Melia Hotels International has launched a new luxury hotel - ME London - in Marconi House, the original London home of BBC radio.

Located on the Strand on the southern tip of Covent Garden, the property offers a collection of 157 guestrooms including 16 suites and a two-floor penthouse.

The hotel is designed by Foster + Partners' architects and is the group’s first UK hotel project. The interiors focus on contemporary detailing with a monochrome palette, as guests move from dark to light spaces.

A range of in-room Spa treatments are available upon request.

The fitness centre features a range of equipment such as vibrating plates, treadmills, cross trainers and bikes. The gym area will also include a range of weight machine and floor working areas.

Nigel Dancey, senior partner, Foster + Partners said: "We took the city as our inspiration: the grand scale of Aldwych, the detailing of neighbouring Marconi House, the views over the West End from the roof and drew on these.

"The site is right in the heart of Theatreland and has a fascinating history, most notably as the home of the Gaiety Theatre - we tried to recapture a little of the spirit and glamour of the stage."

Dining options include the STK steakhouse and grill offering guests a contemporary grill-menu and 16 private dining areas, while Cucina Asellina serves a range of rustic Italian cuisine.

Elsewhere, the hotel's rooftop terrace features Radio, a bar and lounge, serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu as well as a sky bar.

There are currently ME Hotels in Madrid, Barcelona, Cancun, Cabo with a ME Vienna set to open in 2013.