Charlotte Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

Yuka deserves a special thank you. We loved every moment at the Charlotte Street Hotel. The room was amazing, and the atmosphere made for exactly the relaxing, elegant, memorable stay we wanted. The whole team was exceptional.

The welcome was excellent from the start, with two doormen greeting us and showing us in. I met up with a school friend visiting from out of town, someone I hadn't seen in a very long time, and we wanted a relaxed meal in a hotel restaurant. Charlotte Street Hotel was just right for that. A friendly male staff member served us promptly and told us about the live music. We were listening to a brilliant jazz singer, though I wish I could remember her name. The staff stayed friendly and relaxed throughout our long catch-up, which helped us feel at ease. I've eaten here five or six times over roughly a decade, but this visit felt especially lovely. It was my friend's first time, and she liked the restaurant's atmosphere and interior design. We had a classic meat dish for lunch, while a few nearby diners were enjoying what looked like delicious Afternoon Tea. All three tables had smiling guests, and I made a note to try the tea next time 🍵🍰. Before leaving, we spoke with some of the long-serving staff. My friend heard about other hotels in the Firmdale Group in London and New York, which could come in handy for future school reunions.

The food was really tasty, the menu had lots of options, and portions were generous. We loved our stay and look forward to coming back to Charlotte Street, despite what I started calling Honesty-Bar-Gate. The reason for four stars is the bar bill. The honesty bar had a good selection, but the way drinks were measured made the charges odd. We each had two large gins, four measures altogether, but were charged for five. When we questioned it, we were told the hotel's jigger, or thimble measure, was larger than a normal measure, which explained the extra cost. Keep that in mind. It's ironic given it's an honesty bar. Mmmmm. The hotel is beautifully styled and decorated to a very high standard. Our room felt luxurious, and the bed was enormous, at least eight feet wide. Staff were attentive and clearly trained to provide top-notch service.

The staff were the nicest and made the whole visit feel warm and welcoming. This charming hotel is in a perfect spot on a beautiful London street. I think I've found my go-to place whenever I'm in London ✨