IHG’s new The Welbeck hotel emerges from Holiday Inn Oxford Circus next week

IHG is about to launch a smart new hotel in Central London, although you wouldn’t know it by looking at ihg.com.

The three star Holiday Inn Oxford Circus, which is still the name used on the website, will be reborn on 4th February as The Welbeck. I am guessing that it will be part of IHG’s Vignette Collection of luxury independent hotels, and become only the second Vignette property in the UK.

The hotel website is here.

I should have been on top of this earlier as my son’s school in Marylebone is literally under 60 seconds walk away! However, for some reason I never go past the hotel site.

The owners announced a £34 million refurbishment programme for the Holiday Inn in late 2022, although when you read the small print it seems that this included the purchase of the leasehold – not all of that money has been spent on the interiors.

It appears to have remained open during the works and, since it is basically trading off the Holiday Inn brand despite its makeover, looks good value. Tonight a room is £189 for example (or a bargain 31,000 IHG One Rewards points) and a suite is only £332. On Saturday night it is only £152.

What is The Welbeck?

The hotel is playing on its proximity to the medical facilities on Harley Street, both in terms of theme and in terms of its hoped-for customer base.

I popped in yesterday and, in tone, it seems to have taken hints from Hyatt’s Great Scotland Yard. Whilst the latter has a huge amount of police memorabilia in the lobby, The Welbeck has done the same with medical curios.

To quote:

This stunning Edwardian architectural hotel offers contemporary luxury in the heart of Marylebone, situated on the iconic Welbeck Street known for its rich history and association with the medical profession dating back to the 1800s. Blending historic charm with modern elegance, The Welbeck Hotel is redefining hospitality in one of London’s most fashionable neighbourhoods.

The Welbeck Hotel boasts 164 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, offering guests luxurious comfort with high-speed Wi-Fi, TEMPLESPA bathroom amenities, and in-room wellness services including massages, facials, and beauty treatments. From intimate guest rooms to spacious suites, The Welbeck Hotel is designed to meet the needs of every traveller, ensuring a supremely comfortable stay for all guests.

Perfectly located in the heart of Marylebone, The Welbeck Hotel offers unparalleled access to London’s finest attractions. Just minutes away from Selfridges and high-end shopping districts, guests may enjoy seamless connectivity via Bond Street station, which provides direct access to the Elizabeth Line, making travel across London and to Heathrow Airport both convenient and swift.

Additionally, The Welbeck’s proximity to Harley Street—a world-renowned medical hub— makes it an ideal destination for guests seeking specialist medical treatments or recuperating from them, providing both comfort and convenience for international visitors and patients alike.

The Welbeck Hotel is surrounded by London’s historic and cultural treasures within the village of Marylebone. Guests may start their day with coffee and artisanal pastries in The Welbecker Lounge before exploring the Georgian streets, full of independent boutiques from the famous Daunt Books to John Bell & Croyden, as well as first-class restaurants and bars. Guests may also visit an array of iconic attractions in the area, including Wigmore Hall and the incredible Wallace Collection.

Guests at The Welbeck Hotel will enjoy access to a fully equipped mini gym, and relax in the hotel’s exclusive lounge spaces.

As you can see from the images on this page, it looks smart.

You can currently book via the Holiday Inn Oxford Circus page of ihg.com. In theory the brand change is next Tuesday – the front doors already have The Welbeck logo on them but the plaques outside still say Holiday Inn.

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