Meliá White House Announces the “Reader's Retreat” Bookable Suite and Supper Club With Writer and Literary Curator Emily Rhodes

The landmark hotel, residing within a 1930s Grade II listed building in the heart of London, will unveil a unique "Reader's Retreat" suite, specially curated by Emily to immerse The Level guests in the world of literature during their stay.

Meliá White House's premium service, The Level, offers guests staying in Level Rooms or upgraded suites an elevated experience, including a turn down service, complimentary breakfast, and upgraded amenities. Each Level stay will also offer access to The Level Lounge, London's first members-style service, serving tapas, snacks and drinks throughout the day. 

Photo credits: Meliá White House

The recently renovated hotel will transform its largest and most luxurious Level rooms and suites into a poetic paradise for book-lovers and culture enthusiasts to enjoy and unwind. The Reader's Retreat will feature an eclectic selection of handpicked books reflecting the essence of Meliá White House and the local area.

The Level guests can request a set of books in their room with the concierge on arrival, or enjoy the collection as they relax in the exclusive Level Lounge. 

Dive into Emily's top picks for perfect winter reads: The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier, a spellbinding novel; cosy crime short stories Silent Nights, edited by Martin Edwards; the classic The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon; The Siege by Ben Macintyre, a gripping account of the siege of London's Iranian embassy; and Right Kind of Wrong: How the Best Teams Use Failure to Succeed by Amy Edmondson. Guests can purchase their own copies at beloved local bookshop Daunt Books.

Emily Rhodes is a renowned writer and literary leader, with features and reviews published in the likes of Financial Times, Spectator and the Guardian. Since 2012, Emily has hosted a Walking Book Club in Hampstead Heath and recently launched the club in Regent's Park, just a stone's throw away from Meliá White House. Each guest staying in the Reader's Retreat suite will receive a personalised invitation to join Emily's Walking Book club, alongside a community of literary enthusiasts from across the world. 

Emily also founded the Daunt Books Festival in 2014, and more recently the phenomenal charity Bookbanks, which brings books to food banks across London.

On 20th November, the launch of Reader's Retreat will be celebrated with the third Supper Club hosted in the hotel's Mediterranean-inspired Arado Restaurant, offering an evening of inspired dining and conversation. Guests can dive into discussions about their favourite reads with Emily herself, alongside discovering her journey as an leading female writer, journalist and founder. 

The Q&A will be followed by a seasonal three-course meal, curated with locally sourced ingredients and a nod to Meliá's Mediterranean heritage. Delicious canapes will be served ahead of a range of sharing starters, before your choice of main and dessert. Vegan options will also be available.  

Start the evening with a selection of canapes including Truffled Brie & Plum Chutney Bruschetta, Porcini mushroom arancini, Grilled Octopus with Chimichurri Sauce or 24 hour Smoked Short Ribs with Tamarind & Pomegranate Glaze.

For mains, the Beef Wellington is served with a warming Dauphinoise Potato, roasted baby vegetables, carrot puree, wild mushrooms & red wine jus. Guests can also choose from the Duo of Black Cod with Confit peas, clams, sea asparagus & burnt leek puree with a seafood bisque sauce or Pecan Nut Roast, paired with Beluga lentil, chestnut mushroom, cheddar cheese, port & cranberry jus.

Tuck into a perfect winter dessert and choose from the Christmas Pudding, brandy sauce and fresh berries, Sticky Toffee Pudding with pistachio ice-cream and caramel sauce, Petit Four, a Christmas classic Mince Pie, or Vegan Cheesecake. You can view the full menus HERE.

Tickets to the third edition of the Meliá White House Supper Club Series with Emily Rhodes are priced at £60 per person, this includes a three-course Festive Menu, a welcome drink, wine and soft drinks. Book now via Eventbrite.

Emily Rhodes shared her excitement about the project: “I've always believed that what we read can profoundly influence our interpretation of where we are. It is a privilege and delight to curate a collection of great books for people staying in the heart of London, and I can't wait to share it with others through the upcoming Supper Club.”

The Reader's Retreat will be available for bookings from November, offering guests a peaceful sanctuary to unwind, reflect, and indulge in the timeless pleasure of reading. 

Meliá White House last year revealed an extensive £40 million transformation; uncovering a new soul for the superior deluxe hotel. The hotel has been reimagined as a true destination hotel upscaling its bedrooms & suites, restaurant and hotel spaces including The Level service & lounge.