You’ve probably seen the lips. That bright red, Mae West-inspired sofa sitting right in the middle of a lobby that feels less like a hotel and more like a fever dream curated by Salvador Dalí. That’s the Sanderson Hotel London UK for you. It’s a place that has spent two decades refusing to be boring, and honestly, in a city full of stuffy Victorian carpets and predictable glass towers, we kind of need that.
The Sanderson isn't just a building; it’s a 1950s modernist landmark that was once the headquarters for a wallpaper company. Back in 2000, Philippe Starck and Ian Schrager—the guys who basically invented the "boutique hotel" concept—turned it into a "spiritual playground." Fast forward to 2026, and while the "newness" has worn off, the sheer weirdness of the place remains its biggest selling point.
The Design Drama of the Sanderson Hotel London UK
Walking into the Sanderson is a bit of a trip. You won't find traditional walls in the guest rooms. Instead, Starck used layers of sheer, glowing curtains to divide the space. It’s ethereal. It’s also slightly impractical if you’re sharing a room with someone you don't know that well, because privacy is more of a suggestion than a rule here.
The bathrooms are often glass-encased boxes. Imagine brushing your teeth while your partner watches TV three feet away, separated only by a pane of glass and a bit of fabric. It’s bold. Some people hate it. Others think it’s the peak of urban chic.
What’s actually inside the rooms?
Each room is a wash of white and silver. You've got:
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- Sleigh beds that look like they’re floating.
- Hand-painted silk ceilings featuring landscape scenes to soothe your brain after a day in Soho.
- Silver-leaf dressing tables that make you feel like a 1940s film star.
- Malin + Goetz toiletries, which, let’s be real, are the gold standard for hotel soaps.
One of the coolest features is the "Bar of Soap" sculpture by Starck, but the real star is the view. If you snag a room on the higher floors, you’re looking straight at the BT Tower or across the sprawling rooftops of Fitzrovia.
Mad Hatters and 80-Foot Bars
If you aren't staying the night, you’re probably there for the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea. This isn't your grandma’s tea service with crusty cucumber sandwiches. It’s a full-on immersion into Lewis Carroll’s world.
Think menus hidden inside vintage books and teapots adorned with kings and queens. You’ll find "Drink Me" potions that change color and chocolate ladybirds that look too good to eat (but you will). They even have a sugar cube music box that plays "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." It’s whimsical as heck.
Then there’s the Long Bar. It is exactly what it sounds like: an 80-foot glowing white altar to mixology.
The barstools have eyes painted on them. Literally. They’re watching you. It’s a bit creepy, a bit cool, and very Fitzrovia. In 2026, the bar remains a hub for the "fashion and media" crowd that populates the surrounding streets. They’ve recently introduced the Sanko Tea Tasting, which is an omakase-style mocktail experience for those of us trying to stay hydrated but still want the "vibe."
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Is it still worth the hype?
Look, let’s be honest. The Sanderson is a Grade II* listed building. That means they can't just go around smashing walls or changing the facade. Because of this, some parts of the hotel can feel a little "vintage 2000s." Some guests mention that the corridors are a bit dark or that the carpets have seen better days.
But you don’t stay at the Sanderson Hotel London UK because you want a cookie-cutter Marriott experience. You stay here because you want to sit in a courtyard garden that feels like a temperate rainforest in the middle of a concrete jungle. The courtyard, designed by Philip Hicks, is a hidden oasis with flowering trees and mosaics. It's one of the few places in Central London where you can actually hear yourself think.
Practical Details for Your Visit
The location is basically unbeatable. You are:
- Two minutes from Oxford Street (if you like crowds and shopping).
- Five minutes from the Elizabeth Line at Tottenham Court Road (fastest way to Heathrow).
- A short stroll from the British Museum.
The hotel is currently owned by Vivion, a real estate firm that picked it up a few years back. While there have been rumors of major renovations to "refresh" the Starck aesthetic, the bones of the place—the surrealism, the wit, the irony—remain intact.
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Actionable Tips for Booking
If you're planning a stay or a visit, don't just wing it. Here is how to actually do the Sanderson right:
- The "High Floor" Rule: Always request a room on the 5th floor or above. The lower rooms can feel a bit enclosed because of the building's structure, but the upper floors get that glorious London light.
- Mid-Week Tea: The Mad Hatters tea gets packed on weekends with tourists and birthday parties. Book a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon if you want a quieter, more "Alice" experience.
- Check for Upgrades: The staff here are known for being pretty chill. If you’re celebrating an anniversary, mention it. They are surprisingly generous with room upgrades if the occupancy isn't at 100%.
- Use the Gym: Most people forget it exists, but it’s actually well-equipped. Since the famous Agua Spa closed a while back, the fitness center is the main wellness "perk" left, so make use of it.
The Sanderson is a bit like a classic rock album. It might not be the "newest" thing on the charts, but it’s got a soul and a style that most modern hotels are too scared to try. It’s weird, it’s slightly impractical, and it’s quintessentially London.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your stay, check the hotel’s official site for their "Wine Down Wednesdays" at the Long Bar, where they often discount bottles with "imperfect labels"—same great wine, just a little less polish. If you're heading there for tea, ensure you book at least two weeks in advance, as the Courtyard tables are the first to go.