If it’s proximity to Oxford Street that’s important to you in your London hotel, then look no further. Just a minute from the famed shopping mecca, this art-filled stay offers a surprisingly quiet and exceedingly comfortable stay. We recently checked into Sanderson London and discovered a Philippe Starck-designed property with oodles of character.
While this stay was hosted, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Sanderson London review
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: Sanderson London, a Morgans Originals hotel
Address: 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG, United Kingdom
Number of rooms: 150, including suites and penthouses
Brand: Morgans Originals, part of Ennismore and Accor
Year opened: 2000, following the transformation of a 1950s modernist building
Style: Five-star design hotel with surrealist interiors, eclectic artwork and playful Philippe Starck-inspired design
Best for: Design lovers, shopping weekends, solo trips, couples, West End theatre breaks and luxury city stays
Wellness facilities: Fitness centre with strength and cardio equipment
Family amenities: Family room options and connecting rooms; confirm availability when booking; pool table
Pet-friendly: Yes, subject to the hotel’s conditions and any applicable fees
Prices starting from: £315 per night, depending on room and season.
First impressions: a hotel that plays by its own rules
We enjoyed getting competitive on the purple billiard table with its dramatic backdrop
From the outside, this doesn’t look like your typical hotel, and that’s because it’s not. Housed in a striking Grade II listed modernist building, originally constructed in the late 1950s as the headquarters and showroom of Sanderson, the British wallpaper and fabric company, the hotel is a meeting of mid-century architecture and playful, avant-garde design.
The interiors were reimagined by French designer Philippe Starck, whose signature playful style is evident throughout, from the surreal furnishings to the optical illusions and unexpected artistic touches. The result is a hotel that feels less like a conventional place to stay and more like stepping into an eccentric design lover’s dream.
It all starts at check-in, where the receptionist is chatty and welcoming. The lobby is unlike any I’ve seen, with sculptures and unique furniture scattered throughout the voluminous space. There’s a wonderfully eclectic quality to it all, with contrasting styles and objects that seem to have been plucked from different eras and brought together in a space that somehow just works.
Just off this space is a striking Billiard Room with a Liberace-esque purple pool table complete with gold fringing. Behind this, a floor-to-ceiling stained-glass window by British artist John Piper adds drama to the striking staircase. It’s an unexpected juxtaposition, but then that’s rather the point at Sanderson: nothing is quite as you’d expect.
No space is left unthought of. As we step into the silver-encased lifts, a 3D galaxy effect surrounds us on all sides, with stars and planets seemingly floating in space. Even the journey to your room becomes part of the experience, with Starck’s design encouraging you to leave reality at the door.
The rooms: A Starck-designed dream
Guests here will discover unique design details in the guest rooms
On level five, we’re in room 508, a Deluxe Room with an overwhelming Starck vibe. From the stark minimalism to the designer’s eponymous hand weights and sculptural furnishings, it’s very clear whose vision the room is.
The design might feel a touch unusual to regular hotel-goers, but small quirks, such as the wardrobe rail sitting in the bathroom space and the oversized bed sitting at a slanted angle, actually all work very well functionally. Rather than following the familiar hotel-room formula, the layout feels deliberately unconventional, with open-plan elements and clever visual details, including airy white curtains that give the room its distinctive personality.
The pièce de résistance in the bathroom is undoubtedly the bathtub. I spent many a night catching up on my book under a foamy blanket of water that went right up past my shoulders. Such simple bliss. And the indulgent products by London-based Argentum added to the restorative experience.
There’s a minibar and a Lavazza coffee machine, and I was thrilled that a small bottle of both regular and oat milk was on hand. It’s a seemingly minor detail, but one that makes a difference, particularly for those of us who prefer an alternative to dairy.
Spaces include multi-functional nooks for work and play
While the TV has lots of channels, we couldn’t work out how to stream our own content, which would be a welcome improvement for guests who like to unwind with their favourite shows.
One practical point worth mentioning is the power outlets. While there were USB ports and power points by the sofa, there was only one plug socket on either side of the bed. It might be helpful to see a few more added or a multi-socket extension made available for guests juggling phones, laptops and other devices.
There’s no turndown service, but one detail I really liked was the blinds, which featured a kind of landscape fabric design that made them look like a painting. It’s another example of the thought that has gone into making even the most functional elements of the room feel like part of the design.
The finishing touches are comfortable, too, from the generous bath sheets to the cosy robes. Real plants, including a mother-in-law’s tongue, bring a little greenery into the space, softening the minimalist interiors.
Eating and drinking
Indulge in the fancy nuggets with caviar at Long Bar
The Long Bar is one of the hotel’s signature spaces, and its dramatic design makes it a natural place to meet for a drink. With its glowing, sculptural bar and distinctive interiors, which include bar stools that feature the hotel’s iconic eye designs, it continues the hotel’s playful aesthetic while providing a livelier contrast to the calm of the guest rooms.
