Hotel La Gaffe

When was the last time someone shook your hand when you arrived at a hotel? - Well, it happened to me when I checked in at "La Gaffe" earlier this week.

It may sound strange to check in to a hotel when you actually live in London. Yet, circumstances arose that made me check in to a hotel. - No, I didn't get kicked out by my partner, but it has to do with some sort of leaving. In fact, I was moving away from London and once the movers had packed up all my belongings, I didn't feel like sleeping in the empty flat...on a blow-up mattress and in a sleeping bag. That would've made me even more sad.

So, I decided to temporarily move to a B&B. And having heard/read good things on Yelp about "La Gaffe" in nearby Hampstead, the decision was quickly made. Plus, I didn't want to move into some corporate hotel, like a Premier Inn or a smart boutique hotel in Central London. I wanted to stay local.

And that's exactly what I got: La Gaffe is the quintessential local institution. In fact, on my last morning, when I was waiting for my taxi to the airport, I got to chat with someone who I presumed was another guest. Yet, throughout our conversation it transpired that he just lives up the road in the next neighborhood. Yet he's coming to La Gaffe for a coffee and chat on a regular basis...and that for a few decades.

He told me the story about the Greek/Italian couple who opened a French restaurant in the early 1960s. (The name La Gaffe means something like mismatch in French and hints at the audacity for a Greek woman and an Italian man to open a French restaurant.) Soon they purchased the shop/building next door and opened the B&B. According to my local source, the restaurant attracted many domestic as well as international celebrities, all of which loved the personal atmosphere that I experienced with that handshake on my first day as well. (The late Charly Chaplin, apparently, was a guest here.)

Furthermore, I learned that this place is one of the oldest privately-run businesses in Hampstead. In fact, I learned many more local tales and curiosities, which - as a somewhat local - I found fascinating, but which would be too boring to write down here.

Back to my review of the hotel: if you like it posh, slick and luxurious, this is NOT the place for you. However, if you're happy with a simple room, basic amenities and if you can live without a super-fast wifi connection, then this IS your place. In return, you feel at home, you feel well-taken care of, you will not feel like a money-bringing person, but as someone whose presence makes a difference and maybe even leaves a lasting impression? It's exactly what I needed from this place in my home-less situation at that time. (Granted, there are other times, when I treasure the anonymity of a large hotel!)

During my three-nights stay, I visited the restaurant twice: once for the continental breakfast, which is included in the rate, and once for dinner. The breakfasts is simple, yet sufficient. The dinner was lovely; I had the lasagne-of-the-day with a side if French beans. For dessert I ordered the Tiramisu...which I have to say was just ok. (I think I make a much better Tiramisu - send me a message if you want the recipe ;-)

On that very last morning, when I was learning about all these local anecdotes, I also had a long chat with the man who shook my hand on the first day. His name is Lorenzo and as it turns out, he's the son of the Greek/Italian couple who opened La Gaffe back in 1962. I was very pleased to hear this, as I then knew that this place will still be there when I come back for a visit to London. And the odds are high, that I'll be checking in here again...

Had a nice stay in a large single room back in October for six nights. Room was clean. Lorenzo was very friendly and helpful throughout my stay. I used to live in the area which was one of the reasons I chose Hampstead, as I was hoping to have a few wanders on the Heath during my stay. The weather partly cooperated, but that's London for you :)
Would definitely stay here again. The room at the back on the ground floor was mostly quiet except on the Wed am v. early they came to collect the rubbish and trucks were very noisy. Only happened that one day though. And the last night I was there the people above me must have had an early flight or something as they were up and stomping like elephants, but that's not the hotels fault. Location is just a short walk from the tube and just north of the high street full with shops and restaurants.

On our trip to England decided to spend a weekend in Hampstead. Fortunately, we reserved a room at La Gaffe. The room was very comfortable and clean. The owners clearly care about the upkeep of this quaint and charming small hotel.

The stairs are a bit steep going up to the rooms, but it was worth it. Lorenzo, the owner, carried my heavy suitcase to my room.

The owners and staff are very attentive and personable. I would definitely go back to La Gaffe.

My second night, I eat in the restaurant downstairs. The food was excellent, and the server and manager were so gracious.

After being there two nights, Lorenzo and his staff were so welcoming, that somehow I feel like I made friends in Hampstead.

Great place! Small hotel above the family-owned restaurant.

The rooms are smallish, but they are clean and comfortable. The restaurant is very good; solid Italian menu; good desserts.

The best things about La Gaffe are: 1) its owner Lorenzo who is great and attentive, 2) its location in tony Hampstead.

We stayed four nights at La Gaffe, and it was the perfect base camp for exploring London. Don't fret that it's is too far from Central London; there is a tube station down the block, and the nearby neighborhoods are great to walk through into Central London.

Family operated, La Gaffe is a small hotel and excellent Italian restaurant just off Heath Street. The owners have been here quite a while and do a great job maintaining the cozy feel and menu. Portions are very generously sized and they do some good seafood dishes in particular. Highly recommended for a family dinner or quiet night.

A quiet place great for relaxing in. The food is awful but the atmosphere is great I can't stop eating here! Noisy at times but the food is worth it

We stayed 4 nights in March 2012. It is very good value, with a terrific breakfast included. The only downside is that the room is tiny. But the shower is good, the lighting is very good, and there was room to unpack. The best part of our stay was the owner, Lorenzo, who couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. We left one large bag upstairs and he was most accommodating about it. The room was immaculate. Hampstead is charming, and there wasn't much street noise at night at all.