Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to this place on Buckingham Gate, I wasn’t expecting much from the outside. It’s one of those classic London townhouse conversions that could go either way, you know? But stepping inside, well, they’ve actually done something pretty special here.
The location is what really gets me excited about this spot. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Buckingham Palace (and I mean literally – I timed it), but here’s the thing most people don’t realize: you’re also perfectly positioned to duck into St. James’s Park when the tourist crowds get overwhelming. I spent half an hour one morning just watching the pelicans by the lake before the day really got started. The Tube connections are brilliant too – Victoria Station is right there, so you can be in Camden or Greenwich without thinking twice about it. And honestly, being on the Westminster side means you’ll walk past some gorgeous Georgian architecture that most visitors completely miss because they’re rushing between the big-name attractions.
What I really love about the rooms is how they’ve managed to feel both modern and… I don’t know, respectfully British? The design doesn’t try too hard to be trendy, but everything actually works – decent shower pressure (which, let’s face it, can be hit or miss in London), proper blackout curtains that’ll save you when jet lag hits, and windows that open wide enough to let in that crisp London air. The staff genuinely seem to know the neighborhood – not just the obvious tourist stuff, but where to grab proper fish and chips (there’s a little place on Vauxhall Bridge Road they recommended that was absolutely perfect) and which pubs stay lively past 9pm on weekdays.
I stayed during a pretty busy week in September, and while you can definitely hear the city humming outside, it never felt chaotic or overwhelming. The breakfast situation is solid without being fancy – they do a proper full English, but you can also grab something lighter if you’re planning to eat your way through Borough Market later. Check-in was smooth, though I’d recommend arriving after 3pm because they really do need that time to get rooms sorted. One small thing – the lift is tiny, so if you’re traveling with massive suitcases, just mentally prepare for that. But honestly, with a 9.2 rating, they’re clearly doing most things right, and I can see why. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re staying in London rather than just visiting it, if that makes sense.