London: St Martins Lane relaunch brings the cool back to Covent Garden

Celebrating 15 years, St Martins Lane, London's first boutique hotel and Morgans Hotel Group Co.'s first European hotel, has revealed a fresh new contemporary design and updated public spaces to mark the milestone anniversary.

With renewed emphasis on comfort and simplicity across its 204 guestrooms, St Martins Lane's recently completed renovation also includes a revitalization of its acclaimed in-house restaurant, Asia de Cuba, with a tantalizing new menu under Cuban-born executive chef Luis Pous, as well as the launch of London's newest late night cocktail lounge, Blind Spot.

Situated in London's theatre district at the heart of Covent Garden, Blind Spot is an intimate urban escape that has been beautifully conceived by renowned interior designer Tim Andreas of Banjo Ad Inc. Andreas has paid homage to Philippe Starck, St Martins Lane's original designer, and his original ethos by blurring the lines between baroque and minimalist, extravagance and simplicity.

"St Martins Lane set the standard for what an urban resort should be as soon as it opened its doors 15 years ago," said Jason Kalisman, Interim CEO of Morgans Hotel Group. "From its inception, St Martins Lane was utterly original, and we are confident that this re-launch will preserve and expand on the hotel's legacy and define what British luxury is for the next generation to come."

Guests can begin their journey in the Den, a modern gathering place situated just off the lobby. The décor is warm and sophisticated, with a tongue-in-cheek British flair. The art on the walls animates the space with larger-than-life portraits and visual puns. The Den is ideally suited to relaxing with a cup of tea or champagne before embarking into the heart of London, and serves a selection of hot and cold snacks throughout the day including toasted English crumpets, Cuban style sandwiches with BBQ pork and charcuterie and devilled eggs.

Asia de Cuba, a Chino-Latino fusion restaurant with an established reputation for delicious and unexpected cuisine, has been restyled to reflect an exciting new menu curated by Chef Luis Pous. Chic, sophisticated, and glamorous, Asia de Cuba lets the food do the talking with dishes that are intensely flavored, imaginatively prepared and ultimately celebratory – all served in a high-energy environment.

The new décor evokes the senses of Havana - home to one of Latin America's oldest and largest Chinatown neighborhoods. The new menu at Asia de Cuba represents Chef Pous' interpretation of what Asian-influenced Cuban food would be today if Cubans had been able to innovate and evolve their cuisine over the past 50 years.

For an innovative cocktail experience, as the sun sets, guests can slip behind the lobby's curious tea counter and through a hidden doorway, to find themselves in Blind Spot, a golden cocktail lounge inspired by the world's finest exotic teas. Tea made its journey from Asia to Great Britain in the 1660s, forever linking the continents and inspiring culinary palates. The link is expressed in every aspect of Blind Spot, from the colour scheme to the tastes.

Cocktail consultant Andrew Loudon, whose experience includes managing of-the-moment cocktail bar Satan's Whiskers and the distinguished 69 Colebrooke Row, has devised a series of signature drinks, some of which blend teas with refreshing market ingredients, such as Camellia; a black tea vodka with Chambord, Aperol, lemon and raspberries, and Ora Negra; a Palo Cortado sherry with orange blossom water and Perrier Jouet.

Contrasting with the vibrant scene downstairs, the guestrooms at St Martins Lane epitomise high-concept design while enhancing experience through comfort and functionality. With an experiential approach to minimalism, Tim Andreas uses expansive floor-to-ceiling windows as a unique backdrop to low and simple furnishings, heightening the impression of floating above the city. Linen drapery, polished aluminum, teardrop lighting fixtures and pale leopard print carpets soften the space, while the updated interactive light feature allows guests to elevate their mood by selecting from a spectrum of colors with a custom-designed dial.

Continuing with the dream-like, whimsical feel, Andreas has installed a new mini bar with mirrors for a 'see through' effect. Newly incorporated elements such as a flat-screen TV atop a dichroic laminated glass desk, a new white leather chair that rotates 360 degrees, bedside reading lights, additional USB charging stations near the bed, and a media hub with high-current USB charging, HDMI video and music playing capabilities ensure a more practical and convenient guest experience.

As a London icon and part of the Morgans Originals™ collection, St Martins Lane is distinctive and daring, continuing to push the boundaries of luxury travel. With its seamless service and exciting new style, St Martins Lane will begin a new era whilst continuing to serve as a destination for locals and visitors alike.

Special relaunch offer rates from £275 including breakfast and one cocktail per person, based on two people sharing.

For further information on St Martins Lane London, visit http://www.stmartinslane.com