Once a whispered location for London’s most exclusive underground parties, The Welbeck Hotel in Marylebone now stands proudly at the crossroads of history and modernity. Blending Edwardian elegance with bold, artistic flair, this reimagined landmark offers more than just a place to stay – it’s an immersive experience that fuses London’s storied past with its dynamic creative present.
Originally built in 1908 as the Welbeck Palace Hotel and designed by the distinguished architectural firm Boehmer & Gibbs, the building has long been a cornerstone of London’s hospitality scene. Today, under the creative direction of Studio Moren, The Welbeck has been meticulously transformed – not simply restored, rather reinterpreted through a design language that honours its heritage while speaking directly to the tastes and needs of the modern traveller.
Inside, the hotel’s interiors offer a masterclass in contrast and cohesion. Studio Moren’s design celebrates the building’s Edwardian roots while introducing bold, contemporary moments. Original architectural features – including decorative cornices and heritage mouldings – are offset with rich materials, layered textures, and bespoke furnishings that reference early 20th-century craftsmanship. Barley Twist legs on bedside tables pay homage to period joinery, while floral wallcoverings reimagine Victorian and Edwardian motifs with a modern sensibility.
Public spaces, including the lobby, bar, and event areas, carry a confident energy, with moody palettes and dramatic lighting evoking the atmosphere of the hotel’s secretive soirées. The former ballroom – once host to whispered-about underground gatherings – has been reimagined as a versatile events space, where the spirit of creativity and connection continues to thrive.
Art plays a central role in The Welbeck’s new identity. A bold and expressive collection was commissioned exclusively for the hotel, celebrating its legacy as a cultural and artistic haven. Referencing the original ‘Welbeckers’ – the spirited individuals who once gathered beneath its floors – each piece combines classical portraiture with modern overlays, capturing the duality at the heart of the hotel’s transformation.
In the guestrooms and suites, modern convenience meets period charm. Sleek in-room technology is seamlessly integrated into spaces defined by warm, tactile materials and a muted, heritage-inspired palette. Bathrooms feature soft, period tones and refined detailing that nod to the building’s Edwardian past, while layered textiles and understated architectural forms echo Marylebone’s rich fashion and design heritage.
Now a distinctive fixture in one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods, just moments from cultural landmarks such as The Wallace Collection, Wigmore Hall and Harley Street, The Welbeck is far more than a place to sleep – it’s a rich and expressive destination. Studio Moren’s considered design has breathed new life into this historic address, creating a contemporary hotel that embraces its past with poise and personality.
“It was an absolute delight to contribute to the design concept of The Welbeck Hotel for Westmont Hospitality. Our team meticulously researched the rich history of the neighbourhood to ensure that The Welbeck Hotel is deeply rooted in its storied past. The result is a sophisticated and elevated London experience, seamlessly blending modern luxury with the timeless charm of one of London’s most revered villages,” said Tara Buet, Senior Interior Designer at Studio Moren.
