It was 2am and I was sat outside in a bath, with the cool London air wafting over the steamy waters.
This recent bathing experience at the beautifully kooky Zetter Townhouse – just tucked away close to Marble Arch tube station – definitely made for one of my most surreal hotel stays yet.
If you haven’t had chance to get to the 24-room Georgian mansion, then I highly recommend you check it out.
The downstairs lounge area is a hidden gem in itself, with the interiors stuffed full of curiosities that will keep you entertained for hours.
It was a very rainy Monday night and I checked into the Zetter’s ultimate room, which I have to say might be one of my favourite hotel finds to date.
Lear’s Loft – located on the 4th floor – is a truly spectacular space which boasts an enormous bedroom and lounge area, complete with a cloud-patterned ceiling fresco. Then… on to the subject of THAT bath.
The free-standing tub is located on a small outdoor balcony area, with views looking out over the rooftops beyond. I couldn’t see any peeping Toms but it was dark and I’d drunk too much wine to care about being spotted naked.
Having a hot soak outside after a night of revelry was truly heavenly. It was definitely a new London experience for me.
Luckily the rain had abated and it turned into a still night / morning with the moon beaming down from above with stars supporting its show.
If you do find yourself in a heavy storm during your stay in Lear’s Loft never fear, as there’s another spacious bathroom inside.
In keeping with the lux theme, the large indoor bathtub is topped with a slab of marble which lights up from underneath.
There are also double sinks and delightful REN products to make you feel squeaky clean.
In the bedroom, you’ll be kept busy by various nooks and crannies hiding an array of little gems.
At one point I pressed a button on a remote control and a television suddenly started rearing its head from a wooden cabinet at the end of the bed.
I later spent time trying to get the record player to work – to no avail – and the Sonos sound system left me equally as baffled.
I resorted to the portable Roberts Radio as my music machine, and during my outside bath a dose of Kiss FM sounded through the night / morning air.
I also discovered the mini bar was stocked with a plethora of delights, including pre-made cocktails but I’d had enough booze during the night so a cup of coffee was my beverage of choice for the bath instead.
There was even a man downstairs at 2am on the front desk / hoovering who was kind enough to give me some cream to top off my hit of Nespresso.
On the subject of libations, I’d started my evening with a couple of divine cocktails in Seymour’s Parlour which is the bar-cum-restaurant on the Zetter Townhouse’s ground floor.
Be sure to try the Carob Old Fashioned. Its chocolaty-whisky tones were the perfect blend on a rainy London night.
To soak up the liquids, a friend and I indulged in some plump gordal olives, light and perfectly-salted courgette crisps, chased up by some meaty kabanos sticks.
From there I headed to a rather jolly party on a boat. On return, I drunkenly took to the tub.
I was sad I didn’t get more time to play in Lear’s Loft but after a delicious breakfast buffet downstairs I snuck back into the enormous bed soaking in all of the decadent goodness until a rather dcadant midday checkout.
If you think you’ve done London, add an outside bathtub to the list.
The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone is located at 28-30 Seymour Street
London W1H 7JB
To book a room or culinary experience at the Zetter Townhouse Marylebone call 020 7324 4544 or visit www.thezettertownhouse.com/marylebone
