This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

sharing is caring

Table of Contents

✨ Hazlitt’s Hotel London: 7 Inspiring Reasons Writers Will Fall in Love with This Literary Escape

Some places simply spark creativity the moment you arrive, and for me, Hazlitt’s Hotel in Soho did exactly that. My first stay at this literary London gem was filled with inspiration — from breakfast in bed with my laptop to quiet moments reading by the window and soaking in the most relaxing tub imaginable. Every detail felt designed to remind writers why we fall in love with words in the first place.

I can’t wait to return and here are just seven reasons worth checking out Hazlitt’s Hotel in Soho —

1️⃣ Why Hazlitt’s Hotel Is a Writer’s Dream

My first stay at Hazlitt’s Hotel London felt like stepping into a storybook. Nestled in the heart of Soho, this Georgian townhouse is overflowing with atmosphere and literary soul. Guests will love the way the hotel blends creative inspiration with quiet comfort — the perfect balance for writing, resting, and reflecting.

The hotel’s literary heritage sets it apart: Named for the 18th-century essayist William Hazlitt, it has long drawn authors and thinkers seeking a place that feels both historic and inspiring. Each space — from the antique writing desks to the in-room breakfast service — is designed to make creativity feel effortless.

Whether you’re journaling with tea in hand, reading by the window, or soaking in the deep soaking tub of your dreams while ideas unfold, Hazlitt’s invites you to slow down and reconnect with your imagination. For anyone searching for the best boutique hotel in London for writers, this is it.

It was my first visit, but certainly not my last. I left refreshed, inspired, and already plotting a return. My heartfelt thanks to Hazlitt’s for the wonderful night’s stay that rekindled my creative spark.

2️⃣ The Rich Literary History of Hazlitt’s

Few hotels in London wear their history quite as proudly as Hazlitt’s Hotel, and its literary roots run deep. The property was once the home of William Hazlitt (1778–1830) — essayist, critic, and one of the great prose stylists of the Romantic era. His circle included figures like Lord Byron, Charles Lamb, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and his sharp wit and passionate writing gave the hotel its enduring spirit.

Today, Hazlitt’s pays tribute to both Hazlitt’s genius and his colorful personal life. Each of the 30 rooms is named after one of his friends, muses, or lovers — from celebrated intellectuals to the women who (as the hotel cheekily notes) “inspired his more passionate essays.”

I stayed in the Dr. John Snow Room (you can learn more about him here), named for the pioneering physician who helped trace the source of London’s 1854 cholera outbreak — a fitting nod to curiosity, intellect, and discovery.

Beyond the rooms, Hazlitt’s common areas are a love letter to literary London. The wood-paneled library is lined with vintage books and velvet armchairs made for long afternoons of reading. The honesty bar, tucked nearby, offers a warm invitation to pour yourself a drink and linger in quiet conversation or while sitting back to read and/or write. Elegant sitting rooms, grand staircases, and antique portraits create the feeling that you’ve stepped into a Georgian townhouse where creative minds still gather to exchange ideas.

It’s this blend of charm, intellect, and irreverent history that makes Hazlitt’s more than a hotel — it’s a story you get to live inside.

3️⃣ What Can Be Found Inside the Rooms at Hazlitt’s Hotel

Every room at Hazlitt’s Hotel feels like a writer’s retreat, and my Dr. John Snow Room was no exception. The space struck a perfect balance between historic charm and quiet functionality — ideal for an author looking to rest and create in equal measure.

I loved having both a classic writing desk and a smaller writing table, giving me options for journaling, drafting scenes, or simply organizing notes. The window seat offered a peaceful spot to read, perfectly lit by natural daylight, while the deep soaking tub was another highlight of my stay — spacious, elegant, and perfect for leaning back, closing my eyes, and letting imagination flow.

It’s the kind of room that makes writing feel effortless, reminding you why inspiration often begins with a change of setting.

And this wasn’t even one of their luxurious suites! This was “just” a room. You’ll have to check out my Instagram to see my video tour of the room.

4️⃣ Breakfast in Bed at Hazlitt’s

Forget buffet lines — at Hazlitt’s Hotel London, breakfast is a beautifully personal affair. The night before, guests fill out a menu card, hang it on the bedroom door, and choose a 15-minute delivery window for the next morning. Right on time, your tray appears — quietly delivered to your room, just as a house guest in Henry Hazlitt’s home might have expected.

