Background
Sonder is a US-based company that operates both apartments and hotels in 35 cities in nine countries, including the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and France. It prides itself on being digital-first, and wants customers to use the Sonder app which it calls “the lobby on your phone”. It is ‘select service’ and, depending on location, it is unlikely you will find normal hotel services, such as bars and restaurants.
Where is it?
On Leinster Terrace, a short walk from Bayswater and Queensway underground stations and a 15-minute walk from Paddington, terminus of the Heathrow Express. The hotel is a complete refurbishment of the Henry VIII hotel. If you want to get your phone to direct you there, it is the old name that is recognised. Next door in the stucco terrace is the false façade of 23-24 Leinster Gardens – which appeared, most recently, in a Sherlock episode.
What’s it like?
Booking a hotel is a fairly standard process, but not with Sonder. Once you have selected a room, you upload your personal and payment details and then have to become a member of Sonder. This involves verifying an email address and a phone number, with an email and text being sent to each. You then upload some form of personal identification document (passport, driving licence, etc). This was not easy. My normal driving licence scan was not accepted. After re-scanning it and my passport I managed to upload on the third attempt. Finally you use your phone camera to scan your face to ensure that it matches the documents you have uploaded.
Check-in
Before your stay you are emailed a confirmation code and then another code to open the front door of the hotel. This same seven-figure number is then used to access your room. This means you can get in to the property without staff being present, although there were always staff around for our stay.
It’s worth noting that check-in is not until 4pm and your code won’t give access to the building or your room before that. If you want to arrive early you have to request it through the Sonder app and if the request is granted, you pay £25 for an earlier check-in.
Rooms
The 102 rooms are on six floors (ground floor and floors 1 to 5) and in six categories. The rooms are small though, with open wardrobes, bright white walls and abstract pictures. The single rooms are only 6.2 sqm, while double rooms range from 7.2 sqm to 21 sqm. There is a kettle with tea and coffee, and coffee machines have been ordered for all rooms and will arrive soon. There is a narrow work desk, power points (but not USB) by the beds, and in the largest rooms a chair and small sofa. The sash windows open around 6 inches, allowing for fresh air. Bathrooms are completely new with walk-in showers (both rain shower and power shower), a large circular mirror with a light, and Davines Dede amenities; a good sign for sustainability, though the rooms lack a recycling bin.
Apart from requesting an earlier check-in, I couldn’t really see the point of the Sonder app. I could have ordered things using it, but mainly at extra cost.
Rooms are only cleaned on request at a cost of £25. Your bin will be emptied on request, and I understand that larger bins will be provided in the basement so guests can take down their own rubbish. This will be welcome, since there were quite a few guests who booked long stays. I noticed that packaging from delivery food got left outside the rooms for staff to clean away.
Food and drink
The hotel had just opened when we stayed and the downstairs area offered only soft drinks, teas and coffees (for a charge). There is talk of serving breakfast here, while downstairs there are plans for a full service restaurant with a separate entrance from a side street.
Leisure
There are no leisure facilities, but Sonder is in talks with third-parties to provide a gym and yoga area.
Meetings
None.
Verdict
Very modern and good value, clearly aiming at younger business travellers and offering what they need and nothing that they do not. It had only just opened and yet was busy.
FACT BOX
- Don’t miss A room on a higher floor at the back overlooking the rooftops of Bayswater
- Best for Travellers who want the basics, with style
- Price Internet rates for a midweek stay in September started from £145 for a Queen room
- Contact 23 Leinster Gardens, London W2 3AN; +1 617 300 0956; sonder.com
