Fodor's Expert Review Durrants Hotel

Fitted snugly into four Georgian town houses, Durrants Hotel and its 92 rooms display the height of traditional English décor. Owned and operated by the same family for over 100 years, this is the kind of hotel where little changes, which explains the loyal following who repeat book for the charming rooms, personal service and authenticity.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Quiet and rather staid, the atmosphere won’t suit those looking for a showy hotel in which to hold court—Durrants Hotel is all understated atmosphere and good manners.

room

Warm, textured décors feature antique furniture, writing desks and large windows swathed in heavy drapes. Rooms are individually decorated and the style is classic to a tee, although there is a nod to the contemporary with large flat screen TVs.

bathroom

Bath products are courtesy of L’Occitane in the neutral—yet smart—bathrooms, which come with either bath tubs or walk-in showers.

lobby

While the lobby may merely be a place to linger while checking in, it’s impressive nonetheless. A grand staircase welcomes guests to a dimly lit lair of dark wood and polished chesterfield couches and the whole experience feels like you could have swapped London for a lodge in the home counties.

dining

Unlike some similarly sized hotels, Durrants restaurant is no afterthought. Expect to find more polished leather banquets in a drawing room punctuated by its handsome wood panelling. As you might expect in a family-run establishment such as this, service is part of the charm.

Lacking weekend plans? Book in for the Durrants Sunday Roast supper.

drinking

After dinner, snuggle down by the log fire in the gorgeous old George Bar where brandy seems like the thing you should be drinking.