Casa Emilio – Soho – by Frankie Says

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Casa Emilio? The name had me expecting something completely different – maybe tapas and Spanish tiles – but this place is actually a sleek, modern gem tucked into one of Soho’s quieter side streets. I mean, Soho quiet is relative, but once you’re inside, the street noise just melts away. The lobby hits you with this warm, sophisticated vibe that’s more Brooklyn loft than London hotel, which honestly works perfectly given the whole “Frankie Says” branding (yes, there are subtle nods to the 80s band, but it’s done tastefully, not like some theme park situation).

The location is actually brilliant if you know Westminster Borough at all. You’re close enough to Oxford Street that you can walk there in about eight minutes, but far enough from the tourist chaos that you can grab proper coffee in the morning without fighting through crowds of people taking selfies. There’s this little Italian place two doors down that does incredible cacio e pepe – the kind of spot only locals seem to know about. The staff mentioned it during check-in, which was refreshingly smooth by the way. No waiting around, no complicated key card explanations, just “here’s your room, here’s where to find us if you need anything.” The rooms themselves have this understated elegance thing going on – think exposed brick meets contemporary furniture, with windows that actually open (surprisingly rare in London hotels). The beds are properly comfortable, not just Instagram-pretty, and the bathrooms have those rainfall showers that actually have decent water pressure.

What really sets Casa Emilio apart, though, is how it feels like someone’s stylish friend let you crash at their incredibly well-appointed flat. The common areas have books you’d actually want to read, not just decorative spines, and there’s always this subtle jazz playing that somehow never gets annoying. The 9.4 rating makes total sense once you’ve been there a day or two – it’s those little details that add up. Like how they remember your coffee order, or the way housekeeping leaves your room feeling fresh without that overpowering cleaning product smell some hotels seem to love. Honestly, if you’re planning to spend any real time exploring Soho’s galleries, restaurants, or just wandering through the maze of streets that somehow always lead somewhere interesting, this is the kind of base camp that actually enhances the experience rather than just providing a place to sleep. Just book early if you’re coming during festival season – word’s getting out about this place, and the good rooms go fast.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Facilities