As I’d mentioned in an earlier blog, the small neighborhoods of London are one of the many assets that make this city such a glorious strolling experience. It’s another reason, too, that I prefer to vary my hotel selections, rather than staying in just one favorite. This proved to be a very good decision! Not only was the Dorset Square hotel (part of the Firmdale group) the perfect boutique accommodation, but it was directly across the street from Dorset Square, one of London’s many sylvan pocket parks, formerly the original site of the Marylebone Cricket Club (1787), “the home of Cricket”.
Speaking of parks, the town of Marylebone abuts one of the capitals’ most elegant greenspaces, Regent’s Park on the north and Hyde Park on its left corner; the borough of Mayfair borders Marylebone on the south. But more than its prime location, this quiet haven felt as though you’d escaped the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city and discovered a village-like setting with residents, not tourists. From an architectural standpoint, Marylebone is a dizzying delight of architectural jewels and thought-provoking oddities, every bit as impressive as Knightsbridge or Belgravia, where I usually stay. Thinking of you perhaps scooting over the pond in the fall, or planning a spring ’24 visit, you might be well-served by these cameos of a London neighborhood that I came to adore. Aaaah, the memories…
Do you understand now why I might say that the neighborhoods of London are truly one of the best reasons to travel to this exceptional city?
How fun, the brick buildings are always a favorite of mine, not to mention the outdoor cafe – love it!
Beautiful area of London… and love the Firmdale hotels… we have stayed in them and they are wonderful
Love, love, love the pocket park. Dorset Square Hotel and Marylebone, here I come! Many thanks, Bettie, for sharing the delights.
Bravo, Bettie- exceptional photography as always with spot on commentary.
Bettie…As usual, no one has the exquisite “curator’s eye” that you have and it is reflected in these photos so representative of London ! Thank you for always taking us on a true connoisseur’s history/architecture/parks tour ! We love your posts.
I’m a believer!! Just so…English!! franki
Gracious Lady,
Your photos of ‘Marylebone’ brought back some super memories. Friends of ours had one of those vintage… ‘mansion’ flats’- the ones that seemed to go on ‘forever’. One is in total agreement as to that location’s magical allure; with its blend of shops, ‘watering holes’ and of course the parks.
Yet again, we are all in your debt as to your ‘sharing’ the world’s remaining, beauty & charm.
We lived in Marylebone for 4 years while my husband was on a work assignment. A wonderful time in our lives. Still miss it 4 years on. Walking never seemed like a chore as you saw so much that you would hold in your heart always. Thanks for the memories…
Oh my, what a fortunate experience for you! As a former resident, I’m so glad you weighed in on a part of London that I had really known nothing about…and the Wigmore Hall paino concert we attended was a rare treat!! xB