Stepping into Holmes Hotel is like stepping into a Sherlock Holmes novel. This five-story London hotel pays homage to the famed detective with a unique twist: a riddle on each floor, designed to challenge your deductive skills. Each riddle, adorned with intriguing names like “The Library of the Poisoned Drink Mystery,” is accompanied by artwork that provides both clues and red herrings. The hotel encourages you to solve these puzzles and, for the extra curious, the friendly house manager, Bogdan, is happy to provide the answers.
A Sherlockian Escape in the Heart of London
Holmes Hotel, a beautiful blend of four townhouses, is located on both Chiltern Street and Baker Street, perfectly capturing the essence of London’s vibrant energy. The hotel’s stylish, boutique-inspired decor blends modern comfort with playful touches like a welcoming bulldog statue (the hotel is dog-friendly!) and vintage typewriters with messages like “Let’s be adventurers.”
The hotel’s downstairs lounge, bar, and restaurant areas buzz with activity, making it feel lively yet relaxed. Whether you’re meeting for coffee or working on your laptop, the atmosphere is welcoming and inviting.
The Loft: An Opulent Retreat with a Touch of Quirky
The Loft, also known as room 102, is a highlight of the hotel. This spacious, double-height room boasts a mezzanine floor and a panoramic window. The ground floor offers a cozy haven with a sofa, dining table, WC, minibar fridge, and a fantastic vintage record player filled with classic LPs from iconic artists like The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Amy Winehouse.
Upstairs, a king-sized bed and an opulent bathroom with a large bathtub, separate shower, toilet, and bidet await. The Loft’s unique quirks add to its charm: a TV in the bathroom and a non-steam mirror with the message “I see you crystal clear.”
Exploring Holmes Hotel: A Journey Through Sherlockian Delights
Bogdan, the hotel manager, conducted a tour of the various room options. The Chiltern Townhouse Suite and Studio Suite feature artwork over the beds, with a Sherlock or Edwardian theme. Expect to see crossed pipes, pocket watches, and bowler hats, evoking a touch of the iconic detective’s era.
The hotel’s small outdoor terrace overlooking a mews street is perfect for al fresco film showings. Downstairs, the basement gym combines modern equipment with a retro aesthetic.
Behind door 221B, a playful nod to Sherlock’s address, you’ll find an event space with a pool table, tasting room, and private dining area. The Baker Street side of the hotel features the restaurant and bar, which boasts a delightful outdoor terrace that catches the afternoon sun.
A Neighborhood Rich in History and Charm
Holmes Hotel is situated a mere stone’s throw from Baker Street tube station, making exploring London effortless. Baker Street itself is a vibrant and bustling street, with an array of shops and restaurants. Across the road from the hotel lies a Franco Manca pizza restaurant, perfect for a casual meal.
Marylebone High Street, just a short walk away, offers a diverse selection of shops. From saxophones and handmade shoes to bespoke shirts, perfume, and real estate, this neighborhood is a shopper’s paradise.
Dining Delights and Cocktail Disappointments
Kitchen at Holmes, the hotel’s restaurant, boasts seasonal dishes with Mediterranean influences. However, we opted for a delicious dinner at the nearby Franco Manca, highly recommended for its excellent pizzas, hearty red wine, and friendly service.
Purl, a cocktail bar on the corner, promised an unforgettable experience. However, we found it sadly understaffed and lacking in atmosphere, leaving us disappointed after just one drink.
A Delicious Start to the Day
Breakfast at Kitchen at Holmes was a delight. The bright and lively restaurant offers an array of options, including cakes, croissants, a full English breakfast, eggs prepared to your liking, and “Pots and Sweets” (pancakes, porridge, cereal, and fruit salad).
I savored a delicious Holmes granola with natural yogurt and blueberry compote, followed by Eggs Florentine. My partner enjoyed smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. The service was prompt and the food, accompanied by excellent coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice, made for an excellent start to the day.
Now, all that was left was to solve the remaining riddles. The Barber Shop Mystery still awaited its solution.
Room prices range from £275 to £970, with discounts for Radisson Reward Card holders.
Holmes Hotel offers a unique and memorable stay. With its captivating riddles, stylish decor, and convenient location, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking a touch of mystery and luxury in the heart of London.
