Hazlitt's
Soho, London, United Kingdom
Reviewed by
Glenda Richards
You’re never far from history at Hazlitt’s. William Hazlitt was a renowned essayist and critic who lived at 6 Frith Street, now one of 4 Georgian townhouses that make up the hotel. The buildings date from 1718 and are just off Soho Square – you can't get more London central. It was a fashionable address for the literati of the time, and all 30 very indvidual rooms at Hazlitt’s are named after distinguished residents and visitors to the houses.
Of course, there were no dimmer lights or power showers when Jonathan Swift dropped by to see his protégé poetess Mary Barker. But, like him, you can still walk along the delightfully wonky floors to her room. Every room is adorned with period furnishings and rugs, antique beds, and richly painted walls hung with original artworks. And, pleasingly, expect 21st-century comforts including the most comfortable mattresses and top-of-the-range linen, cleverly concealed flatscreen TVs and mini-bars. Enjoy an indulgent breakfast in your room whenever suits you; or complimentary tea and cake at weekends in The Library. Staff are unfailingly friendly and helpful. And when you need a blast of the present, the bustling streets of London’s shopping and theatre districts are just outside the discreet front door.
Of course, there were no dimmer lights or power showers when Jonathan Swift dropped by to see his protégé poetess Mary Barker. But, like him, you can still walk along the delightfully wonky floors to her room. Every room is adorned with period furnishings and rugs, antique beds, and richly painted walls hung with original artworks. And, pleasingly, expect 21st-century comforts including the most comfortable mattresses and top-of-the-range linen, cleverly concealed flatscreen TVs and mini-bars. Enjoy an indulgent breakfast in your room whenever suits you; or complimentary tea and cake at weekends in The Library. Staff are unfailingly friendly and helpful. And when you need a blast of the present, the bustling streets of London’s shopping and theatre districts are just outside the discreet front door.
Highs
- A real 18th-century ambiance – the rooms have been lovingly restored with antique furniture and art
- Each house is accessed via a separate staircase, adding to the feeling that you're staying in your very own historic London home
- You can order delicious breakfasts delivered to your room every morning
- Hard-to-beat Soho location, with no shortage of restaurants, shops and London attractions on your doorstep
- We loved the deep bathtubs and spoiling REN toiletries, which make bathing a pleasure
Lows
- Not ideal for less agile guests: stairs are steep, some floors slant and only one house has a lift
- Some rooms have limited natural light (but plenty of indoor lighting)
- Rooms facing Frith Street get some noise filtering in from buzzy Soho, though it's muffled by double-glazing
- No twin rooms; and some bathrooms have tub only (no shower)
- Club and Superior Rooms are cosy – we recommend splashing out on a Deluxe Room or a Suite if you'd like extra space
Best time to go
London is great all year round, but at its best and most vibrant in the spring and summer months. The hotel is busy throughout the year, but sometimes less so in summer and late autumn.
Our top tips
This is a fantastic hideaway for a loved-up city break – the antique furnishings are supremely romantic, and the breakfast set-up means you won't even have to leave your room if you don't want to.