The Laslett

The Laslett, London: A Michelin Key Selected Notting Hill Gem

The Laslett in London's vibrant Notting Hill district consistently receives high praise, establishing itself as a chic and comfortable boutique hotel that beautifully blends local character with sophisticated design. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it's recognized for its exceptional quality and hospitality, making it a highly desirable choice for discerning travelers.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Laslett is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "delight" and a "chic, boutique stay". It achieves a strong overall experience rating of 19.0 in some reviews, with high marks across rooms, services, cleanliness, and public spaces. Many consider it their "home away from home" in London, highlighting a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love The Laslett for several key reasons:

• Location: Its prime spot in Notting Hill, just moments from Notting Hill Gate station, Portobello Road, and Kensington Gardens, is a major draw.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's interiors are celebrated for their understated luxury, thoughtful decor, and artistic touches. Housed in five Victorian townhouses, it feels spacious yet intimate, blending British design with eclectic, globally-inspired elements.
• Service: The staff are frequently described as excellent, friendly, informative, and genuine, offering helpful recommendations without being overbearing.
• Comfort: The hotel excels in providing a comfortable and practical stay, with luxurious furnishings and an inviting atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at The Laslett are a perfect blend of luxury and a comfortable, lived-in feel. They are generally described as generous in size, particularly for London, with tall ceilings enhancing the sense of space.

• Design: Rooms feature a keen contemporary eye, adorned with curated artwork and books, including old Penguin Classics. The decor often includes a subtle grey color scheme with pops of warmer hues like red and dark mauve.
• Comfort: Beds are noted as exceptionally comfortable, contributing to excellent sleep quality. Amenities include work desks, USB charging ports, Marshall radios, and a "Big Bar" stocked with retro sweets, spirits, and mixers.
• Bathrooms: Modern and sleek, bathrooms often feature metro tiles, rainfall showerheads, and full-sized REN bathroom products. Some larger suites offer generous bathtubs and walk-in showers.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at The Laslett, primarily centered around The Henderson Bar & Kitchen, is generally well-regarded, particularly for its all-day offerings and cocktails.

• Breakfast: Served in The Library, The Henderson Bar, or on the terrace, breakfast emphasizes seasonal ingredients. Options like smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and organic coffee are highlighted as delicious. While some guests have praised the "fantastic coffee and breakfast", there have been occasional criticisms regarding slow service, uninspired food, and undrinkable coffee at breakfast.
• All-Day Dining & Bar: The Henderson Bar & Kitchen serves seasonal small plates from breakfast to dinner, with 24/7 room service available. Guests have enjoyed dishes like truffle hummus, baked aubergine, burrata, and various cocktails, including signature rum-laced drinks. The bar is also a popular spot for locals, hosting events like Oyster Night.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Laslett is consistently praised as "excellent" and a key factor in guests' positive experiences. Staff members are described as friendly, helpful, informative, and genuine without being overbearing. Many guests feel well taken care of and appreciate the staff's attentiveness and willingness to provide local recommendations. One reviewer noted the General Manager's hands-on approach, leading staff like a "captain" and contributing to a snob-free, welcoming atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Laslett boasts an "enviable" and "brilliant" location in Notting Hill, often cited as one of its strongest assets.

• Neighborhood: Notting Hill offers a charming neighborhood feel, while still being within striking distance of central London. The hotel is nestled on a quiet side street in Pembridge Gardens, lined with picturesque Victorian townhouses.
• Attractions: It's only a few minutes' walk to popular attractions like Kensington Gardens and the famous Portobello Road Market. Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall are also within walking distance. The area is also known for its upmarket shops, restaurants, and cinemas.
• Transport: The hotel is less than a minute's walk from Notting Hill Gate underground station, making public transportation extremely convenient for exploring the rest of the city.
• Accessibility: Public areas are wheelchair accessible, with a ramp entrance available. There are also adapted rooms for guests with mobility issues.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific pricing varies, The Laslett is positioned as a luxury boutique hotel, and its pricing reflects this. Room rates can range from approximately $256 to $870 per night. Guests generally consider it a good value for money given the location, stylish accommodations, and high level of service. It's seen as a worthwhile investment for those seeking a chic, comfortable, and well-located stay in London.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Breakfast Service: As mentioned, some guests have reported slow service, uninspired food, and poor coffee quality at breakfast.
• Immediate Surroundings: A minor complaint occasionally mentioned is the immediate location on a "very busy and rough corner" near the metro, with some observations of trash and garbage in the vicinity.
• Construction Noise: One review noted potential noise from construction across the street.
• Hot Water Issue: A guest experienced a non-functioning hot water tap in the bath, requiring the use of the shower head to fill it.
• Housekeeping Intrusion: One guest reported an uncomfortable experience with housekeeping repeatedly attempting to service the room despite a "do not disturb" sign being displayed.

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