Named after former resident and essayist William Hazlitt, this ‘stunningly individual’ hotel, owned by Peter McKay and Douglas Blain, is a sensuous escape from Soho directly outside. The ‘exquisitely restored’ Georgian town house adheres to Mr McKay’s belief that atmosphere is the most important thing. Guests step into ‘an island of civility’ where rich velvets, silks and tapestries are joined by gilt-framed portraits, antiques and porcelain. The plush drawing room, occupied by resident cat Sir Godfrey, is stocked with books including first editions of Harry Potter, signed by regular guest JK Rowling – a literary link to when Jonathan Swift and William Wordsworth were visitors. The bedrooms, named after Hazlitt’s cohort, mix sumptuous details with quirky features: a bed from the House of Commons, a bath filled from the beak of a life-size eagle tap. ‘Our shower was as big as some chain hotel bathrooms.’ At the front, triple glazing; at the back, ‘we slept with windows ajar and heard no noise’. Breakfast, including a Cumbrian bacon baguette, is served in the room. Light bites are available at any time, but Soho’s eateries are mere yards away. (The Rookery is a sister – see main entry.)