Inside The BoTree Hotel, Marylebone

A warm, welcoming smile from the doorman greets you as you walk in – a warmth that is extended in the casual yet inviting reception area. Truth, love and compassion are the core values of The BoTree and this can certainly be felt in the efficient yet unstuffy service provided by the staff. Wood is a defining feature of The BoTree, whose thematic inspirations can be felt even from the exterior façade.The BoTree takes its name from the Bodhi Tree, an important symbol in Buddhism, and the location where Buddha was known to have attained enlightenment. In so many ways, enlightened is a fantastic word to describe The BoTree, which blends conscious luxury, contemporary design, good food, and even better service. 

There are 199 rooms, including 30 suites, which were all designed by eclectic Amsterdam-based design agency Concrete. Ethically-sourced wood is a unifying element from the art-filled hallways to each of the bedrooms, which all blend a retro sensibility with plenty of contemporary touches. We stayed in one of the Marylebone Suites, which has a curiously circular layout that features a private entrance hall and separate lounge area that opens to a plant-filled balcony. Jewel-toned glass coffee tables and colourful natural fabrics add colour to the elegant space, while wooden double doors open to the main bedroom, where a large emperor bed is the focal point. Each suite comes with a dedicated host who creates bespoke itineraries that make the most of what The BoTree’s three interconnected neighbourhoods have to offer. There are plenty of luxe amenities too. A GHD Hairdryer is a nice touch, as well as Nespresso coffee machines, Jasper Conran X Wedgwood tea sets and Jo Loves bathroom products. 

The bathroom, and connecting dressing room, are a thing of beauty. Lush marbles, brushed brass, heated flooring and a free-standing bath, complete with a menu of bath salts, make this the ideal place to wind down after a long day of shopping especially with Selfridges just a stone’s throw away. It is worth noting that families can combine the Marylebone Suite with the Lana Suite to create a spacious two-bedroom accommodation complete with a bar and kitchen area. 

This isn’t the hotel where you need to dress for dinner, but instead a hub for the surrounding neighbourhood’s cool crowds. There are two restaurants and a bar, all managed by the always impressive Tao Group Hospitality. Start the evening at The BoTree Bar which is illuminated by a ceiling light feature that makes the bar look like it was lifted off a Sophia Coppola film. The botanical-rich cocktails, served over a curved teal-marble bar, are curated by Chef Stefano Lorenzini. We especially enjoyed the Pomelo Paloma, Mistress of Mezcal and Yuzu Margarita which add a BoTree twist to tried and tested cocktail classics. 

LAVO is the hotel’s signature restaurant which offers an elevated coastal twist to classic Italian dishes. LAVO is absolutely buzzing on a Saturday night and is a great place for a romantic dinner date or a night out with friends. There are fresh pastas made in-house, whole grain pizzas and other Italian delights crafted by Chef Stefano and his team. The Tagliatelle al Limone, which is infused with sweet butter and Kaluga caviar, is a standout dish as is the Wagyu meatball topped with whipped ricotta. For desserts, indulge in the 20-Layer Chocolate Cake, you surely won’t regret it. 

During our stay, which is early days in the life of a hotel as grand and ambitious as The BoTree, we didn’t get the chance to see the second phase of the hotel’s development with plans for a holistic wellness space and a rooftop bar and restaurant in the works. Despite that, the overall experience was very complete with every need and request met by the facilities and attentive staff.  Indeed, it is evident that conscious luxury is well and truly at the heart of The BoTree; a place which nurtures a deep sense of belonging to everyone who steps through its doors. 

The BoTree is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection. Rates start from £660 for a Deluxe Room, for more information and to book, please visit: www.thebotree.com.