You know what hit me first about this place? The address – 35 Haymarket – sounds so formal until you realize you’re literally in the heart of everything that matters in London. I mean, you step outside and Piccadilly Circus is basically around the corner, but somehow the apartment itself feels like a proper retreat from all that madness.
The whole “soulful” thing in the name actually makes sense once you’re inside. It’s not one of those sterile corporate spaces where everything’s beige and boring. There’s character here – I’m talking about thoughtful touches that suggest someone who actually lives in London designed this place, not some distant property management company. The 4-star rating feels right; it’s comfortable and well-appointed without trying to be fancy in that way that always feels fake. Honestly, the 8.4 guest rating tells the real story though – people consistently leave happy, which usually means the basics are rock solid and there aren’t any nasty surprises waiting.
What I love about this spot is how it sits in Westminster Borough but doesn’t feel touristy in that overwhelming way. Sure, you’re close to all the obvious stuff – theaters, shops, restaurants that don’t require a tube journey – but Haymarket itself has this nice mix of locals and visitors. You’ll find proper coffee in the morning (not just tourist trap chains) and the kind of pubs where you can actually have a conversation. The apartment setup means you get that authentic London living experience, complete with the freedom to grab groceries from the nearby shops and not feel chained to hotel breakfast times. Check-in was straightforward when I stayed, though like most London properties, don’t expect to dump your bags super early – they’re pretty strict about the official times.
Here’s the thing about the location that took me a day to fully appreciate – you’re close enough to walk to major spots when the weather’s decent, but more importantly, you’re connected to transport that gets you anywhere in the city without those annoying multiple transfers. The noise level surprised me too; Haymarket can get busy during the day, but evenings are actually pretty calm. I’d say if you’re the type who needs total silence, maybe pack earplugs just in case, but it’s definitely not one of those places where you’re lying awake listening to sirens all night. The whole setup just works – it feels like staying in a friend’s place if your friend happened to score an amazing location and actually knows how to make guests comfortable.