Look, I’ll be honest – when I first heard about 20 Hertford Street, I wasn’t sure what to expect from serviced apartments in Mayfair. But walking up to this Georgian townhouse on one of London’s quieter side streets, you immediately get why it’s got that solid 8.3 rating. It’s tucked between Shepherd Market (which, despite the name, is actually this charming little maze of pubs and cafes) and the buzz of Piccadilly, but somehow manages to feel like a proper residential address rather than tourist central.
The apartments themselves are what really won me over though. You know how some places try too hard to be fancy? This isn’t that. The interiors have this relaxed elegance – think well-chosen furniture that actually looks comfortable, kitchens with proper appliances (not those sad little hotel kettles), and windows that open onto tree-lined streets instead of air conditioning units. I mean, the beds are genuinely good, and there’s enough space to properly unpack, which honestly makes such a difference when you’re staying more than a couple nights. The staff seems to get that people are here for longer stays too – they’re helpful without being hovering, if you know what I mean. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, no drama about late arrivals or early departures.
What I really appreciate is the location itself. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Green Park tube, which gets you anywhere in London without the tourist crush of Leicester Square or Oxford Circus stations. Berkeley Square is right around the corner – perfect for that morning coffee run or when you need to impress someone with lunch at one of those places where they don’t list prices on the menu. But here’s the thing locals know: Hertford Street connects you to the quieter bits of Mayfair, away from the Bond Street shopping madness. You can actually walk to Fortnum & Mason or the Royal Academy without fighting crowds, and there’s decent parking nearby if you’re crazy enough to drive in central London. The neighborhood gets properly quiet after 10pm too, which is rare for anywhere this central. It’s not perfect – you’ll pay Mayfair prices for everything, and the nearest proper grocery store requires a bit of a walk – but for a 4-star place in this part of town, it delivers exactly what it promises without any nasty surprises.