Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Hausd on Wardour Street, I wasn’t expecting much from the outside. It’s wedged between a bunch of other buildings in that typical London way, and the entrance is actually pretty understated for being smack in the middle of all the Piccadilly chaos. But stepping inside? Total game changer. The lobby has this really cool industrial-meets-boutique vibe going on, and you immediately get the sense that someone put actual thought into this place instead of just slapping together another generic hotel.
What really got me was the location – I mean, you’re literally a two-minute stumble from Piccadilly Circus (which honestly can be a blessing or a curse depending on your tolerance for crowds and street performers at midnight). But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: being on Wardour Street means you’re right in the heart of Soho’s restaurant scene. I’m talking about being able to walk to Dishoom for breakfast, hit up some of the best dim sum spots on Gerrard Street for lunch, and still make it to a West End show without breaking a sweat. The Tottenham Court Road tube is practically around the corner too, which saved me so many times when I needed to get across London quickly. Sure, it can get a bit noisy on weekend nights – you’re in Soho after all – but the rooms are surprisingly well soundproofed, and honestly, if you’re staying here you’re probably not planning on early bedtimes anyway.
The staff actually knows what they’re doing, which isn’t always a given at London hotels in this price range. Check-in was smooth, they stored my bags without the usual drama, and when I asked about getting to Camden Market, the guy at the front desk gave me the local route instead of the obvious tourist one. The rooms themselves are what I’d call smart-sized – not huge by any stretch, but they’ve maximized every inch really cleverly. Good shower pressure (crucial), decent Wi-Fi, and the beds are actually comfortable, not just Instagram-pretty. You know what surprised me most though? The whole place feels distinctly London without trying too hard to be quirky or theme-y. It’s got that effortless cool factor that makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere locals would actually recommend, not just another place that looks good on booking sites. For a 4-star spot with an 8.5 rating, it delivers exactly what you’d hope for – solid comfort, great location, and that little extra something that makes you want to come back next time you’re in town.