Happy Birthday Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity!
May 08, 2019 2:16pm
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This April is quite the month of milestones for the Staycity Group. Not only did Staycity Aparthotels turn 15, but our new premium brand, Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity, turned one! And after a hugely successful first year, we feel like proud parents!
Wilde is inspired by the wit, wisdom, creativity, originality and all ‘round brilliance of the great Irishman, Oscar Wilde, and its first aparthotel in London’s Covent Garden officially launched in April 2018 at a ceremony attended by none other than Wilde’s only grandchild, Merlin Holland. And Merlin, as it happens, just had a most enjoyable stay there recently — see the below Insta’ shot, in which we think you can see some likeness between he and his late grandfather. How cool is that?!
One year in, and our Wildean baby is positively thriving and proving a massive hit with guests, many of whom won’t stay anywhere else in London since their first walk on the Wilde side. And it’s not just the amazing team, stunning interiors, touch of luxury and quirky feel that keep them coming back, it’s also the outrageously central location.
At Wilde Covent Garden, you’re within walking distance of so many of London city’s top attractions that it’s impossible to list them all. However, the wonderful Wilde team have kindly dug deep and picked out their top seven, which, in no particular order, are…
1) Commune with Oscar on Adelaide Street
You can’t possibly stay in Wilde without visiting the nearby Oscar Wilde memorial on Adelaide Street. ‘A Conversation With Oscar Wilde’ is the work of artist Maggi Hambling and was unveiled by Wilde super-fan Stephen Fry on November 30th, 1998 — the 98th anniversary of the great wit’s death.
Of this unusual, coffin-like structure with bronze head and shoulders of a smoking Wilde, its creator says: “The idea is that he [Oscar Wilde] is rising, talking, laughing, smoking from this sarcophagus and the passer-by, should he or she choose to, can sit on the sarcophagus and have a conversation with him.” And we recommend you do exactly that. Just don’t flip out if he answers back!
2) Enjoy some West End theatre
Wilde is in the heart of London’s famous West End theatre district. So much so it’s pretty much a case of pick a show, take a hop, skip and jump, and you’re there. Particularly so in the case of the Adelphi Theatre. Check out the below shot from our Instagram feed. As you can see, the Adelphi is so close, you could practically toss flowers on stage from your bed!
The other advantage to being in the West End is that you can more easily obtain last-minute ticket discounts available at the theatres and ticket booths. Bravo!
3) Explore Covent Garden
The clue is in the name for Wilde Covent Garden, which lies in the beating heart of this famed area’s myriad gastronomic, shopping and cultural delights. There’s an endless amount to see, do (and buy!) here, a visit to the iconic Royal Opera House being just one of many highlights. If you’re not sure where to start though, just head to the Piazza. Here you can easily go with the flow and spend a day exploring the incredible assortment of goods on offer at the Apple Market and being highly entertained by all manner of street performances.
4) Eat your way through Berwick Street Market
This foodies’ paradise dates back to 1778, and today is crammed full of incredible international street food stalls to suit every taste, which sit side by side with traditional fruit, vegetable and florist stalls. Open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, not only can you spend lunch chowing down on the likes of burritos, falafels, jerk chicken and Afghan street food, you can also pick up all the best fruit and veg to cook up a storm back in your apartment’s fully-equipped kitchen.
5) Dine like a king at Smith & Wollensky
If it’s steak you’re after, look no further than the glorious Smith & Wollensky. Founded in New York in 1977, it first opened doors outside the US in 2015, right across the road from Wilde in the Adelphi building, in a stylish space encompassing two floors. Best known for its delicious USDA prime dry-aged steaks, Smith & Wollensky also serves British and Irish cuts, premium seafood, and award-winning wines and classic cocktails. Better yet? It has a special partnership with Wilde, in which all our lovely guests get 10% off every meal and a special discounted breakfast menu of £15 per person. Bon appétit!
6) Step back in time at Gordon’s Wine Bar
You cannot do London and not do the rite of passage that is Gordon’s. This subterranean gem was established in 1890 and is widely considered the city’s oldest wine bar, with the colourful history to prove it — Rudyard Kipling and G.K. Chesterton were both regulars. Today, thanks to the efforts of its owners, it retains much of the original charm, character and atmosphere (and wines!) that attracted these greats. Indeed, descending in to Gordon’s in all its cavernous, candlelit glory is like time-travelling to the late 19th century. But with lots of millennials Instagramming their every move, and a food menu that includes excellent soakage in the form of bread, olives, cheese and other salty snacks.
7) Party at Salsa Soho
“Partying is what we do, and we do it well!” say the good people of Salsa Soho. And they’re not lying. This restaurant, bar and club is so full of Latin party atmosphere that it’s the next best thing to livin’ la vida loca in Havana. Eat, drink, dance…you can do it all at Salsa Soho. Indeed, you can even improve your salsa skills, or lack thereof, with their nightly classes to suit all abilities. Salsa Soho also take group bookings, so if you’re visiting London en masse, a night here might make a fun end to your stay.
Find out more about Wilde Aparthotels, Covent Garden, London, and book your stay here.