The menu (as of September 2025) offers a surprisingly wide selection for a small boutique hotel. While there’s no full cooked English breakfast, the options are thoughtful, fresh, and delicious:

Fruit Crunch
Bacon Sandwich
Marmite Mushroom on Toast
Brick Lane Bagels — with your choice of
- Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese
- Avocado, Lime & Chili
- Peanut Butter, Banana & Cinnamon Apples
Continental Breakfast (my choice) — freshly baked pastries, toast, jam, yogurt, honey, continental hams and cheese
Porridge
Cereals — Rice Krispies, Cornflakes, Muesli, or Granola

To drink, there’s everything from morning staples to something a bit more celebratory:

Bucks Fizz or Bloody Mary
Smoothies — Berry or Green
Juices — Freshly Squeezed Orange, Grapefruit, Cranberry, Apple, or Tomato
Hot Drinks — Coffee, Cappuccino, Latte, Hot Chocolate, and a range of Teas
Milk Options — Whole, Semi-Skimmed, Soya, Almond, and Oat

I opted for the continental breakfast, which arrived with tea, pastries, fruit, and yogurt — the perfect light start to a writing morning. Sitting up in bed with my laptop open and a fresh pastry in hand, I couldn’t help but think how perfectly Hazlitt’s understands a writer’s rhythm: slow, intentional, and quietly inspiring.

5️⃣ The Hidden Gems: Library, Honesty Bar & Author Cabinet

Downstairs, the library invites quiet reflection — shelves of leather-bound classics, warm lamplight, and the scent of polished wood. The adjoining honesty bar lets you pour a late-night drink, curl into an armchair, and linger over thoughts or drafts.

Before leaving, don’t miss the Author Cabinet in the room adjacent to the reception room — a showcase of signed novels by writers who’ve stayed at Hazlitt’s, including my own Half Agony, Half Hope and The Weight of Prejudice. Seeing them alongside so many creative voices was surreal — a reminder that storytelling connects us across time.

6️⃣ Why Hazlitt’s Is Perfect for Creative Souls

Hazlitt’s strikes a rare balance between peace and inspiration. Step outside, and you’re in the heart of Soho — moments from theatres, cafés, and bookshops. Step back in, and you’re wrapped in quiet luxury.

Whether you’re outlining chapters, journaling reflections, or simply daydreaming, Hazlitt’s gives you the space and serenity every writer craves.

7️⃣ My Final Thoughts: Why I Can’t Wait to Return to Hazlitt’s

From its literary roots to its velvet-soft details, Hazlitt’s Hotel London captured my heart. It’s more than a stay — it’s a creative sanctuary that revives imagination.

I arrived with my laptop and left with new ideas, finished chapters, deep rest, and immense gratitude for a place that truly understands writers.

📍 Hazlitt’s Hotel, 6 Frith Street, Soho, London

💡 FAQ: Staying at Hazlitt’s Hotel London

Where is Hazlitt’s located?
Hazlitt’s sits in the heart of Soho, Central London, at 6 Frith Street — just a short walk from Oxford Circus and Covent Garden.

How many rooms does Hazlitt’s have?
The hotel features 30 individually styled rooms and suites, each filled with antiques, books, and unique character.

Does Hazlitt’s have Wi-Fi?
Yes — complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout, perfect for writers working remotely or journaling online in the individual rooms as well as the common areas.

Can guests visit the Author Cabinet?
Absolutely! Ask reception for directions to the Author Cabinet, where you’ll find signed books from authors who’ve stayed — including my own.

What nearby attractions can writers enjoy?
Hazlitt’s is steps away from Foyles Bookstore, the British Museum, Covent Garden, Ronnie Scott’s, and London’s legendary West End theatres — ideal for creative inspiration.

Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is served in your room upon request at a nominal charge, featuring fresh pastries, cereal, smoothies, and hot drinks.

✨ Hazlitt’s reminded me that sometimes the best stories begin when we step away from our routines and let a new place stir our imagination. I left inspired, rested, and already dreaming of my next chapter — and my next stay at Hazlitt’s.

Joy Michelle Austin | The Joyous Living

Hazlitt’s: 7 Inspiring Reasons Writers Will Love This Literary Escape