I’m old enough to remember the excitement that came with the opening of the Charlotte Street Hotel more than 26 years ago in 2000. Riding on the last waves of Cool Britannia, it entered the road of the same name with a gigantic Union Jack fluttering outside reception, terrace tables spilling out onto the street and cinema nights down in its cosy basement.
One of the original Firmdale Hotels (there are now several across London and three in New York), carved out of a dental warehouse and featuring Kit Kemp’s trademark artfully-clashed patterns and fantastical schemes, it’s grown into itself since its opening and now draws couples, friends and business travellers hoping to stay centrally. Other hotels in the group do tend to hog the limelight, especially slick Ham Yard and The Covent Garden Hotel, which is just perennially classy. Still, though Britain may not be quite so cool anymore, the Charlotte Street Hotel is a testament to the things we still do right; cosy comfort with an eccentric twist.
© SAM_A_HARRISThe setting – 10/10
On a pretty street at the heart of Fitzrovia, just moments from Oxford Street, this 52-room hotel is perfectly placed for sightseeing and shopping. The hotel plays on its location near the old haunts of the Bloomsbury Set (Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell, E.M Forster and other creative heavyweights) for author talks and themed cocktails. Look out for original paintings from fellow member Duncan Grant in the Drawing Room, which also has an honesty bar for post-museum pick-me-ups.
© Getty ImagesSleep – 7/10
No two rooms are the same at the Charlotte Street Hotel, though all come with Kemp’s distinctive aesthetic. All four categories feature Firmdale’s signature beds (very high, made for sinking into and famously so comfortable you can order one and relive the experience at home). They’re large and blissfully peaceful too, thanks to excellent sound-proofing. Upgrade if you can: views from the lowest category can be slightly depressing (high red walls and not much else) as can the grey marble shower rooms (no baths), cheered slightly by Kit Kemp’s Rikrak toiletries. Suites have larger beds, proper baths and far prettier white marble fixtures.
© Simon BrownEat – 7/10
All day restaurant Oscar buzzes with well-heeled holiday makers, groups of work colleagues and immaculate lunching ladies. As the hotel’s main communal area, it also showcases Kemp’s commitment to colour, with coral banquettes, patterned chairs and a busy Alexander Hollweg mural across the walls. Service is smiley rather than slick: staff chat happily about their days and are well-enough versed in the menu to make recommendations for food and drink.
Breakfast is relatively good value for London, with classics such as eggs Benedict (from £12) and avocado on toast (£16 with tomatoes) done well. Many visitors tuck into a Full English and pot of tea for a truly British experience. From midday, the menu changes to an array of well-executed hotel stalwarts (steak tartare, dover sole and chicken schnitzel). There’s weekend brunch too.
Planning a big celebration? The exquisite Dora Carrington room can be booked for private weekend brunches and afternoon teas.
Value – 6/10
Guests seeking a quintessentially English slice of the Capital won’t be disappointed. Just factor in that the cheapest rooms – still far from a steal – come with less-than-perfect views and without essential facilities such as coffee makers as standard (though you can request them). Those prepared to forgo such things in favour of a very warm welcome and beautifully British, eccentric interiors will find value.
Overall score – 7/10
Cosy, comfortable and polished, this hotel is unlikely to leave anyone feeling disappointed with their lot in life. However, at this price point, I'd normally expect a few more perks as standard – a bath, view and breakfast would be nice. That's a small niggle if you're looking for a place which feels exactly as the UK capital should: friendly, adventurous and lots of fun.
Booking details
Double rooms from £420, room only. Breakfast dishes from £5.
Website: firmdalehotels.com/hotels/charlotte-street-hotel
Address: Charlotte Street Hotel, 15-17 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 1RJ
Phone: 020 7806 2000
Accessible: Yes. There are accessible rooms, disabled toilets and a lift.
Family-friendly: Yes. Small guests get child-sized robes and inter-connecting rooms are available. Oscar has a kids’ menu too.
Dog-friendly: Yes. Four-legged friends can stay in certain rooms and hang-out at the bar, though they’re not allowed in the restaurant area,
Amanda was a guest of Charlotte Street Hotel. All hotels and experiences have been independently reviewed by our expert writers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis, but this never affects our review process.
