I felt a bit like a princess as I clambered into the grand bed at Batty Langley’s.
Given its regal height, the big wooden structure required a small to jump before I hit the plush duvet and got lost among the spread of snug pillows.
Adding to the fairytale-like feeling was a shaft of golden light streaming through the window, illuminating a menagerie of fine breakfast treats perched on the end of the bed.
I’d decided to do a city staycation, showing a visitor to town some of the capital’s more secret spots.
I’d always walked by Batty Langley’s, peeking in at the hotel’s romantically rustic interiors, but staying here is another thing and well worth the money.
From the moment you step in to the 29-room abode you are transported back in time.
Think striking clocks drowning the ping of mobile phones and candle light hues in lieu of a sodium glow.
On arriving at our 18th century homestay for the night – which is a short walk from Liverpool Street station – we were swiftly shown to our room by a friendly member of staff.
All of the rooms are named after prolific characters and ours was called Joseph Moses after a famed 19th century newspaper editor and publisher.
‘Would you like a tea service?’ our host asked before leaving us be.
‘That would be delightful. 6pm would be grand!’ I replied. I was liking this place more and more.
Our room – a Club Double – oozed sumptuousness. Blood red walls, soft velvet and dark wood made for a luxurious blend.
The bathroom was a sweet surprise, with a free-standing Victorian-style tub taking center stage.
After having a quick power nap before dinner, there was a knock at the door and our tea had arrived.
A freshly boiled kettle was sat on a wooden tray with two porcelain cups and saucers with fresh tea leaves and milk to one side.
The room was kitted out with a Smart TV – a non-period feature but a much welcome touch – and I put some funky beats on as we got ready for dinner.
Everything was a telephone call away and an iron swiftly appeared after a quick dial ‘0’ to reception.
One thing that is noticeable at Batty Langley’s is the peace and quiet.
It was hard to believe we were in London with the curtains closed. However, on opening the velvet window coverings a glass skyscraper instantly revealed out city setting.
Although Batty Langley’s doesn’t have a restaurant there is a room service menu featuring a spread of light dishes from risotto to soup of the day.
However, with a sense of occasion we decided to head out for dinner and mix it up with a visit to a newly-opened restaurant in Knightsbridge.
It was around 10:30pm when we returned to Batty Langley’s and the place had a much-welcome sedateness as we left the cobbled streets behind and hit the springy carpets inside.
We clambered up the small staircase to our room where the roll-top bathtub and fluffy robes were calling our names.
Each room in the place is kitted out with sweet-smelling REN bathroom products and I gladly lathered up with some grapefruit body wash.
After a dip in the deep bath we were both ready for bed. Before hitting the hay for the evening, we filled out the breakfast form.
We swiftly ticked boxes for smoked salmon bagels, fresh berries, yogurt and fruit smoothies.
Feeling indulgent, the boxes for Bucks Fizz were also ticked off, along with a pot of tea and coffee.
The check-out time at Batty Langley’s is a leisurely 12pm so we chose to have breakfast delivered at 9am, giving us time to digest and enjoy our mix of treats.
My stay at Batty Langley’s was the best night’s sleep I’d had in a while and I didn’t stir once.
Maybe it was the cocooned peace and quiet or the soft duvet set.
A mild tap on the door signaled that our morning meal had arrived and I popped my robe on to welcome it in.
Our bedroom picnic really was rather wonderful and a top way to start the day.
‘If only I could start every morning this way,’ I mused as I dipped my spoon in for a mouth of fruit granola before slurping down some fresh smoothie.
Quite impossibly it was already 11:50am… time to pack up and check out.
It had been a dreamy night at Batty Langley’s and it’s somewhere I would definitely return to. I hadn’t had chance to check out half of the secret rooms, including the Tapestry Room which features a DIY cocktail honesty bar.
I’d been informed that the suites were even more luxurious than our Club Double, with gaping four poster beds and giant bathrooms to boot.
Batty Langley’s, which opened in 2015, prides itself on being packed full of ‘humour, eccentricity and atmosphere’.
And I promise this quirky rabbit warren fulfills, if not exceeds, expectation.
A hidden gem well-worth exploring if you’re keen to escape the city throng.
Rooms at Batty Langley’s start from £250 per room, per night on a room only basis including tax Breakfast is priced at £11.95 per person.
To book a night visit 12 Folgate Street, London, E1 6BX. Call +44 207 377 4390. Email reservations@battylangleys.co.uk. Click: www.battylangleys.com.
