YOU may think that spending the night in a prison cell, or in a magistrate’s court for that matter, doesn’t sound like your idea of luxury. The Courthouse Hotel in Soho however, will help you change your mind.
Converted from what was old Marlborough Street Magistrate’s Court, this five-star hotel in the heart of London offers every comfort you could expect, while celebrating the building’s surprising beginnings in law enforcement.
The Courthouse Hotel Entrance
The Courthouse Hotel Lobby
Located on Marlborough Street, where Soho, Mayfair and the West End converge, the area is bustling and in reach of London’s best tourist attractions. With its unique history, it is almost a tourist attraction in itself. The Malborough Street Magistrate’s Court was built in the 1800s and saw a number of notable cases. Charles Dickens worked there as a court reporter in 1835, Louis Napoleon appeared in 1847, and in 1895, Oscar Wilde took the Marquess of Queensbury to court for a libel case.
The courthouse was also prominent in the ‘60s and ‘70s, with figures including John Lennon, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards making an appearance.
Despite its original associations, the hotel now provides a luxury experience. While the Grade II listed building retains many of its original historical features, conversions and an extension have rendered it modern and comfortable.
From the elegant Classic to the luxury Lalique Penthouse suite, the hotel boasts 116 guest rooms, each with its own individual character.
The Courthouse Hotel Deluxe King Bedroom
The Courthouse Hotel Deluxe King Bedroom
This sense of character permeates throughout the hotel, from the restaurant, Silk, which retains many of the room’s original features including judge’s bench, dock and witness stand, to The Jailhouse Bar, which features the court’s original prison holding cells. Decorated with pop art portraits of some of the notable figures who made their appearance in the courts, these cells provide a space for VIPs to enjoy a cocktail from the range on offer.
Silk Restaurant at the Courthouse Hotel
Silk is not the only place in the hotel to grab a bite. The newly launched restaurant Soho Wala presents guests with the opportunity to enjoy Indian street food filled with authentic flavours by chef Preet Tandi, from the comfort of its luxurious setting.
Hotel roof terrace the Toy Roof is the perfect spot to enjoy the views of busy Marlborough Street while remaining safely out of the bustle.
The Courthouse Hotel Spa and Swimming Pool
Seeking to impress across the board, the hotel also boasts a luxury spa and fitness centre with a heated swimming pool, as well as one of the biggest private cinemas in London. Showing a different cult classic film every Sunday, an evening at the hotel cinema is completed by a complimentary cocktail themed around the film of the week.
by Hannah Valentine
The Courthouse Hotel, 19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HL
Book 0442072975555 or visit here
The Jailhouse Bar is open daily from 11:00
Silk Restaurant is open 12:00 to 23:00 Monday to Sunday
Soho Wala is open 12:00 to 22:30 Monday to Sunday
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