The Soho Hotel

"London’s Soho Hotel is impossibly glamorous, a luxury boutique that is at once classic and original." - Mark Fedeli

"The vibe: Creatives ahoy Location: Soho Top amenties: Basement screening room Best for:  A taste of London's cultural scene Designer Kit Kemp has taken her Firmdale Hotels brand from one London property in 1985 to a boutique empire reaching as far as New York and Barbados. Of her eight London hotels, this is the classic: right in the middle of energetic Soho, but a quiet haven wedged down a peaceful alleyway (making it one of the most intriguing hotel entrances in London). Perhaps the most urban of Kemp’s London properties, all 96 rooms pair floor-to-ceiling, warehouse-style windows with her quirky, print-heavy designs (beds and linens are made bespoke for the property). As befits its location, this is London’s ultimate hotel for creatives, with the Refuel bar and restaurant—which specializes in modern British cooking—acting as a place for deals over lunch, afternoon tea before fashion events, and post-screening drinks. In fact, the hotel even has its own screening room, in the basement, and it isn’t just for private hire—weekend “Film Club” events pair lunch with a movie." - Julia Buckley

"Part of the prestigious Firmdale group, The Soho Hotel is situated on a quiet street in what is an otherwise bustling neighborhood. Each of the 96 surprisingly spacious rooms have been individually decorated—unheard of for a hotel of this magnitude—but all share a decidedly English mix-and-match aesthetic (florals and stripes here, ikats and plaids there). In the lobby, the eclectic vibe translates to a giant Bottero cat, more print-on-print action, and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows. Stop by The Refuel Bar for an evening cocktail or afternoon tea service. "

"Part of the prestigious Firmdale group, The Soho Hotel is situated on a quiet street in what is an otherwise bustling neighborhood. Each of the 96 surprisingly spacious rooms have been individually decorated—unheard of for a hotel of this magnitude—but all share a decidedly English mix-and-match aesthetic (florals and stripes here, ikats and plaids there). In the lobby, the eclectic vibe translates to a giant Bottero cat, more print-on-print action, and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows. Stop by The Refuel Bar for an evening cocktail or afternoon tea service. "

"How did it strike you on arrival?This has to be one of the most intriguing hotel entrances in London. Set in a bend of tiny Richmond Mews, there’s nothing calling you in—you have to actively want to find it. Nice. What’s the crowd like?It’s the ultimate media hotel, befitting to Soho—pick a glamorous trade. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.This is perhaps the most urban of designer Kit Kemp’s six London hotels for her Firmdale brand. All 96 rooms pair floor-to-ceiling, warehouse-style windows with her quirky, print-heavy designs, but though patterns clash, the colors are more muted here than at her other, girlier properties. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Beds and linen are made bespoke for the hotel. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Media luvvies go for the $132 half-bottle of Krug in the minibar, but those on tighter budgets will love the welcome gift—anything from a box of chocolates to Rik Rak (Kemp’s own line) toiletries. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Strong showers, Rik Rak products and most importantly, TVs in the bath. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free Wi-Fi. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The restaurant uses British—and local, where possible—ingredients, while the bar has its own “gin trolley,” which is exactly what it sounds like. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The basement screening room, which isn’t just for media guests—weekends see “Film Club” events, where a slap-up lunch is followed by a movie. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This isn’t just 'in' Soho; it’s an integral part of Soho." - Julia Buckley