Threadneedles, London

It’s not hard to imagine the Threadneedles in its former incarnation – a bank for London’s Victorian elite. Hushed, stately and just a minute from the actual Bank of England and London Stock Exchange, this stone walk-up is clearly a place that once saw money and the moneyed walk through its doors, under its ornate glass-domed entryway and off to discrete leather-bound quarters to talk important business.

The same kind of people still wander by and frequent its bar for an after work drink, but today, the business conducted within this building is all about relaxing.

Opened in 2002 as the Square Mile’s first luxury boutique hotel, Threadneedles, part of the Eton Collection, has held on to many of the best elements from its 19th-century heritage. The old marble-columned main hall is now a cozy sitting area and lounge, still with bankish little lamps on each table, as though a financial advisor might stop by at any time to discuss how to diversify your portfolio. Colours throughout the main areas are rich; think lots of dark leather – even the elevator I took up to my suite was walled with smooth, black hide – low lighting and heavy wood.

The whole place feels very Mad Men – a bit buttoned up, but awfully sexy.

On to the rooms. Threadneedles offers 70 guest rooms and suites, including a fabulous Penthouse Suite with private lift and balcony. Ranging a bit in shape, most are similarly designed with neutral woods and beiges, with splashes of red, grey and pink thrown in for good measure.

The rooms’ standard amenities bring together some Old Worldy services you’d expect from a refined Victorian establishment – complimentary shoe shine, newspaper and business cards, 24-hour room service, stocked honesty bar, turndown on the Egyptian cotton sheets – plus all the good, modern stuff from wifi and iPod docking stations to Plasma TVs in the bedrooms and bathrooms and, my favourite, even outlets adapted for American electronics (wow!).

It all combines to sort of make you feel important and trendy, which is my very unscientific judging standard for a good hotel suite.

That’s not to say that Threadneedles takes itself SO seriously. Rubber ducks on each bathtub ledge were cute, as were the books offered on the “honour system” – you take it, you pay for it – which felt partly like a sweet touch and partly like a social experiment. There is some bright contemporary art framed on the walls; my suite had a big wall hanging with lines that I couldn’t quite figure out, but was pretty nonetheless. Best of all, though, was the staff. Energetic and friendly to a fault, from the good-looking crew at the check-in desk to the nice young guy who whisked up the extra wine glass I needed (celebrating the awesome view of St. Paul’s cathedral with a nice red, ahhhh).

Shopping in the immediate area is limited mostly to, oh, only the best names in luxury fashion and goods. Head across the street from Threadneedles to the back entrance of the gorgeous Royal Exchange building, where strolling through Bulgari, Paul Smith, Hermes, Jo Malone, Gucci, Agent Provocateur and L’Artisan Parfumeur, among other, could occupy a full day. For more earthly items, walk a few blocks to the famous Old Spitalfields, a covered market offering everything from crafts to clothes to snacks.

I can see corporate travelers – bank executives included, of course! – finding Threadneedles comfortable, convenient and right up their alley. Business guests staying Monday through Thursdays are the hotel’s bread and butter, the manager told me, but it would also be great for a quiet, romantic weekend with your partner too.

A note: don’t miss the fabulous “full continental” breakfast offered every morning in the hotel’s dining room (at night, it’s Bonds Restaurant – also worth a visit). I’m getting hungry just thinking back on the spread of cheese, charcuterie, gooey fresh breads, jams and fruit.

Rates start at £472 per night (published), but specials are available.

Threadneedles
5 Threadneedle Street
London EC2R 8AY