The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone review: a whimsical spot with stunning design

On a Georgian terrace tucked behind Oxford Street, you’ll find The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone. It’s an unbeatable location for a visit to London, particularly if you’re a shopping aficionado.

In fact, you will almost feel like Harry Gordon Selfridge himself, you’re that close to the famous department store. Beyond the shops lie London’s best landmarks from beautiful parks to mesmerising museums all waiting to be enjoyed.

Why come here?

Quintessentially British in the most eccentric of ways, The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone is described by Condé Nast Traveller as a place for “fun-loving London devotees”. The entrance on Seymour Street is an Instagram-worthy experience in itself with its tiled walkway, wrought iron railings and overhanging glass lantern. To mark different seasons and celebrations, it’s also decorated in fantastic floral and theatre-like displays.

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You enter the townhouse via Seymour’s Parlour, a lively cocktail bar which hosts regular “take over” events in partnership with exciting liquor and mixology brands from around the world. Drink Kong, based in Rome, was manning the bar on our visit, and the whole experience from the drinks to the delicious small plates transported us to Italy from the comforts of the townhouse.

The edgy, thought-provoking design at the townhouse was created by Russell Sage, the interior design studio also behind the looks for British icons including The Savoy and The Goring, as well as the fun Flight Club darts bars.

Through its interiors and remarkable features including an original stone staircase – something truly unique for a London home – the Zetter Townhouse achieves a “museum feel”, said London X London, particularly in Seymour’s Parlour which is adorned with casts in the style of English architect Sir John Soane, and framed sepia photos, which spark interest and excitement.

The Zetter Townhouse is not a hotel – it doesn’t have a formal reception. Instead, it has a private, homely feel, which offers guests more independence than a traditional hotel.

The rooms

The townhouse’s 24 rooms are all decorated with ornate, carefully-curated pieces. At the top end of the budget, there’s the intriguing rooftop suite, Lear’s Loft, with its alfresco bathtub. And if you’re looking for something more affordable, there’s quaint deluxe doubles. We stayed in a smart junior suite on the first floor, which is described on the website as “oozing grandeur and elegance”. With two beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows, a king-sized bed and a seating area furnished with antiques, it certainly did.

Sitting in the enormous bed surrounded by draped curtains and a beautiful fireplace makes you feel like a king lounging around Buckingham Palace – it’s so regal and refined. The best bit is that among the wonderful treasure trove of knick knacks such as a vintage gramophone, there’s high tech treats such as an under bed TV, a Roberts radio connected to surround-sound speakers, air-conditioning and a dinky Dualit kettle. With all this, it’s no wonder the Zetter Group won a “best in tech” prize at The Hotel Cateys 2022.

Compared to the suite, the bathroom feels a little jam-packed, but it has everything you could ask for including a large sink, bathtub and rainforest shower plus fluffy bathrobes and floral-scented lotions and potions.

Eating and drinking

Sitting in Seymour’s Parlour in a Gainsborough armchair while staring down into a mirrored table and enjoying a tipple is an exceptionally special experience. It’s the sort of place you could enjoy in equal measure alone, or with a group of friends.

In its review of an afternoon tea at The Zetter’s sister property in Clerkenwell, The Islington Gazette described the Zetter décor as so intriguing that “you’re unlikely to stare at your phone” as the “splendour” will “keep you busy admiring the many elements that adorn the walls and cabinets”. It’s exactly this which makes every aspect of your stay unique and memorable.

The Zetter also offers afternoon teas to go. If you’ve never tried this, Home&Gardens explained that you can have your afternoon tea packed into a wicker picnic basket, and take it for a stroll to nearby Hyde Park. Surely one of the most scenic and fun afternoon tea experiences on offer in the capital…

As well as everything provided by the Zetter Townhouse, the restaurants, cafés and bars around the local area are must-visit destinations. St Christopher’s Place has various restaurants with outdoor seating which are perfect for people-watching. For a refreshing beverage, head to H.R. Higgins, which specialises in creating its own coffee and tea blends and has an elegant, old-fashioned shop counter. And don’t miss Marylebone Village for lovely spots like Home Marylebone, a pub-restaurant with an amazing floating, floral ceiling and drinks served in beautiful crystal-esque glassware.

The verdict

However you wish to spend your time in London, The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone provides an excellent base. It’s like having your own home and time machine in the heart of the capital. And if you’re still not convinced by the townhouse concept, rather than a hotel experience, it’s definitely worth dropping into Seymour’s Parlour for an impromptu drink to appreciate the phenomenal interiors.

Kaye O’Doherty was a guest of The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone. Junior suites start from £399 per night. 28-30 Seymour Street, London, W1H 7JB; thezetter.com

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