Charlotte Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

Hotel Description

You know what hits you first when you walk into Charlotte Street Hotel? It’s not just that it’s gorgeous – though honestly, it really is – it’s how it feels like someone’s incredibly stylish London townhouse rather than a typical hotel lobby. The whole place has this sort of bohemian elegance that Firmdale Hotels does so well, with bold prints and artwork that actually makes you stop and look instead of just walk past.

I mean, the location alone is pretty fantastic if you know Fitzrovia at all. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Goodge Street tube, and Charlotte Street itself is one of those lovely pedestrian-friendly stretches where you can actually hear yourself think – which, let’s be honest, is rare in central London. The BBC is just around the corner, so there’s always this interesting mix of media types and creatives floating around the hotel bar, especially in the evenings. And if you’re into food (who isn’t?), you’re basically in the heart of some of London’s best restaurant territory. Roka’s practically next door, and you can walk to Fitzroy Square in about thirty seconds when you need a bit of green space.

What really sets this place apart though – and I’ve stayed in quite a few London hotels – is how they’ve managed to keep that intimate, residential feel despite being right in Zone 1. The rooms aren’t massive by any stretch, but they’re cleverly designed with these rich fabrics and colors that somehow make the space feel cozy rather than cramped. Actually, the bathrooms are surprisingly generous for a London hotel, with proper granite surfaces and those little luxury touches that make you feel a bit spoiled. The staff genuinely seem to remember your name after the first day, which is refreshing when you’re used to being room number whatever. Check-in was smooth as anything – no waiting around, just straight up to the room with someone who actually knew the neighborhood well enough to give decent restaurant recommendations (they steered me toward Pied à Terre, which was spot on). The only minor thing I’d mention is that if you’re a super light sleeper, maybe request a room facing away from Charlotte Street itself – it’s not busy traffic-wise, but there can be a bit of evening chatter from people heading to dinner. Then again, that’s sort of part of the charm of staying somewhere that’s actually woven into the fabric of the neighborhood rather than stuck in some tourist bubble.

Rooms

• Superior Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Luxury Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Loft with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Superior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• One-Bedroom Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults
• Penthouse Suite with 1 large double bed for 3 adults
• Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

Facilities