Charlotte Street Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?The sage-green exterior and candy-stripe awnings are as welcoming as a hug. And things continue in the same vein inside with the smiling service and owner Kit Kemp’s signature chirpy clashing prints. This property was themed on the area's infamous Bloomsbury Group—ook out for paintings by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in the drawing room and library. You’re on the edge of Soho and walking distance from all the best theaters and shops of Covent Garden. What’s the crowd like?If people come here on business, they don’t like to look like they’re on business. The irreverent air and screening room in the basement mean that press junkets are often held here and the stars sleep over—Daniel Craig is among past guests. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The 52 rooms are all different, with bright oversized headboards, mismatched wallpaper, and perfectly clashing curtains. The smallest are petite but have just enough room for a desk. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are smothered in monochrome granite and all have tubs. Rik Rak toiletries have fresh gardenia or lavender notes. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The walls of Oscar restaurant are covered in a pleasingly chaotic mural with a bright Bloomsbury color palate. The partridge with Swiss chard and girolles ($32) is equally cheering. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Charlotte Street is super stylish, brilliantly central, and, bafflingly, more affordable than other Firmdale properties" - Laura Goulden
