‘I stayed on the excellent resort for a London gig – this is why it was so particular’
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of staying at the iconic Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch, London. Not just any hotel, mind you – this is the hotel to stay at after a gig, and I quickly learned why.
I was in town to see the sensational Asake perform at the O2, but the Cumberland Hotel turned my trip into an unforgettable experience all on its own.
As a massive Bob Dylan fan, I could hardly contain my excitement when I found out the hotel has a rich musical history – having hosted legends like Dylan and Jimi Hendrix.
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As soon as I stepped into the hotel lobby it was clear I had entered a musical haven. Everywhere I turned there was music memorabilia lining the walls – vintage guitars, signed records and photographs of iconic artists. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and, to my surprise, a glass of champagne – talk about a royal welcome!
After a quick check-in I was shown to my room and, if I had been impressed by the lobby, the room completely blew me away. It was music-themed to the core, decked out with a sleek guitar, a record player, and a Bluetooth speaker so I could keep the tunes flowing.
And, of course, I couldn’t resist flipping through a few vinyls and strumming a few notes on the guitar. There was even a quirky height chart on the mirror featuring the heights of various music stars. I couldn’t help but grin when I realised I was exactly the same height as Rihanna – 5ft 8 – but taller than the just-short-of 5ft 7 Dylan.
The bathroom was spotless and sleek, with a rainfall shower that I could’ve stayed under forever. The bed, though, was the showstopper – gigantic, with the softest sheets that practically called out to me for a post-gig crash.
I had some time before heading out to the O2 so I made the most of my surroundings, dancing around the room to the sound of some old-school vinyls. The Cumberland staff even sent up a complimentary bottle of sparkling white wine and a fruit platter, which was such a thoughtful surprise. I felt pampered beyond belief as I got ready for the night ahead.
Before heading off to the concert, I indulged in a pre-show dinner at the hotel’s own Sound Cafe. True to its name, the place was buzzing with music-inspired decor and atmosphere. The food was delicious and the cocktails were the perfect touch. I had just enough time to sip my drink and chat before I made my way to Asake’s show.
Asake was electric. Our seats were fantastic and the energy in the O2 was unbeatable but by the end of the night all I could think about was that dreamy bed waiting for me at the Cumberland. I made my way back to the hotel and, after such a high-energy evening, the calm of the room was a perfect retreat.
I flipped on the massive TV and of all things ended up watching Tom and Jerry – a nostalgic throwback that had me laughing into the early hours. Then, in true living like a movie star fashion, I ticked off a major bucket-list moment: ordering room service at 3am. The late-night pizza was exactly what I needed before sinking into that enormous bed and drifting off into one of the best sleeps I’ve had in ages.
Thanks to the room’s air conditioning I stayed cool all night, waking up feeling refreshed and ready to take on breakfast. And breakfast at the Cumberland did not disappoint. A buffet of pastries, fresh fruit and juices greeted me alongside a made-to-order omelette station that I couldn’t resist. I piled my plate high and savoured every bite – it was the perfect end to an incredible stay.
Looking back, I can confidently say my experience at the Cumberland Hotel was a 5 out of 5. The attention to detail, the music-inspired decor, and the way the staff went above and beyond made me feel like a rock star myself. Whether you’re in town for a gig or just looking for an extraordinary place to stay, the Cumberland is the perfect spot.
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