You know what caught me off guard about Kula London? Walking up to 25 Garrick Street, I honestly expected another cramped London hotel trying too hard to be boutique. Instead, this place actually gets it right – there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about how they’ve done things here in Covent Garden.
The location is pretty brilliant, and I mean that in the most practical way possible. You’re literally steps from the Royal Opera House (like, you can hear the evening crowds gathering), but tucked away enough on Garrick Street that you’re not dealing with the absolute chaos of the main piazza. I spent most mornings walking to that little Pret on King Street for coffee, then cutting through to Leicester Square when I needed the tube. The Neal’s Yard area is right there too – honestly one of my favorite hidden corners of London with all those colorful buildings and indie shops. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night, considering you’re in the thick of everything. Well, mostly quiet – Friday and Saturday evenings you’ll definitely hear people heading to the theaters, but it’s more lively than annoying.
The hotel itself feels more grown-up than a lot of the trendy places popping up around London. It’s got that 4-star polish without being stuffy about it, and the 8.6 rating makes complete sense once you’re there. The rooms are actually a decent size for central London (I mean, we’re not talking huge, but you can open your suitcase without doing yoga moves around the bed). Check-in was smooth – no pretentious lobby scene, just efficient and friendly. The staff seem to know the neighborhood really well too, which sounds small but makes a difference when you need dinner recommendations that aren’t total tourist traps. Speaking of food, you’re spoiled for choice here. Dishoom’s just around the corner on Upper St. Martin’s Lane, and if you want something more casual, there’s this great little Italian place on Bedfordbury that locals actually eat at. The hotel doesn’t try to oversell their own restaurant situation, which I appreciate – they know you’ve got better options literally outside your door.
What really sold me was the practical stuff working well. The wifi was solid (crucial when you’re trying to figure out London transport), the shower had proper water pressure, and the beds were comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been sleeping on a board. It’s not trying to be the most Instagram-worthy place in London, but sometimes you just want a well-run hotel in an excellent location where everything works as it should. If you’re planning to spend your days exploring Covent Garden, the South Bank, or even walking to the British Museum (totally doable from here), this makes a really sensible base.