Hotel Lobby from Side Story is a breath of fresh air in the world of men’s fragrances. It’s seduction in a bottle. Hotel Lobby is a scent that’s grabbed my attention, especially at a time when so many perfume launches seem to be playing it safe. Side Story has taken a different path, and it’s exciting.

The Fragrance

Hotel Lobby is very aptly named. Opening with a blend of lusciously sweet Fig Leaf and Coconut, Hotel Lobby evokes the grand entrance of a luxurious hotel, a transition from the bustling streets into the sanctuary of indulgence.

The heart of the fragrance captures the enticing spirit of a bar-lounge, with notes of scotch-like vanilla, pepper, and patchouli, drawing you towards the cosy embrace of smoky oud and leather, reminiscent of wingback chairs against ebony floors.

With an opening of fruitfully sweet Fig Leaf and Coconut as you arrive in the hotel entrance, reminiscent of the distinctive fine scents of 5 star hotel lobbies that transition you from the street to the comfort of your stay.

The alluring aroma of the bar-lounge then smuggles its way in with scotch-like vanilla, pepper and patchouli; enticing you over into the smoky oud and leather of the wingback chairs and ebony floors.

• Family: Woody, oriental with a touch of green.
• Top Notes: Fig Leaf, Oud
• Heart Notes: Pepper, Patchouli, Cypriol
• Base Notes: Sandalwood, Coconut, Vanilla

The Wear

Wearing Hotel Lobby is about subtlety and strength. Just one spray to the chest or neck is enough, thanks to its potent blend. This fragrance stands out with its enduring warmth and seductive power, lasting for hours.

Uniquely, the sweet notes persist throughout, avoiding the common fate of disappearing into duller base notes. Instead, ‘Hotel Lobby’ maintains a delightful balance. The smoky oud adds depth without overwhelming, ensuring the scent remains as captivating at the end of the day as it was at the first spritz.

The Master Perfumer

The true essence of ‘Hotel Lobby’ is crafted by the skilled hands of Argeville’s perfumers, Valerie, Laurent, and Cristiano. Based in Mougins, in the heart of Drôme Provençale, these experts bring together a remarkable 60 years of collective experience.

Their work, deeply rooted in the rich heritage and natural resources of their location, is pivotal in shaping the unique character of Side Story’s fragrances, including the enchanting ‘Hotel Lobby’.

More Than Just a Bottle

Made with extremely thick, Italian soda glass and a hand carved marble lid, Hotel Lobby is presented beautifully. The glass is heavy, solid, strong, almost weapon-like in the right hands. The substantial, magnetised lid is made of Nero Marquina marbled, sourced from Spain’s Basque Country.

This vessel and packaging overall is an immensely welcome surprise. Having worked with many luxury fragrance brands over the years, most often mitigate risk by opting for beautifully serviceable, but off-the-shelf componentry. Side Story’s vessels are anything but off the shelf and you really need to feel heft and weight of the materials to fully appreciate it.

At £160 per bottle, I am shocked at the value you get here and gives credit to Side Story’s aim to strike balance between perfume luxury and accessibility.

Who are Side Story?

Muj Rana launched Side Story in 2023, introducing a collection of six fragrances with Hotel Lobby as its signature scent. Initially carving a career in finance, Muj’s journey took a seismic shift towards the hospitality industry.

With several hospitality ventures, most notably opening his own boutique luxury hotel, ‘The Hollow Cow’, with his wife Amelia. This venture is nestled in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, an area I used to call home.

Conclusion. Buy it.

Hotel Lobby by Side Story is more than just a fragrance; it’s a standout creation in the world of perfume, particularly from such a new, British brand. It’s a bold, comforting choice in a sea of safe options, a scent that not only captures attention but also holds it. From the vibrant opening to the rich, luxurious heart and base notes, it takes you on a journey reminiscent of a grand hotel’s allure.

The genius behind the bottle, from Muj Rana’s innovative vision to Jacques Chabert’s masterful blending, is evident in every aspect of Hotel Lobby. The packaging itself is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and uniqueness. Priced at £160, it offers an experience of luxury and accessibility and is available from Side Story directly, or at Liberty London.