Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of London apartments over the years, and this Oxford Street spot on Stanhope Place really surprised me – in the best way possible. You know how most “2-bed apartments” in central London are basically glorified closets? Well, this one actually has room to breathe. The moment you walk in, there’s this sense of space that’s honestly rare for anything within walking distance of Marble Arch.
The location is what sold me initially – I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from the mayhem of Oxford Street, but Stanhope Place itself is this quiet little pocket that feels almost residential. It’s one of those streets where you can actually hear yourself think, which is saying something for this part of Westminster. The building has that classic London feel without being stuffy about it, and honestly, the fact that you can pop out for late-night shopping at Selfridges then retreat back to actual quiet is pretty perfect. Hyde Park is right there too – I found myself cutting through Speaker’s Corner most mornings just because I could.
What really impressed me was how thoughtfully everything’s set up inside. The kitchen actually works (and I say this as someone who’s dealt with plenty of London rentals where the hob barely functions), both bedrooms have proper storage, and the living area doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The whole place has this lived-in comfort that’s way better than hotel sterile, but still feels fresh and clean. You’ll appreciate the little touches too – decent WiFi that doesn’t cut out, proper blackout curtains (trust me on this one), and enough electrical outlets that you’re not playing musical chairs with your devices. The only minor thing is that the shower pressure varies a bit depending on time of day, but honestly, for central London, that’s pretty standard. Check-in was straightforward, parking… well, it’s London, so forget about that unless you enjoy paying £40 a day, but the Marble Arch tube is practically around the corner anyway. During busy shopping seasons the area gets absolutely mental with tourists, but once you duck into Stanhope Place, it’s like stepping into a different world. That 9.1 rating makes total sense to me – this place just works.