I stayed at the new London hotel with immunity-boosting IV drips and a free photobooth

Metro Checks In to The Welbeck Hotel, a stunning feat of Edwardian architecture in the heart of central London.

If there’s one thing I look for in a city break hotel, it’s location. You don’t go to New York, Barcelona or Paris to sit in your room or slog on public transport. If I can’t explore at least some of the sights on foot, I’m not interested.

Which is why I jumped at the chance to stay at The Welbeck.

Situated in the heart of Marylebone, this newly opened boutique hotel allows you to explore London’s most iconic attractions within half an hour’s walk — from Buckingham Palace and Madame Tussauds to ZSL London Zoo, Hyde Park, Soho and Covent Garden.

It’s the ideal spot for anyone on their first trip to the capital, or suburbanites like me, who’ve moved to the Home Counties to bring up kids but miss the beating heart of the city.

Plus, the hotel bills itself as family-friendly, and I’m always on the hunt for holiday spots that feel like a treat for parents as much as kids.

So, I packed up the buggy with an overnight bag and hopped on Chiltern Railway for 48 hours of playing tourist with my husband and toddler.

Or that was the plan…if it wasn’t for the bus replacement service. You can never trust British transport.

What’s the hotel like?

The Welbeck’s impactful Edwardian facade gives way to chic and playful interiors, with bright artwork, a chessboard and a free photobooth in the reception.

Our 15-month-old fell asleep en route, so we make the most of the peace and grab a cocktail before checking in.

In a nod to the hotel’s proximity to Harley Street, the menu is loosely medical themed, with drinks for ‘doctors’ and ‘nurses’ promising to pack a punch.

I’m soon over the delayed journey thanks to a dangerously sippable take on a Bramble.

Though The Welbeck is located in a listed building, it underwent refurbishment and opened in its current guise in February. It shows. 

Our room looks fresh and contemporary, with no scuffed skirting boards in sight, crisp white sheets, and flawless, soft white walls.

The overall feel is clean and simple, but a pop of colour on the headboard, warm brass lighting and Templespa toiletries add a touch of luxe.

The space easily accommodates the cot in the corner, and I’m relieved it felt comfier than the rock-hard contraptions we’ve found elsewhere.

We are welcomed by a huge plate of berries on the table – every toddler’s dream – and despite the central location, the room is pindrop quiet. No need to worry about the sirens of the city here.

On-site, there’s a small but perfectly functional 24-hour gym, as well as in-room wellness treatments, from massages to hair appointments, via the hotel’s partnership with beauty concierge service, Ruby.

IV drips are even available (you know the trendy celeb kind) for anyone who needs a boost from the night before.

The Welbeck restaurant doesn’t serve dinner, a wise business move, considering location is its biggest selling point and there are countless restaurants nearby.

However, it does offer a selection of small plates at the bar, and you can look forward to a dreamy continental buffet breakfast, with add-ons like fluffy pancakes or perfectly cooked eggs available to order.

What is there to do nearby?

The Welbeck has been marketing itself as perfect for families. And during our stay, I keep thinking how fantastic it would be for teens or tweens desperate to be adults.

You really are in one of the prettiest areas of the capital, with Instagrammable florists, bakeries and delicatessens galore.

Just a few streets away, you’ll find Daunt Books, the bookshop that’s heavily, virally, TikTok famous.

To old hands like me, it looks like any other bookshop, but your son or daughter will want to pop in, if only to buy a tote bag. If that’s their version of Jane Norman, who are we to judge?

Little fashionistas are spoilt for choice, too. I’d take them to Selfridges to try on some posh clobber, then walk to Oxford Street to find an outfit you can actually afford. Or, better yet, rummage through Marylebone High Street’s charity shops, where you might nab a designer bargain thanks to the affluent locals.

The upmarket area doesn’t instantly scream ‘under fives’, but for something toddler-friendly, we spend the afternoon at Frameless, just a 14-minute walk away in Marble Arch.

The immersive art exhibition features 42 masterpieces in four galleries, where you’ll ‘step into’ floor-to-ceiling works by Rembrandt, Monet, Turner, Van Gogh and more.

Our little one loves chasing the colours dancing across the floor, but it isn’t just for the kids. It’s so refreshing to find an activity my husband and I loved too, and it doesn’t come with a backing track of Wheels On The Bus.

If none of that appeals, the hotel is just a five-minute walk to Bond Street Tube station. London really is your oyster.

After a day of exploring, there’s no shortage of food and drink options within a stone’s throw of The Welbeck. We were tempted to enjoy our favourite Italian small plates at Lina Stores, and I’ve made a mental note to go back to Cavita (a fancy Mexican) and Cocoro (a Japanese restaurant with five-star reviews) with friends.

But today, we’re looking for something a little more relaxed, so Mercato Mayfair is just the ticket.

The market, situated in a deconsecrated church, allows our toddler to try lots of different world cuisines (although spaghetti bolognese was still the favourite, obviously).

We have a great time exploring the stalls, roof terrace and wine cellar while waiting for our buzzers to beep — much better than a sit-down meal at this age. There are steps to navigate with a buggy at the entrance, but once inside, high chairs, lifts and baby change are available. 

Would I stay at The Welbeck again?

Yes, with friends, or in a few years’ time when my son is old enough to appreciate everything it and the area have to offer.

Unfortunately, the steps at the entrance of the listed building mean it falls short of being totally toddler-friendly. (Be prepared to lug a sleeping tot over the threshold!)

You also won’t be able to do the Instagram parenting ‘hack’ of moving the baby’s cot to the bathroom if you don’t want to go to sleep at 7pm (it doesn’t fit…we tried).

These things are of no fault of the hotel though – the staff were honestly faultless – it’s just the reality of travelling with a child under two, and feels disingenuous not to mention.

For kids that are old enough to enjoy a mocktail or a Coke in the bar with Mum and Dad, but still young enough to think the photobooth is cool, The Welbeck is absolutely perfect.

It’s a first taste of sophistication, without any of the stuffiness of more well-established venues. And with so much to do nearby, you won’t have a screentime fight on your hands.

Ok, how much does it cost?

Standard rooms start at £300, including breakfast, and larger suites and family rooms are available at additional cost.

But happy teens? Some might say that’s priceless.

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