About

Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton
History, Style, Elegance

Set in the vibrant heart of London’s shopping and entertainment district, directly adjacent to Carnaby Street and the London Palladium, the Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton  was  formerly known as the Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Court, and since 1912, a number of famous and infamous faces have passed through its polished chambers in the name of justice.  Artfully re-invented as a contemporary luxury hotel in 2005, the Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton provides exceptional guest services and a truly boutique accommodation experience throughout 112 well appointed rooms and suites.

A little slice of history….
Over the years, the Great Marlborough Street Magistrate’s Court has been the scene of many famous cases, which either took place on the premises or went to full trial at Crown courts such as the Old Bailey, after a preliminary hearing. Infamous hearings such as the first obscenity trial for a comic book in English history against the International Times in 1971 or John Lennon’s sensational court case regarding the sale of sexually explicit lithograph drawings, which was dismissed on a technicality in 1970. Mick Jagger defended his name when he was allegedly caught in possession of cannabis (and Marianne Faithful!). Keith Richards received a £205 fine in 1973 for possession of marijuana, heroin and mandrax, as well as a Smith & Wesson revolver and an antique shotgun, both held without a licence, and Oscar Wilde had the start of his ‘Queensbury’ case heard in the building. Even Napoleon
III and Charles Dickens have darkened the doorstep in times gone by.

Many remnants of this colourful past have been incorporated into the building’s current design scheme. A Grade II listed building, the hotel features the original Robert Adams fireplaces throughout the luxurious Magistrates Suites, prison cells in the holding block reinvented as funky private VIP rooms in The Bar, and Silk, the hotel’s Michelin-recommended destination restaurant, is in fact the old Number One courtroom. Elsewhere in the hotel, quirky glimpses of buildings former function are also evident to the keen eye.

Rooms and Suites
With 112 well-appointed rooms and suites, ranging from the spacious classic accommodation to the delightful one-of-a-kind Lalique Crystal Penthouse suite, the Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton offers a
wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes.

Designer Dining and Lounging
Michelin-recommended Silk restaurant is the architectural and culinary focal point of the hotel; lit by an impressive vaulted glass ceiling and framed in original English Oak paneling, the vibrant Asian-fusion restaurant still features the judge’s bench, dock and witness stand from the days when it was a nationally-renowned courtroom. Open every evening from Tuesday to Saturday, diners can explore the wonderful cuisine of the historic “Silk Route.

The Carnaby is an all day brasserie with a more casual ambience, serving a newly introduced grill menu, complemented with tasty salads, soups and other hearty cuisine.  Here, the good old English tradition of afternoon tea can be enjoyed in a variety of compositions, including traditional, Champagne, ‘Chocolate Indulgence’ and ‘Asian’, suiting every palate and occasion.

‘The Bar’ is a fitting venue for a former courthouse, located just off the lobby, this trendy lounge is another quirky gem within the hotel, with the original cell blocks now used as cosy VIP rooms which are very popular for both evening drinks or one-to-one meetings.  On the menu there are a number of legal-themed specialty signature cocktails.

Overlooking the Soho skyline on the 5th floor of the hotel, Soho Sky Terrace is a refreshing al-fresco venue with a view of the city below.  Perfect for after-work cocktails, private parties or corporate events, the all-weather cover provides a welcome retreat whatever the weather.

Leisure and Relaxation
A haven of tranquility within the Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton, Sanook Spa offers a peaceful and pampering escape from busy city life, right in the heart of London.   Unwind with blissful spa treatments ranging from exquisite grooming rituals to indulgent facials and body massages; the gentle touch of professional therapists guides guests through sensory journey to total relaxation.

Conference and Events
For a boutique hotel, the Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton has a diverse range of venues for meetings, conferences and events.  Aside from the unique dining and lounge outlets, the hotel has the bespoke conference suites, ‘The Chambers’ on the lower ground floor which can cater for different configurations, dependent on requirements.  One little-known feature is the 94-seat private deluxe cinema, which can be used for movie screenings, premieres weddings or corporate events.