I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to Cromwell Serviced Apartments, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The building sits on this surprisingly quiet stretch in South Kensington, and you know what struck me? It actually feels residential, not like those cookie-cutter hotel lobbies that all blur together. The entrance is understated in that distinctly London way – no flashy signage screaming for attention, just solid brick and those classic white-trimmed windows that tell you this neighborhood means business.
What really won me over was how the apartments manage to feel both spacious and cozy at the same time. I mean, this is London we’re talking about – space is premium real estate. But these units have proper kitchens (not those sad mini-fridges with a hotplate), decent-sized living areas, and honestly, the beds are comfortable enough that you won’t spend your first morning complaining about your back. The decor walks that fine line between contemporary and timeless – think clean lines and neutral tones without being boring. Plus, the bathrooms have actual water pressure, which sounds trivial until you’ve spent a week somewhere with a shower that barely drizzles.
The location is where this place really shines, though I bet most people don’t realize it at first glance. You’re basically a five-minute walk from South Kensington tube station, which puts you on the Piccadilly, Circle, and District lines – translation: you can get pretty much anywhere in central London without the hassle of multiple transfers. But here’s the thing locals know: you’re also within easy walking distance of some of the city’s best museums without dealing with the tourist chaos of staying right on Exhibition Road. The Natural History Museum and V&A are close enough for a spontaneous afternoon visit, yet far enough that you’re not fighting crowds every time you step outside. And if you head toward Old Brompton Road – maybe a seven-minute walk – you’ll find this great mix of cafes, pubs, and those little independent shops that make London neighborhoods feel authentic. The staff seems to get that people staying here want to live like locals for a bit, not just tick off tourist boxes. They’re helpful without being pushy, and actually know the area well enough to give you directions to places that aren’t just the obvious attractions.