There are certain things you should always count on from a Firmdale hotel: great city location, that classy Kit Kemp decoration and a light relaxed feel. The Charlotte Street has all this in droves.
It is an idyllic city retreat, yet being only a minute’s walk from Soho Square the bohemian in you will love it. Vibrant bars, restaurants and cafes abound and London's world famous theatre district is just around the corner. Having mentioned this, however, do try the hotel's own Oscar’s bar and restaurant. Not only is the food great but the layout of the eatery, with its big doors looking out onto the street below is great to watch the world go by.
As for the design theme, Kit Kemp has used a 'Bloomsbury Group' motif throughout the hotel which features original art from the period and a mural in the brasserie reflecting scenes of 'contemporary London life'.
The drawing rooms are in the spirit of Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell who were influenced by Matisse and the more colourful French painters. It even has its own cinema – a 67 seater showing an eclectic mix of classic films on Sunday nights. We're not talking shopping centre multiplexes here but massively comfortable seats made from leather. Small surprise that both guests and locals make the most of it and it again goes to show the quirky nature of all Firmdale hotels.
Every room, without exception, is lovely, ample and individually designed in a contemporary English style. Of course, they all come equipped with those modern luxuries such as high speed wireless and LCD Tvs but there are lots of little extra offerings, such as luxury bedding, scented relaxation oil and bottled water by the bed at night. These are all small touches and details that highlight another of the Charlotte Street Hotel's plus points. An extremely attentive and helpful staff, who as a satisfied guest happily stated “Go that extra mile to make sure we have everything we need”.
As mentioned, the Charlotte Street Hotel is a true city retreat. Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of central London, yet a peaceful and classy base from which to make the most of this great city's many attractions, quite a few of which are literally just around the corner.