Bob W St Paul’s

Hotel Description

You know what? I walked past Bob W St Paul’s probably a dozen times before I actually stayed there – it’s tucked right into Watling Street in a way that feels almost secretive, which honestly makes sense given how close you are to St Paul’s Cathedral. I mean, you’re literally in the shadow of Wren’s masterpiece, but somehow this place manages to feel like your own little discovery rather than another tourist trap.

The thing about this spot is that it gets the balance right between being properly central and actually livable. Sure, you’re going to hear some city noise – it’s the City of London, not some countryside retreat – but they’ve done something clever with the windows that keeps most of the street sounds at bay. What really struck me was how they’ve embraced that whole “aparthotel” concept without making it feel like you’re staying in someone’s leftover corporate housing. The rooms have this sort of Scandinavian-meets-London vibe going on, clean lines but warm somehow, and honestly the kitchenette situation is actually useful (unlike those sad little mini-fridges most hotels throw at you). I ended up making coffee there most mornings instead of hunting down a café, though if you do venture out, you’re about two minutes from some proper good spots along Cheapside.

Here’s what I really appreciated – the staff actually know the neighborhood. When I asked about getting to Borough Market without dealing with the weekend tourist crush, the guy at reception didn’t just hand me a generic map, he walked me through the back streets route that locals use. Takes about fifteen minutes on foot if you cut through the right alleys, and you end up approaching from the Cathedral Street side where it’s less mental. The location thing is tricky to explain because technically you’re in one of the busiest parts of London, but Watling Street itself has this almost residential feel in the evenings. After about 7 PM, when the office workers have cleared out, it gets surprisingly quiet – well, London quiet, which means you can actually have a conversation without shouting. Check-in was smooth, none of that “your room isn’t ready until 4 PM sharp” nonsense, and they’ve got this whole app thing for your room key that actually works (revolutionary, I know). The 8.9 rating makes sense once you’ve been there – it’s not trying to be the flashiest place in London, but everything just… works. And given that you can walk to the Thames in five minutes, hit up the Barbican for evening shows, or just wander the old Roman streets that most tourists never find, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re staying in London rather than just visiting it.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults
• Deluxe Studio with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Facilities