You know what struck me first about Durrants Hotel? Walking up George Street, you’d almost miss it if you weren’t looking – and that’s actually part of its charm. It sits there quietly between Marylebone High Street and Baker Street, this proper Georgian townhouse that’s been welcoming guests since 1921, looking like it belongs in a period drama rather than the middle of one of London’s busiest areas.
The thing about this place is it genuinely feels like stepping into someone’s well-appointed home, albeit one where the “someone” has impeccable taste and a thing for antiques. The lobby’s got this lived-in elegance – think worn Persian rugs that have seen decades of travelers, oil paintings that look like they’ve got stories to tell, and furniture that’s comfortable rather than just pretty. I mean, you can actually sink into those leather chairs without worrying you’re going to break something precious. The staff here know their regulars by name, which tells you something about the kind of place this is. During check-in, I overheard the desk clerk asking a guest about his usual room preference – that level of personal service is getting harder to find in London these days.
What really sets Durrants apart though is its location game. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Oxford Street’s chaos, but George Street itself is this quiet little pocket where you can actually hear yourself think. Wallace Collection is practically next door (seriously underrated museum, by the way), and you can walk to Regent’s Park in about ten minutes when you need to escape the city buzz. The rooms themselves are proper English – no minimalist nonsense here. We’re talking floral wallpapers, heavy curtains that actually block out light, and bathrooms with those deep tubs you don’t see much anymore. Sure, some might find it a bit old-fashioned, but honestly? After a day pounding London’s pavements, there’s something deeply satisfying about settling into a room that feels like it’s been designed for actual comfort rather than Instagram photos. The Wi-Fi works fine, the heating’s reliable (crucial in those drafty London winters), and the housekeeping team clearly takes pride in their work. One small thing – if you’re a light sleeper, request a room facing the back; George Street’s generally quiet, but you do get the occasional late-night taxi. The restaurant downstairs serves a proper English breakfast that’ll set you up for whatever London throws at you, and their evening menu leans into that classic British comfort food done right. It’s the kind of place where you end up chatting with other guests over dinner because the atmosphere just encourages it.