The Beaufort

Enrance
The Beaufort can be reached at the very back of a wide cul-de-sac bordered by identical Victorian mansions. Ancient plane trees add interest and the white-pillared porches of the houses advance towards the road, inviting the visitor to enter. The porch of The Beaufort, to the right of the cul-de-sac and recognisable by its two pointed bay trees, takes you through a glass-lined corridor into the lounge cum reception area.

This vibrant, busy lounge is the hub of the hotel. At the rear of the room, the reception desk stands alongside the corner bar area. Designer lamps sit either side of the large bay window diffusing a gentle light onto the contemporary lines, low dark wood table and brown suede sofas of the lounge. Large white tiles cover the floor, embossed beige wallpaper lines the walls and piano music fills the air.

There is another lounge in the basement of the building. There are no windows but it is nicely lit, pleasantly decorated and contains a computer with Internet access, a guest-only bar and all the peace and quiet you need for a relaxed read. This is where afternoon tea is served and breakfast is also available in this lounge.

The rooms
One of the charms of an old building is that all the rooms are different. However, their layout may be different, the floor coverings may be different (mainly carpet but parquet flooring in some) and the dominant colours may be different (beige background with blue or brown highlights), yet they all exude the same atmosphere.

The geometrical lines of the wood furniture combine with thick carpets and curtains, piles of cushions, softly-patterned wallpaper and satin bedspreads in the dominant colour, to give a sober, luscious, light feel to the room.

The rooms are bright, quiet and not overlooked. Flowers, bottles of water and fruit await the guests whilst the hustle and bustle of London is little more than a distant memory as the wind rustles through the trees in the alleyway. The bathrooms are elegant and functional with sand-colours tiles.

The rooms are equipped with the latest technology – flat screens, DVD players and WiFi connection – but there is no mini-bar, which is no great inconvenience as bottled water is provided and drinks are available in the bar on the ground floor.

Room types
The hotel offers four types of room: single, double, deluxe and junior suite, the essential difference being the size, the bath products and whether or not there is a sitting area.

The junior suites are large and have a bed-settee so are ideal for families. A deluxe room has a small terrace where breakfast can be taken when the weather is fine. With the exception of four rooms on the lower-ground floor, the outlook it either the trees in the cul-de-sac or the rear courtyard of the neighbouring houses.

Facilities & services
The Beaufort has neither steam room nor gym but is essentially a hotel for indulging in more culinary pursuits. Guests can select a drink from a well-stocked bar, enjoy home-made scones with their complimentary afternoon tea or even order a meal in from a local restaurant via room service. If you can’t do without your morning jog, Hyde Park is right on your doorstep.

Breakfast
Breakfast is served in your room. The choice is limited to ensure the best of quality (the croissants are among the best in London). Breakfast can also be eaten in the lounge or taken with you if you have a particularly early departure.