Following a four-year stint as the Hard Rock Hotel, The Cumberland Hotel has returned to its namesake but hasn’t lost its musical backbone. Located just off the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street, the hotel has a rich history of hosting musical royalty such as Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Holly, so it’s only fitting that music is stitched into the fabric of the venue.

On entering the foyer, your senses are treated to curated artwork, neon light murals, slogans, and a Union Jack here and there, all paying homage to the capital’s love affair with music. A decorated London cab is parked up inside the hotel, acting as a photo booth, and although all of this may start to sound like a cliched themed hotel, these references are elegantly balanced with the plush velvet seating and glossy white finishes you’d expect from a respected Central London hotel.

Near the foyer sits an impressive 360-degree bar which beckons you over to enjoy a cocktail whilst watching one of the daily live performances from a large stage behind.

The Room

We booked the Cumberland’s studio suite. Although a little pricier than their standard rooms, the extras may well be worth it for the Musos out there. Aside from the extra space, our room had some well-received extra sprinkles such as a Nespresso machine, a walk-in wardrobe and a welcome bottle of Prosecco, fruit and chocolates. The rockstar touch came in the form of a Fender electric guitar, with a Marshall amp and headphones for us to smash out our own version of ‘Stairway to Heaven’ in the comfort of our room. The studio suite was also equipped with a record player and a handful of classic vinyls, so we popped on Prince’s Purple Rain as we got ready to explore the hotel.

‘Backstage’ Executive Lounge

When you book the studio suite at The Cumberland Hotel, you get access to the ‘Backstage’ Executive Lounge, tucked away at the back of reception, accessed only with a backstage wristband or room key, which you get when you check-in at the ‘Backstage’ Executive Lounge.

Whilst checking in you are treated to a glass of bubbly and then encouraged to sit back and relax in the lounge, where you get to enjoy complimentary drinks and food. There are a few Fender guitars dotted around the lounge where guests are welcome to pick up and play. Needless to say, I visited the lounge a few times during my stay, grabbing a coffee and some small bites, the staff were friendly, welcoming and accommodating, it was a real treat and one that will be well remembered.

Dinner at Sound Bar

Downstairs at SOUND bar, we were excited to take our seats for not only dinner but a Motown special performance. The menu features American classics which include chicken tenders, Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Burgers and New York steak strips.  We selected the chicken tenders and greedily tucked into a jaw-achingly huge London-double cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. Flavoursome and generous portions, we were delighted. We were then soothed by the silky smooth vocals of a Motown trio on the main stage. The entertainment is well worth a visit to the hotel alone, even for a night out, we saw a lot of people up on their feet, I mean who can resist moving to renditions of the Supremes and The Jackson Five?

SOUND bar has a great Kids Eat Free deal and 2-for-1 cocktails for parents and guests each day from 5-7pm. SOUND brings guests live entertainment seven days a week, no entry fee to get in, just grab a cocktail at the bar or book in dinner and sit back, relax and enjoy the entrainment.

Our bellies full, toes tapped and souls soothed, we head back to our room to put on a vinyl, grab a drink from our complimentary mini-bar (included with studio and star suites), and flicked through a book on the top 100 rock bands of all time.

Although a lot of the extras we enjoyed at The Cumberland came with the studio experience, the hotel has musical heritage pulsing through its veins. The live performances alone make it a great place to stay in Central London for music lovers and anyone who likes their stay to have energy and personality.

Rooms at The Cumberland start at £190.00 per night, for more information or to book a room visit www.guoman.com/the-cumberland

Address: The Cumberland, London, Great Cumberland Place, Mable Arch, London, W1H 7DL

Written by Nyla S.
Photos courtesy of The Cumberland Hotel