First Look: The BoTree in London

Where the districts of Marylebone, Mayfair, and Soho meet, the BoTree boutique hotel opened this month on London’s Marylebone Lane. Near the trend-setting shops of the city’s bustling West End, this newly built accommodation was designed by EPR Architects in collaboration with owners Place III Hotels and Amsterdam-based design studio Concrete.

Guests will know when they’ve arrived: the hotel entrance features a vertical garden at the corner entrance. The lobby resembles a contemporary conservatory, a welcoming and light-filled space with modern wood beams, concrete pillars, marble floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing ample people-watching. A caramel-leather couch and midcentury chairs offer relaxing spots to admire the floral arrangements and tropical plants.

The hotel’s 199 rooms, including 30 suites, have king beds on platform wood frames with vegan leather headboards. A bold floral-fabric feature wall and a sage-green sofa are bursts of colour contrasting with the neutral palette of white, marble, and light-toned fluted wood panelling.

Pocket sliding doors lead to the marble bathrooms with oversized circular mirrors, open storage, walk-in rain showers, underfloor heating, and a bonus: the debut of the Pomelo collection from Jo Loves, the latest addition to the all-natural toiletries from Jo Malone.

In larger rooms and suites, sliding doors divide the sleeping area from the dressing area, lounge, and bath. Suites feature a balcony, bar, cocktail station, and emperor beds. All rooms include Nespresso machines, hair dryer, handheld steamer, electric blackout curtains, and a Jasper Conran Chinoiserie tea set by Wedgwood for an afternoon cuppa.

Upgrading to the BoTree Suite on the seventh floor offers a private entrance, outdoor terrace, dining area for six, dressing room with walk-in wardrobes, and the ability to connect to nine other rooms to create a private sanctuary for extended family or entourage.

There are three options for dining, overseen by Tao Group Hospitality. Guests can lounge ensuite and choose from the 24-hour in-room dining or venture to the BoTree Bar for a classic cocktail paired with luxe options such as oysters or caviar at the stunning curved green-marble bar below a colourful ceiling reminiscent of a peacock’s feather. Lavo Ristorante, the latest location for this contemporary Italian restaurant originating in Los Angeles, offers tasty options such as house-made pasta, whole grain pizzas, seafood, and a multitude of libations including wine, spirits, and negronis.

Future additions to the hotel amenities include event space, a wellness area, and a private bar and rooftop lounge for guests. Place III Hotels has more projects in development after this inaugural debut of its hotel portfolio, with sister hotels coming to Soho (Brickmakers Yard) and Holborn (CTQ). The BoTree is part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection.