London has its fair share of design-led stays, but none that quite land like Charlotte Street Hotel. Part of Firmdale Hotels, its inspiring Kit Kemp interiors create a haven for creatives.
In the heart of Fitzrovia, on buzzy Charlotte Street and adjacent to Bloomsbury, this is a neighbourhood that’s long been home to artists, writers and intellectuals, many of whom helped shape London’s literary and artistic identity in the early 20th century. Today, the hotel – formally a dental warehouse – honours its creative history, taking inspiration from The Bloomsbury Group across its design-punctuated interiors. Think bold colour, an abundance of prints, and original artworks by Vanessa Bell (Virginia Woolf’s sister), Roger Fry and Duncan Grant – all mixed with homely touches that’ll have you reconsidering how to inject the same joyful character into your own home.
Charlotte Street Hotel may not be the capital’s flashy newcomer, but it really gets it right. Set among some of the city’s coolest eateries, within easy-reach of Soho, and with its own cinema that far surpasses any mainstream movie house, it’s arguably one of the cosiest and best-situated stays in central London.
The Vibe
Striking the balance between prime positioning and boutique charm, this hotel really feels like somewhere to call home after a busy day exploring. There’s a warmth throughout, from the friendly staff to the cocooning feel of the eclectic interiors – without ever feeling stuffy. The buzz of people stopping in for an after-work cocktail, families returning after a day of sightseeing, or couples settling in for dinner makes the central bar and restaurant the perfect spot for people-watching.
This constant ebb and flow gives the ground floor a buzz, especially in the warmer months where the bar spills out onto Charlotte Street. Just behind all that, you’ll find sanctuary in the library and drawing room, a space for resident guests to cocoon and help themselves to the honesty bar – or sink into a delightfully printed sofa to admire the art-lined walls.
The Rooms
Each of the 52 rooms and suites at Charlotte Street Hotel has its own unique personality, layered with colour, pattern and thoughtful detail throughout. True to Kit Kemp’s signature style, no two spaces feel the same – perfect for returning guests who want to feel like they’re experiencing something a little bit different each time, but still with the comfort of familiarity. Rightly so, the hero of each bedroom is the bed, framed by striking (and, in some cases, magnificently oversized) headboards that both anchor the space and beckon you to slumber. Upholstered in bold fabrics or intricate prints, they set the tone for each room, while curated artwork and tactile finishes create a space that feels both characterful and homely. The split-level apartment style suites are the ones to bookmark for longer stays, with a cosy lounge downstairs and mezzanine bedroom on the top floor, as well as your own personal library bursting with a variety of well-thumbed hardbacks. Bathrooms are calm and restorative, offering a counterpoint to the bold pattern and colour of the bedrooms. Expect marble finishes, deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers, with flat-screen TVs in select en-suites for those who like to linger in the bath.
The Food + Drink
The Little Extras
Named after the English painter and decorative artist long associated with The Bloomsbury Group, the newly designed Dora Carrington Room is the perfect spot for celebrating in a cosy setting. Set on the ground floor with full-length windows and doors opening onto Charlotte Street, it’s ideal for intimate private dining or drinks receptions, with hand-painted murals and embroidered walls that are guaranteed to impress your guests. The pop of colour from the azure-blue glass chandelier adds an extra level of wow factor to a room that already has it in spades.
The To-Do List
Spend an hour or two exploring the Firmdale art collection on a private, guided tour led by Willow Kemp, daughter of founder and creative director, Kit Kemp. The walk offers an intimate look at the stories behind each piece, such as works from The Bloomsbury Group at Charlotte Street Hotel, alongside commissioned and collected works from emerging artists. Along the way, Willow shares insights into collecting, curating and displaying art, with the option to extend the experience to nearby galleries before finishing with lunch or afternoon tea at one of the Firmdale restaurants.
The Firmdale Film Club offers a curated programme of screenings, from recent releases to award-winning cinema, shown in Charlotte Street’s intimate private cinema with its zingy-orange leather clad armchairs. Designed for both film lovers and casual viewers alike, it’s a “club” in name only – unpretentious and open to all. Every ticket includes popcorn, with the option to make an evening of it by dining in one of the hotels’ restaurants before or after the screening.
A must for bibliophiles, Charlotte Street hosts their Book Salon events, a series of intimate talks with literary figures that feature lively discussions and book signings in either the hotel’s Drawing Room or Screening Room. Recent authors have included Elizabeth Day, Bella Mackie, Sathnam Sanghera, Curtis Sittenfeld and Jessie Burton discussing their latest work and then followed by an audience Q&A & book signings. The next event will be with Kathy Lette in June.
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