03/12/2018
London's Sexiest New Hotel⚜️🛎
Mysteriously sexy, suggestively intimate and boldly opulent, L’oscar lives up to the hype.
The first thing you should know about Holborn’s L’oscar hotel is that it’s housed in a turn-of-the-century, Baroque-style church.
Initially, this holy history may seem at odds with the decadent maximalism of Jacques Garcia, the Parisian décorateur who literally wrote the book on elegance, luxury and excess. But instead, the divine past of this listed building acts as an anchor point, not just for the hotel’s vibe, but also it’s voice. “Every saint has a past; every sinner has a future,” goes the Oscar Wilde quote, which doubles as L’oscar’s unofficial tagline.
Step off Holborn’s busy streets through the unmarked hotel entrance, and sanctuary is granted. Glossy marble floors are part of the building’s original features and others include thick stained-glass windows in muted colors; wood paneling; and several bas-reliefs. The hallway of the main entrance is dressed in drama and purple. To the left is the all-day eatery and bar, Café L’oscar bedecked in mirrors, gold and backlit onyx, and there’s the library-like lobby to the right.
The hotel’s scent - courtesy of the imitable king of ouds, is deep and animalic and utterly seductive without being smothering. Scent is just the first of your senses to start enjoying itself. Next comes touch…
L’oscar is tactile. From the high-gloss of the cold marble and the deeply notched dark wood to the miles of damask, silk and velvet in sumptuous patterns and jewel tones, everything begs to be touched. Each of L’oscar’s 39 guest rooms, divided into eight categories, are individualized. (Though not without charm, the real magic happens outside of the standard room category; once you reach the deluxe category you’ll be completely spoiled.)
The Roja Dove theme continues behind closed doors where guests are treated to bespoke his-and-hers Roja Dove toiletries - a real treat as this is the only hotel to work with the exclusive brand. Marble bathrooms (many of which feature steam-room showers) are light-filled and some have skylights and/or original windows. Also, let’s appreciate the complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar. (How is this not a thing in all luxury hotels yet?)
Nods to the church can be found throughout the guest quarters (like a mustard-hued prayer chair), and expertly restored pieces like original fireplace tiles can be appreciated up close. It’s a cliché to say something is “painstakingly restored” but in this case - it’s exceedingly accurate.
Both the English Heritage and Camden Council guided the delicate restoration process.
Dining - or at least drinking - at L’oscar is a must. Back on the ground floor, guests can find the Baptist Grill helmed by lauded chef Tony Fleming. Housed on the upper mezzanine of the building’s original domed chapel, the Baptist Grill serves seasonal British ingredients like Cumbrian beef and Cornish cod under lavishly plastered ceilings and moody oak paneling, The restaurant also sports some terrific Royal Crown Derby porcelain peacock tableware. Do yourself a favor and order the foie gras as a starter and the roast chicken for the main.
The Baptist Bar can’t be skipped. Featuring truly inventive cocktails, the menu is divided into Old and New Testament sections. Old Testament drinks are named after the seven heavenly virtues and are twists on uncommon historic cocktails. New Testament tipples - each designed by a different in-house bartender - are named after the seven deadly sins. Try the pale green and bubbly Kindness, a riff on the 1920’s Hanky Panky of the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar. Though drinks from both sides of the menu are nothing short of deliciously and deviously creative, the snacks served alongside the drinks can be improved upon.
Like the rest of the hotel, the bar and restaurant (both already popular despite the fact that the hotel only officially launched in September 2018) are luxurious but approachable. The best thing about L’oscar is - all those velvet tassels, that generously thick carpeting and lusciously fat pillows and divine eiderdowns duvets - they’re made to be experienced, to be touched, to be lived in and enjoyed. Yes, the eponymous dramatic dandy Oscar Wilde would feel at home at L’oscar - but so will you.
Øyangen Global Luxury Real Estate Consulting®🌏📈
