Lost Property St Paul’s London – Curio Collection by Hilton

TRIED AND TESTED HOTEL

- Tom Otley

BACKGROUND The hotel is a completely new building behind the original façade. The design is by two companies - Key Interior and Designs and ICA Studio, and has been inspired (for some reason) by the many meanings of 'lost, which have been "translated... into visual expressions and representations throughout the hotel"

WHERE IS IT? The hotel is on Ludgate Hill, just a two-minute walk from City Thameslink station (direct trains to London Gatwick) and immediately opposite the front steps of St Paul's.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? In the lobby a spooky mannequin faces the wall with a jumper over her head, while behind reception there are images of lost keys, old photos, credit cards and a passport. Above is a Murano glass light installation and there are brass picture lights and modern art on the walls.

We arrived at 1545. There were two reception staff but neither were welcoming: no smiles, no greetings, just a head down over the keyboard. I gave my name and room reservation, and then identification, and when, after a minute or so, I made an inquiry about whether the room was the one requested (a twin), I was told to "wait a minute"