A five-star lodge set inside a former magistrates’ court docket seems like one in all London’s extra distinctive stays. However does the Courthouse Lodge Soho stay as much as expectations? I checked in to search out out what it is actually like
Former magistrates court docket now was a five-star lodge (Picture: SOHO Courthouse lodge)
London is dwelling to no scarcity of luxurious motels, however few include a backstory fairly like one within the coronary heart of Soho.
I just lately stayed on the Courthouse Lodge Soho — a five-star lodge set inside a former magistrates’ court docket — to see whether or not its historic setting lives as much as fashionable expectations.
Simply moments from Carnaby Road, the Courthouse Lodge Soho gives one of many extra uncommon stays in central London.
Housed inside a former magistrates’ court docket, the Grade II-listed constructing blends historical past with fashionable hospitality, promising a five-star expertise within the coronary heart of Soho. From the skin, the constructing retains a lot of its unique character, whereas inside, visitors are greeted by a spacious, up to date foyer that also nods to its previous.
On arrival, the primary impression is one in all distinction. The foyer feels open and fashionable, but there’s an underlying sense of historical past within the structure, giving the lodge a particular ambiance that units it other than extra standard London stays.
As a result of I arrived simply earlier than the usual check-in time, the area felt noticeably quiet and slightly slower-paced.
At first, I wasn’t fully positive who to strategy, because it appeared the employees was anticipating visitors at a extra typical arrival window.
Nonetheless, as soon as greeted, the expertise rapidly improved. Employees have been attentive and even supplied a short historical past of the constructing, alongside a brief tour of the lodge.
It nearly felt like getting into a movie set — there was a barely eerie edge to the ambiance, but in addition a way of pleasure rooted within the constructing’s previous, making it a memorable place to remain and a straightforward story to inform afterwards.
Location is undoubtedly one of many lodge’s strongest property. Positioned in the course of Soho, it locations visitors inside strolling distance of a few of London’s most vibrant streets, together with Carnaby Road and Oxford Road, in addition to an infinite selection of eating places, bars and theatres. For a weekend staycation, it’s exhausting to beat.
The Courthouse gives an genuine really feel of the previous magistrates court docket sustaining its previous cells (Picture: SOHO Courthouse lodge)
The room itself was snug, although barely totally different from what could be anticipated of a five-star lodge.
Whereas spacious sufficient for a brief keep — and huge sufficient to accommodate multiple visitor comfortably — the general really feel was slightly extra enclosed, with darker tones all through making a subdued ambiance.
That mentioned, the mattress was a standout, providing a comfy and enjoyable area to unwind on the finish of the day.
Some components of the room, nevertheless, felt barely dated. The in-room facilities and know-how didn’t really feel as up-to-date as anticipated at this stage, which took away barely from the general expertise.
Compared to the remainder of the lodge, the room didn’t fairly have the identical ‘wow’ issue. Whereas it was snug, sure options proved much less seamless — significantly the tv, which relied on an older Sky satellite tv for pc system. The distant was troublesome to navigate, making one thing so simple as altering channels really feel unnecessarily effortful.
Contained in the Courthouse Lodge Soho’s fashionable visitor rooms, the place up to date consolation meets historic appeal within the coronary heart of central London. (Picture: SOHO Courthouse lodge)
It was a small frustration, however noticeable — particularly when the mattress itself was so snug, and all that was wanted was a extra easy solution to loosen up. The kettle, too, felt under the usual you may count on from a lodge of this class.
Past the rooms, the lodge gives a variety of services, together with a rooftop bar and spa, including to its attraction as greater than only a place to sleep, however a vacation spot in itself.
What in the end makes the lodge stand out is its historical past. Staying in a constructing that after served as a magistrates’ court docket provides a singular layer to the expertise, giving it a personality that many fashionable motels lack.
Total, the keep was gratifying — even when it didn’t constantly really feel five-star all through. Whereas sure points may gain advantage from a refresh, the lodge’s location and distinctive setting make it a powerful selection for these searching for a central London stick with a distinction.
For travellers looking for a vigorous weekend in Soho with all the pieces on their doorstep, the Courthouse Lodge Soho gives a handy and characterful base — even when it doesn’t absolutely ship on each luxurious expectation.
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