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London Charlotte Guest House

Charlotte Guest House

195-197 Sumatra Road, West Hampstead, London, United Kingdom | (618) 248-8274

1/9
Checking prices...

Overview

Pros
  • Attractive Victorian buildings with historical details

  • Surrounded by the shops, cafes, and bars of West Hampstead

  • Within a five-minute walk of the train station and underground

  • Extensive and well-liked breakfast included in the rates

  • Ample breakfast room with a pleasant outdoor seating area

  • Clean and spacious rooms with TVs and coffee-and-tea-making facilities

  • Some rooms have original Victorian fireplaces and cornices

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel

Cons
  • Two rooms have a shared bathroom

  • It takes 20 minutes to reach top London landmarks

  • There’s no air-conditioning or telephones in guest rooms

Bottom Line

The two-pearl Charlotte Guest House is one of Hampstead’s more affordable properties. It’s located on a quiet residential street, moments from West Hampstead Thameslink Station and minutes from West Hampstead Underground station. Interiors are homey, with a typical guest house style that feels comfortable and clean. The 43 rooms have TVs, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi, though sadly -- no air-conditioning. Bathrooms are generally spacious and modern, but two rooms share a bathroom. The breakfast room is charming if a little worn, and it’s here that a well-liked free English breakfast is served. Charlotte Guest House offers serious bang for your buck, but travelers with more cash to spend seeking polished, contemporary living could consider Mowbray Court Hotel.

Map

195-197 Sumatra Road, West Hampstead, London, United Kingdom
Amenities
  • Concierge

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.

Full Review

Scene

Simple, budget-friendly guest house with some handsome Victorian features and a personable atmosphere.

Charlotte Guest House is tucked away just off the high street on a quiet road lined with old Victorian houses. There are actually five different buildings which make up the hotel, two buildings are next to each other and the others are a short walk away. Inside, the homey look reflects the residential location. Along with the dated-looking sofas, beige walls, and simple seating, there were some surprisingly upmarket additions, like the original fireplaces, lead piped windows, attractive paintings, and tiled floors. As of our 2018 visit, the hotel had recently undergone renovations, so most rooms looked particularly fresh. Guests tend to explore the vibrant local area or sightsee further afield. As a result, the property was quiet when we passed through, adding to the laid-back atmosphere. Charlotte Guest House appeals mostly to sightseer’s keen on finding a budget-friendly option in London’s affluent leafy suburbs. Check-in is a relaxed and friendly affair, which sets the tone for a home-away-from-home stay.

Location

Under a five-minute walk to two train stations, on a quiet road off the main high street. 

Charlotte Guest House's location is ideal for those who want to revel in the trendy cafe culture of neighboring Hampstead but without the crowds. More residential than its starry next-door neighbor -- but with the same hip restaurants, farmers markets, and boutique stores -- West Hampstead is a charming area to visit. The property is just moments from West End Lane, which is the main artery running through West Hampstead. It’s just a two-minute walk to West Hampstead Thameslink Station which connects travelers to Luton Airport (in about 50 minutes), and a four-minute walk to West Hampstead Underground Station. While some niche places of interest, like the Freud Museum London -- which takes just under 20 minutes to walk to -- and Keats House -- which takes just over 10 minutes to get to by train -- are close by, it’s a longer journey to reach Central London’s famous landmarks. Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye take over 20 minutes to reach. Heathrow Airport takes a slightly longer 50-minute drive, or an hour- and 10-minute train journey. 

Rooms

Simple rooms with some impressive original features -- plus TVs, free Wi-Fi, and modern bathrooms 

The 43 rooms showcase quintessential guesthouse style, albeit it on a budget. The larger Quad and Triple Rooms have old-fashioned, but comfortable, sofas as well as attractive gold-colored lamps and original Victorian fireplaces, which elevate the style somewhat. Other pleasant surprises include the classic artwork and the warm, orange flower wallpaper. Tables, wardrobes, and desks aren’t the most stylish but they are practical, with ample space to store clothes and do work. Large mirrors dotted around the rooms are a nice, practical addition and make the spaces feel bigger. Other features include flat-screen TVs -- which vary in size from room to room with some being very small -- free Wi-Fi, and coffee-and-tea-making facilities, but no air-conditioning or telephone. The best rooms have separate eating areas with a sink and cupboards, and one room even has access to a large private garden.The bathrooms were renovated in 2018 and most look particularly good, especially for a budget guest house, with fresh tiling in modern tones and walk-in showers. Two of the rooms have a shared bathroom which is a decent-size, but not as modern as some of the others. There are no toiletries but there is some handwash and TRESemme hairdryers.  

Features

Hearty and generous breakfasts served in a pleasant breakfast room with outdoor seating -- and free Wi-Fi

Unsurprisingly, the Charlotte Guest House had limited features, so it may not appeal to travelers looking for a vibrant atmosphere. Perhaps the best thing about it is the generous breakfast options which are included in the rates. Popular with guests, hearty options include Full English breakfasts and toasted sandwiches, along with vegetarian options and cereals. There’s no communal lounge at the property, but the breakfast room in the main house does have a pleasant seating area outdoors. While there are plenty of dining options nearby, the lack of a restaurant or bar does create a quiet atmosphere. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.