Honestly, when I first walked up to 70 Holland Street, I wasn’t expecting much – the area looks pretty industrial at first glance. But you know what? This place completely surprised me, and now I get why it’s got such solid ratings despite being tucked away in this corner of Southwark.
The apartment itself is actually gorgeous – proper Thames views that aren’t just a sliver if you crane your neck out the window. I mean, you’re looking right out at the water, and depending on which way you’re facing, you might catch the London Eye spinning lazily in the distance. The whole setup feels like someone’s actual home rather than a sterile hotel room, which I loved. There’s this lived-in quality to the furniture and decor that makes you want to settle in for more than just a night or two. The kitchen’s properly equipped too – not just a kettle and some sad instant coffee, but actual cookware if you want to grab some bits from Borough Market (which, by the way, is literally a ten-minute walk away). The bathroom’s one of those rainfall shower situations that actually works, unlike some places where it’s more like a light drizzle.
What really sold me on this spot though is how well-positioned it is for actually experiencing London rather than just being a tourist. You’re close enough to walk to the Tate Modern or Shakespeare’s Globe – maybe fifteen minutes if you’re not dawdling – but you’re also in this residential pocket where you can grab a proper pint at a local pub without fighting through crowds of sightseers. The Jubilee line at London Bridge is your friend here; you can be in Westminster in about ten minutes, or hop over to Canary Wharf if you’re here on business. Fair warning though – weekday mornings can get pretty hectic around the station, so factor that in if you’re trying to catch an early train somewhere. Parking’s a bit of a nightmare (well, it’s London, so that’s expected), but honestly, you won’t need a car from this location. Oh, and the building itself is surprisingly quiet considering you’re in central London – I barely heard any street noise, even with the windows open on a Friday night. The check-in was smooth enough, though you’ll want to coordinate timing since it’s not a traditional hotel lobby situation. One small thing – the Wi-Fi occasionally got a bit patchy in the bedroom, but worked fine everywhere else. For what you’re paying and where you are, this place delivers exactly what it promises without any nasty surprises.