You know what struck me first about this place? Walking up Hatton Garden – yeah, the famous jewelry district – and realizing I’m literally staying above London’s diamond trade. It’s one of those quirky London things where you’re in this incredibly central spot but it still feels like you’ve stumbled onto something locals know about. The apartment sits right there at number 33, and honestly, the location is just ridiculous in the best way possible. Farringdon Station is maybe a two-minute walk, which means you’re connected to literally everything – the Elizabeth Line gets you to Heathrow in what, 45 minutes? And the Circle Line puts you at King’s Cross or Liverpool Street in no time.
The apartment itself has that proper London feel – I mean, it’s clearly been done up for travelers but without losing that authentic city vibe. The ceilings aren’t massive (this is London, after all), but there’s something cozy about it rather than cramped. What really works is how they’ve managed to fit everything you actually need without it feeling cluttered. The kitchen’s compact but functional – I actually cooked a few meals there, and yeah, it has that slightly echoey quality that comes with hard floors and older buildings, but that’s just London living for you. You’ll hear the occasional rumble from the Tube, but it’s more of a gentle reminder that you’re plugged into the city than anything disruptive.
Here’s the thing about staying in Farringdon – most tourists miss it completely, but you’re basically in the sweet spot between everything. Clerkenwell’s right there with its brilliant pubs (The Jerusalem Tavern is a five-minute walk and serves some of the best beer in London), Covent Garden’s an easy stroll south, and you can walk to the British Museum if you’re feeling ambitious. The area gets properly quiet after work hours since it’s more business district than residential, which I actually loved – no rowdy weekend crowds, just that peaceful London evening vibe. Check-in was straightforward, though like most London apartments, you’ll want to pack light if you’re dealing with stairs. The whole setup feels more like borrowing a friend’s place than staying in typical tourist accommodation, and for a 4-star spot with an 8.1 rating, it delivers exactly what it promises – a genuine London base without the tourist tax you’d pay closer to the main attractions.