A Home Away From Home: Inside Mason & Fifth's New Belsize Park Guesthouse

Opening on a very quaint high street and just a stone's throw from Belsize Park station, Mason & Fifth's newest guesthouse offers something that feels increasingly rare in London: a genuine home away from home.

After the success of the Primrose Hill, Bermondsey, and Westbourne Park, I was invited to spend a night at the newly opened North London location and, from the moment I arrived, it was clear that this wasn't aiming to be a traditional hotel experience. Instead, Mason & Fifth has created a space that sits somewhere between a boutique stay, a flexible living space and a community hub.

Walking through the doors, I was instantly greeted by a friendly member of staff who took the time to show me around the property. The heart of the building is undoubtedly the communal living area downstairs. A large open kitchen flows into a beautifully designed dining space, where two long tables were already dressed and ready to host dinner later that evening. The atmosphere felt warm and welcoming, immediately encouraging guests to settle in rather than simply pass through.

My room was compact but thoughtfully designed, functioning more like a small studio apartment than a hotel room. Equipped with all the essentials, it provided everything needed for a comfortable stay without feeling cluttered. It includes a fully equipped kitchenette and ensuite with good pressure waterfall showers so you can truly have time to yourself. The concept behind Mason & Fifth is flexibility, and that is reflected throughout the property. Guests can book a stay for a few nights, but longer-term residents can stay for up to 18 months, making it an attractive option for anyone looking for a temporary London base.

One of the biggest perks of staying with Mason & Fifth is access across the wider collection of properties. Guests can use facilities at other locations, including the brand's largest site in Westbourne Park, which features a pool, spa and treatment rooms, a waterside restaurant, panoramic lounge, cinema and a programme of wellness classes, live events and pop-ups.

The interiors throughout Belsize Park are understated yet stylish. Much of the furniture has been carefully sourced, with many vintage pieces helping to create a relaxed, lived-in feel that complements the building's character. Nothing feels overly polished or formal; instead, there's a sense that the spaces have been designed to be genuinely enjoyed.

Dinner that evening perfectly reflected the community-focused ethos of the brand. Guests gathered around the long tables to share beautifully prepared dishes cooked by the in-house chef, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a dinner party than a hotel restaurant. We were joined by Dylan, Mason & Fifth's Director of Operations, who spoke about the company's vision and how each property is designed not only as a place to stay, but as a way of helping people connect both with the local neighbourhood and with one another. Later that night, I also enjoyed one of the most important aspects of any stay: a good night's sleep. Despite being located on a main road, the room was impressively quiet and the bed exceptionally comfortable.

The following morning, breakfast followed the same relaxed approach as the rest of the guesthouse, with a continental spread designed for guests who wanted a simple, help-yourself start to the day before heading out to explore London. I spent some time working from the communal living area and found it surprisingly comfortable. The Wi-Fi was reliable, there was plenty of space to settle in with a laptop, and the environment struck a good balance between productivity and relaxation.

Overall, Mason & Fifth Belsize Park offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional hotel model. Combining thoughtful design, flexible stays and a strong sense of community, it feels perfectly suited to modern travellers who want more than just somewhere to sleep. Whether you're visiting London for a weekend, working remotely for a few weeks or looking for a longer-term base in one of the city's most charming neighbourhoods, it's a delightful place to stay.