There are some evenings that remind you exactly why London is one of the greatest cities in the world. Mine started with checking into YOTEL London City, included an hour of putting my phone away for once, and ended with one of the most uplifting musicals I’ve seen in years. It was the perfect hot summer night out.
I’ve stayed in plenty of London hotels over the years, but what immediately struck me about YOTEL London City was how cleverly it’s positioned. Whether you’re heading into the West End, exploring the City, travelling to King’s Cross or, like I was, making your way to the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, you’re incredibly well connected.
I honestly couldn’t believe how easy the journey was. From leaving my room to arriving at Wembley Park took just 30 minutes door-to-door. In London terms, that’s practically unheard of. It meant there was no rushing, no stressful Tube changes and no worrying about getting back late afterwards. For anyone planning a theatre trip, concert or sporting event at Wembley, it’s hard to imagine a more convenient base.
Before heading out, I decided to experience YOTEL’s new Anti-Appy Hour, an initiative encouraging guests to take a break from their phones and be more present during their stay. Developed alongside Bloom, guests simply tap a card to temporarily block distracting apps for an hour, creating space to properly relax, chat or simply enjoy the moment.
I’ll admit I was sceptical and like most of us, I’m guilty of endlessly checking emails, Instagram, WhatsApp and news alerts. But when I couldn’t reach for my phone every few minutes, I actually noticed my surroundings and enjoyed my drink without photographing it first. I found myself chatting to other guests instead of scrolling through strangers’ lives. It felt surprisingly liberating.
Refreshed and ready, I made my way to I’m Every Woman, the spectacular musical celebrating the life and music of Chaka Khan starring my fabulous friend Alexandra Burke.
From the opening number, the audience were on their feet. Packed with powerhouse vocals, infectious energy and, of course, hit after hit including Ain’t Nobody, Like Sugar and I’m Every Woman, it was impossible not to be swept away. It’s joyous, emotional and utterly life-affirming.
Knowing I only had a simple 30-minute journey back made the whole evening even more enjoyable. No anxious clock-watching. No lengthy trek across London. Just a smooth journey back to the hotel where the rooms perfectly capture what modern city hotels should be. Smartly designed, impeccably clean and effortlessly cool, every inch has been thought through. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed stunning views across London’s skyline, while the bed was incredibly comfortable exactly what you need after a busy night out.
Despite being in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, I enjoyed one of the best nights’ sleep I’ve had in ages.
I’m a firm believer that breakfast can make or break a hotel stay, and YOTEL certainly delivers. Fresh fruit, pastries, hot breakfast favourites, excellent coffee and plenty of healthy options meant there was something for every appetite. Everything was fresh, well presented and constantly replenished by attentive staff.
From check-in to check-out, every member of the team was warm, welcoming and genuinely helpful. There’s an effortless friendliness that makes you feel valued without ever feeling overbearing. It’s exactly the kind of hospitality that encourages you to return.
What impressed me most about YOTEL wasn’t just the stylish rooms or the clever technology — although both are excellent. It was how easy it made the whole London experience. Whether you’re visiting for business, theatre, shopping, sightseeing or a major event at Wembley, the hotel puts the capital within incredibly easy reach.
I’ll definitely be checking back in.
