No 38 Clifton

Hotel review

A glorious Georgian merchant’s house, Number Thirty Eight Clifton, refers to itself as ‘boutique and breakfast’ and offers eleven bedrooms spread out over five floors. At the top are the loft suites, large airy double-aspect rooms with huge freestanding copper baths and super king-size beds. These – and the rest of the rooms – are done up in a simple palette of Farrow and Ball colours, with windows dressed in smart Roman blinds and colonial wooden shutters. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, retro Roberts radios, well-stocked mini-bars and an assortment of teas and coffee, plus fresh milk and home-made biscuits, while REN products are found in the bathrooms. With its elevated slopeside position, the splendid views of both city and countryside – the leafy downs to the front and colourful rooftop views behind – are appreciated from all floors, including the outside terrace. Owned and done up by Adam Dorrien Smith, the townhouse doubles up as Adam’s private art collection, and works of art – including one by Hockney – and treasures brought back from abroad, are scattered about the place. Breakfast aside, Number Thirty Eight is restaurant-free, although guests are provided with a handy list of recommended bars and restaurants nearby. This encapsulates the owner’s aim of guests being able to stay in a comfortable boutique hotel, but have the freedom to explore and find their own places to eat.

Helena Hamlyn Review published: 2018-10-31