In truth, the Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, the newest addition to the Zetter Group (which includes The Grain Store restaurant), is more north Oxford Street than Marylebone - nestling halfway between Selfridges and Edgware Road. It is a hot location and dangerous shopping territory.
The small hotel could be described as boutique chic meets B&B - except that doesn't do it justice. You enter the 24-bedroom Georgian townhouse through Seymour's Parlour, a cocktail lounge that has already caught the eye of fashionistas. Décor is French wartime bordello/garden antique - with reclaimed masonry and crockery hanging on crimson walls. The cosy space multi-tasks as a reception, a lounge and a breakfast room.
Barman Tony Conigliaro - some say the Heston Blumenthal of the cocktail world - has created a drinks menu featuring his own Two-Penn Trash (rye, whiskey, powdered malt and treacle); perfect for washing down the interesting bar food menu that includes potted smoked mackerel with elderflower jelly - one of Seymour's Potted Pleasures.
The potted theme continues at breakfast, where a small buffet of cereals, breads and cheeses is offered alongside a hot breakfast menu which includes potted eggs served with salmon, avocado or other options.
Sustainability is core; the bedrooms have a detection system, which means that when you're not there, air con and other essentials are powered down. Owners Michael Benyan, Mark Sainsbury and Jason Catifeoglou have chalked up an impressive cabinet of trophies since launching in 2004, including a Green Tourism Gold Award. There are 24 bedrooms, including a rooftop apartment with roof terrace and al fresco bath. All manage to feel nothing like a hotel room. Think Nespresso machine, REN toiletries and a vintage-styled Roberts DAB radio set in the bathroom.
Be warned though; one night won't feel anywhere near long enough.
Rates: From £248 per night; thezettertownhouse.com
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