1st Class Covent Garden Residences for 1st Class Guests

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a place with such a grandiose name – “1st Class Covent Garden Residences for 1st Class Guests” sounds like something you’d roll your eyes at, right? But walking up to 25 New Row, tucked away just off the main Covent Garden chaos, I actually got it. This narrow little street feels almost secretive, like you’ve discovered something the tour groups haven’t found yet. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the market’s street performers and tourist madness, but New Row has this quiet, residential vibe that makes you feel like you’re staying in someone’s posh London townhouse rather than a hotel.

The building itself is gorgeous – one of those classic Georgian facades that makes you want to take photos, but not in an overly polished way. When I checked in (which was refreshingly quick, by the way), the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood inside and out. They pointed me toward Neal’s Yard for coffee instead of the obvious Starbucks on Long Acre, and mentioned that Lamb & Flag pub gets crazy loud on Friday nights – useful intel since my room faced that direction. Speaking of rooms, mine was what I’d call thoughtfully luxurious. Not the kind of over-the-top marble-everywhere situation you sometimes get with five-star places, but everything felt carefully chosen. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, and I mean that – I’m usually a terrible hotel sleeper, but I actually slept in past 9am here. There’s this attention to detail that you notice gradually… the lighting actually works for reading, the shower pressure doesn’t disappoint, and they’ve got proper blackout curtains that block out the street lamps.

What really sold me on this place was how it sits in the neighborhood. You’re close enough to walk to pretty much everything – Covent Garden Market, obviously, but also the British Museum is maybe 15 minutes on foot, and you can easily wander down to the Thames or over to Soho for dinner. The Leicester Square tube is right there, which connects you to everything else. But here’s the thing most hotels won’t tell you: this area can get absolutely packed with tourists during the day. The beauty of staying on New Row is that you can duck back to your quiet street whenever you need a breather from the crowds. I found myself popping back to the hotel mid-afternoon a couple times just to regroup, which you definitely can’t do if you’re staying out in Canary Wharf or something. The whole experience felt less like staying in a hotel and more like having a really nice temporary home base in one of London’s best neighborhoods. Sure, you’re paying for that location and the thoughtful service, but when you’re walking back from a West End show at 11pm and you’re home in three minutes, it feels worth it.

Rooms

• Deluxe Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
• Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults
• Penthouse Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults

Facilities