Each time I go to London, I make it my mission to visit one of the SACO properties. Last time, I was fortunate enough to get nights at The Cannon and the time before that one of their serviced apartments near Gloucester Place. Each and every time, just when I think they can’t outdo themselves, they blow my socks off. This time, I was glad to have an amazing stay at Leman Locke, their newest property in central London right next to Aldgate East! 
If you ask most of the population of London about where all of the fun “happenings” are in the city, you’ll most likely hear East London. I didn’t realize it until about halfway through my stay at Leman Locke, but the hotel is right around a mile away from Shoreditch and the Brick Lane area, only about a 10-15 minute walk from the front of the hotel.
I first arrived by the tube, stepping up from Aldgate East and within a minute, I was in front of the hotel. Trust me, I was so surprised that it was that close, but it was perfect for someone like me who didn’t take taxis very often and walked/took the tube most of my time in the city. The hotel’s proximity to the major parts of London is one of its charms and major pluses of the property, but let me give you a walk through of my time.
So when I first got in, I was SUPER early. I had a shoot the same day as my check out at a previous hotel, so I had to run and drop my bags until I was able to come back. The staff was so helpful and welcoming from the start, cheerily taking my bags from me. I was so happy to walk into my room at Leman Locke and let me tell you, this is an amazing hotel. The entire property was designed by Grzywinski+Pons, 2 NY based architects who are amazing at their job. From the cafe in the front of the hotel to every segment of the rooms, there is one consistent aesthetic that runs throughout the hotel and a beautiful one at that. The pink plays beautifully with the blues and greys and the entire property has a geometric, but comfy feel.
Because the property is an apart-hotel, when you book into Leman Locke, you are basically getting a small apartment to yourself. Everything from pots and pans to a washing machine is in the apartment and there’s a TESCO up the street that you can use to stock up the fridge for a longer trip. The SACO staff greets you with a bottle set of gin and tonic that you can use to make your own drinks, so enjoy the night, grab a drink, and chill on their adorable and super soft pink couch, just as I did many a night!
When I wasn’t in my room, I was in 3 other places in the hotel: the gym, the cafe, and their new restaurant, Treves and Hyde! The gym was perfect for my needs. I even got to try out TRX cables. For some reason, I can’t find anywhere in Atlanta! I was so happy to have a great place to do my mini circuit when I am traveling. After a million croissants in Paris, I was so so happy to get a good workout in! The gym was right across from the restaurant, so I couldn’t resist trying out Treves & Hyde during my stay! This restaurant opened literally a few days before I arrived. It was just my luck that I got to be there for the opening!
This restaurant opened literally a few days before I arrived. It was just my luck that I got to be there for the opening! In one of my Twitter rants, I couldn’t contain how happy I was to try out this restaurant. Seriously, I basically live-tweeted the entire meal! I had the buttermilk-soaked chicken and ordered broccoli as well. After, I couldn’t resist telling the guest chef, just how much I loved the meal! The food at Leman Locke was great and you can go right down the stairs and be at the cafe!
The cafe, Treves and Hyde, is a great place to sit and work, while also getting a quick coffee. I was told on the first day that one of the barista is one of the best in the world and competes in international competitions! I was so excited to grab a cup of joe and relax before heading upstairs after a day of shopping! The entire aesthetic of the hotel left me with nothing but love for the hotel. It was a gorgeous venue to spend a few days in. Also, awelcoming place to put my feet up after walking 6+ miles around London everyday.
While I was there, I did do my fair share of cooking. Well, as much as one could do in like 2 days. The room comes with a full kitchen. It’s full of everything a girl would need to cook a great dinner for one. The room came with a beautiful view. I definitely can say that I sat next to and watched the sun go down many a day. The room is a perfect size, one that uses every nook and cranny to make the most of the space. I’m in love with spaces like this that make the most of the space and the bed…it’s just perfection. I love a soft place to sleep. This bed was the perfect size for one, and even for a couple to share! I love how the room came out and let me just tell you, it was amazing!!
Do you want to know how I separate hotels from apart-hotels? They differ in every way pretty much. When it comes to apart-hotels, I love being able to feel like I’m actually living in a place for a bit, even if it’s only a couple days. I loved staying at Leman Locke. At the end of the day, it felt like I had my own space where I could just be myself. I felt like it was my little home in London. I was beyond happy with my stay and hope to come back to Leman Locke on a future trip. Maybe to Eden Locke when it opens up in Edinburgh later this year! My stay’s with SACO have not disappointed and this one definitely was at the top of my list.
If you want to check out Leman Locke, head on over to the SACO page and find out more! Rooms at Leman begin at $125 per night.
*I was a guest of SACO and Leman Locke during my time in London. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.*
