You know what struck me first about No.5 Maddox Street? It’s one of those places that doesn’t scream “look at me” from the street – honestly, I almost walked past it because the entrance is so understated. But that’s kind of the point, I think. This is proper Mayfair discretion, tucked between the designer shops and just a two-minute walk from Oxford Circus (though you’d never guess you’re that close to the madness). The building itself feels like someone’s incredibly wealthy great-aunt decided to open her townhouse to a select few guests, which is probably not far from the truth.
The moment you step inside, there’s this immediate sense of calm that’s hard to find in central London. I mean, the floors are beautiful – proper marble that actually looks lived-in rather than showroom-perfect. The staff genuinely seem to know what they’re doing without that overly rehearsed five-star hotel thing that can feel a bit much. What I loved was how they handled the whole check-in process – it felt more like arriving at a friend’s place than a hotel transaction. The rooms themselves are surprisingly spacious for London (you can actually open a suitcase without doing gymnastics), and the bathrooms have those deep tubs that make you realize how much you’ve been settling for shower-only places. The design walks this nice line between classic and contemporary – sort of like if a Georgian townhouse had a really good interior designer who understood that people still need to charge their phones and get decent Wi-Fi.
Here’s the thing though – and I’m being completely honest here – the location is almost too good. You’re literally surrounded by some of the best shopping in London, with Bond Street tube practically on your doorstep, but that also means it gets pretty busy during the day. Evenings are much quieter, and actually, I found myself enjoying the short walks to dinner in Fitzrovia or Marylebone because you get to see different sides of the neighborhood. The hotel bar is worth mentioning too – it’s small but they know how to make a proper cocktail, and it’s one of those places where you might end up chatting with other guests without it feeling forced. I’d say this place works best if you’re the type who appreciates being in the thick of things but wants to retreat somewhere that feels genuinely peaceful. It’s not cheap, obviously – nothing in this part of London is – but for what you get, it actually feels fair. The 8.3 rating makes sense to me; it’s excellent without being perfect, which somehow makes it more appealing than places that try too hard.