As wedding nights go, it starts less than romantically. A headache ("Are you starting that excuse already?" teases my husband), followed by a tipsy guest inexplicably calling to chat, and then the realisation neither of us has cash, means we arrive at The Landmark frantically ripping open envelopes until my beloved gleefully announces, "Found some!" and pays our driver. Oh, the romance!
Our flat may only be 15 minutes away, but it may as well be in the Outer Hebrides. It feels very decadent to stay in a hotel so close to where we've lived for years. Despite our brief fall from grace in the taxi, suddenly we are climbing the steps to an incredibly grand Victorian hotel, the definition of old-school glamour in the city.
The rooms
Despite a very late arrival, we receive a warm welcome as we check into our Executive Room. Maybe the wedding attire helps? After a swishing walk down the luxe corridors (one last moment to revel in my gown's glory), we arrive to our beautiful room, so generously sized that I wouldn't cite the Trade Descriptions Act if they decided to call it a suite.
The design is understated elegance - all creams and pale pastels with touches of burnished gold and glass. There's plenty of artfully placed lamps so you can adjust the lighting to your mood, and it feels like the cosy pad of a friend with smart, classic taste. After all the excitement of the day, we instantly feel calm, comfortable and well looked after. It's exactly what we need.
On the coffee table nestled in front of plush sofa is a note to welcome us, along with a complimentary bottle of champagne (also exactly what we need). The wedding garb is definitely a bonus, then.
The large bed is inviting with thick, soft linens in neutral tones. An enormous, white marble bathroom is just a few steps away, and comes with a generous bathtub and separate, walk-in shower. Scratch the cosy pad of a friend thing. None of them have this. It's bliss.
Eating and drinking
If there's one piece of advice I could give to couples for their wedding night, it would be my sister's: "Make sure your wedding night hotel has 24-hour room service."
Like most brides, I was too busy enjoying the best day of my life to have the time or inclination to eat. Once wrapped in our fluffy white hotel bathrobes, we ordered a ridiculously large and delicious club sandwich from room service, giggled and basked in the glory of finally being alone...
Despite our 2am feast and even later bedtime, we decided to skip breakfast in bed and enjoy our first morning as a married couple in the Winter Garden, The Landmark's stunning restaurant located under an eight-storey glass atrium and flanked with palm tress. It's wonderfully old-fashioned in the best way possible, with clinking china and everything done "properly" without being fussy or overly formal.
The Winter Garden is famous for their Champagne Sunday Brunch, but breakfast is no less impressive. Along with omelette and crêpe stations with chefs preparing eggy delights cooked to your preference, there's also a buffet breakfast, full English breakfast and à la carte menu.
After debating our options (including waffles with honey yoghurt, blackberry and vanilla compote) we both go for a wonderfully rich Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, cooked to perfection and tasting sublime. Luxurious is the one word that keeps popping up in my head during our stay at The Landmark.
Our wedding night may have gotten off to an unusual start, but ended perfectly and we wouldn't have changed a thing. Just like the wedding day itself. And in the end, you really can't ask for more than that.
The Landmark London is a member of Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection. Double rooms start from £179. For more information or to book please visit ghotw.com or call 020 7380 3658.
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