Meliá White House review: The art deco hotel for a London break

In a nutshell: With clean, contemporary rooms, the recently renovated four-star Meliá White House is ideally located next to Regent’s Park.

The neighbourhood

This hotel is right on the corner of Regent’s Park, a five-minute walk from Warren Street Tube station on the Northern Line in central London (and with plenty of regular buses in the area). Well placed for taking the kids to London Zoo or heading to the Wellcome Collection museum for an exhibition, the hotel’s location is also ideal if you want to escape the city streets and enjoy a stroll or picnic in the park.

The look

Originally constructed as apartment buildings in 1936, there is a definite Art Deco energy to the exterior of the hotel with the use of straight lines and symmetry to the windows. Step through the main doors, however, and the lobby (complete with warm welcome from friendly door staff) is far more in keeping with a high-end hotel. The marbled floors and wood touches at the front desk feel very luxurious, but there is a slightly jarring mix of vintage and super-modern furniture, depending on which part of the hotel you’re in.

The vibe

Overall, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. Sipping sparkling wine in the newly renovated contemporary lounge area was a treat and from check in to check out, staff were very attentive, polite and unobtrusive. There were plenty of wait staff to take our breakfast orders and staff on hand for general enquiries.

Bed and bath

The Level Premium room – a mid-range room with a king size bed and city view – was pristine and modern, with plenty of warm wood. Quirky artwork added to an eclectic vintage-meets-contemporary design scheme, which is harmonious in the bedrooms, despite being jarring in some other areas of the hotel.

There is a small fridge and fully stocked tea and coffee station. Early check in and late check out can be requested (standard check-out time is 12pm).

Food and drink

Guests can head to the Arado restaurant and 35 Bar and Lounge to enjoy a meal or a tipple throughout the day. Those staying in the hotel’s Level rooms have exclusive access to the Level lounge area, which is bright and open with light wood and Scandinavian-style furniture. There is complimentary tapas, snacks…