I hadn’t stayed in a London hotel since February so I was unsure what to expect in the times of the coronavirus.
But after checking out the reopened The Resident hotel in Covent Garden, I can say with all honesty that I feel confident to go hotelling again.
This slick hideaway, which is one of five in the brand’s portfolio, is located just a short walk from Charing Cross station and opposite one of my favourite bars, Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration on Bedford Street.
Before my visit, I received an email informing that a mask should be worn for check-in and a temperature check would be taken.
On walking into the place, there was also a hand sanitiser pump by the front door and clear-screens installed at the reception desks.
Before my key card for room 509 – a Junior Suite – was handed over by the very friendly receptionist named Love, it was sanitised.
There is no restaurant at The Resident Covent Garden but supplies can be pre-ordered and there are mini-kitchens with fridges in all of the rooms.
I put in an order for breakfast the following day, with a bowl of fruit and large coffee making the cut.
I was informed that the hotel had been open a couple of weeks following the corona lockdown and things were slowly picking up with more bookings coming through day-by-day.
To enter the main part of the hotel building where the rooms are located you use your key card to open an automatic door.
From there, there is a small lift or a staircase if you’re feeling more spritely. There again, is hand sanitiser by the elevator door.
I found my bedroom door down a carpeted corridor and there was a sticker sealing the door, indicating that it had been ‘sanitised, cleaned and sealed for your protection’.
On entering the room, I was struck by how roomy it was given its central location.
The Junior Suites measure at least 288 sq. feet/26.8 sq. metres in size, with the choice between a pocket-sprung king bed or two separate single beds.
My room also had a good-sized balcony with views over the surrounding rooftops. Fun design features included quirky modern art, a soft wool bed blanket and a funky Paul Smith desk light.
On inspection, the room was kitted out with all of the necessary things needed for a comfortable city break, including USB points by the bed, multiple plug sockets, a Nespresso coffee machine, an ironing kit, towelled robes, slippers and a small working kitchen with glassware and cutlery.
Moving to the marble-clad bathroom, I found a selection of Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, a heated towel rail and deep bathtub.
Along with a bar of luxury salted caramel chocolate greeting me, there were also two packages containing face masks and hand sanitizer.
Despite the central location and just off the Strand, the room was exceedingly quiet and I took a few hours to unwind with a dip in the bath and power nap before heading out for dinner.
On my return later that evening, the receptionist checked what time I would like breakfast delivering and I opted for a relaxed 10am.
After a great night’s sleep with the air conditioning keeping things cool, my morning treats were delivered right on time by a masked and gloved member of staff.
She let me know that she couldn’t come in for health purposes but that was no problem, and I relieved her of the breakfast tray.
One major perk I discovered with the quietness of corona when it comes to hotels is that no one is too bothered about you checking out late.
Overall the stay at The Resident gave me the confidence to see that travel will slowly get back on track.
It’s a new era or hotelling but it still feels great to check into a good spot, where attention to detail and service with a smile is at the forefront…
The Resident Covent Garden is located at 51 Bedford St, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 0PZ, United Kingdom
To book a room call +44 20 3146 1790 or visit www.residenthotels.com/the-resident-covent-garden
The Resident Covent Garden and The Resident Soho have re-opened. The projected dates for the other locations are as follows:
The Resident Liverpool on August 27, The Resident Kensington and The Resident Victoria on September 28.