It’s a good option for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxed evening without having to venture far from your room. We tried a selection of mocktails; go for the Tropic Chic for a refreshing hit, and some of their luxe snacks. My partner fell head-over-heels for the nuggets topped with creme fraiche and caviar and said the burger was the best he’d eaten all year, which is high praise.
With a changing seasonal menu, The Restaurant promises a selection of seasonal dishes
Breakfast is served at The Restaurant in my favourite style, a semi-buffet with à la carte options. I appreciated the non-dairy additions of coconut yoghurt and a selection of alternative milks. Features such as local honeycomb and Scottish salmon were welcome touches, giving the spread a little more character than your standard hotel buffet.
One morning, I opted for avocado on toast with poached eggs, and received perfectly poached beauties on a bed of fresh avo. Having spent my previous life as a barista in New Zealand, I’m a little fussy about coffee, but my flat white was as good as any trendy café.
For lunch and dinner, the menu offers a rotating selection of seasonal dishes alongside comfort food, like pizza and pasta. There’s also a spacious courtyard filled with greenery and a water feature for those who prefer their dining alfresco.
Those with a sweet tooth will want to book in for the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea
While we didn’t have time to try it during our stay, the hotel also offers a very popular Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, featuring whimsical sweet treats and elegant crockery inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Fitness and facilities
One of the biggest surprises was the gym, which is one of the largest I’ve seen in London. It includes a squat rack, a reformer machine and a range of cardio equipment, including an erg and treadmills.
For a central London hotel, this is a particularly impressive offering. Whether you want to squeeze in a quick workout before heading out or maintain a more comprehensive fitness routine while travelling, there’s plenty of equipment to work with.
Getting there and around
Sanderson London is located on Berners Street in Fitzrovia, in the heart of London’s West End. The hotel is around a 5–10-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road Underground station, which serves the Central and Northern lines and the Elizabeth line, providing convenient connections across London and to Heathrow Airport. Oxford Circus station is also within walking distance, offering access to the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines.
Once checked in, much of the West End is easily explored on foot. Oxford Street and Regent Street are ideal for shopping, while Soho offers an abundance of restaurants, cocktail bars and nightlife. Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and the British Museum are also easily accessible. For longer journeys, the nearby Underground stations and Elizabeth line make it easy to reach other parts of the capital without relying on taxis.
The verdict
Sanderson London is a hotel for those who want their stay in the capital to be about more than simply having somewhere to sleep. Its location is undoubtedly a major draw, placing Oxford Street shopping, Soho and the wider West End within easy reach, but it’s the interiors that make it memorable.
Philippe Starck’s playful vision is everywhere, from the surreal lobby and theatrical games room to the galaxy-inspired lifts and minimalist guest rooms. Yet, beneath the design-led eccentricity, there’s a genuinely comfortable hotel, with a particularly good breakfast, an impressive gym and rooms that make it easy to retreat from the bustle outside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best area to stay in London for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, the West End is an excellent base, particularly if you want to combine sightseeing with shopping, dining and theatre. Areas such as Covent Garden, Soho, Fitzrovia and Mayfair put many attractions within walking distance and offer excellent public transport connections. If you want a more traditional neighbourhood atmosphere, consider South Kensington or Marylebone.
Is Sanderson London a good place to stay for sightseeing?
Yes. Sanderson London is well positioned for exploring central London, with Oxford Street, Soho and the West End on its doorstep. You can walk to numerous shops, restaurants and theatres, while nearby Underground stations make it easy to reach attractions further afield, including Westminster, South Bank and the Tower of London.
How many days should you spend in London?
For a first visit, three to five days is ideal. Three days gives you enough time to explore major landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, while also enjoying a museum or West End show. With five days, you can explore different neighbourhoods, browse the shops, discover London's food scene and spend more time in its museums and galleries. If you have a week, consider adding a day trip to Windsor, Oxford or Bath.
What is the best time of year to visit London?
London is a year-round destination, but spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) are particularly appealing, thanks to generally mild temperatures, seasonal colour in the parks and opportunities to explore on foot. Summer (June to August) brings longer daylight hours, outdoor events and open-air dining, although popular attractions can be busier. Winter is ideal for museum visits, theatre and festive experiences, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, when London's streets are illuminated with seasonal lights. The weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
What is the best way to get around London?
London has an extensive public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, Elizabeth line, Overground and local trains. For longer journeys, the Tube is usually one of the quickest options, while the Elizabeth line is particularly useful for travelling across the city and connecting with Heathrow Airport. London's iconic red buses are a good way to see the city as you travel, while walking is often the best way to explore central neighbourhoods such as Soho, Covent Garden and Fitzrovia.
For most visitors, contactless payment using a bank card or mobile wallet is the simplest way to pay for public transport. Alternatively, you can use an Oyster card.
Do you need a car to visit London?
No. A car is generally unnecessary for a London city break. Public transport is extensive, and many central attractions are within walking distance of one another. Driving can be inconvenient because of congestion, parking costs and central London driving restrictions. If you plan to explore the surrounding countryside, consider hiring a car for that part of your trip rather than using one throughout your stay.
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