The Londoner: Inside Yabu Pushelberg’s Design for the World’s First Super Boutique Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Leicester Square—an epicentre of entertainment and culture in the West End—The Londoner sets a new benchmark for luxury hotel design. Billed as the world’s first super boutique hotel, the property masterfully combines the intimacy and personality of a boutique stay with the scale and service of a grand luxury hotel. Designed by internationally renowned studio Yabu Pushelberg, The Londoner is a contemporary celebration of British culture, elegance, and craftsmanship, positioned across an ambitious sixteen-storey build, eight levels above ground and eight below.
Since opening in 2021, the hotel has become a fixture of modern London luxury hotels, offering a fresh and immersive take on contemporary interiors and boutique hospitality. The design responds not only to the cosmopolitan energy of its surroundings but also to the evolving expectations of global travellers seeking thoughtful, design-led spaces.
The Lobby - Photography: Andrew Beasley
A Holistic Vision by Yabu Pushelberg
Founded by George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, the New York- and Toronto-based studio has earned an international reputation for its immersive and emotionally charged interiors. At The Londoner, the duo was responsible for designing every aspect of the interiors—from the public spaces and restaurants to the spa, guest rooms, and signature suites. This all-encompassing approach ensures a seamless aesthetic and emotional experience, tailored to both visitors and locals alike.
The pair collaborated closely with Edwardian Hotels London and architectural firm Woods Bagot to craft an identity rooted in place but conceived on a global scale. “The Londoner is a hotel that understands the importance of storytelling through design,” say the designers. “It is layered with moments of surprise, sophistication, and subtle theatricality—just like the city it belongs to.”
The Stage Bar - Photography: Andrew Beasley
Interiors That Reflect a City’s Soul
From the moment guests enter the hotel’s dramatic lobby, they are immersed in a world of contemporary luxury. A dynamic use of materials, colour, and art creates a sense of quiet opulence without overt grandeur. The palette leans towards dusky blues, greys, and soft neutrals, punctuated by brass detailing, bespoke furniture, and curated artwork that reflects the creative pulse of London.
Each space in the hotel has its narrative, yet all are bound by a unifying design language that feels timeless and confidently modern. The public areas feature several standout elements, including a sweeping staircase that anchors the central atrium and a rotating exhibition wall showcasing emerging and established British artists.
Whitcomb’s Restaurant - Photography: Andrew Beasley
Signature Suites and Designer Details
The hotel offers 350 guest rooms, including 35 designer suites, all of which exhibit Yabu Pushelberg’s signature attention to detail. Rooms are designed to feel personal and layered, like a private residence, blending tactile fabrics, ambient lighting, and custom-designed furniture to enhance the guest experience. Each suite features its own curated library, art collection, and luxurious spa-style bathroom, reinforcing the idea of bespoke comfort.
The signature Tower Penthouse Duplex Suite is a prime example of luxury hotel interiors at their best. Set across two floors with panoramic views over London, it features a formal dining space, lounge area, marble bar, and private dressing room. Natural light floods the interiors, highlighting the mix of high-quality materials, including Italian marble, velvet, and brushed oak.
These residential-style spaces are a key element of the hotel’s draw for high-end clientele and design-savvy travellers seeking a boutique hotel experience within a larger, full-service environment.
The Penthouse Suite - Photography: Andrew Beasley
Dining and Wellness: A Multisensory Journey
The Londoner’s interior design extends to its diverse dining and wellness offerings—the hotel features six distinct restaurants and bars, each with its own unique character. At Whitcomb’s, guests dine in a space inspired by Mediterranean elegance with touches of Art Deco, while 8 at The Londoner, the rooftop izakaya bar, juxtaposes Eastern minimalism with moody London sophistication.
The Retreat, the hotel’s subterranean wellness floor, is a calming oasis beneath the city. It includes a spa, gym, hair salon, nail bar, and a tranquil pool surrounded by soft lighting and rich textures. Yabu Pushelberg’s holistic design approach ensures that the wellness spaces exude the same level of refinement and atmosphere as the hotel’s social areas.
The Residence - Photogprahy: Andrew Beasley
Art and Identity in the Heart of London
A major strength of The Londoner lies in its championing of art and craftsmanship. Throughout the hotel, curated artworks lend identity to each space, from striking sculptures and oil paintings to graphic prints and textural wall installations. These pieces have been sourced to reflect the cultural layers of London, further deepening the guest’s connection to the city.
This commitment to art, detail, and narrative elevates the hotel beyond its architectural scale, offering a truly unique take on what a contemporary luxury hotel can be. It appeals not just to travellers but to creatives, designers, and locals who value spaces with soul and substance.
8 At The Londoner - Photography: Andrew Beasley
Setting a New Standard for London’s Hospitality Scene
In a city brimming with iconic stays, The Londoner stands out as a bold reinvention of the urban hotel. It speaks to a new generation of guests who seek emotional connection, visual impact, and purposeful design. As the hospitality industry evolves, The Londoner represents the future—where luxury hotel interiors are not about flash but feeling, and where a boutique mindset can thrive on a monumental scale.
For interior designers, hoteliers, and lovers of luxury travel, The Londoner is not only a destination—it’s a design reference point. The work of Yabu Pushelberg here cements their position as visionaries of immersive space-making, where every element contributes to a larger, more meaningful whole.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, dining at one of its acclaimed restaurants, or simply admiring its design as a London local, The Londoner promises a unique blend of charm, comfort, and contemporary artistry.
