You know what struck me first about Kula London on Newman Street? It’s tucked into this brilliant little pocket of Fitzrovia that most tourists completely miss, even though they’re probably walking right past it on their way to Oxford Street. I mean, Newman Street itself is one of those classic London side streets – narrow, lined with those gorgeous Georgian buildings, but somehow it manages to feel both central and surprisingly quiet.
The hotel honestly feels more like a really well-designed apartment building than your typical London accommodation. There’s this understated modern vibe going on that works perfectly with the historic neighborhood – no flashy lobby trying too hard to impress, just clean lines and actually comfortable furniture. The staff seem to get that you’re probably here because you want to be in proper London, not some tourist bubble. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, and they knew exactly what I meant when I asked about the best route to avoid the Oxford Street chaos (spoiler: cut through to Charlotte Street, thank me later).
What really sells this place though is the location – you’re literally a two-minute walk from Goodge Street tube, which gets you anywhere you need to go, but you’re also right in the heart of what I’d argue is one of London’s best neighborhoods for just wandering around. Fitzroy Square is around the corner for your morning coffee, Charlotte Street has some fantastic restaurants that locals actually eat at, and if you need to hit the big shops, Oxford Street is close enough but far enough away that you won’t hear the tourist hordes at night. The rooms are definitely on the smaller side – this is London, after all – but they’re smartly designed with proper storage and surprisingly good soundproofing. I stayed on the Newman Street side and barely heard any traffic, which honestly impressed me given how central you are. The bathrooms are modern and actually have decent water pressure, which isn’t always a given in converted buildings around here. One tiny thing – the air conditioning can be a bit temperamental in summer, but opening the windows works fine since it’s not a busy road. The neighborhood really comes alive in the evenings too, with Charlotte Street and Rathbone Place buzzing with after-work crowds, but it settles down nicely by about 10 PM. If you’re the type who likes exploring on foot, you’ll love being able to walk to Camden, Regent’s Park, or even Covent Garden without dealing with the tube. Plus there’s a Waitrose basically next door, which saved me more than once when I needed decent coffee or forgot to pack something.