L’oscar London

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked up to L’oscar London on Southampton Row – I mean, the area’s got that slightly gritty Camden edge that tourists either love or completely miss. But stepping through those doors? It’s like someone took a Victorian fever dream and made it impossibly chic. The place used to be a Baptist church (you can actually still see some of the original architecture if you know where to look), and they’ve transformed it into something that feels part boutique hotel, part theatrical set piece.

The location is actually brilliant once you get your bearings. You’re right between Russell Square and Holborn stations, which means you can duck into the British Museum without dealing with the Oxford Street crowds, or walk to Covent Garden in about fifteen minutes. What I really loved though was how quiet Southampton Row gets after the office workers clear out – there’s this lovely pocket of calm despite being smack in central London. The rooms themselves are… well, dramatic doesn’t even cover it. Think deep jewel tones, velvet everything, and these massive statement pieces that somehow don’t feel over the top. I stayed in one of the suites and the bathroom alone was bigger than some London hotel rooms I’ve suffered through. The beds are properly comfortable too, not just Instagram-pretty, and the blackout curtains actually work (crucial when you’re dealing with those bright summer mornings).

You know what really sets this place apart though? The staff genuinely seem to know London. Not just the tourist spots, but they pointed me toward this incredible little pub on Lamb’s Conduit Street that I never would have found otherwise. The concierge team clearly lives here, not just works here. The restaurant downstairs gets packed with locals for dinner – always a good sign – and breakfast is served until a civilized 11 AM, which saved my life more than once. Fair warning: it’s not cheap, but honestly, for a proper five-star experience in this part of London without the stuffiness of some of the older hotels, it’s worth every penny. Plus, if you’re here during the week, the whole Camden area has this wonderful energy that weekend-only visitors completely miss out on.

Rooms

• Superior Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Duplex Suite with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• L’oscar Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Junior Suite Grande with 1 large double bed for 3 adults
• Junior Suite Bell Tower with 1 large double bed for 3 adults
• Loft Suite with 1 large double bed for 3 adults
• Studio Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults

Facilities