Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first walked into NoMad London on Bow Street – I mean, you’re literally a stone’s throw from the Royal Opera House and all that Covent Garden chaos, so I figured it might be trying too hard to fit in with the whole theatrical vibe. But the moment you step through those doors, it’s like… well, it’s sophisticated without being stuffy, if that makes sense.
The building itself has this incredible history (it used to be a magistrates’ court, which is pretty wild when you think about it), and they’ve done something really clever with the restoration. You can feel the weight of the old architecture – those soaring ceilings and original details – but it doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping in a museum. The rooms are genuinely spacious by London standards, which honestly surprised me. I’ve stayed in plenty of five-star places here where you’re practically climbing over your suitcase to get to the bathroom. The design hits this sweet spot between New York loft and British elegance that actually works, though I know that sounds like marketing speak – it’s more about the textures and colors they’ve chosen, sort of moody but not dark.
What really got me though was how they handle the location. You know how Covent Garden can be absolutely mental with tourists during the day? Well, Bow Street is just tucked away enough that you’re not dealing with street performers outside your window at midnight, but you can still walk to everything. I mean everything – Borough Market if you’re feeling ambitious, the British Museum, obviously the theatre district. There’s this little side entrance that most people miss, and the staff will actually tell you about it, which saves you from having to push through crowds when you’re just trying to get back with your coffee. The bar downstairs gets busy but in a good way – it’s locals mixing with hotel guests, not just tourists taking Instagram photos. And honestly? The 9.1 rating makes sense. I’m usually skeptical of anything over 8.5 because it often means they’re filtering reviews somehow, but this feels earned. The service is attentive without being hovering, the building is genuinely stunning, and there’s something about the whole experience that feels both polished and authentic. It’s pricey, obviously – this is central London and it’s proper luxury – but you’re paying for substance, not just a fancy lobby.