Walk down Newman Street in Fitzrovia and you might miss it. Honestly, that’s kind of the point. There isn't a massive, gold-plated sign screaming for your attention, just a discreet entrance that feels more like a private club than a high-end hotel. But once you step inside The Mandrake Hotel Newman Street, the beige reality of London disappears. It’s a lot. It’s sensory overload. It’s basically what happens when you mix a high-fashion fever dream with a botanical garden and a dash of occult mysticism.
Most people coming to London for a "nice stay" end up at the Langham or some polished corporate box in Mayfair. Those places are safe. The Mandrake is not safe. I don’t mean it’s dangerous; I mean it’s stylistically aggressive. Since opening in 2017, it has carved out a niche that makes other boutique hotels look boring. It’s won awards from Condé Nast Traveler and Jetsetter, but it also draws a crowd that looks like they just stepped off a Rick Owens runway.
The Vibe Check: Is It Too Much?
Let’s talk about the taxidermy. People always mention the creature behind the check-in desk. It’s a gazelle-beetle-peacock hybrid created by artist Enrique Gomez De Molina. It sets the tone immediately. If you’re looking for minimalist Scandi design, you’re in the wrong place. The Mandrake is named after the hallucinogenic root, and the interiors reflect that "trip" through heavy velvets, surrealist art, and lighting so moody you might need your phone flashlight just to find your room key.
The centerpiece of the whole operation is the Jurema terrace. It’s won "Best Outdoor Space" at the AHEAD Awards multiple times, and for good reason. Imagine a multi-level courtyard draped in hanging passionflower and jasmine. It feels like a tropical jungle suspended in the middle of a concrete city. In the summer, it’s the place to be. Even in the winter, the sheer density of the greenery makes the London gray feel a million miles away.
Is it pretentious? Maybe a little. But it’s also incredibly well-executed. Owner Rami Fustok clearly spent a fortune on the art collection, which includes works by Salvador Dalí and Francesco Clemente. You aren't just paying for a bed; you're paying for the privilege of living inside a curated gallery for 24 hours.
Staying at The Mandrake Hotel Newman Street: What to Expect
The rooms are divided into categories that sound more like character classes in an RPG: Terrace, Newman, Mandrake, and the Penthouses.
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The Newman rooms face the street. They’re the "standard" option, but even these aren't standard. You’ve got French windows, heavy drapes, and a level of soundproofing that is honestly impressive given how busy Fitzrovia gets. The Terrace rooms, however, are the real draw. They open directly onto that lush inner courtyard. Waking up and seeing those hanging gardens while you’re in the middle of W1 is a weird, beautiful disconnect.
Then there’s the Penthouse. It features a massive white marble bed and a bathroom with a steam room and an eight-person hot tub. It’s opulent in a way that feels a bit "rock star on tour."
The Food and the Spirits
You can’t talk about the Mandrake without mentioning YOPO. It’s their flagship restaurant, named after another South American hallucinogen (sensing a theme here?). The menu leans heavily into indigenous Amazonian ingredients mixed with modern European techniques. Think yellowtail crudo with jicama or octopus with aji panca. It’s spicy, vibrant, and surprisingly light compared to the heavy, dark decor of the hotel.
The Waeska bar is where things get even weirder. The cocktail menu is based on ethnobotany. The bartenders here don't just pour gin and tonics; they talk about the healing properties of herbs and the history of botanical tinctures. The drinks are complex. Sometimes they’re a bit too complex—I’ve had a drink there that tasted like a forest fire in a good way, and another that tasted like a forest fire in a "where is my water" way.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
Fitzrovia is the sweet spot of London right now. You’re five minutes from the chaos of Oxford Street, but Newman Street itself feels strangely secluded. You’ve got some of the best coffee shops in the city nearby—like Kaffeine on Castle Street—and you're within walking distance of the British Museum.
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Choosing a hotel on Newman Street means you’re opting out of the stuffiness of Park Lane but staying close enough to the action that you don’t need to spend your life on the Tube. It’s a neighborhood that still feels like "Old London" in the alleyways but has the "New London" energy in the dining scene.
The "Spiritual" Side of the Mandrake
One thing that sets this place apart—and honestly, one thing that makes some people roll their eyes—is the "Spiritual Wellbeing" program. They have a Spiritual Concierge. Yes, really.
Instead of just a gym (though they have access to local fitness spots), they offer sound healing, cacao ceremonies, and shamanic counseling. It sounds very "LA," but in the context of the hotel's darker, more mysterious aesthetic, it kind of works. During a weekend stay, you might find a gong bath happening in one of the lower levels. It adds a layer of "experience" that you just don't get at a Hilton. Whether you believe in the healing power of sound vibrations or not, it’s a lot more interesting than a standard hotel spa menu.
The Reality Check: Who Is This For?
Let's be real. The Mandrake Hotel Newman Street isn't for everyone.
- Families? Probably not. The vibe is very adult, very late-night, and the lighting is too dim for chasing toddlers around.
- Business Travelers? Maybe, if you’re in a creative industry. If you’re a corporate lawyer looking for a desk with a task lamp and a quiet lobby for a 6:00 AM Zoom call, the Mandrake might stress you out.
- Creatives and Couples? Absolutely. It’s one of the most romantic hotels in the city because it feels so private and otherworldly.
The service is surprisingly warm for a place that looks so "cool." Usually, hotels this stylish come with a side of coldness from the staff, but at the Mandrake, they’re actually helpful. They know the local area inside out and can get you into the restaurants that usually have a three-week waitlist.
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Making the Most of Your Visit
If you’re going to book, do it right. Here are the moves to make for a better stay:
- Request a Terrace Room: The Newman rooms are fine, but the terrace is the soul of the building. Being able to step outside into that greenery is worth the extra pounds.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often host artist-in-residence nights or secret gigs. Ask the concierge what's happening during your dates before you arrive.
- Eat at YOPO, but Drink at Waeska: The restaurant is great for a full meal, but the bar is better for people-watching. The crowd is fascinating.
- Explore Charlotte Street: Newman Street is great, but the parallel Charlotte Street is a food mecca. Check out Bubbledogs or Roka if you want to venture out for a meal.
- Look Up: The art isn't just at eye level. It’s on the ceilings, in the corners, and tucked into the hallways. Take ten minutes just to walk the floors and look at the walls.
The Mandrake is a statement. It’s a choice to prioritize atmosphere and art over traditional luxury. It’s one of those rare places that actually lives up to the "boutique" label without feeling like a cliché. You’ll either love the theatricality of it or find it slightly exhausting, but you definitely won't forget it.
Before you book, check their direct website for "Artist in Residence" packages. They often bundle unique experiences—like private art tours or wellness sessions—that aren't listed on the big booking sites. Also, if you’re sensitive to noise, ask for a room on a higher floor; while the soundproofing is good, the courtyard can get lively on Friday and Saturday nights.
Actionable Insights for Travelers
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-week in late spring or early autumn to enjoy the Jurema terrace without the weekend crowds.
- Booking Tip: Use the "Newman" category for better value if you plan on spending most of your time exploring the city rather than lounging in the hotel.
- Local Secret: Walk two blocks over to the Fitzroy Tavern for a bit of literary history; it was a favorite haunt of George Orwell and Dylan Thomas, offering a sharp, traditional contrast to the Mandrake's modern surrealism.
- Transport: The hotel is a short walk from Tottenham Court Road station, giving you access to the Elizabeth Line, which is the fastest way to and from Heathrow.