Hazlitt's

The Scene

Soho is known for a checkered past. Now a lively entertainment district of all sorts of repute, Soho’s location makes Hazlitt’s a worthy home base for exploring London’s perhaps most interesting neighborhood. Since you don’t have a restaurant in-house at the hotel, you’ll be pleased to know this area is home to a plethora of fine dining and hole-in-the-wall treasures, especially when it comes to eating diversely---Chinatown and loads of immigrant-run shops and restaurants call Soho home. Bars and other entertainment, nightlife, and of course shopping abound here where you’ll find an amusing juxtaposition of low-key and highbrow.

The Concept

The buildings now known as Hazlitt’s are much like Soho: they haven’t always been the most desirable of destinations (its eponymous namesake died here in 1830 in poverty), but now the area is the place to be. The artsy types who frequent Soho are also known to check in at Hazlitt’s; authors traditionally leave a signed copy of their work behind as a nod to Hazlitt, a master of prose often mentioned in the same breath as Orwell but sadly much less famous. Hazlitt’s has been seemingly locked in a beautiful mix of Georgian style and its current-day social status as a luxe and in-demand location. It’s chock full of authentic pieces and design---the floors creak with gorgeous age---but look closer and you’ll find modern touches that don’t disrupt the ambience unless you allow them to (picture a flatscreen hidden behind a piece on the wall).

The Look

Rarely have we seen a dedication like this to period design carried out so well. Not only are original features prized and featured, but the décor is nearly a spitting image of a decorator’s handbook from the era. Deep, rich colors are used with dark wood (especially for the beds which are either four-posters or 17^th century carved oak). Sumptuous fabrics are utilized generously throughout the rooms and common areas and punctuated by oil paintings and busts and fantastically gilded mirrors. All this paired with warm lighting imbues the space with a stately, comfortable feel. Suites inspired by other famous tenants kick it up a notch with a private terrace and rooftop garden (Duke of Monmouth) or a late Victorian bathing machine in the bathroom (Baron Willoughby) in addition to the expected greater amount of space and larger bathrooms.

In Short

Hazlitt’s provides a rare glimpse into the past that’s luxurious by today’s standards and the standards of yore. Blending modern convenience with period grandeur is rarely done with such grace and is a true gem for anyone yearning for a luxe stay outside the norm.