Experience the heart of London at the Soho Hotel

If you’ve got 24 hours to spend in the capital, this is where it’s at

(Image credit: Simon Brown)

If you’ve got 24 hours to spend in the capital, this is where it’s at

Why go?

Because there’s no place better to experience all London has to offer than in the heart of it, Soho. The aptly named named Soho Hotel is the perfect embodiment of the area’s quirky yet refined vibe.

The location

While we love to explore London’s less touristy areas, if you’ve only got 24 hours in the capital, Soho is where the entertainment is at. From the best department stores and independent shops to the most vibrant bars and restaurants, there’s always something to see and do in the area.

The room We stayed in the one bedroom Soho suite, but to be honest, you won’t be disappointed with any of the 91 rooms, as they’re all individually decorated in an exquisite eclectic style by design director and owner Kitty Kemp.

The lounge area mixed Aztec prints with more traditional patterns, in shades of deeps blues, reds and terracotta, creating a cosy and charming feel. While the massive King size bed won our vote, the main attraction was no doube the marble bathroom with a standalone bath, TV and walk-in shower bigger than our flat. Bliss.

The food The hotel’s in-house bar and restaurant, Refuel, boasts an extensive menu offering anything from Dorset crab linguine and buttermilk and brioche chicken schnitzel to superfood salad and Asian broth. Though we didn’t eat there this time, we can vouch for their High Breakfast, a cross between afternoon tea and brunch.

(Image credit: SimonBrown)

The vibe

The hotel is very much a chic take on bohemian style, without the pretentious factor. Walking its corridors, you’ll find anyone from film directors to business people and in-the-know tourists on a city break. You might even spot the odd celebrity.

The spa

If you fancy a bit of pampering, there are plenty of treatments to choose from at Soholistic, from facials to manicures and body scrubs, all using devine Temple Spa products. If exercising is more up your street, there is a swanky gym too.

Don’t miss

If you can drag yourself away from the shops, do chill out in the guest areas. We love the cosy library and drawing rooms, and there’s even a private cinema room you can hire, if you’re feeling lavish.

While you’re there…

It would be rude to stay in central London and NOT go shopping, especially as Oxford Street is just a stone’s throw away. As well as the usual high street stores, a visit to Liberty and Selfridges is a must. To round off the day, why not catch a show too?

Book now: Prices start at £390 per night including VAT, room only. Book here

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.