If you haven’t explored London’s Covent Garden district recently, here’s where to base your next trip to England’s capital: Middle Eight Hotel, located at 66 Great Queen St., Covent Garden. A quick walk from both Holborn and Covent Garden underground stations, this new property is a peaceful, 5-star option carved out near the bustle and nightlife of Covent Garden, and not far from the dynamic neighborhood of Holborn, known as London’s historic law district and home to the imposing Gothic-Victorian Royal Courts of Justice.

The hotel opened in late October and occupies a building dating to 1912. Once, it was a church called Kingsway Hall; today, the stunning entrance lobby — designed by London-based Tonik Associates — acts as an effective transition from busy city to tranquil oasis. Guests are greeted by a rippling, wood-faced wall wending from the reception desk to a nearby seating area flanked by a long, shoulder-high inset fireplace. Golden hues predominate in floors and furnishings, adding to the sense of warmth.

Guest spaces span five categories and include 168 rooms and 12 unique suites. Suites have been cleverly designed to incorporate elements of nature, including water features, petrified walls, indoor gardens and living walls planted with thick mosses and ferns. Some also have outdoor dining areas and fun details such as faux cowhide sectional sofas. All have bathrooms with heated floors, large flat-screen televisions and customized sound systems. Rooms are also buffered from city lights with black-out curtains.

Standard amenities include high-speed WiFi, Nespresso coffee machines, electric kettles, teas and fresh milk, minibars stocked with a selection of drinks, sustainably crafted robes and laptop safes. Toiletries from Stone Street Soaphouse organic body care are made in England and crafted with local honey, shea butters, and responsibly sourced oils from British and international distillers.

Main dining is offered at Sycamore Vino Cucina on the lobby level, where Italian specialties are accompanied by wines from an impressive list featuring international selections. Be sure to look up at the ceiling, covered with an intertwined network of lovely copper leaves sensitive to temperature. In summer, they appear green, turning bronze and golden in fall, and taking on a silvery sheen in winter.

Stay in and enjoy an evening at QT, Middle Eight’s performance space styled after a classic speakeasy. Sip a craft cocktail and relax to live music or on-stage comedians, or make it a quiet evening at The Balcony Bar and Lounge. In addition to a wide selection of wines and spirits, The Balcony is also the location for decadent afternoon tea service, specialty coffees or a menu of small-plate meals, including Cornish crab, charcuterie boards and black truffle pizzettas.