Into the unknown at Cumberland Hotel

So it is The Cumberland Hotel. I am pleasantly surprised and a little relieved. After all, a shot in the dark might fly off at any angle - or, in this case, leave me staying anywhere. My adventure starts when I decide to book a London retreat through the 'Top Secret Hotels' promotion run by Last Minute.com. The concept is a simple one. You book accommodation in your desired destination without knowing exactly which hotel you are reserving. And in exchange for being kept out of the loop, you receive a discount on a five-star night in the city. A good deal - hopefully. As you move through the reservation process, you are given a brief description of the accommodation you are about to book. And with a little creative research, you can feasibly narrow down the possibilities. Admittedly, the mystery does not last for long. Shortly after completing your booking, you receive an email confirming the name of your hotel. For me, this turns out to be The Cumberland. Here is a hotel with a history - its name forever linked with Jimi Hendrix, who famously spent many nights here during his rock-star sojourns in Sixties London. But nowadays, the hotel - a short walk from Marble Arch, perfect for Oxford Street - is more a haven for those who make the pilgrimage to London’s main shopping district. For newcomers to the city – whether your trip is driven by business or pleasure – the location couldn’t be more convenient. It is close to the Tube and easy to find. In fact, the crowds of ambitious shoppers who line Oxford Street are always within sight. I realise just how central the hotel is when I open the curtains in my room to be confronted by an enormous Primark sign. While the scene outside the Cumberland is lively and animated – at least during shopping hours – the atmosphere inside the hotel is composed. Its aesthetic is decidedly modern, with minimalist decor and fluorescent lighting. Within the rooms, character is introduced via creative headboards which feature one of five different artistic designs. My bed features the ‘Metalwork Design’ - inspired by the artwork of Oliver Percy Bernard, an English architect and designer who helped shape the hotel when it first opened in the 1930s. Beyond this, the rooms are clean, and include a comfy bed and medium-sized washroom, with a choice of shower or bath. It is all a little different to the era when the hotel frequently sheltered the musician that Rolling Stone recently named the greatest guitarist in history. Hendrix was known for bringing his female conquests back to the Cumberland, and the hotel was even listed on his death certificate as his last-known place of residence. In 2010, the hotel commemorated the 40th anniversary of his death by constructing a ‘Jimi Hendrix Suite’ on the fifth floor, where the singer was known to stay. Hendrix may have been drawn to the Cumberland because of the nightlife that surrounds this area of the city, riddled as it is with bars and restaurants. But if none of the neighbouring hotspots spark your interest, the hotel features its own chic Carbon Bar and the Rhodes W1 Restaurant - a Michelin Star-boasting project opened by Gary Rhodes. The meat-heavy menu includes a slow-cooked lamb shank (which, although I'm not a huge fan of lamb, I thoroughly enjoyed). The bar, where I ventured after dinner, features an extensive (but expensive) cocktail list. Unfortunately, you won’t find high street prices here – you’re more likely to uncover a bargain in the discount clothing shop across the street. But for a hotel in the middle of London’s hustle and bustle, the Cumberland has a warm, fresh and bright vibe – and it just might make you feel like a rock star. Not bad for a shot in the dark.