StyleNest recently ventured across the vibrant banks of the River Thames, experiencing an amazing night’s stay at Mondrian Hotel London at Sea Containers.
Met with a warm welcome at reception, we were immediately struck by the stunning interior. Eclectic, bold and chic, the hotel has worked with Design Research Studio under the creative direction of Tom Dixon to replicate the vintage 1920s cruise ship sophistication of the original building. Modern, chic and luxe, one of the main features is a curved copper-clad patchwork wall which runs throughout the outside of the building, through to the main lobby and back to the river side of the hotel.
My other half headed up to our River View Balcony Suite as I took the lift down to the hotel’s idyllic underwater Agua Bathhouse and Spa. A haven from the hustle and bustle of the city, the spa has an air of calm ambiance. There are also fitness facilities featuring state of the art equipment, should you wish to work out. From deluxe metallic and white décor which reflects classic and timeless spa glamour to gorgeous tiles, exquisite interiors and lovely therapists; all these stylish touches make up the Agua spa experience. There are 6 private treatment rooms within the spa, as well as a couples suite and private thermal suite.
The spa embraces upcoming beauty brands as well as established favourites, and I indulged in the Soveral Signature Treatment. A lifting, firming treatment, this facial is designed to drain away stress and any ageing concerns. Therapist Ahmet used a range of Soveral products, including; Awaken Cleanser, Angel Balm, Forever Young Face Oil and Formula 1 Moisturiser. Revived and revitalised, my skin looked much brighter and tighter post-treatment. Shown to the spa lounge, I lay on a luxe lounger and Ahmet popped a duvet over me before pouring a cup of tea from an intricate silver teapot. I wanted to fall asleep and stay there forever if I’m honest.
I then walked back to the lift, which I may add is the coolest I’ve ever seen; mainly as images of iconic British figures are emblazoned across the walls inside. Stepping into our River View Balcony Suite was a moment of pure bliss, especially upon finding a chilled bottle of white wine and welcome note. An escape for just myself and husband, I could also imagine the little ones enjoying this suite. The 2 separate balconies within the suite meant panoramic views of the Thames, enjoyed from the chic black basket table and chairs we were sitting on. Inside the suite itself features included; a separate living area with seating, dining room table, guest cloakroom and an enormous bathroom with freestanding bath and rainfall shower. The custom designed furniture by Tom Dixon added a bespoke, boutique feel and I particularly liked the plush hot pink, grey and black interiors.
Amongst the fabulous furnishings was a silver fortune cookie, with mine holding the message “Buy the ticket, take the ride”, by Hunter Thompson. A brilliant message to kick off the evening, I then applied my makeup in front of the bathroom’s luxurious lighted mirror. Booked in for dinner at Sea Containers, we took the aforementioned lift back downstairs.
A glorious hot evening, Sea Containers played host as the perfect backdrop to enjoy the city. Seated in front of open bi-folding doors, we could look out across the river and people watch to our heart’s content. Sea Containers is inspired by the ‘golden age of transatlantic travel’, a notion mirrored by its design. The statement curved copper-clad patchwork walls wind along the path into the restaurant, and plump leather and soft seating enable a sense of grandeur. Served by the knowledgeable Eduardo, we indulged in Raw Scallops and Tuna Crudo to start, before sharing the Corn-Fed Chicken. The starters were absolutely delicious, but the succulent chicken plus sides of Quinoa Vegetable Slaw and Roasted New Potatoes was the piece de resistance. Pistachio and Cherry Tart with Pistachio Sauce and Cherry Sorbet plus Tiramisu rounded off proceedings. Our evening spent at Sea Containers was complete date night heaven. I really treasured that time spent sipping on a glass of house red, watching the world go by. Not to mention our trip up to Rumpus Room.
A rooftop bar and lounge, Rumpus Room takes inspiration from another place in time- The Bright Young Things were bohemian party people and socialites who enjoyed much press coverage in the 1920s. As a result the dress code is smart and the champagne flows amongst glittering chandeliers and jewel coloured furnishings of rich plums and clarets. Rumpus Room is an exquisite experience which we would thoroughly recommend. By day, it is a fresh and bright atmosphere with a quiet buzz, and by evening a sophisticated and exciting city hotspot. I sampled a Rumpus Mojito made up of 8 year old Bacardi, Bacardi Superior, Mint, Pomegranate, Lime and Soda. Meanwhile the Mr drank an All British Whisky Sour, comprising Dewar’s 12 year old Scotch, Rosehip and Cider Vinegar, London Honey and Bitters. The DJ played in the background, and we could tell a brilliant night was being had by all around us.
One gorgeous night’s sleep later, we headed back down to Sea Containers for breakfast. Seated once more by the river front, I sleepily tucked into Smashed Avocado on Charred Toast with Cherry Tomatoes, Coriander and Chilli plus plentiful coffee and a freshly baked Gluten-free breakfast muffin. My husband had a Farmer’s Full Breakfast, which looked and tasted mouth-wateringly good, by all accounts. Consisting of Two Eggs Sunny Side Up, Crispy Bacon, Cumberland Sausage, Black Pudding, Braised Mushrooms, Creamed Greens and Potato Galette, it kicked off the day in style.
Sadly leaving Mondrian, I can honestly say this was one of our favourite hotel stays. Walking along the river and enjoying the late summer sunshine after check-out, we admired the OXO Tower next door before reaching the Tate Modern in ten minutes. Mondrian London’s Kids on the Southbank package will certainly tempt us back with children as it covers English Breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children daily, complimentary wifi access and in-house children’s movies. The hotel has many family-friendly room options, including interconnecting Loft Suites. On top of that, Mondrian offers kids the chance to zoom along the traffic-free Southbank Thames Path by providing scooters and helmets.
An absolute must-visit, Mondrian London at Sea Containers is an ideal base to explore the city and one to add to your travel to-do list.
Need to Know:
Rooms and suites: The hotel has 359 rooms and suites.
Rates: Room only rates start from £195+ VAT.
Check-In Time: 3pm
Checkout Time: 12 noon
Facilities: Kick back and relax at Agua Bathhouse and Spa or grab a workout in the Fitness room. Spoilt for food and drink choice, you can dine at Sea Containers, Den or the Private Dining Room and sip on some wine or a cocktail at Rumpus Room or Dandelyan.
How to get there: Mondrian is near to Blackfriars over-ground train station where you will find regular train links, should you be coming by rail or from one of the nearby airports. The nearest tube stations are Southwark or Waterloo and are both a short 5-10 minute walk.
Mondrian at Sea Containers, 20 Upper Ground, London. SE1 9PD. Telephone: 020 3747 1000