Honestly, when I first walked into Circlelet Luxury Private Suite 1, I wasn’t sure what to expect – the name sounds a bit corporate, doesn’t it? But you know what, this place actually surprised me in the best way. It’s tucked right on the Strand, which means you’re literally in the thick of everything London has to offer, but somehow they’ve managed to create this genuinely peaceful retreat above all the chaos.
The suite itself feels more like staying in a well-appointed London flat than a typical hotel room – I mean, there’s proper space to spread out, which is saying something for central London. The design walks that fine line between luxurious and livable, if that makes sense. No stuffy gold trim or overly precious furnishings, just really thoughtful touches that make you feel settled rather than like you’re camping out. The bathroom’s particularly well done – proper water pressure (thank god) and they’ve actually invested in decent toiletries instead of those tiny generic bottles. What really got me though was how quiet it stays, even with all the West End theater traffic happening right below. I was expecting to hear every bus and black cab rumbling past, but the windows must be properly sound-proofed because I slept through the night without issue.
Location-wise, you’re spoiled for choice here – Covent Garden’s literally a three-minute walk, and you can easily stroll to the South Bank or duck into Somerset House when you need a culture fix. The Aldwych is right there too, so catching a show becomes ridiculously easy (though book ahead, obviously). I found myself popping into that little Pret on the corner most mornings because, well, sometimes you just want a proper coffee without the hotel markup. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward – none of that awkward hovering while they explain seventeen different amenities you’ll never use. The staff seem to get that most people just want their key and maybe a decent restaurant recommendation.
Look, I’ll be straight with you – at this price point and location, you’re paying for the convenience and the fact that you can walk to most of London’s highlights without touching the tube. The 8.2 rating feels about right; it’s solid, comfortable, and does exactly what it promises without any major surprises either way. It’s not going to be the most Instagram-worthy place you’ve ever stayed, but if you want to actually experience London rather than just survive it, this works really well as a base. Just don’t expect cutting-edge design or a rooftop bar – this is more about getting a proper night’s sleep in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, which is honestly harder to find than you’d think.