HAZLITT'S

Characterful Georgian townhouse in the heart of literary Soho.

WITH THE DRINKING DENS OF SOHO right on your doorstep, Hazlitt’s is the perfect place for foodies, clubbers and night owls. Occupying three handsome Georgian houses in the heart of happening Soho, it simply oozes history.

Once the home of essayist William Hazlitt, Hazlitt’s a big favourite among writers, actors and media types. This cosy and characterful address is a throwback to old Soho, before the advent of wall-to-wall clubs and bars. Fortunately the plumbing has been updated since it was built in 1718  – and most of the candles replaced with electricity – but there are still no lifts, lots of stairs and a wonderful timewarp vibe.

Hazlitt’s is just the place for lazy, loved-up (and literary) liaisons. Tucked away off Soho Square, it’s an oasis of civility and old-fashioned hospitality. And while stout glazing ensures you won’t be disturbed by any late-night carousing, you’re just steps from London’s Theatreland, Chinatown and Soho’s galaxy of nightlife.

Literary names

Bursting with antiques, bedrooms are named after some of the writers who have lived here over the years – among them Jonathan Swift and Henry Fielding. You’ll find wood panelled walls, famously comfortable beds (many of them 18th century four posters), original oil paintings and rugs. 

Windows are dressed in silk drapes, while bathrooms come with free-standing clawfoot baths, gleaming Victorian brass fittings and (in many) shower heads the size of dinner plates. New-age comforts are not overlooked, with wi-fi, flatscreen LCD televisions, a minibar and safe.

Deluxe rooms go one better with period mahogany or carved oak beds, a cosy lounge area, Italian marble bathrooms and a DVD player. And you can always go the whole hog and take the luxurious Baron Willoughby suite, whose sitting room – complete with sound system – still has the original wood shutters. A room to avoid? Perhaps the basement-level Thomas Archer.

There’s a small lounge – though no bar or restaurant – where you can leaf through signed copies of books left by Hazlitt’s visiting authors. And there’s every excuse for a lie-in with breakfast brought to your bedroom door.

Hazlitt’s is shamelessly quirky. Don’t come here for cocktail bars and bling or the kind of slick-and-samey conformity you’ll find in the big West End chain hotels. Less-than-straight floors and intimate, home-from-home charm are all part of its appeal. Attentive, can-do staff will ensure you get the max from your stay.


Hazlitt's was reviewed by Room For Romance

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
There’s no dining room – but practically every restaurant in Soho is on your doorstep.

Breakfast
Continental (including fresh baked croissants) is served in-room until 10:30am.

Room service
Available 24 hours.



See & Do
What’s not to see around here? Get a tube map and head off for the British Museum in Bloomsbury, the London Eye (big wheel) on the south bank of the Thames or the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. Explore the streets of Soho and Fitzrovia (north of Tottenham Court Road) or immerse yourselves in the palatial decor of Apsley House, at Hyde Park Corner. 

Spa
Book a pampering at The Sanctuary (sorry – no men) in Covent Garden.

Diary Dates
June – September
See the work of up-and-coming artists at the  Summer Exhibition (Royal Academy) or the BP Portrait Awards (National Portrait Gallery).

July – September
Wave a union jack at one of the Proms classical music concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. 

December
Go ice skating at the open-air rink by Somerset House in the Strand – complete with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

GETTING THERE

Location
Frith Street, London W1D3JA

Parking
On street parking is available nearby at GBP 2 per hour – though you won’t need a car here.

Trains
Mainline: Euston station – one mile.
Underground: Tottenham Court Road (Northern, Central lines) – three minutes; Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly line).

Taxis
GBP 50-60 from Heathrow Airport.

Airport
London Heathrow – 15 miles

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 210-623, excluding VAT and breakfast.

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
Welcome. Under 12s stay free in their parent’s room.

Pets
Guide dogs only

Air conditioning
Yes

Wedding license?
No