Honestly, when I first walked up to this place on the edge of Westminster, I wasn’t expecting much from an apartment rental in such a touristy area. But you know what? The Lovely Charing Cross Apartment actually surprised me. It’s tucked into one of those classic London buildings that somehow manages to feel both grand and homey at the same time – you know the type, with those gorgeous Victorian details that make you feel like you’re in a proper British film.
The location is what really sold me though. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Charing Cross station, which sounds potentially nightmarish noise-wise, but the apartment faces away from the main platform bustle. What you get instead is this perfect launching pad for everything – the National Gallery is right there (I’m talking a lazy Sunday morning stroll), and you can wander down to the Thames without breaking a sweat. The owner clearly knows what they’re doing because they’ve managed to snag one of those spots where you feel central without feeling like you’re sleeping in Piccadilly Circus. Plus, and this is huge if you’re doing any day trips, you’ve got trains to pretty much anywhere from Charing Cross. I actually found myself using the Tube less because so many buses run right past the door.
The apartment itself has that lived-in quality that vacation rentals often lack – proper curtains that actually block light, a kitchen stocked with things you’d actually use (not just a lonely kettle and some sad instant coffee), and honestly the best shower pressure I’ve had in London. The WiFi is solid, which matters if you’re trying to sort tickets or make dinner reservations, and there’s enough space that you’re not tripping over your suitcase every five minutes. I will say the building can get a bit echoey – you’ll hear your upstairs neighbors occasionally – but it’s more charming old-building quirks than genuinely disruptive. The whole place just feels authentic, if that makes sense. Like someone actually lives here and cares about the details rather than just maximizing rental income. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too – none of that complicated lockbox drama you sometimes get with London apartments. For the price point and location, especially if you want to feel like a temporary Londoner rather than just another tourist, this one’s a winner.