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Short stay: The Laslett, Notting Hill, London, UK

Newly opened in August 2015, The Laslett by Living Rooms can be found on Pembridge Gardens, just a minute’s walk from Notting Hill Gate Underground station. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this boutique hotel is set across five Victorian townhouses and takes its inspiration from Notting Hill’s cultural heritage and creative character. The hotel is named after Rhaune Laslett, organiser of the original Notting Hill Festival. Laslett exterior The welcome I was warmly welcomed at reception and personally shown to my room by the receptionist. The room I stayed in room 20 on the first floor – a Master Bedroom Suite. It is a reasonably generous size, with desk and separate table/eating area, as well as the bed pictured which was very comfortable indeed. Laslett bedroom Laslett table and chairs The room provided me with ample space to get on and do some work, and I found the location surprisingly quiet, despite its proximity to the Underground.There is a balcony just outside the room, but it is not one that you have access to venture out onto. The bathroom The bathroom had everything you might expect – a single basin, WC, bath and rain shower above it. Laslett bathroom Laslett shower control Large bottles of Neal’s Yard Remedies (Covent Garden) made with citrus-based essential oils with citrus were supplied along with bespoke Living Rooms bath robes, available for purchase from their shop. Laslett toiletries The facilities Room service is available and a specials board can be found in your room. Laslett specials I chose the oak smoked salmon fillet with seasonal leaves, dill and buttermilk dressing from the main menu but this was unavailable, so I opted instead for one of the specials – a tasty tomato and goat’s cheese risotto, washed down with a 2013 375ml Terre de Mistral Cote du Rhone (other drinks are available from your minibar), followed by a chocolate brownie. Laslett room service In the morning, I went to the Henderson Bar which is open for breakfast from 7am, and had the season berries followed by smoked salmon bagel. Laslett berries at breakfast Laslett bagel Other nice touches There was an interesting mix of artwork on the walls of my room from the likes of Barbara Hulanicki (the founder of the iconic west London store BIBA), Toby Mott, Brian David Stevens and Jerome Dodd, along with a note telling you more about the artists. I could have sworn the Barry Kamen picture of a torso was hung upside down until I took a closer look and saw his initials in the corner. Cost Rooms at The Laslett start from £250 per night. The best bit As well as its proximity to a well-connected Undergrond station, I liked the fact that this is a small hotel – small enough for it to still have a personal touch. The final verdict The Laslett feels more like a home than a hotel. Rooms are fresh, interestingly-designed and befitting of this fashionable part of London. Disclosure: My stay was courtesy of The Laslett.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.

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