If you’re looking for a laid-back, classic and characterful hotel in the heart of the capital, then look no further than the boutique Roseate House London, just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park. Nick Gibbens checked in to find out more.
Hotel
The Victorian luxury boutique hotel excels on its ability to provide a tranquil setting in a bustling city, with its peaceful location on the tree-lined Westbourne Terrace set away from the main road. What is so appealing too is the central location in which the hotel sits, despite its almost country quiet vibe, all the delightful spots that only London possesses are within easy reach. In five minutes, Hyde park can be reached on foot, while Paddington Station is just as easily found in the other direction – ideal for those visiting from the West Country, Oxford, Cardiff and more.
Oxford Street, Bond Street and Mayfair can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes if walking, but of course Paddington and its underground network will have you there much sooner. Kensington Gardens is a draw for those looking to immerse themselves in some of London’s finest natural surroundings and offers a pleasant and peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Unlike many other hotels in London, Roseate House opted to keep the charm of the Victorian architecture and has maintained (and restored) original features so that it’s in keeping with the age of the building. Erected in 1842 the three Grade II listed townhouses in which the four-star hotel resides hold 48 luxurious room and suites, The Hyde Restaurant and Bar, a garden terrace and a private dining service. I was headed there to immerse myself in this tranquil retreat at the end of a busy working week.
Suite
After my temperature was taken and my luggage had been sprayed – some of the Covid measures that have been put in place by the hotel – I headed to the first floor to check out my suite.
Each of the rooms and suites hold classic Victorian furniture and artefacts as well as original oil paintings from the same era, handpicked by antiques expert and Antiques Roadshow presenter, Jonty Hearnden. I was lucky enough to stay in a Garden Suite, one of the most luxurious rooms in the hotel, and I loved how the classic décor wasn’t spoiled by the ever-useful modern amenities, which included flat screen TV and iPod dock.
An elegant and prettily dressed four poster bed made for a lovely centrepiece, while floor to ceiling doors and windows allowed plenty of natural light to filter in and brighten up the dark furniture and blue walls. A spacious balcony – very much coveted in a central London Hotel – offered up some perfect opportunities to soak up the late September sun with a homemade coffee from the provided espresso machine in hand.
Food and drink
The Hyde Restaurant and Bar is the place to head to when you fancy sipping on a carefully crafted cocktail or to indulge in some European cuisine. I was a little disappointed to learn that the a la carte menu wasn’t being served as I had heard great things, but I soon shook that off – the hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit this year and it was clear to see that visitor numbers to the hotel were not what they should have been under normal circumstances.
So, the all-day dining menu it was, but before that I was headed to the smartly decorated bar to sample a deliciously refreshing gin-based cocktail that the friendly barman insisted I try. Leafing through the bar menus – one for cocktails and one for wine – I was impressed with the selection available and looked forward to sampling a selection throughout my stay.
Once settled within the truffled-toned décor of the cosy restaurant room I delighted in my dinner. To start I sampled the simple mushroom velouté with truffle oil, this had rich and earthy flavours which came through well, but I could have done with some bread here to add a little texture and soak up the flavoursome liquid.
For my main course I enjoyed a sirloin steak with triple cooked chips, green peppercorn sauce and a Caesar salad. I had asked for the steak to be cooked medium rare and it was perfection; beautifully prepared, showcasing the true quality of the meat with its melt in the mouth texture. The chips were a delight too; crispy on the outside and so fluffy in the middle, some of the best chips I have ever tasted for sure.
I took a quick peek at the dessert menu but I already knew I was too full from the delicious previous courses, though if I had room I would have gone for the dark chocolate fondant with cherry ice cream and caramel sauce or the British cheese board.
Breakfast is served in the same spot, which delights with its dark wood floor, sumptuous velvet chairs and calmly toned décor. The Eggs Royale were a delight (the overcooked poached eggs the day before not so much) and the selection of teas, coffees, milks, juices and morning spirits were impressive. Bakery goods, cereals, yogurts, purees, fruits, platters (cheese, fruit, meat, fish), full English, omelettes, waffles and more are ready and waiting to fill you up for a busy day ahead.
There’s also an afternoon tea menu, along with a vegan version, which can be enjoyed here, and I imagine indulging on this on the terrace in summer months is just as delightful as cosying up by the fire in winter.
Work from Roseate
Roseate House London along with sister hotel, The Roseate Reading have recently launched a ‘Work from Roseate’ offer, giving those looking to escape the demands of the household to work in peace. Providing a private room for the day to concentrate, uninterrupted, and get some hard work in, the offer includes a delicious lunch from the hotel’s restaurant to be enjoyed at the eatery or in room, tea, coffee and water, an en-suite, conference speed internet suitable for video calls and streaming services and a cocktail at the end of the day in the bar to wind down. The offer starts at £85 in this hotel and £75 in Reading, find out more here.
Getting there
Being such a short distance to Paddington Station was perfect for me after travelling via train from the West Country. The London terminus of Great Western Railway, Paddington is also the ideal spot to hop on various underground lines and offers easy access to Heathrow too.
There’s only one way to travel to the capital for me and that’s via train – First Class to be exact. Great Western Railway provides an upmarket first class section with comfortable, spacious and reclining seating and a quiet space. If I had any doubt about travelling via train with Covid very apparent and face mask requirements in place, that soon dissipated. As ever, the helpful staff made sure everyone felt safe and were friendly, calm and polite with direction, including within the regular tannoy announcements. Passengers are asked to sit at a window seat to ensure they’re well-spaced out but the journey I took was by no means busy so this wasn’t an issue here.
In a nutshell
An intimate, home from home experience provided by this boutique hotel was just what I required during a busy trip to the capital. Its peaceful, almost country vibe, which is so very different from most urban and modern hotels in London was made all the better by lovely, cheerful staff, who were always eager to help with any requirements. If it’s history, character and a quiet spot you look for in a city hotel then Roseate House London is the one for you.
Factbox
Address: 3 Westbourne Terrace, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park, London W2 3UL
Tel: 44 (0)20 7479 6600
Email: info.rhl@roseatehotels.com
Website: roseatehotels.com/london/roseatehouse/
All images used in this article, unless stated otherwise, credit: Roseate House London
