Diplomat stays at the Mondrian London at Sea Containers

The Mondrian London at Sea Containers was arguably London’s most talked about hotel opening in 2014.  Located on the Southbank and designed under the creative direction of Tom Dixon, the iconic building now houses 359 guest rooms and suites, two great bars, a restaurant with a private dining room, and beautiful riverside views.

Named after the building’s former long-term tenant Sea Containers, the hotel has embraced its nautical heritage. Guests are met by a vast, handcrafted copper hull that sweeps through the entrance and into the lobby and restaurant. The structure must be seen to be believed, and is one of many Tom Dixon artworks dotted throughout the hotel.

With ocean liner cabins as inspiration, our River View Balcony Suite offered stunning panoramic views of Blackfriars Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and the city’s skyline from its private balcony. Sundowners on the candlelit terrace evoked feelings of the golden age of transatlantic ship travel. Mondrian London is the only hotel in the city boasting riverside balconies, and for that reason alone, these are sure to become some of London’s most sought-after suites.

The open-plan layout includes a spacious bedroom, dining table and living area, with custom-designed furnishings and brass finishings throughout, along with classics such as Tom Dixon’s signature wingback chair. The large marble bathroom included a freestanding bath and rainfall shower. A further guest cloakroom was even furnished with one of Dixon’s infamous drip wall paintings. Built into fitted cabinets in the wall, mini bars are stocked with delicious treats and pre-packaged cocktails from the bar downstairs. The temptation was to hole up for the night, but what with the buzzy atmosphere, we were drawn to see what else was going on in the building.

The hotel’s restaurant, Sea Containers, is headed up by New York’s Seamus Mullen, and serves fresh, seasonal cuisine that is carefully sourced and utterly delicious. Dandelyan serves innovative cocktails inspired by the wilds of the British countryside from its iconic marble bar and is well worth a visit, but those looking for even more buzz should step into the VIP lift that whisks guests to the rooftop Rumpus Room, which has some of the best views in London. With quite a crowd for people-watching, call ahead to reserve tables… this is a Mondrian after all.

Furthermore, an on-site 56-seat screening room is available to book for events during the week, and turns into a Curzon cinema at the weekend showcasing the latest hits for guests and the public to enjoy.  Deep below the river, the subterranean Bathhouse & Spa has even more to offer guests, but that will have to wait until next time.

With riverside attractions including the Tate Modern, National Theatre and Festival Hall close by, Mondrian London at Sea Containers is an amazing new addition to the Southbank, and has added some bold, new energy to London’s hotel scene. We shall certainly be coming back.