LONDON
THE STRATFORD
SPEND THE NIGHT , STAY THE WEEK OR MOVE IN FOR GOOD . THE STRATFORD CERTAINLY IS DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY .
BOASTING THE ACCLAIMED ST PANCRAS RENAISSANCE HOTEL AND CHILTERN FIREHOUSE AMONGST ITS DESIGN-LED , SOPHISTICATED OFFERINGS , HARRY HANDELSMAN ’ S MANHATTAN LOFT CORPORATION WENT ONE STEP FURTHER AT THE STRATFORD . RATHER THAN REVIVING ONE OF LONDON ’ S LOST BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS , THEY BUILT THEIR OWN LANDMARK , CREATING A NEW LEGACY IN LONDON ’ S NEWEST HOTSPOTS .
BY SAMANTHA READY
Quietly established as THE go-to hotel in the east of the capital , The Stratford is as designforward as it is timelessly elegant . Evoking the spirit and glamour of New York ’ s long stay hotels , this is a design hotel proudly proclaiming its penchant for the spectacular and able to effortlessly cater for those visiting for the day , spending the night , staying a week or moving in , for good .
Uncompromisingly it offers a mix of luxury residences and hotel rooms boasting views over the regenerated East London metropolis . From its unassuming climb up the luxury London rankings , the throbbing pulse of the hotel ' s weekend DJs sets has now cemented its hip status - rather than overpowering the space , it sets an unrivalled atmosphere that perfectly complements the sell-out restaurant and event offerings .
This is about living the high life , literally , as the hotel towers 469 feet above the capital offering front row seats to Stratford ’ s emergence as London ’ s largest cultural district . Set across the first seven levels is the hotel itself accessed first through the stunning tripleheight lobby , guests stand in awe of the Highline sky terrace and imposing glass atrium . The interiors are the mastery of Space Copenhagen , fusing Scandinavian style with Old-World opulence , think serene pastel tones , natural wood and stone bathrooms .
Rooms here loom over the city , its clever design means it ' s near impossible to pick out your room from the ground between the architectural angles and windows that are an exterior showpiece , yet an interior subtlety . Inside , the floor to ceiling windows offer views of the domineering skyline , including the impressive Westfield and Olympic Stadium beyond .
Access to the hotel ' s rooms and suites are by extremely discreet elevators , particularly for those who stay long term in the upper apartments . The vibe was part exclusive London members club part Dubai staycation .
The rooms themselves are a tick box of simple modern luxury done well . King size beds , Egyptian cotton sheets , a soft neutral colour palette with pops of colour from cosy plush armchairs , flat screen TV with Sky and Google Chromecast , DUALIT coffee machine , and REN toiletries . Our own abode boasted enough space for two double beds with an additional pull out to offer us an extremely communtable family pitstop perfect for sporting or music events at the stadium or for exploring further into the capital .
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