Montcalm Royal London House stamps its authority on London's five-star hotel scene

Montcalm Royal London House delivers a first-class experience in their Grade II-listed landmark housed in the former Royal Mail headquarters

It's quite nice and quite rare to receive a thoughtful handwritten letter these days. There's a little surprise and suspense as you carefully peel back the envelope and the feel of the paper as you unfold it. It's a little treat in a high-tech age and so too is Montcalm Royal London House. The former Royal Mail headquarters on Finsbury Square delivers a number of first class touches as it seeks to stamp its authority on London’s five-star hotel scene.

placeholder image — Montcalm Royal London House

Montcalm Royal London House

The five-star 253-room hotel now forms part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection Hotels. The refurbished rooms and public spaces are inspired by the building’s history as a centre of communication. The Royal Mail green post box – which is on loan from the nearby postal museum – greets you, along with numerous framed handwritten letters and postcards. There’s also a traditional red post box, inviting guests to pause and to send a handwritten message during their stay.

The building has history and a story to tell and the thoughtful refurbishment brings it to life in creative and subtle ways. Montcalm Royal London House has character, which gives it a definite edge on the many five-star options across the capital city.

Five reasons why Montcalm Royal London House Hotel are pushing the envelope…

Spa and fitness

The spotlessly clean spa and fitness facilities are on the basement floor and form part of the YĀTRĀ Signature spa. The eight-metre heated swimming pool is complete with Versace ceramic tiles and provides a sleek place to relax. Eight-metres allows for a few strokes of front crawl before turning but the jets at the far end provide a steady current to swim against - it's a very clever design.

The jacuzzi once in is hard to leave and the infra sauna operates at a nice temperature which eases achy muscles and helps with joint issues. A perfect tonic if you've been exploring the city. The gym is open 24-hours and has all the cardio equipment and weights you need to keep you ticking over for a few days.

I did also indulge in a 30-minute facial, which was a first ever for me and it was a far more relaxing experience than I expected. My 50-year-old chops certainly felt all the better for it! The spa area is a very well thought out and designed space. It's clean, fresh and a real selling point for the hotel. Perfect for the nearby stressed-out office workers and also city spa breakers.

Rooms and suites

There's 253 rooms, including 25 suites and I stayed on the seventh floor overlooking Finsbury Square. The room has everything you would expect from a five-star hotel in the capital with many nice touches. It's not the biggest room but big enough and the king size bed with crisp white bedding is ridiculously comfortable. I also liked the control panels situated by the bathroom and each side of the bed.

Montcalm Royal London House (www.ebourneimages.com)

They operate temperature, lighting options and underfloor heating in the bathroom. The walk-in rain shower was very welcome as were the luxury toiletries. The work desk is ideal for city workers, while laying back and popping a movie on the large TV is a good way to relax. The Nespresso coffee machine, mini bar and fridge is all neatly stored away next to the good size wardrobe. The books in the room are themed around the history of the postal service and culture of letter writing.

Top floor terrace suites are also available, each with an outdoor lounge area and views of the London skyline.

Breakfast at the Aviary

Take the lift to the 10th floor and the Aviary is located just next to the roof terrace that has skyline views across the capital. The floor to ceiling windows brings in plenty of light and – alongside a strong coffee – stimulates the senses first thing in the morning. The fresh breakfast buffet is nicely presented on the central bar area, offering ample choice with fresh fruit, cold meats, smoked salmon, cheese, pastries, breads and smoothies.

The bacon, sausages, hash browns, eggs and mushrooms were all top quality. It's an ideal spot to take your time and enjoy the views and read the morning papers. Yes, real printed proper newspapers! I went for two perfectly cooked poached eggs on sourdough followed by a second coffee on the terrace overlooking Finsbury Square and distant views of The Shard.

Along with the Aviary Rooftop Restaurant & Terrace Bar, the hotel offers the Burdock Restaurant & Bar and the impressive Long Arm Sports Pub & Brewery.

Service

There are around 200 five-star hotels in London. Many will offer similar facilities to Montcalm Royal London House but matching their level of service will be tricky. From the moment we had our complimentary first sip of sparkling wine on arrival through to check-out, it was faultless. The staff were efficient, friendly and keen to chat without ever being intrusive.

Rise Art

The hotel’s partnership with Rise Art will present rotating exhibition launches, where guests can engage with contemporary art and learn the stories behind each