The Lost Poet, Portobello

There’s many wonderful things about Notting Hill and with charm, eateries and picturesque spots in abundance, it is ever so slightly lacking in one thing – and that’s hotel options. So when I was kindly offered to check out and review the brand new boutique hotel on the block, I jumped at the chance.

The Lost Poet is a converted townhouse offering just four rooms to stay the evening in – small but perfectly formed. It couldn’t be a better location to stay in to explore the iconic and vibrant neighbourhood of Notting Hill, situated at the start of the infamous Portobello Road and with views over the bustling, sunshine yellow Sun In Splendour pub.

Each of the four rooms has its own distinct style and the townhouse has a real feel of privacy – as soon as you open the door to the hotel, you feel as if you’ve stepped into your home for the next few days. It’s as if you’ve rented an Airbnb entirely to yourself, but with the added touches of luxury that a boutique hotel affords. The rooms are all tastefully designed and furnished with local touches, such as upstyled antiques sourced on the Portobello Road market – a mere two minutes walk around the corner from the property. House of Hackney wallpaper covers the walls, GRIND coffee sits next to the coffee maker, Marshall speakers sit on the bedside tables and Nelly Duff artwork adorns the walls.

We were booked into The Suite and despite this room being in the basement of the property, it doesn’t feel subterranean at all. In fact, it was filled with natural light flooding in from the bijoux outdoor terrace that comes off from the bedroom; a perfectly sweet spot for enjoying your morning coffee. Inside it’s a spacious room, with a stunning bathroom, walk-in shower, GHD hairdryer and large king-sized bed. There’s a cosy nook on the other side of the room that’s a great spot for reading, working or eating (would recommend a Deliveroo from Uli round the corner if you don’t want to venture out!). Your booking also comes with two options for complimentary breakfast – Naughty or Nice – both of which are sourced from local eateries, changing seasonally. ‘Nice’ may include: acai bowl, a protein porridge or chia pudding and ‘Naughty’ will be a selection of delicious pastries. Obviously, I went for the latter and we enjoyed a delicious selection of Ottolenghi croissant and almond pastries in the morning sunshine!

During our stay I was also treated to a private viewing of The Muse suite; the jewel in the hotel’s crown. The most expensive of the rooms, this split level suite has a jaw-dropping roof terrace and snug area with unparalleled views over the Portobello Road – if you’re wanting a treat, I can’t recommend this suite more to pretend that, just for a weekend, this is your own personal little slice of paradise in one of London’s most sought after neighbourhoods. Come take a look around The Muse…

Once you’re done settling into your room, why not head out into the evening and make use of the kind offer from the hotel, where if you show your room card at local wine bar Franklins, on Westbourne Grove, you receive a free glass of fizz to start off your evening. Then why not head across the road to The Good Plot for some aperitivo (try the pesto gnocchi it’s divine) and then head further down Portobello for dinner and drinks at either Buvette (for atmospheric French fare) or Osteria Basilico (for rustic, authentic Italian)…

If you fancy a little staycation in one of London’s very best neighbourhoods, you won’t find better a place to stay than The Lost Poet. The hotel prides itself on being a ‘home away from home’ and so there is online check-in available too, so you can literally come and go as you please. One night’s stay at the hotel starts at £219 and you can book online here – enjoy!

LMNH x