Malmaison London

Malmaison London Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Malmaison London feels like discovering a well-kept secret tucked away in Charterhouse Square. This four-star boutique hotel sits in one of London‘s most charming corners — honestly, I had no idea Islington had such a peaceful Georgian square until I stumbled upon this place. The building itself has that perfect blend of historic character and modern edge that Malmaison does so well, with dark wood, rich fabrics, and just enough quirky touches to make you smile. The attention to detail throughout the property reflects the boutique hotel’s commitment to creating memorable stays for every guest.

The Neighborhood Advantage

You know what’s brilliant about this location? You’re literally a five-minute walk from Barbican station, but it feels like you’re in a quiet residential pocket away from the tourist crowds. Smithfield Market is right around the corner — and I mean the actual working market, not just the trendy bars, though those are there too. Couples absolutely love this area, and I can see why. There’s something romantic about wandering through these historic streets, especially in the evening when the old gas lamps start flickering on. The neighborhood offers an authentic London experience that many visitors find genuinely special.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was everything you’d expect from Malmaison — bold colors, a massive comfortable bed, and those little details that make you feel special. People rave about the beds here, and honestly, they’re not wrong. I slept better than I had in weeks, which is saying something given I’m usually a terrible hotel sleeper. The bathrooms are properly done too, with decent water pressure and enough space to actually move around — not always a given in London hotels. Each room is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and style.

Breakfast and Dining

The breakfast setup is actually quite impressive for a hotel this size. They do a proper Full English alongside continental options, plus there’s always something for vegetarians. I appreciated that it’s served restaurant style rather than just a basic buffet — though they do have buffet elements if you prefer to graze. The staff clearly know what they’re doing, and you can tell this place has a lot of repeat guests who’ve figured out it’s a solid choice. The dining experience reflects the hotel’s dedication to quality service.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how it manages to feel both central and peaceful at the same time. You’re close enough to walk to the City, Clerkenwell’s great restaurants, or catch the tube anywhere you need to go, but you’re staying somewhere that feels like a proper London neighborhood rather than a tourist zone. The fact that so many people come back here tells you everything — it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin in the best way. Plus, there’s something satisfying about staying somewhere that locals actually know and respect.

Malmaison London Accommodations

Reviews of Malmaison London

• Nóra from Hungary (9/10)

  Te room was really nice and clean. Each staff member was very kind and the free storage of the luggage after check-out was a huge extra for us.

• Martin from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Victor in reception was excellent/extremely caring.

• Julia from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great location. Rooms are always clean and in order

• Victoria from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Beautiful hotel, very clean

• Clare from United Kingdom (9/10)

  It was easy to reach from the city. The room was clean and very comfortable. I appreciated the bottle of water next to the bed along with the tea and coffee. The shower was great.

• Paul from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Hotel is in a quiet part of town over the weekend, but close to Farringdon station, and the good few pubs and restaurants around Farringdon & Smithfield market. Hotel is very comfortable, staff are very helpful and welcoming, and the place is lovely.

• Jean from United States (7/10)

  Islington is a huge borough. It was not my understanding that we would be in business area Staff was not informed about what was in the neighborhood and tried to send us elsewhere to eat etc. breakfast basic English breakfast with packaged pastries and very overpriced

• Daryl from United Arab Emirates (9/10)

  Nice spacious room with comfortable bed

• Gianpaolo from Italy (8/10)

  We were upgraded, which was nice
  One of the two lifts didn’t work, causing delays
  Check-in was slow and understaffed

• Christopher from United Kingdom (8/10)

  All good

Surroundings

Facilities