The Portobello Hotel

There was a time, not so very long ago, when modern minimalism in boutique hotels was all the rage, and the Portobello Hotel was looking doubly out of step — London’s original rock & roll hotel was showing its age, and its eclectic, bohemian style looked like something of a relic. Things change, of course, and today, not only is the Portobello’s brand of highly textured romance very much back in fashion, but the hotel itself has seen a pretty impressive restoration, and you can well imagine it’ll be adding to its long list of slightly risqué tales.

Not in the single rooms, perhaps — these are just what they sound like, a fine and affordable option for a singleton in West London. But everything from Good through Better to Great and (needless to say) Exceptional is the stuff romance is made of: not just attractive and more than comfortable enough, but with plenty of personality as well.

When it comes to services and facilities it becomes clear that the Portobello is more a fashionable bolthole than a full-service tourist experience. Breakfast service followed by small bites and wine and beer throughout the day is about the size of it — for anything else you’ll have to get out and get to know London. It’ll be all right.

Please note: The Portobello Hotel is a small property with only 21 rooms. Book early as rooms sell out quick.