The hype
Guests love the massive rooms and the helpful staff (shoutout to Hussain), but are heartbroken by the tired furniture and cleanliness issues.
Leonard
$200-350/ night
Book this if You want a prestigious Marylebone address and a massive suite for the family, but you don't mind worn carpets or the occasional mouse sighting.
Why People Love It
- Incredible location seconds from Marble Arch and Hyde Park
- Huge suites and apartments that actually fit families of 5+
- Old-school English townhouse vibe that feels residential, not corporate
Quick Take: A fading grand dame that's currently a construction zone with a serious pest control problem.
Reviewed by @conciergekate: I stayed in this apartment and it was the perfect mix of hotel luxury and home comfort. Having a full kitchen and that gorgeous marble bathroom made my weekend trip feel incredibly upscale yet relaxed. Definitely my go-to for a sophisticated London city break.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the postcode and the square footage, not the housekeeping. Expect stained carpets, creaky floorboards, and a 'distinctive' old-building smell.
- You need a 2-bedroom suite for a family of 5 in central London for under $500
- You plan to spend all day in Hyde Park or Oxford Street and just need a bed
- You prefer the charm of a creaky 18th-century townhouse over a sterile glass box
Cleanliness & Maintenance
4
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Daily service exists, but they often miss dust in corners and under beds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally okay, but watch out for mold in the grout and weak water pressure in older rooms.
- Maintenance: Poor. Peeling paint, broken AC units, and creaky floorboards are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Worn. Towels can be scratchy and linens feel tired, though usually laundered.
- Odors & scents: Musty. Old carpet smell is prevalent in hallways and non-renovated rooms.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Creaky floorboards from rooms above
- Slamming doors in narrow hallways
- Street noise on lower floors (Seymour Street)
Before you book
Good to know
- Lifts are small and may not reach every half-landing; expect some stairs even with an elevator.
- A 50% deposit is often required at booking, which is stricter than most hotels.
- The 'Continental Breakfast' during renovation is basic—go to Gail's down the street instead.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for the creaky floors)
- Slippers (you won't want to walk on the carpets barefoot)
- US-UK Power Adapter (outlets are limited in older rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Grand Suite (Sleeps 5, huge living area, feels like an apartment)
- Two Bedroom Junior Suite (Comes with a kitchenette, essential for families)
Rooms to avoid
- Basement Studio (Dark, claustrophobic, and closest to the 'pest' sources)
- Standard Double (Tiny, often unrenovated, and feels cramped)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking specifically for the 'renovated' room inventory mentioned in recent updates. Please ensure I am NOT in a basement room and on a higher floor to minimize street noise. If a 'Grand Suite' with a kitchenette is available, that is my preference.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the restaurant open?
No. Seymour's Restaurant is closed for renovation until Spring 2026. No full hot breakfast is available on-site.
Are there really mice?
Yes. Recent verified reviews from early 2026 cite mice sightings in rooms. It's a common issue in old London buildings, but currently acute here.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, but it can be noisy and ineffective in the winter when the central heating is on full blast.
Can I fit a family of 5?
Yes! This is the hotel's superpower. The Grand Suites and 2-Bedroom Apartments comfortably sleep 5-6 people.
Is there a lift?
Yes, but it's small and slow. You may still have to navigate a few steps to get to your specific door.
Is it pet friendly?
No. The Leonard has a strict no-pets policy.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a room facing the back if you want to avoid the morning delivery truck noise on Seymour Street.
- ✨
The 'Studio with Kitchenette' is often cheaper but is located in the basement—only book if you don't care about natural light.
- ✨
Use the 'handy' smartphone provided in the room for free local calls and data while exploring London.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'shattaf' (bidet spray) in the bathrooms is a huge plus for many international travelers.
💡The heating is often uncontrollable in winter, leading to sauna-like room temperatures.
💡There is no bellboy service after hours; you'll be hauling your own bags if you arrive late.
💡The 'renovated' rooms are lovely, but the 'classic' rooms feel like visiting your great-aunt's dusty manor.
💡You might spot a celebrity at the nearby Chiltern Firehouse, just a few blocks away.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Leonard is located and what's nearby.