Review: The Ham Yard Hotel London

Although the Ham Yard Hotel London is only a two-minute walk from Picadilly Circus, it feels miles away. Once you enter the leafy pedestrian courtyard fronting the hotel, the big city mayhem is replaced by a charming urban village vibe.

The central yet subdued location is just one of the reasons why I am a repeat guest at the Ham Yard Hotel London – here are a few more.

Style and Comfort

Kit Kemp, Design Director and co-owner of Firmdale Hotels (who own and operate the Ham Yard property), is responsible for the hotel’s appealing public spaces and individually designed guest accommodation.

The hotel’s creative use of colours, textures, and design elements creates a residential-like feel, where the focus is not just high style but serious comfort.

Rik Rak Amenities

Rik Rak, Firmdale Hotel’s signature bath and body amenity line, described as “capturing the essence of an English Garden in full summer bloom” is available in guest rooms and the Soholistic Spa at the Ham Yard Hotel. I haven’t experienced an English Garden in full summer bloom, but it must be extraordinary if it smells anything like Rik Rak.

If you wish to take the products home, you can purchase the entire Rik Rak line, including candles, at the hotel or online.  Fortunately, the highly addictive Rik Rak Pillow, Linen, and Room Mist is available for purchase in a TSA-friendly 95 ml bottle, so you can bring it onboard if, like me, you often travel with only carry-on luggage.

Exclusive Guest Areas

Guests at the Ham Yard Hotel London enjoy access to exclusive areas throughout the hotel, further enhancing the hotel’s residential vibe.

On the lobby level, hotel guests can choose between The Library, with towering bookshelves or the cosy, colourful Drawing Room. Both rooms feature a well-stocked honesty bar and the option to order a meal from the restaurant menu.

The expansive Roof Terrace on the fourth floor is an outdoor urban retreat for the private use of in-house guests complete with olive trees, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and inviting seating areas.

Breakfast at the Ham Yard Hotel Restaurant

Breakfast at the gorgeous Ham Yard Hotel Restaurant includes fresh juice, exotic fruit, and made-to-order menu items. It is the perfect way to begin a day in London.

Travel Tips

• Guest accommodation at the Ham Yard Hotel London includes 91 rooms and suites plus 24 residential apartments. Book your room online or contact the hotel directly at +44 20 3642 2000.
• The Ham Yard Hotel Restaurant is popular, especially during brunch and in the evening, so be sure to book a table in advance.
• When you are in London, consider visiting the Tower of London and the Kensington and Knightsbridge neighborhoods. Both of these areas are family-friendly.
• Whole Foods Market (20 Glasshouse Street) is nearby, and Boots drugstore (44-46 Regent St) is minutes away.