You know what caught me off guard about Urban Chic Exeter Heart of Theatre London? The name’s a bit of a mouthful, honestly, but once you’re actually standing on Exeter Street, it all makes sense. I mean, you’re literally surrounded by theatres – the Lyceum’s practically next door, and you can see people queuing for shows from some of the upper floor windows. The building itself has this lovely brick facade that somehow manages to look both historic and modern at the same time, which is pretty much London in a nutshell, isn’t it?
The lobby surprised me – it’s got this urban edge without being cold or sterile. Think exposed brick meets sleek furnishings, but not in that try-hard way some boutique hotels do. Check-in was smooth (I arrived around 3pm on a Thursday), and the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood well. When I asked about getting to Borough Market the next morning, the desk clerk gave me this whole route involving the back streets that saved me from the tourist crowds on the main drags. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – nothing revolutionary, but the beds are properly comfortable and the bathrooms are modern without being stark. I particularly liked the little touches, like the reading lights that actually work for reading (revolutionary concept, I know) and windows that open enough to get some fresh air without letting in all the Covent Garden chaos.
Location-wise, you’re in the thick of things but not overwhelmed by it. Exeter Street itself is quieter than you’d expect – it’s one of those tucked-away spots that tourists walk past without noticing. Yet you’re maybe two minutes from the Strand, and Somerset House is right there if you need a moment of calm. The Tube connections are brilliant – Covent Garden station is closest, though it can be absolutely rammed on weekends, so Temple’s often a better shout. Parking? Well, it’s Central London, so don’t even think about driving here. But honestly, you won’t need to – everything’s walkable, and there’s something quite nice about stumbling back from a late show knowing your hotel’s just around the corner. The area does get lively in the evenings (theatre crowds, you know), but the double-glazed windows keep most of the noise out. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I was planning to catch a few shows – though book early during the summer season because it fills up fast with theatre-goers who’ve figured out this little secret.