Mums do travel

Travel with and without teens

  • Home
  • Destination
    • UK
      • London
      • Kent
      • Northern Ireland
      • Wales
      • Elsewhere
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Croatia
      • France
      • Gibraltar
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Italy
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Portugal
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • USA
      • Canada
      • Carribean
      • Costa Rica
    • Africa
      • South Africa
      • Tunisia
    • Asia
      • Thailand
      • Bali
      • Singapore
    • Australia
  • Inspiration
    • Things to do in…
    • Things to do in London…
    • Where to stay
    • Language learning
    • Family travel interviews
    • The journey
    • Recipes
  • Published in
  • About
  • Contact
  • Travel shop
Home / Type of trip / City / Without kids: Amba Hotel Marble Arch

Without kids: Amba Hotel Marble Arch

November 16, 2015 by Gretta Schifano 23 Comments

Executive King Room, Amba Hotel Marble Arch. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Executive King Room, Amba Hotel Marble Arch. Copyright Gretta Schifano

When we’re invited to review London’s newly opened four-star Amba Hotel Marble Arch, my kids aren’t interested in coming along. The hotel looks great, but we’ve been away quite a bit recently, and they just want to stay at home. My husband and I decide to go without them. A kind friend agrees to come and stay at our house to keep an eye on things.

Amba Hotel Marble Arch

Amba Hotel Marble Arch is in a brilliant, central location with excellent transport links. It’s just around the corner from Marble Arch, the monumental archway which stands at one end of Oxford Street, one of London’s leading shopping streets. Close by is 350-acre Hyde Park, one of the capital’s eight Royal Parks. The entrance to the hotel is on Bryanston Street which runs parallel to Oxford Street. The hotel has around 700 rooms and is in a vast Art Deco building which takes up a whole block of Oxford Street. The hotel starts from the first floor as the ground floor is taken up with retail spaces.

Amba Hotel Marble Arch. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Amba Hotel Marble Arch. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Check in

From the hotel entrance on the ground floor an escalator takes you up to the first floor to check in. When we arrive it’s busy, there are only two members of staff checking people in and there’s no queueing system. If all of the guests had been British this wouldn’t have been a problem as we’d have formed a queue without thinking about it. As it is there’s a lot of milling about, randomness and irritation.

Our room

Once we’ve managed to check in we make our way to our very comfortable and well-provisioned Executive King Room, number 576. It’s great. The hotel is newly renovated and there was apparently much input from guests as to what the rooms should offer. So the rooms boast tablets, blackout curtains, Nespresso machines, free snacks and drinks, fast, free wifi, piles of towels, waffle bathrobes, usb charging points and international plug sockets.

Executive King Room bathroom, Amba Hotel Marble Arch. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Executive King Room bathroom, Amba Hotel Marble Arch. Copyright Gretta Schifano

There’s a sofa bed as well as a huge double bed in our spacious room, which could work well for younger children sharing a room with their parents. There are also some interconnecting rooms at the hotel. Here’s a video that I made of our room when we first arrived:

Executive Lounge

Because we’re staying in an Executive Room we’re told when we check-in that we have access to the Executive Lounge. We leave our stuff in our room and go to the lounge to check it out. This is a good move as there’s champagne on offer – exactly what I want, although I hadn’t even realised it. Along one side of the lounge is a buffet with drinks and snacks which you can help yourself to. There are comfortable chairs and sofas around the room and it’s all very civilised and relaxing.

Dinner

We go to look at the hotel Grill restaurant menu for dinner, but there are only a couple of people in there so we decide to go out of the hotel instead. We walk around the corner to Oxford Street and buy a couple of gifts for our son (it’s his birthday soon). It’s around 8pm and the shops are still open but they aren’t too busy. The street is prettily decorated with Christmas lights, and we stroll along to see the famous Selfridges Christmas window displays.

Christmas lights on Oxford Street. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Christmas lights on Oxford Street. Copyright Gretta Schifano

By this point we’re getting hungry. We drop off our shopping with the helpful Amba Hotel doorman and head for a nearby Italian restaurant called Bernardi’s, of which my husband has heard great things. Bernardi’s is packed, but they find us a table after a pleasant half-hour wait at the bar. The food is fantastic and we really enjoy eating there.

In-room tablet

Back at the hotel I investigate the in-room tablet. You can use it to go online to browse the internet, but it also contains detailed information about the hotel and the local area. You can use it to order food and drinks to have in your room and you can send requests for things which you need. I decide that I should test out this system. I request some decaf coffee for the Nespresso machine. An hour later no decaf has arrived so my husband presses the button to activate the ‘Do not disturb’ light outside our room and we go to sleep.

The next morning at 7am I’m woken from a bizarre dream, in which I’m doing the washing-up at a friend’s party, by someone knocking at our door. I blearily open the door and am handed an envelope containing three decaf Nespresso pods.

