Hotel review: Gir Lion Lodge, ZSL London Zoo

The lion (and their guests) sleep tonight, in the heart of London

Gir Lion Lodges (ZSL)

Set in the leafy green oasis of London’s Regents Park, the newly-opened Gir Lion Lodge doesn’t feel as though it’s a just whisker away from some of the capital’s busiest streets. I have to warn you, though, some of the residents are very noisy – and they’re all beastly. Which is exactly why guests at ZSL London Zoo’s new overnight accommodation are there.

ZSL’s Zoo Lates and Sunset Safaris have seen visitors flock to see animals after hours, and now the zoo, first opened in 1828, is offering bed, breakfast and dinner six nights a week until December. But – delicious though the food is – what everyone is here for is the animals. As well as sunset, torch-light and morning tours of the zoo, all of which take place after closing or before opening time, one of the draws of staying over is that just metres from your bed are the living quarters of a pride of lions. If there is anything more thrilling than hearing the throaty, primal roar of a lion vibrating through the darkness outside as you clean your teeth in the en suite, I don’t think I could cope with it. I’m secretly thankful for the guard at the gate of the lodge area, and am perfectly happy that our guides warn us not to stray into the zoo grounds at night.

If feeding the warthogs in the afternoon and watching aardvarks snuffle for their supper at dusk was charming (not to mention the wonder of seeing two female lions reclining in the glow of late afternoon sun), then lingering over morning coffee while penguins hit the beach really is the perfect start to the day. Spotting a dozing sloth in the rainforest section is a great antidote to city stress and being within stroking distance – strictly prohibited, of course – of ring-tailed lemurs waiting for their breakfast felt like a window into a normally hidden world.

Welcome to the lodges (ZSL)

Location

Gir Lion Lodge consists of nine cabins housed within the Land of the Lions exhibit. Inspired by India’s Gir Forest, where ZSL works with local communities and rangers to protect the only wild population of Asiatic lions, this area of the zoo is a riot of colour, ersatz Indian signage, a samosa stall and piped in tropical birdsong. The latter is particularly baffling given the proximity to a pond full of flamingos and an enclosure of some of the most vocal parrots you can imagine. Still, the best thing about staying at the zoo is the intimacy with the animals you experience when the crowds have gone, as well as being told insider secrets by the well-informed and endlessly upbeat guides. Off-peak it’s also incredible value for two days at the zoo, two meals, a complimentary drink on arrival, three tours and a night’s accommodation in extraordinary surroundings.

Heidi the Asiatic lioness (ZSL)

Comfort

Our brightly painted twin-bed lodge – named Kingfisher – was a tiny delight. Supremely comfortable beds with pristine duvets like white clouds, a spotless bathroom and thoughtful touches (towels made into swans; tea, coffee and biscuits) made what could have felt like a holiday chalet into a luxurious night. While the lions didn’t act as an alarm clock – too much late night prowling, perhaps – the sound of the flamingos floating through the open window made me think that I was waking up a very long way from Camden Town. And yes, I’m afraid that we did sing The Lion Sleeps Tonight at every possible occasion...

Essentials

Gir Lion Lodge, ZSL London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY (0344 225 1826; zsl.org)

Rooms: ****

Service: ****

Value: *****

Lodges, which sleep two, start at £378 off-peak for two people, including dinner and breakfast, and entry to ZSL’s zoos on both days. There are designated family and adult-only nights. Each additional child is £50. Lodges include a sofa bed

Parking: free parking is included

Pets: no pets allowed

Access: There is one lodge that is fully accessible for wheelchairs. Wheelchair users are able to bring a carer and will receive a 30 per cent discount on the full price of a lodge