as you would expect from InterContinental. But what sets it apart is its adventurous art collection, inspired by the Westminster location. Step into the lobby and you will see Tom Clark’s large resin sculpture of a worker climbing a ladder while carrying a mini Houses of Parliament – inspired by the notion of the corrupting influence of power. In the glamorous lobby lounge is “The House Always Wins” (pictured), a fantastic plastic and resin sculpture by artists Evil Ed and Dan Robotic, featuring toy heroes and villains squaring up across the Commons floor, with Guy Fawkes lurking underneath. The theme extends to the guestroom door signs, with snoozing backbenchers on the “do not disturb” side and Lady Thatcher with a duster on the cleaning side. It gives the hotel a fun, satirical edge, though the InterContinental essentials haven’t been forgotten, with a smart concierge lounge inside the entrance, plenty of welcoming staff and a sleek Club lounge.
Where is it?
On Broadway, facing St James’s Park tube station. Victoria station is a short walk away.
Room Facilities
Categories are Classic (25m2), Superior (28m2), Executive (30m2), Club (30-36m2), Studio suite (36-45m2), one-bedroom suite (46-50m2) and Penthouse (113m2). They have neutral colour schemes with silver touches, free Wi-Fi and bottled water, high-tech TVs, media hubs, international plug sockets, king-size beds, robes, safes, Nespresso machines, tea facilities (fresh milk is provided) and mini-bars (free in suites). The marble bathrooms are fitted with Bose speakers. Almost all have separate tubs and showers and, depending on category, Agraria, Molton Brown or Miller Harris toiletries. Each guestroom features one of six “Corridors of Power” artworks by Julian Bray, while the subtle thumbprint design in the carpet is a reference to New Scotland Yard around the corner. My Studio suite was peaceful, comfortable and spacious. The rainshower was excellent, though I would have liked somewhere to hang my towel and a full-length mirror. The view was of surrounding rooftops, with the top of the London Eye and Westminster Abbey visible. Some rooms also look internally. Guests in Club rooms and suites have access to the Club lounge, which offers free breakfast, all-day drinks and snacks, and evening alcoholic drinks and canapés.
Restaurants & Bars
On the ground floor is the Blue Boar Smokehouse and Bar – the restaurant “takes inspiration from the best American pit masters”, while the bar has a smart pub feel and had a lively buzz on the evening I visited. I enjoyed the ribs ($12 as a starter), sautéed wild mushrooms and crispy duck egg on toast ($12), and pulled rare breed pork served with thyme batch rolls, smoky bacon baked beans, coleslaw and pickles ($23). An à la carte breakfast is served here. Emmeline’s is a champagne and cocktail bar that can be hired for 70 people.
Business & Meeting Facilities
These comprise the Whitehall suite, which is divisible by four and holds 250 delegates theatre-style, and three smaller rooms, one of which is a boardroom with dual video-conferencing technology. A business centre was set to open imminently as we went to press.
Leisure Facilities
A gym was also set to open imminently.
Verdict
An excellent addition to InterContinental’s portfolio. The rooms and facilities are of high quality, the artworks are great fun and the bar will please the area’s work crowd, as well as hotel guests.
Contact
Address: 22-28 Broadway, London
Tel: +44 20 3301 8080
Email: reservations.westminster@ihg.com
Web: www.ichotelsgroup.com
Michelle Mannion