Walk out of the Leicester Square tube station, dodge the guy dressed as a giant Pikachu, and look up. You’ll see it. That massive, glass-clad building that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie set in a very expensive future. That’s the W London Leicester Square London. Honestly, if you’re looking for a quiet, beige English tea room vibe where everyone speaks in hushed tones about the weather, keep walking. This place is loud. It’s shiny. It’s basically the architectural equivalent of a glitter bomb, but somehow, it actually works.
Most people think of Leicester Square as a tourist trap. And, yeah, to be fair, it kinda is. You’ve got the M&M’s World right there, the street performers, and the constant smell of roasted peanuts. But the W is this weird, glamorous bubble that sits right on top of the chaos. It’s where the film industry folks hide out during the BFI London Film Festival, and where you’ll find people who want to be in the heart of the West End without actually feeling like they’re stuck in a crowded theater lobby.
The Vibe Check: Mirrors, Neon, and That Famous Bar
The first thing you notice when you walk into the W London Leicester Square London isn't the front desk. It's the wall of disco balls. Literally. There are hundreds of them. It tells you exactly what kind of stay you’re in for. You aren't here to sleep ten hours and order oatmeal. You’re here because you want to feel like you’re part of something.
The Perception Bar on the first floor is the heart of the whole operation. It’s one of those places where the lighting is so good you don’t even need a filter on your photos. They do this thing where the bar transitions from a daytime workspace—lots of natural light hitting those floor-to-ceiling windows—to a moody, neon-soaked lounge at night. Local DJs usually start spinning around 9:00 PM. It’s not just for hotel guests either; it’s a genuine Soho nightlife spot. If you’re staying there, though, you get the benefit of stumbling up to your room instead of trying to find an Uber in the middle of Wardour Street.
What’s interesting about the design is how it pulls from British culture without being cheesy. You’ll see subtle nods to Savile Row tailoring in the upholstery and punk-rock-inspired details in the suites. It’s a mix of "The Queen’s Guard" and "Sid Vicious." It’s bold.
Let's Talk About the Rooms (and the Showers)
Let’s get real about the room layout. If you’re traveling with someone you aren’t very comfortable with, the W London Leicester Square London might give you a minor heart attack.
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The rooms follow an open-concept "studio" layout. This means the sink and vanity are often right there in the living space. The shower is usually a frosted glass box. It’s sleek, and it makes the rooms feel way bigger than they actually are—which is a feat in Central London—but it’s definitely a "lifestyle" choice. You’ve got the signature W bed, which is famously comfortable. Seriously, they sell these mattresses online because people get obsessed with them.
Then there’s the tech. You control everything from a tablet. Lights, temperature, "do not disturb" signs. You can even order a burger at 3:00 AM with a few taps. It’s designed for the modern traveler who hates talking to people on the phone.
Suite Life and the "Extreme Wow"
If you’ve got the budget to blow, the suites are where things get wild. We’re talking about rooms with their own private bars, rotating sofas, and views that overlook the actual red carpets of Leicester Square. When there’s a movie premiere happening—like at the Odeon Luxe across the street—you can literally watch the stars arrive from your window while wearing a bathrobe.
The Spa and "AWAY" Time
London is exhausting. Walking from Soho to Covent Garden and back again will kill your feet. The W has this spa called AWAY. It’s tiny compared to some of the massive hotel spas in Park Lane, but it’s high-impact. They do these "red carpet" facials and quick-fix treatments designed to get you ready for a night out.
The gym, FIT, is open 24/7. It’s got all the Technogym gear you’d expect, but the best part is the view. There’s something strangely motivating about running on a treadmill while looking down at the tourists struggling with paper maps below. It makes you feel like you’ve won at life, even if you only ran for ten minutes.
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Where to Actually Eat Nearby
While the W has great food—their brunch is actually quite famous among locals—you are sitting in the middle of the best food scene in the world. You’ve got Chinatown literally behind the hotel.
- Four Seasons: Go here for the roast duck. It’s legendary. No frills, just incredible food.
- Dishoom: It’s a bit of a walk toward Covent Garden, but the bacon naan roll is a religious experience.
- The Palomar: Just around the corner on Rupert Street. High-end Jerusalem-inspired food. Sit at the counter if you can.
The hotel’s own restaurant usually rotates its concept every few years to stay fresh. Right now, it’s all about bold, global flavors that match the eclectic vibe of the bar. It’s reliable, but when you have 500 restaurants within a five-minute walk, the competition is stiff.
The "Whatever/Whenever" Service
This is the W's big selling point. The "Whatever/Whenever" button on your room phone. The idea is that they will get you anything you want, as long as it's legal.
Need a pair of limited-edition sneakers from a shop in Shoreditch? They’ll try. Forgot your cufflinks for a gala? They’ve got you. It’s a high-touch level of service that’s disguised as a casual, "cool" interaction. The staff doesn't wear stiff suits; they look like they’re heading to a fashion show. But don’t let the casual look fool you—they know exactly what they’re doing.
Is it Worth the Price?
Look, the W London Leicester Square London isn't cheap. You’re paying for the location and the brand. If you want a quiet, historical experience with creaky floorboards and antique furniture, go to The Savoy or The Langham.
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But if you want to be five minutes away from the best shopping on Regent Street, two minutes from the theaters, and zero minutes away from a party, this is it. It’s for the traveler who wants London to feel fast and exciting.
One thing to keep in mind: Friday and Saturday nights are loud. Even with the double-glazed windows, you’re in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor or one that faces away from the main square.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
Don't just book the cheapest room and hope for the best. Here is how to actually do the W London correctly.
First, join the Marriott Bonvoy program before you book. Even the basic tier can sometimes get you a late checkout, which is huge when you’ve been out in Soho until 2:00 AM.
Second, utilize the "W Insider." This is a person whose entire job is to know what’s happening in London right now. Not just the tourist stuff—the secret pop-ups, the guest-list-only clubs, and the new restaurants that haven't hit the blogs yet. Talk to them as soon as you check in.
Third, check the event calendar. The W often hosts "Sound Suite" sessions or fashion previews. You might find yourself at an exclusive gig just because you happened to be in the lobby at the right time.
How to Get the Most Out of W London Leicester Square London
- Request a "Cool Corner" Room: These have the best views of the city skyline and the square below. The extra light makes a massive difference.
- Skip the Breakfast Buffet Once: While the hotel breakfast is good, walk five minutes to a local bakery in Soho for a more "London" experience.
- Use the Screening Room: The hotel has a private cinema. If you're traveling with a group, you can sometimes book it for private viewings. It’s one of the coolest hidden features of the building.
- Dress the Part: You don't need a tuxedo, but this is a "fashion" hotel. People dress up. If you show up in zip-off cargo pants, you might feel a little out of place in the Perception Bar.
- Walk Everywhere: You are within a 15-minute walk of Mayfair, Covent Garden, Marylebone, and the Southbank. Don't waste money on Ubers; the traffic in Leicester Square is a nightmare anyway.
The W London Leicester Square London isn't just a place to put your bags. It’s an experience that mirrors the energy of the city itself—restless, flashy, and always moving. If you're ready to embrace the noise, there's no better spot to call home for a few days.