You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from the name “Aircon 2 Bedr, 3 Beds, 2 Bath Covent Garden, Subway” – honestly sounds like someone just threw keywords together. But this place on Exchange Court actually surprised me in the best way. It’s tucked into this narrow little courtyard that you’d walk right past if you weren’t looking for it, which is sort of perfect because you’re literally thirty seconds from the chaos of Covent Garden but it feels like you’ve found this secret pocket of calm. The location is honestly ridiculous – I mean, you can hear the street performers from Neal’s Yard if your windows are open, but step outside and you’re right there with all the energy without paying tourist-trap hotel prices.
The apartment itself feels like someone actually lives there, not like a sterile hotel room that gets the same generic makeover every few years. The air conditioning works properly (thank god, because London flats in summer can be brutal), and having two proper bathrooms is a game-changer when you’re traveling with friends or family – no more awkward morning queues. The beds are comfortable, though the third one is clearly meant for a kid or someone who doesn’t mind sleeping a bit snug. What I really appreciated were the little details that show someone thought this through: decent water pressure, enough outlets near the beds for everyone’s phones, and a kitchen that’s actually functional if you want to grab groceries from the Sainsbury’s on Long Acre instead of eating out every meal. The check-in was smooth – they send you codes ahead of time, so no waiting around or hunting for a front desk.
Here’s the thing about staying right in Covent Garden though – it gets loud on weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights when people are spilling out of the pubs on nearby streets. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. You’re in the thick of it all. Leicester Square tube is about a three-minute walk, Holborn’s even closer, and you can walk to the British Museum or the Thames without breaking a sweat. I loved being able to duck back during the day to drop off shopping bags or just escape the crowds for a bit. The area around Exchange Court has this old London feel – narrow passages and buildings that have been there forever – but you’ve got everything you need within a block or two. For a 4-star place with an 8.9 rating, it delivers exactly what it promises without any pretense. It’s not trying to be fancy, just comfortable and perfectly placed for actually experiencing London instead of just visiting it.