You know what struck me first about Red Lion Court? It’s tucked away on this tiny medieval street that honestly feels like you’ve stumbled into a Harry Potter film set – I mean, we’re talking about a proper London court that’s been here since the 1600s. The hotel itself is this sleek, modern operation that somehow doesn’t clash with all that ancient stonework around it, which is actually pretty impressive when you think about how badly these things usually go.
The location is brilliant if you’re the type who wants to be right in the thick of things without staying in some soulless chain near a tube station. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Fleet Street (yes, that Fleet Street where all the newspapers used to be), and the Royal Courts of Justice are practically next door – I watched barristers in their wigs grabbing coffee from the same café I was using. Temple station is close enough that you won’t break a sweat getting there, but far enough that you’re not dealing with constant rumbling trains. The rooms are what I’d call “London practical” – not huge, but cleverly designed so you don’t feel like you’re living in a shoebox. They’ve clearly put thought into the details here; the lighting actually works for reading, the shower has proper pressure, and there’s enough surface space that you’re not playing Tetris with your stuff. I stayed during a particularly rainy week in October, and honestly, the soundproofing impressed me – Red Lion Court is narrow enough that you’d expect to hear everything, but the double glazing really does its job.
What really sets this place apart though is how the staff actually seem to know the neighborhood. The guy at reception didn’t just point me toward generic tourist spots – he mentioned that the Cittie of Yorke pub around the corner has been serving pints since 1430 and that St. Bride’s Church (the one that inspired wedding cake tiers) was worth the five-minute detour. These aren’t things you get from a script, you know? The 8.6 rating makes complete sense when you factor in that they’re delivering proper four-star comfort in a location that most hotels would charge five-star prices for. I mean, you’re basically staying in legal London – this is where barristers, solicitors, and journalists have been working for centuries, so there’s this authentic professional energy during the week that completely transforms into tourist-friendly quiet on weekends. Just don’t expect a rooftop bar or spa facilities – this is about location, comfort, and getting the fundamentals really right rather than flashy extras you probably won’t use anyway.