You’ve probably walked past it. Honestly, even if you were looking for it, you’d likely miss the door. Tucked away just a few steps from the chaotic neon hum of Regent Street, No 5 Maddox Street is a bit of a ghost in the best possible way. It’s an unmarked townhouse. No massive gold-leaf signage, no doorman in a top hat whistling for taxis, and definitely no velvet ropes. It’s just a door. But behind that door is where the "if you know, you know" crowd hides when London gets to be a bit much.
What is No 5 Maddox Street Exactly?
It’s not quite a hotel. It's not a standard apartment rental either. Basically, it’s a collection of 12 suites that feel more like a stylish friend’s Mayfair pied-à-terre than a commercial lodging. Think bamboo flooring, Eames-style chairs, and Bigelow toiletries.
The vibe is distinctly Zen-meets-Soho-loft. While the rest of Mayfair is busy trying to look like a 19th-century oil painting, No 5 goes for a stripped-back, "quiet luxury" aesthetic. You get high-speed fiber, Nespresso machines that actually work, and kitchens that are better equipped than my first three flats combined. It’s the kind of place where a touring musician or a fashion editor stays when they want to be central but invisible.
The No-Lift Situation (Read This Twice)
Here is the thing. There is no lift.
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Zero.
If you’re booked into the Bartlett Suite on the top floor, you’re hiking. Now, the 24-hour concierge team is legendary for hauling luggage up those stairs like they’re training for a triathlon, but your knees should know what they’re getting into. It’s a literal climb. But the payoff? The higher you go, the quieter it gets. By the time you hit the upper floors, the roar of Oxford Circus—which is barely 150 meters away—fades into a dull, distant hum.
Why the Location is Actually a Cheat Code
Most people staying in Mayfair end up in these stiff, formal pockets where you have to walk ten minutes just to find a pint of milk. Not here. No 5 Maddox Street sits on the literal border of Mayfair and Soho.
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- Shopping: You are two minutes from Liberty London. If you need a new pair of shoes from Bond Street, you’re looking at a five-minute stroll.
- Dining: Patara, a seriously good Thai spot, is right underneath. You can basically smell the lemongrass from your balcony if the wind hits right.
- The Tube: Oxford Circus is right there. It’s the most connected station in the city, even if the Central Line is a furnace in July.
A Look Inside the Suites
They don’t do "cookie-cutter" rooms here. Every one of the 12 spaces has its own quirk. The two-bedroom loft suites are usually the ones that end up on design blogs. They’ve got soaring ceilings and, occasionally, decked balconies that look out over the rooftops of W1.
The kitchens aren't just for show. We're talking Neff appliances and actual workspace. If you're staying for a week, the concierge can even pre-stock your fridge with stuff from Whole Foods. It beats a $30 hotel club sandwich every single time.
The Real Talk on Noise
Let’s be real: you’re in the middle of London. If you book an Executive Suite facing the street, you’re going to hear the city. The windows are double-glazed, and they do a decent job, but Maddox Street isn't a country lane. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a rear-facing suite. They face the back of the building and are remarkably still. It’s a bit of a trade-off—less light, but more sleep.
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The Secret "Living Rooms" Connection
No 5 is part of the Living Rooms collection. They’re the same people behind The Laslett in Notting Hill. Their whole philosophy is about making you feel like a local rather than a tourist. You won’t find a "Business Center" with a dusty printer from 2004. Instead, you get a dedicated workstation in your suite and a concierge who can actually get you a table at a restaurant that doesn’t show up on TripAdvisor’s top ten list.
Who Should Stay Here (and Who Shouldn't)
If you need a 24-hour gym, a swimming pool, and a breakfast buffet with 14 types of melon, don’t stay at No 5 Maddox Street. You’ll be miserable. There is no lobby to lounge in. It’s a place for people who want independence.
It’s perfect for:
- Families: The two and three-bedroom suites are massive by London standards. Having a kitchen when you have a toddler is a literal lifesaver.
- Extended Stays: If you're in town for a month-long project, a hotel room starts to feel like a cage. These feel like homes.
- Discreet Travelers: If you don't want to be "seen," this is your bunker.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Book the Loft: If your budget allows, the Loft apartments are worth the extra cash for the light alone.
- Use the Concierge: They are surprisingly well-connected. Don't just ask them for directions; ask them where the best coffee is on New Bond Street (it’s Ralph’s, usually).
- Mind the Stairs: If you have mobility issues, this is a hard pass. If you're just a bit lazy, consider it your daily cardio.
- Grocery Hack: Don't waste time shopping. Email the team 48 hours before you arrive with a list. Walking into a suite with fresh bread, eggs, and a bottle of wine already there is a top-tier feeling.
No 5 Maddox Street remains one of those rare spots in London that hasn't been ruined by over-exposure. It stays quiet because it doesn't shout. It’s just there, waiting behind an ordinary door, offering a slice of calm in the middle of the most restless city on earth.
If you are planning a trip, check the floor plan before you confirm. The layout of the 1-bedroom superior versus the 1-bedroom deluxe is a big jump in square footage. Always go for the deluxe if you’re staying more than three nights; the extra breathing room makes a massive difference when you're trying to unpack.