London is home to a plethora of iconic boutique hotels and luxurious five-star properties. But sometimes, you need a different kind of stay. One that offers a boutique experience paired with convenience and a price tag that (for London at least) that’s affordable. Enter The Welbeck Hotel in stylish Marylebone. We checked in to find an efficient and stylish stay just steps away from London’s busiest districts.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of The Welbeck Hotel

Blast from the past

The Welbeck Hotel is located on Welbeck Street, which has a rich history of association with the medical profession stretching back to the 1800s. In fact, just up the road at No. 51 was where King Edward VII had the emergency appendicitis operation in 1902, causing him to delay his coronation. The current hotel building was originally commissioned by developer C.J. Hinsley and executed by architects Boehmer & Gibbs between 1907 and 1909, and has gone through several iterations in the years since.

Most recently, the property was bought over by IHG Hotels & Resorts, which turned it into a Holiday Inn. However, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation and opened earlier in 2025 as The Welbeck Hotel. The building is a tribute to Edwardian architecture in the heart of Marylebone. The entrance is guarded by four granite pillars, while the grey stone façade is protected by black-and-gold railing and features second-floor Juliette balconies and sash windows. Through the doors, interiors evoke a similarly Edwardian vibe, with vintage-inspired posters and illustrations scattered around, liberal use of wallpaper and – somewhat surprisingly – abundant use of a blood-red hue.

Arrival

The Welbeck Hotel review marylebone London interior of guest room

Fresh off an 18-hour journey, I stepped through the revolving door at The Welbeck Hotel’s entrance and made my way towards the check-in desk, eager to get to my room and wash off the figurative travel dust. Unfortunately, there was a problem with my reservation. To their credit, while they figure things out, the staff kindly give me access to an empty room to freshen up. By the time I return to the lobby, they tell me to leave my bags and that my room will be ready by 3pm.

With the issue very efficiently solved, I can step back and take a minute to look around the lobby. There’s black-and-white tiled flooring – in some places overlaid by Persian-style carpets – plenty of seating, a large chandelier, and in one corner, a bar area. By far the most intriguing part, though, is the setup by the check-in desk. Resembling a curio cabinet of yesteryear, the shelving is stacked with things like fossilised shells, animal skulls, lab equipment, an armillary sphere and, be still my motorsport-loving heart: a model vintage racing car. All of this is positioned behind a pair of plush armchairs with an old-school chess table in between, in a nod to the location’s medical past. And you can’t beat the location. Staying here, you’re just minutes from some of London’s best restaurants.

During my time at the property, I popped into Selfridges on Oxford Street for a bit of shopping, enjoyed a turn through the incredible art at the Wallace Collection; and headed to Arros QD (by famed Spanish chef Quique D’Acosta) for a decadent dinner.

The rooms

The Welbeck Hotel review marylebone London interior of guest bathroom

The Welbeck Hotel boasts a surprisingly numerous 164 guest rooms, each combining throwback Edwardian aesthetics with modern comforts. I checked into a Premium Room, which is comfortable and has all the expected amenities.

There are twin beds under plush green headboards (with plenty of charging points); framed vintage-inspired posters on the wall; a small minibar; and a postcard window overlooking London’s rooftops. Surprisingly, my favourite part of the room is the ensuite bathroom. Though small, it’s a well-designed space featuring subway tiles in the rainforest shower, gold-hued fixtures, a marble vanity, and nature-inspired wallpaper.

Wellness extras

The Welbeck Hotel review marylebone London coffee and cake

Beyond the room, The Welbeck Hotel has several other useful facilities to complete the guest experience. Tucked into a corner of the lobby, The Welbecker is where baristas whip up potent coffees by day while mixologists shape up fun cocktails by night – there’s also a short-but-sweet menu of snacks if you’re peckish.

My mornings begin at the 24-hour gym tucked into the basement. It’s small, but with a treadmill, elliptical, free weights, yoga mats and exercise balls, there’s more than enough to get in effective workouts. Afterwards, I head for the restaurant next door, which only serves breakfast. It’s spacious, and an abundance of windows flood the subterranean eatery with natural light, setting off the vintage art posters on the walls and earthy tones of the furniture. The semi-buffet breakfast offering has everything from pastries and yoghurt to cereal and cold cuts, while the made-to-order menu has Prescribed Plates (playing to the street’s medicinal past) that include everything from a Full English to American Pancakes.

Final thoughts

Visitors to London are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. And, while many properties may offer more elevated experiences, the appeal of The Welbeck Hotel lies in its incredibly convenient location, rich history, and helpful staff.

Find out more about The Welbeck Hotel or Book through Booking.com

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