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Tucked away in a quiet road between Trafalgar Square, the River Thames and the government buildings of Whitehall, the Great Scotland Yard Hotel offers an historic retreat. Set within the original Metropolitan Police Headquarters, the building has a fascinating history.

This is highlighted by approximately 600 pieces of artwork and artifacts on display throughout, all related to the police, historic cases, prisoners’ welfare or Great Scotland Yard’s most famous literary connection — Sherlock Holmes. These historic links do not overwhelm the décor of the property, however, but are instead thoughtfully and subtly showcased.

The hotel’s interiors have been elegantly redesigned, retaining contemporary yet grand touches which give nod to the building’s history. Wood paneled halls, a marble floored lobby, dark hues and Chesterfield furniture throughout the hotel’s public areas help create a sense of historic grandeur, while the 152 guest rooms have more neutral décor, with muted tones offset by teal soft furnishings.

Ekstedt at The Yard, the hotel’s restaurant, is overseen by a Michelin-starred chef who fuses Nordic style cooking techniques with British ingredients, within a light and cheerful setting of reclaimed wood flooring, exposed brick and artfully displayed jars of herbs. The 40 Elephants is the hotel’s unusually named bar, with a 1920s cocktail bar style décor, while Sibin is a ‘hidden’ whisky bar, offering a more relaxed setting. Afternoon tea is served in The Parlour, designed to resemble an upmarket Indian tearoom.

OUR RATING: Deluxe