Heaven is a place on Earth. We can't be sure who or what inspired Belinda Carlisle's cult 1987 hit, but we can be sure that there are many examples of heaven, in fact, being a place on Earth. And it appears we may have found the latest example of that.
South Place Hotel, which sits within touching distance of Moorgate station is tasteful, luxury hotelling done well.
In a fairly unassuming building, with only a trendy yellow sign and light to signal to its customers what's to come when they check-in, you're almost shocked when you step into what is a very nice hotel that fuses millennial cool with proper elegant features.
With five-star luxury comes the simplest yet most effective of, well, luxuries. A sauna and gym, a 'secret garden' guests have to find for themselves (which is worth the not-too-hard look), an already-famed restaurant and bar on the roof, the chance to grab breakfast in bed. Oh, and baths. Proper baths. Big baths. Great, bubbly baths.
Staying somewhere ‘luxury’ or ‘five-star’ can look different everytime – but a key consideration is the extra mile that place goes to impress
We stayed in a King Room and it was easy to see why the hotel's philosophy ("A boutique, luxurious, lively and fresh-faced, the first hotel from restaurateurs, D&D London. With 80 bedrooms, five bars and a floor of event spaces, the hotel was designed for wining, dining and dancing, before falling into a comfortable bed") is so spot on to the vibe it gives off.
Right in the City, near some of London's best pubs, bars and clubs – but also home to no less than five bars (two of which are also restaurants) itself – everyone staying seemed full, a bit merry, comfortable and right at home.
Considering our stay fell slap bang in the middle of the post-Christmas, pre-New Year slump, the bar is pretty high when you need some serious motivation to eat and drink more – but that's not really an issue at South Place. Both restaurants are delicious and have extensive menus, and wine lists, which feel fancy but fuss-free. (If you go to the Chop House for dinner, get the creamed mash potato with peppercorn sauce – it's a real treat and goes well with steak or the equally delicious vegan burger.)
Finer details, too. Staying somewhere 'luxury' or 'five-star' can look and feel like many different things – but a key consideration is always the extra mile that place goes to leave you thinking: "That's pretty cool."
Well, South Place goes a mile and a half. From runner's maps in your bedside table and earplugs to block out any noise from the street or merriments, it's the little things that count. And here, the little things are done well.
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth? Well, rooms start at £227 a night – which, for heaven on earth, is a pretty good price. We can't recommend South Place enough.
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For bookings and more details on the hotel, head to southplacehotel.com
