The Tophams Hotel

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Tophams? It’s one of those London hotels that actually feels like it belongs in the neighborhood. Tucked away on Ebury Street in Belgravia, it’s got this understated elegance that doesn’t scream “tourist trap” – honestly, I walked past it twice before realizing I’d found the place. The building itself has that classic Victorian charm you’d expect in this part of Westminster, but without the stuffiness that can make some heritage hotels feel like museums. When I finally made it through the entrance (after my little navigation adventure), the lobby had this warm, almost residential feel – sort of like stepping into a well-appointed friend’s home rather than a corporate hotel chain.

What really sets this place apart is how it sits in Belgravia without trying too hard to be fancy about it. I mean, you’re literally a five-minute walk from Victoria Station, which is incredibly handy if you’re doing day trips or need to catch the Gatwick Express, but the street itself is surprisingly quiet for being so central. Ebury Street has this lovely village-y vibe with independent shops and cafes – there’s actually a fantastic wine bar called Ebury Wine Bar just down the road that locals frequent. The hotel’s 4-star rating feels spot-on; it’s polished and comfortable without being pretentious. My room had those little touches that show someone’s paying attention – proper blackout curtains (a godsend for jet lag), a kettle that actually worked well, and bathroom toiletries that didn’t feel like afterthoughts. The 8.2 rating makes sense too; it’s genuinely good without being perfect, and honestly, perfect can be overrated anyway.

Here’s the thing about staying here – you get the best of both worlds. You’re close enough to walk to Buckingham Palace (seriously, it’s like a 10-minute stroll through the back streets), and Sloane Square is right there if you want to shop or grab dinner somewhere nice. But you’re also tucked away from the chaos of the main tourist thoroughfares. I never had trouble sleeping, which is saying something for central London. The staff seemed to actually know the area well; when I asked about getting to Borough Market, the front desk person gave me this detailed route involving the District line that saved me about 20 minutes compared to what Google Maps suggested. Little things like that matter when you’re trying to make the most of your time. If you’re looking for a place that feels authentically London without the eye-watering prices of some Mayfair hotels, and you don’t need a spa or room service until 2 AM, The Tophams is a solid choice. It’s the kind of place you’d actually want to come back to, which – let’s be honest – isn’t something you can say about every hotel in this city.

Rooms

• Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Family Room with 2 single beds and 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Superior Double Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Superior Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Junior Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
• Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults
• Deluxe Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults

Facilities