The hype
Guests are obsessed with the location and the 'cool factor' of the jail cells, but disappointed by the aging room interiors.
Courthouse London
$230-350/ night
Book this if You want to drink cocktails in a genuine prison cell and sleep inside a piece of London history, right in the thick of Soho.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location: steps from Liberty, Carnaby Street, and Oxford Circus
- Novelty factor: The bar is in the old holding cells and the restaurant is the former courtroom
- Rare Soho amenities: A private cinema and an indoor swimming pool
Quick Take: A legendary building with a killer location that is unfortunately starting to feel as tired as the defendants who once stood trial here.
Reviewed by @daydrooler: I spent a festive weekend right in the middle of Soho. The location is unbeatable for shopping, but the indoor pool was my favorite part to unwind. It feels so historic yet modern. Definitely grab a drink on the roof!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The '5-star' rating feels like a stretch—expect 3.5-star maintenance with 5-star pricing due to the postcode.
- You are a history buff who wants to stay where Oscar Wilde and Mick Jagger were tried
- You prioritize location over pristine modern luxury
- You want a hotel with a pool in central London (a rarity)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard, but attention to detail (dust on skirting boards, under beds) is frequently criticized.
- Bathroom hygiene: generally clean tiles and grout, but watch out for 'tired' sealant and fluctuating shower temperatures.
- Maintenance: The biggest issue. Reports of peeling wallpaper, scuffed furniture, and broken AC knobs are common.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, usually clean but not ultra-luxury plush.
- Odors & scents: Generally neutral, though some hallways can smell a bit musty due to the building's age.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rattling air conditioning units
- Hallway noise due to heavy doors
- Plumbing sounds from adjacent rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Jailhouse Bar' cells are first-come, first-served and fill up fast during happy hour.
- Breakfast is often not included and costs ~£25; you can do better nearby.
- The pool is a nice perk but can get crowded with families on weekends.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for the AC noise)
- Swimsuit (for the indoor heated pool)
- A power bank (outlets in rooms can be scarce or oddly placed)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Magistrate Suites (located in the old judges' quarters, high ceilings, more character)
- Lalique Penthouse (if budget allows, for actual space and views)
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the service elevators (noise)
- Lower floor rooms facing the back (zero view, dark)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am staying for a special occasion and would love a room with a view of Carnaby Street if possible. Please ensure I am not assigned a room near the service elevator or with a known noisy AC unit.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, it is an indoor heated pool, though some guests find the air temperature in the pool area a bit chilly.
Does the hotel have a gym?
Yes, there is a fitness center, but it is small and basic—good for a quick cardio session, not a heavy lift.
Is the cinema open to guests?
The 100-seat private cinema is mostly for private hire/events, but they host a 'Cinema Club' screening cult classics on Saturdays (check schedule).
Can I eat in the old courtroom?
Usually yes, at 'Silk' restaurant, but it is currently listed as closed/re-opening. Check status before booking if this is your main draw.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed.
What is the deposit policy?
They typically require a credit card pre-authorization of around £50-£100 per night for incidentals.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 2 minutes to Dishoom Carnaby for their legendary Bacon Naan Roll.
- ✨
The rooftop 'Soho Sky Terrace' is often booked for private events; call ahead to check if it's open to guests during your stay.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for the history sheet—they have a printed guide on the famous trials (Oscar Wilde, John Lennon) that took place there.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'VIP' rooms in the bar are actual former holding cells where prisoners waited before trial.
💡The hotel has a 'sanook' spa, but it's in the basement and lacks natural light.
💡The lobby still has the original iron bars separating the lounge from the bar area.
💡Some 'Suites' are just larger rooms with a sofa, not true 2-room suites.
💡You are literally across the street from the stage door of the London Palladium—great for celeb spotting.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Courthouse London is located and what's nearby.