Breakfast

We have the option of eating breakfast in the hotel’s Grill restaurant or in the Executive Lounge. We head for the Grill. It’s busy and we wait for a few minutes to be shown to a table. All of the usual hotel breakfast buffet fare is on offer and I opt for fruit salad followed by scrambled eggs and mushrooms accompanied by decaf coffee. It’s all good. We then go to the Executive Lounge to check out the breakfast there. It’s similar to the Grill but quieter and slightly nicer – for example there are jugs of freshly squeezed orange juice and smoothie which I don’t think were on offer at the Grill.

Executive Lounge breakfast, Amba Hotel. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Executive Lounge breakfast, Amba Hotel. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Check-out

Checking out is much quicker than checking in, and we’re on our way home soon after breakfast.

Verdict

My husband says: ‘The hotel is very lively and is in a fantastic central location. Our room was really nice. It was very quiet, even though it’s right on Oxford Street. Breakfast was good and the lounge felt cosy.’

I like the Amba Hotel Marble Arch. It’s in a brilliant location and has a modern, luxurious feel. All of the staff that we met were polite and helpful but some aspects of the service felt a little disorganised – I’m sure that this will improve once the hotel has been open for longer.

Cost

Rooms at the Amba Hotel Marble Arch cost from £169 per room, per night, including breakfast.

More on London…

If you’d like to see more of my reviews of places to stay in London you can read about Four Seasons Canary Wharf here, Hilton London Metropole here, Go Native Apartments here, Royal Garden Hotel here, and there are more reviews in the Where to stay category.

If you’d like some inspiration for great things to do in London with kids, I publish a monthly round-up of what’s on offer – you can find my latest London round-up here.

If you’d like a London guide book I recommend the Lonely Planet London Travel Guideand also the London Marco Polo Travel Guide.

Over to you

Is the Amba Hotel Marble Arch the kind of place that you’d like to stay? Can you recommend any places to stay in London?

Disclosure: We were guests at Amba Hotel Marble Arch for the purposes of this review. This post contains some affiliate links, which means that if you clicked through and booked I may receive a small commission. All opinions, images, video and words are my own, as ever.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related

Categories: City, London, Luxury, Room reports
Tags: family friendly hotels, London hotels, Luxury hotels

About Gretta Schifano

I'm a freelance journalist and blogger specialising in family travel with teenagers, trips when parents manage to travel without their kids, and 50+ travel. I also write about vegetarian travel, parenting teenagers, adoption, SEN, ADHD and anxiety. My work's been published by the Financial Times, Guardian, Independent, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet and others. I've lived and worked in Italy and Spain and am now based in rural south-east England with my husband, adoptive and birth kids and our dog. I previously worked as a social action radio producer for the BBC.

Facebook - Twitter - Google+

Subscribe to posts by email?

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Comments

  1. Zena's Suitcase says

    December 21, 2015 at 10:11 pm

    It’s a lovely hotel isn’t it. The rooms are a great size. Champagne in the Executive Lounge sounds lovely. It’s nice to get away without the kids sometimes

    Reply
  2. Helen @actuallymummy says

    November 24, 2015 at 11:14 am

    Ah Marble Arch is open! Looks very similar to Charing Cross, and what a fab location for some Christmas shopping without the kids! We found CC surprisingly quiet too, given the location. I think both these are going to do really well.
    Helen @actuallymummy recently posted…A virtual tour of Beaches Resorts NegrilMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      November 24, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      I think so too – they have everything that you need for a London break.

      Reply
  3. Jess @ Catch A Single Thought says

    November 23, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    It sounds like a wonderful hotel, even if your decaf Nespresso pods didn’t arrive until the following morning! Definitely would be perfect for a Christmas shopping trip in London.
    Jess @ Catch A Single Thought recently posted…Review: Beefeater Micklehead Green, MerseysideMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Charly Dove says

    November 23, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    That’s good to know the Amba hotel was quiet, I know some London hotels aren’t when they’re in busy areas. Sounds like you had a great time and it seems like a lovely hotel. I can’t believe I’ve not spotted it before!
    Charly Dove recently posted…The magnificent Devil’s Punch BowlMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Globalmouse says

    November 22, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    I love the Art Deco look of the hotel and it sounds like it’s got some great extras too….it sounds like it needs a little longer to properly get its feet with check in though, I guess these things must be hard to judge. Such a great area of London.
    Globalmouse recently posted…Gorgeous Danish clothes – Krutter & Knast by Kutter – AW15My Profile

    Reply
  6. the-worldwide says

    November 19, 2015 at 11:01 am

    Seems like this is a great hotel with fantastic outlook, Accommodation etc, Do you know the cheapest room price in Amba Hotel Marble Arch to stay for a night.

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      November 19, 2015 at 3:40 pm

      No, I’m afraid I don’t – you’d need to check the website for that.

      Reply
      • the-worldwide says

        November 25, 2015 at 7:08 am

        Ok, I will check. Thank you!

