The Hazlitt’s

Entrance
At the top of Frith Street, near Soho Square, Hazlitt’s façade of plain brick does not spell out hotel. But having spotted the small plants on either side of the step and the brass plaque, the eye is then drawn to the yellow door and window frames which set this building apart.

After first ringing the doorbell as if it was a private house, you step into the entrance hall which gives way to a reception area on the left of the entrance. Behind reception is a small sitting room furnished with fireplace, settee and bookcases and the feeling of having escaped from the outside world.

From the entrance hall, rise carpeted stairs, steep with age.

Rooms
Each room is named after a famous painter, philosopher or politician and each has its own individual character. The size of the rooms is governed by their original design but they all have fireplaces, subdued lighting, antiques and paintings to match the style of the room.

Canopied beds, simple or ornate carved headboards -  each bed is an antique treasure that give the rooms their character. Silky duvets match the plump white pillows. An extra cushion matches the velvet counterpane while the accent colour helps create the room’s character.  Each one, matt and welcoming from verdigris through yellow ochre to aubergine, has been carefully researched to give exactly the right note.

Numerous details add a touch of luxury or mild exuberance: crystal chandeliers, velvet-covered settees, thick silk curtains, heavily ornate mirror frames and bookcases. There is often a small hallway before the bedroom proper and all door knobs are of the period. This is also true of the panelled walls and ceilings, while under the carpets the floorboards still creak slightly.  It is these details that give the hotel its seemingly natural, slightly imperfect, but homely, finish.

Bathrooms too are original with their black and white lino squares and their old-fashioned claw-footed baths surrounded by Italian marble tiles.

Modern technology is available throughout the hotel: flat screen TVs, WiFi, air conditioning and DVD players. Round-the-clock room service ensures that night owls do not go hungry.

Room types
The hotel offers three types of room: single, double and deluxe, each according to size with the deluxe also having a small sitting area. On the whole rooms either overlook the street or a small courtyard.

There is also a suite, the Baron Willoughby’s, on the ground floor with a sitting room overlooking the street and the bedroom overlooking the courtyard. Opposite a leather sofa and above a fireplace hangs an impressive study of a young boy and his dog.

Breakfast
Only served in the room and chosen the night before. Continental breakfast with a choice of either pastries or yogurt, muesli and banana. Freshly squeezed orange juice and tea or coffee. Breakfast might not seem large but only the best and freshest ingredients are used.