The area hosts film premiers and Michael Attenborough, designer of the hotel, perhaps drew on this splendour to create a hotel of grandeur and some drama.

The building was built in 1901 and was originally used as a hospital and school for dentistry before becoming a hotel twenty years ago. The hotel’s name is apt to the Edwardian-style building. The property was refurbished a little over two years ago, with plans to further makeover some areas in 2010.

Attenborough, who has previously designed other London Radisson Edwardian hotels such as the award-winning Mayfair, worked closely with the owner of the hotel to create a space that was as extravagant as it was usable. I believe he has succeeded at this task.

The colour scheme throughout the hotel is red, gold and dark brown, giving a sense of opulence and luxury. Walking through the revolving doors, the reception branches to the right and is situated in front of the elevators. It is a small space and although it was quiet, I had to wonder what it would look like at check-out time – with only one arm chair and a bench to sit on I was curious as to whether this area became crowded. However, the floor-to-ceiling mirrors around the reception desk give the illusion that the area is bigger than it is. The bench, although uncomfortable to sit on, neatly blends with the lattice dividing the area from the bar and restaurant.

The bar and restaurant to the right are more roomy and its situation allows the hotel to invite customers off the street and into the terraces of the pancake cafe and dining area. Attenborough’s use of symmetry and low furniture enables the room to feel spacious even though there is seating for about 40 people. During the restaurant’s quieter times, staff are able to cordon off a third of the eating area, with oriental-patterned screens, to make the space more intimate. The use of red-velvet covered lounges complement the brown leather chairs and wooden tables well.

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