        Reply
  7. Emma says

    November 17, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    That looks great and what a wonderful location!! I like the idea of the in room tablet.
    Emma recently posted…How to survive the school runMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Mari says

    November 17, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    This looks like such a great base for a London weekend, it’s an area I adore too as so central and so full of life. I’ve seen this building from the street and always wondered what it was like on the inside.
    Mari recently posted…Aveda at Bluewater – All life knowledgeMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Kara says

    November 17, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    That looks really good value – I am in London with my daughter in a couple of weeks and this looks like the perfect play to stay
    Kara recently posted…Is it time for you to visit Poole?My Profile

    Reply
  10. Sonia says

    November 17, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    I’d love to go away for a night in London kid free and this looks like a really nice hotel in a great location.
    Sonia recently posted…Christmas Gift Guide: For KidsMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Phoebe @ Lou Messugo says

    November 17, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    How lovely to have a night away without kids in central London, the location of this hotel is unbeatable for Christmas shopping!
    Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…The Frenchness of GuadeloupeMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Jennifer Howze says

    November 17, 2015 at 9:50 am

    I think this area of town is a really fantastic base, whether you’re a couple or a family. You’re right on the doorstep of the park and the lively shops of Oxford Street and all the public transport fans out easily. A good option in town, it sounds like!
    Jennifer Howze recently posted…13 things to do in Taos with kidsMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Sarah Bailey says

    November 16, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    What a lovely sound hotel – love the fact you were woken with coffee (shame it wasn’t ready made though lol) x
    Sarah Bailey recently posted…5 ways to shop smartly online this Christmas.My Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      November 17, 2015 at 11:16 am

      Never mind, it was time to wake up anyway (-ish)!

      Reply
  14. Jen Walshaw says

    November 16, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    What a suburb location for shopping and sightseeing. It looks like a great place

    Reply
  15. Cathy (MummyTravels) says

    November 16, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    Sounds lovely – I admit it’s often little things like being woken up early when the Do Not Disturb is on which do colour the overall feeling sometimes.
    Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…My Sunday Photo: BeirutMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Nayna Kanabar says

    November 16, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    What a lovely place .Perfect for a stay in London whilst taking in the sights.
    Nayna Kanabar recently posted…Vegetarian Chilli ~Secret recipe club November 16th 2015My Profile

    Reply
  17. Cass@frugalfamily says

    November 16, 2015 at 5:41 pm

    It looks like a lovely hotel in a great location!

    It’s definitely somewhere I’d like to stay with my other half if we ever get the chance for a child free break x
    Cass@frugalfamily recently posted…What do you do with all the works of art your children make?My Profile

    Reply
  18. oana79 says

    November 16, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    That is a cracking hotel and offer, Gretta, it does make a shopping trip to London so, so tempting!xx
    oana79 recently posted…Great Children’s Books and Family Games for ChristmasMy Profile

    Reply
  19. JuggleMum, Nadine Hill says

    November 16, 2015 at 5:09 pm

    How nice to get a little time away just the two of you and the hotel is so centrally located! The current offer price seems great value too!
    JuggleMum, Nadine Hill recently posted…Review: Tefal Cook4MeMy Profile

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Search site

Follow me!

Email: gretta at mumsdotravel dot com
Follow me on FacebookFollow me on Google+Follow me on TwitterFollow me on InstagramFollow me on YouTubeFollow me on PinterestFollow me on Bloglovin

You'd like posts by email?

Booking.com

Most popular posts:

  • How to pack for an 8 kg luggage allowance
    How to pack for an 8 kg luggage allowance
  • Where to find Mary Poppins film locations in London
    Where to find Mary Poppins film locations in London
  • Thailand with teenagers: a two-week summer itinerary
    Thailand with teenagers: a two-week summer itinerary
  • What to do when your teenager doesn't want to go on your family holiday
    What to do when your teenager doesn't want to go on your family holiday
  • 60 free things to do in London with a teenager
    60 free things to do in London with a teenager
  • 5-night itinerary for Northern Tunisia
    5-night itinerary for Northern Tunisia
  • How to visit the places in the Winnie-the-Pooh books
    How to visit the places in the Winnie-the-Pooh books
  • 8 great family holidays for football fans
    8 great family holidays for football fans
  • 17 places to find the world of Harry Potter in London
    17 places to find the world of Harry Potter in London
  • What to wear for a DofE expedition
    What to wear for a DofE expedition

Recent Posts

  • How to apply for Italian citizenship: everything we’ve done so far
  • How to explore London’s top attractions from home
  • Amsterdam virtual museum & gallery tours
  • Introducing Armchair Travels
  • How to explore Florence, Italy, from home

About

  • About
  • Published in
  • Contact

Disclosure

This is a personal blog written and edited by me, Gretta Schifano. Sometimes I’m given products or sent on trips to review, but I always make this clear and give my honest opinion. See my About page for full details.

Copyright © Mums do travel 2019
Header by Suzanne Barton
Website by
Callia Web

Sign up for my free newsletter:
Subscribe to the Mums do travel mailing list... it's FREE!
You'll receive family travel news, offers and competitions. Once you sign up you can download my tips for saving money on family travel.
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.
Sign up for my free newsletter: