The Middle Eight is a luxury five-star hotel that is indisputably luxurious with a Covent Garden location that makes it hard to beat.
The property is smack-dab in the middle of Covent Garden, with London’s iconic micro-village of Neal’s Yard and a slew of hip restaurants right around the corner. Most must-sees are a 25-minute walk or less (like Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Big Ben, and Oxford Street), while spots like Tower Bridge are a 20-minute drive, and Platform 9 3/4, aka St. Pancras Station, is only 13 minutes away on the tube.
The Middle Eight skews more modern with up-to-date technology and advanced amenities (hello, Chromecast TV) while paying homage to the club scene of London’s past, with an intimate jazz music venue located on the property’s basement level.
The word “sleek” is embedded into the DNA of the 180 guest rooms and suites. Dim lighting and wood panel accents provide a super modern feel, while jewel-toned furniture and artwork add pops of color. The marble bathrooms are bright and ideal for getting ready, with a separate shower room stocked with Anatome toiletries.
QT is intimately nestled in the basement of the hotel. Here, you’ll find live jazz performances made better by cocktails and light bites located only a few flights down from your hotel room—in other words, you won’t feel guilty about staying late and indulging in one too many glasses of wine since your journey home is easy.
Stellar service is a standout at the Middle Eight: everything is prompt, from quick check-in to checkout, and requests are handled swiftly. Amenities include turndown service, a complimentary mini-bar, plenty of caffeine opportunities, boutique teas and a Nespresso machine with fresh milk on the side), and stellar service.
Top Takeaways
Location: London, United Kingdom
Star-Rating: Five-star
The Vibe: Picture a multi-story speakeasy in London’s bustling Covent Garden. Jazz musicians perform nightly in the basement bar, where drinks are strong, and lighting is dim, encouraging guests to stray from their sightseeing itinerary—in a good way.
Food + Drink: Consider QT an intimate venue in the hotel’s basement. Live performances by talented musicians, fun cocktails, and light bites give a new meaning to the dinner and show concept. Sycamore Vino Cucina serves Italian pasta dinners, though you can also book an afternoon tea experience; A Sip of Theatre is great for cocktails.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, turndown service, Egyptian cotton linens, a complimentary mini-bar, a Chromecast TV, plush robe and slippers, rainfall showerheads, a coffee bar with a Nespresso machine and fresh milk, and Anatome toiletries.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel? To quote what I think a real estate agent would say (I have yet to buy real estate, so I can’t be 100% certain): location, location, location. Every bar, restaurant, and monument is a 25-minute walk or 10-minute cab ride away. Holborn Station is three minutes away on foot if you’d prefer to travel the city by tube.
What’s Nearby? Everything. Strolls through the British Museum, the colorful micro-village of Neal’s Yard, and the shopper’s paradise, Covent Garden, are mere minutes away. You’re also a 20 to 25-minute walk to Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Big Ben, and Oxford Street.
Any Neighborhood Recs? Head to Soho for home-style Persian food at Berenjak. Wash down hummus, kebabs, and dishes drizzled in yogurt sauce with lime and mint Sharbat (a Persian soft drink) and finish with a baklava ice cream sandwich. For night two? Ave Mario is the spot for delicious plates of pasta, limoncello shots, and photogenic moments, including a Sopranos-inspired basement bathroom. End your night at the no-frills Ain’t Nothing But in Soho for cheap drinks and live music. It’s frequented by tourists and locals alike (the bartender knew every other patron by name).
Rooms: 180 guest rooms and suites that took a page from your favorite film noir. Dim lighting and black accents offer a mysterious vibe, offset only by a bright marble bathroom made perfect by its rainfall showerhead.
Pricing: Rates vary but start at $380/night — although the location is ideal, you’ll save an impressive sum of money on cabs.
Closest Airport: London Heathrow
