Karma Sanctum Soho tucked away behind Regent Street, is Soho’s best kept secret. A hotel which does things differently, this hidden gem oozes cool luxe from every corner of its stylish interiors and is the best place in London to unleash your rockstar alter-ego.
Channelling definite Ibiza vibes, Karma Sanctum Soho’s carefree attitude ensures all stresses dissipate as soon as you enter reception and cast your eyes on the giant gorilla statue wearing a bikini and sporting two full tattoo sleeves.
The dark mood lighting gives the impression it hides a secret or two, and that’s pretty likely considering the family run hotel’s owners are friends with a tonne of rock ‘n’ roll legends. Rumour has it that someone super famous spent the whole of lockdown here, while the hotels corridors tell endless stories through their artworks of famous faces and sculptures.
Wild Heart Bar and Shokudo is Karma Sanctum Soho’s reincarnated restaurant concept – a collab between founder Mark Fuller and three Michelin starred chef Gary Hollihead. In this awesome space filled with intimate booths, velvet sofas and blossom trees under a giant hanging chandelier, you can order casual Japanese sharer plates bursting with East Asian flavour.
From crisp light tempuras to tantalising teriyakis, stand out dishes include miso glazed aubergine with spring onions and chilli macadamia, seared miso marinated sirloin, and the classic mango salad. This area of the hotel is also where breakfast is served, but it’s perfect for work meetings and a strong espresso midday.
With just 30 boutique bedrooms which all sport their own unique style, the décor in our junior suite is reminiscent of Ibiza’s Ushuaïa penthouse suites. With Art-Deco accents, mirrored mosaic pillars and a gigantic bed, the focal point is definitely the freestanding tub which rests on hundreds of shimmering iridescent pebbles. Egyptian cotton sheets, Temple Spa bath products, a Nespresso machine, bathrobes and slippers come as standard – as does super fast wifi, a safe for your valuables and a large flat screen TV. You can go more boujee though baby – the 248sft loft suite has its own access to the roof terrace (which is the Karma Sanctum Soho’s jewel in the blingtastic crown).
The hotel’s rooftop bar, terrace and jacuzzi are reserved for members and residents only. This concealed haven high above Soho makes you literally feel like you’ve been transported to the White Isle itself. This tucked away paradise boasts an awesome jacuzzi which is toastie warm on a chilly eve (and stays open all night), bar area, retractable roof, fire for those colder nights, and even a cabinet of Davidoff cigars so you really can go all out. The vibe at night is super cool, chilled and relaxed and while the bar shuts at 3am, room service is available allllllll night longggg if you do want to make a night of it…
The friendly vibe of the Karma Sanctum Soho, the ultra relaxed manner, the amazing staff and that damn fine roof terrace, are all high on the Luxe Bible check list of what makes a good hotel, totally awesome.
It goes without saying, we left a little piece of our heart at the Karma Sanctum Soho and can’t wait to get back there to pick it up. Might as well spend the night there while we’re at it!
