The hype
Guests adore the location and the 'Downton Abbey' feel of the lobby, but often find the rooms tired and the bathrooms in need of a gut renovation.
Durrants
$215-420/ night
Book this if You want a quintessentially British, club-like hideaway in Marylebone where the staff remember your drink order but the floors might creak.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable Marylebone location near the Wallace Collection
- Old-school service with silver teapots and leather armchairs
- Family-run charm that feels personal, not corporate
Quick Take: A charming time capsule that nails the 'English country house' vibe but struggles with modern essentials like consistent AC and water pressure.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: I spent a perfect Sunday afternoon here and honestly, the roast beef trolley is a game changer. The staff treated me like royalty, and sitting by that fire with a glass of wine felt so cozy. It’s not just lunch, it’s a proper British tradition done right.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 4:30 AM trash pickup noise wakes up guests in street-facing rooms, while internal rooms suffer from loud pipe noises.
- You prefer history and character over sleek modern glass boxes
- You want to be walking distance to Marylebone High Street's boutiques
- You enjoy a proper sit-down breakfast with linen tablecloths
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good, though some reports of 'absent-minded' service like missing towels or rushed bed-making.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout and tiles are scrubbed, but age shows in worn trim and limescale.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point. Complaints about broken heated towel rails, temperamental taps, and peeling paint.
- Linens & towels: Crisp white linens and decent towels, though not ultra-luxury plush.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh or smells of 'old furniture/polish'. One isolated report of a bathroom smell.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Early morning trash collection (4:30-5:00 AM)
- Internal plumbing/ventilator noise in courtyard rooms
- Creaky floorboards from rooms above
Before you book
Good to know
- The lift is tiny – barely fits two people and luggage.
- Breakfast is excellent but pricey (£22-24); plenty of cafes nearby.
- No on-site gym, but they offer passes to a nearby Fitness First.
What to pack
- Earplugs (for the 4:30 AM trash truck)
- US/EU to UK power adapters (outlets are often limited)
- Light pajamas (rooms can run warm even with AC)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Georgian Rooms (more character and space)
- Top floor rooms (often brighter, but check for AC)
- Rooms at the back (generally quieter than street-facing)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Singles (claustrophobic)
- Rooms facing the internal stairwell/wall (dark and noisy)
- 1st-floor street-facing rooms (trash noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room that specifically has Air Conditioning (essential). Please assign a room away from the street to avoid the early morning trash pickup noise, and preferably not facing the internal light well. A Georgian-style room would be appreciated.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Only in some rooms. You must explicitly request an AC room when booking, or you may end up in a room with just a fan.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not. It costs around £22-24 for a full English breakfast, though some booking packages may include it.
Is there a gym or pool?
No pool or gym on-site. Guests can buy discounted day passes for the Fitness First on Baker Street nearby.
How is the Wi-Fi?
Generally reliable and free throughout the hotel, suitable for standard browsing and streaming.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
No, Durrants Hotel does not allow pets.
Does the hotel have parking?
Yes, but it's a small private garage that requires reservation and costs ~£40/night. Very tight for large cars.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for Table 5 in the restaurant – it's a corner table with a nice view of George Street.
- ✨
The 'Wallace Room' is a quiet, often empty lounge perfect for reading or a quiet meeting.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast one day and go to Boxcar Baker & Deli nearby for fresh pastries.
5 things to know before you go
💡The water pressure in the showers is notoriously weak – think 'gentle rain' not 'power wash'.
💡The 'single' rooms are genuinely tiny, often feeling like a ship's cabin.
💡Housekeeping can be a bit 'absent-minded' – sometimes forgetting to replace mugs or make beds fully.
💡The hotel has a very loyal, older clientele, giving it a quiet, almost library-like atmosphere in the evenings.
💡You can get a key to the private Manchester Square gardens if you ask the concierge nicely.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Durrants is located and what's nearby.