It takes a brave person to plan and open a hotel in Central London during covid, but this German hotel brand AMANO did exactly that.
In the middle of Covent Garden and on the site of a 1980s office block, this will be the 11th hotel in the Group’s portfolio and the first hotel outside of Germany. The Group’s Co-Founder Ariel Schiff said they had considered many cities but felt they had found a great opportunity and location in the middle of theatreland in London.
Opening was due in 2022 but scuppered by covid together with the rules and restrictions on planning in this area. Schiff managed to develop a hotel via zoom which I don’t think anyone else has done. Not only changing the entrance onto a different street, but they had to have samples sent to Germany because of the travel restrictions and all meetings and changes were filmed so they could be reviewed remotely.
AMANO is renowned for its high-quality design and ambiance and Schiff always hires new interior designers for each property so that it does not look like a chain.
The 141 roomed property has with three room categories and also boasts a basement bar, restaurant and sky bar. The restaurant named after one of his daughters, “Penelope” is a tribute to Schiff’s dual heritage and a fusion of Israeli-Spanish. It is said that Penelope’s presents an imaginative gastronomic experience. The 2 Bars are open until late and a little more conservative than those in its sister hotels in Germany.
The aesthetics of the hotel consists of clean lines, and modern colours. The bedrooms are decorated in earthy tones with its signature grey and gold – even down to the gold bathtub which overlooks the City, in one of the room categories, giving you the Midas touch!
The rooms are on the small side to the point of being compact but adequate. I would suggest only using for a short business trip. The toilet is just a glass cubical and no privacy, also fully audible so beware who you share with.
The roof bar is stunning and located on the 7th floor. With fabulous views, cocktails, tapas and a DJ. You do need to book, and this area can be hired for a private party so would suggest you check in advance.
Although in its infancy there are already plans for expansion of more hotels in London which makes perfect sense as his management team are already here.
There are some negative reviews for this hotel such as the toilet as mentioned above, nowhere to hang towels, the revealing artwork around the hotel of half-naked women to the price of the breakfast but don’t let this put you off.