You know how some places in London try way too hard to feel exclusive? Well, Home House on Portman Square actually earned that reputation the old-fashioned way. I mean, it’s technically a private member’s club that happens to let non-members book rooms, which honestly makes staying there feel a bit like sneaking into somewhere you probably don’t belong – in the best possible way.
The building itself is this gorgeous Georgian townhouse that’s been around since the 1770s, and walking through those rooms designed by Robert Adam feels like stepping into someone’s incredibly posh family home (if your family happened to own priceless artwork and Persian rugs). The staff here don’t do that fake-friendly hotel thing – they’re proper professionals who seem to genuinely know their stuff. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, no trying to upsell me on spa packages or restaurant reservations I didn’t want. What really struck me was how quiet everything felt, even though you’re literally a three-minute walk from Oxford Street’s chaos. The soundproofing is serious business here, which you’ll appreciate if you’ve ever tried sleeping near Marble Arch on a weekend night.
The rooms – well, they’re not huge by American standards, but this is central London real estate we’re talking about. Everything feels carefully chosen rather than ordered from some hotel furniture catalog. My bathroom had this amazing rainfall shower that actually had proper water pressure (anyone who’s stayed in older London hotels knows this isn’t guaranteed). The neighborhood is pretty perfect if you ask me – Portman Square itself is one of those lovely garden squares that tourists usually miss, and you’re close enough to walk to Selfridges but far enough away that you won’t get caught up in the shopping crowds unless you want to. There’s no hotel parking, but honestly, you don’t need a car here anyway. Bond Street tube is right there, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can walk through Marylebone to Regent’s Park in about fifteen minutes. The only minor thing – and this might actually be a plus depending on your perspective – is that the member’s club vibe means things can feel a bit formal during peak dining hours. Not stuffy exactly, but you probably wouldn’t roll down to dinner in your running gear. That said, the restaurant is genuinely excellent, and the bar makes cocktails that’ll spoil you for everywhere else. For the price point and location, it’s honestly hard to beat if you want somewhere that feels special without being flashy about it.