Vintry & Mercer | Modern Comfort in the City
Vintry & Mercer, located in the heart of the City of London, carefully combines old and new to create a comfortable stay away from the busier streets. Whether staying on a business trip or using it as a base for discovering London, it is equally adaptable to your requirements.
At its heart, it is a modern, sleek building, with clear nods to the past and the historic area in which it sits. Located on Garlick Hill and a stone’s throw from Mansion House station, its location should not be understated. With 92 rooms across 10 floors, it is a surprisingly spacious hotel among some of London’s oldest buildings and churches.
The hotel has several dining options and a rooftop terrace. However, this Edit focuses on the room, its design and the service experienced during the stay.
Who this is for
Image: View from Rooftop Terrace. © 2026, Palates & Miles
If you prefer a hotel that represents modern London while remaining respectful of its past, this Edit is for you. Style and comfort are central to the experience, with small touches that make a difference. Its proximity to some of the City’s most important institutions and transport connections also makes it a natural choice for those who simply want a comfortable base.
For those wishing to spend a little more time in the room, it is equally suited to slow mornings before heading out to explore London.
The standard
Every recommendation in this Edit is assessed against the same five points: service, design, food and drink, atmosphere and value. Value is not about cheap or expensive. It is whether the experience earns the time and price invested.
Arrival & first impressions
Image: Moooi Chandelier in the lobby. © 2026, Palates & Miles
The approach to Vintry & Mercer is down a narrow cobbled lane. If you weren’t looking for the hotel, it could be easy to miss. The good news is that taxis can still make it down the street to drop you outside the entrance, which is particularly useful when travelling with luggage. Alternatively, Mansion House Underground station is at the top of Garlick Hill, a short walk from the hotel.
On entering the hotel, the modern, clean aesthetic is immediately apparent. The check-in area, along with some comfortable seating, is located on the right. This space benefits from large windows looking onto the street and the church of St James Garlickhythe. There is adequate space to queue or sit whilst you wait.
The welcome from the desk on this occasion was transactional but friendly. It was a late check-in, after 8pm, and there were no queues. There was no porter available to help with luggage at that time, which was understandable. Porter assistance was available during the day.
The rest of the lobby extends beyond the check-in area, where a central spiral staircase illuminated by a Moooi chandelier fills the space. To the left is Vintry Izakaya, the hotel’s all-day dining option.
The Superior room
Image: Superior room bed and headboard. © 2026. Palates & Miles
On this occasion, the stay was in a Superior Room on a high floor. The room was compact but remained functional and comfortable, even with a king-size bed. Immediately noticeable were the plush dark green velvet curtains and headboard, which created a moody, calm atmosphere.
Built-in cabinetry housing the TV, decorative ornaments and books helped make the space feel homely as well as design-led. The wallpaper featured maps of London, adding texture without overpowering the room.
Seating comprised a desk and chair, alongside a small armchair and side table next to the windows. This was adequate for the space, providing practical options for working or relaxing. Other features that helped distinguish the room included a Marshall radio and speaker, a retro rotary telephone and a Nespresso machine.
Image: Superior Room at Vintry & Mercer. 2026, Palates & Miles
A small minibar was stocked with complimentary soft drinks. There was also a selection of snacks available to purchase, but no alcohol in the room.
The bathroom was well proportioned, with a walk-in shower and a large vanity unit. Toiletries from Ortigia Sicilia added to the premium feel.
A small but memorable touch was the branded rubber duck bath toy left in the bathroom. Whilst it had limited use in a room with no bath, it made a nice keepsake to take away as a reminder of the stay.
Service
The overall approach to service was friendly, though there is room for improvement in speed and consistency. Differences were particularly noticeable when the hotel was busier. Whilst this is understandable, it can matter to those with limited time in the mornings before heading out for the day.
Cleanliness was one of the hotel’s strong points and remained consistent throughout the stay. This is particularly important and noticeable in London hotels and something that can make or break a stay.
How to plan a stay
Image: V&M rubber duck. © 2026, Palates & Miles
As mentioned previously, the hotel works well for both business and leisure travellers owing to its location, design and on-site eateries. The room accounts for a good deal of the property’s appeal, with practical amenities and a functional layout that makes good use of the available space.
The Mercer Roof Terrace is an option for dinner with a view. With the hotel so well located, you can also head towards Bank or further afield for a wider selection, including Fortnum & Mason’s restaurant and bar at The Royal Exchange.
P&M notes
Garlick Hill is narrow and cobbled, so bear this in mind if travelling on foot with luggage.
The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Check the applicable benefits and booking conditions if you belong to its loyalty scheme or Hilton Honors, and add your membership number when making an eligible booking.
Mornings can be busier, so allow adequate time for breakfast if it is included in your room rate or benefits.
If you need a larger room to accommodate a family, check the room categories and occupancy limits before booking to ensure your choice works for you.
Final thoughts
Vintry & Mercer carefully combines old and new, with design and comfort given equal attention. Its atmosphere and practical amenities make it a good choice for those seeking a base in London.
Positioned along a cobbled lane, it is not a property that shouts for attention from the outside, but it does its best to impress once inside.
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Behind a discreet entrance on Garlick Hill, Vintry & Mercer combines modern interiors with references to the City’s past. We stay in a Superior Room, where green velvet, London maps and practical details give a compact space character, and consider where the service delivers and where it could improve.