ME Hotel London Rooftop bar.
Alex Robertson checks into the ME Hotel, London.
Getting there: The ME hotel is slap bang in the centre of London. It's a hop across Waterloo Bridge from the Eurostar terminal, a skip from Trafalgar Square along the Strand, or a short jump from Covent Garden tube station where you alight from the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow.
Check in experience: The check-in desk is in a tall, slender room illuminated by a skylight way up in the gods. It's like a modern-day cathedral spire or some Gothic-revival sacrificial chamber. Projected cloud-like patterns scurry across and up the sloping walls and the lighting is nightclub low. It is so mesmerising you hardly notice handing over a passport and credit card. Having said all that, the staff are rather pleasant.
Room: The rooms are generous, especially for central London. Decor is mirror, opaque white glass, white walls and linen and a large black TV that takes up an entire wall. There are sliding doors hiding the wardrobe, mini bar and the angular window looking out on to the Strand and Somerset House. The bed is comfortable, if a little short.
What's in the neighbourhood: If you want theatre, there's half a dozen within spitting distance, and then a pleasant walk through Covent Garden (or a short cab ride) to St Martin's Lane, Shaftesbury Ave and Leicester Square for most of the others. The Royal Festival Hall and Southbank Centre are just the other side of Waterloo Bridge, an easy walk. If you want shopping, then Covent Garden is a few minutes away, but you can also get to Oxford St and the West End on a short bus ride. Transport links are plentiful with several tube stations within easy walking distance and hundreds of buses going to all destinations. There are a gazillion restaurants and watering holes all within staggering distance and the historic monuments ... should I go on?
Food and drink: The usual tea and coffee is not so usual with a Nespresso machine in the room. The mini bar is laden with alcoholic and soft drinks and a shop full of snacks. The restaurant serves a fantastic breakfast: eggs cooked to order; fresh fruit and yoghurts; fresh juices; pastries; artisan breads; cereals. Room service is available.
The view: The view is of the buses and taxis on the Strand and the entrance to Somerset House. It's not the most picturesque, but it is unique. And so are the windows — formed like an arrow head jutting from the building.
What's so good about this place: Apart from the whole nightclub vibe and the rooftop bar, location, location, location. Theatre, shopping, restaurants, bars, nightlife, historic monuments and transport links are all at your fingertips.
Perfect for: I'm not sure I would bring a young family here. The rooms are a bit empty with just one person, so bring your significant other — or your latest infatuation. Business travellers might find it a bit too funky. The ME hotel is ideal for anyone who enjoys visiting the big city and wants to be fully immersed. It's comfortable, brilliantly located and ultra-cool: perfect for me.