Honestly, when I first walked up to this place on Shand Street, I wasn’t sure what to expect – it’s tucked away in one of those quiet Southwark corners that you’d walk right past if you weren’t looking for it. But that’s actually part of its charm. You’re literally a three-minute walk from Borough Market (and trust me, you’ll smell the fresh bread and coffee before you even get there), yet you’re on this peaceful residential street where the only noise you’ll hear is the occasional jogger heading toward the Thames Path.
The apartment itself – well, it really does live up to that “luxury” bit in the name, though I’d call it more “sophisticated comfort” than flashy. Those two bedrooms are properly spacious, not the cramped boxes you sometimes get in London rentals, and the bathrooms actually have decent water pressure, which you know is hit-or-miss in older London buildings. The kitchen’s one of those sleek, modern setups where everything works exactly like it should – I mean, the coffee machine alone probably costs more than most people’s monthly grocery budget. What I really appreciated was the attention to little details: proper blackout curtains (essential if you’re dealing with jet lag), quality linens that don’t feel scratchy, and enough power outlets that you won’t be playing musical chairs with your devices.
Location-wise, you’re in this sweet spot where you feel like a local but can still hit all the tourist spots without much fuss. The George Inn is practically around the corner if you want a proper historic pub experience, and Southwark Cathedral is close enough for an early morning wander before the crowds arrive. Getting into central London is dead easy – London Bridge station is maybe a seven-minute walk, and from there you can be in the City or West End faster than most Londoners who live in Zone 2. The only minor downside I’d mention is that weekend mornings can get a bit lively with the Borough Market crowds, but honestly, if you’re the type who books a place this close to one of London’s best food markets, you’re probably planning to be part of that crowd anyway. The 7.7 rating feels about right – it’s genuinely lovely and well-appointed, though at this price point you might expect a few more luxury touches. Still, for a proper London experience where you can actually spread out and feel at home, this place delivers.