Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked up to The Lincoln Suites on Kingsway – the building’s got that classic London thing where it looks a bit imposing from the street, you know? But once you’re inside, it’s actually got this warm, understated elegance that feels properly British without being stuffy about it. The lobby’s got these deep leather chairs and just enough marble to make you feel like you’re somewhere special, but not so much that you’re afraid to set your coffee cup down.
What really sold me on this place is how they’ve nailed the location without making a big deal about it. You’re right in the heart of Westminster Borough, which means you can walk to Covent Garden in about eight minutes (I timed it), but you’re tucked just far enough off the main tourist drag that you’re not dealing with street performers outside your window at midnight. The rooms themselves are properly spacious for London – I mean, you can actually open your suitcase without having to close the bathroom door first. The beds are those crisp white affairs that somehow manage to be both firm and cozy, and honestly, the blackout curtains are a godsend if you’re dealing with jet lag. There’s this nice attention to detail too – good water pressure in the shower, plenty of outlets near the bed, and the kind of thick towels that make you consider smuggling one home.
The staff here actually knows the neighborhood, which is rarer than you’d think. When I asked about getting to Borough Market early on a Saturday, the concierge didn’t just point me toward the Tube – he told me about the little coffee cart that sets up on Southwark Street at 7 AM and suggested I grab something there before the market crowds hit. That’s the kind of local insight that makes a difference. The only minor gripe I’d have is that the elevators are a bit slow (it’s an older building, so fair enough), and if you’re on the Kingsway side, there’s some street noise during morning rush hour – nothing terrible, but worth mentioning if you’re a light sleeper. With an 8.9 rating, they’re clearly doing something right, and after staying there twice now, I get it. It’s one of those places that just works without trying too hard to impress you.