The Play Pen – Holborn – by Frankie Says

The Play Pen – Holborn – by Frankie Says Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to The Play Pen – Holborn – by Frankie Says, you immediately get the sense that this isn’t your typical four-star hotel. The name alone hints at something playful and unconventional, and honestly, that’s exactly what you’ll find inside. It’s one of those places that manages to feel both polished and relaxed at the same time — which, let me tell you, is harder to pull off than it sounds.

Location & Neighborhood

The location is absolutely stellar, and I mean that. You’re right in the heart of London, practically surrounded by everything that makes this city tick. Holborn puts you within walking distance of Covent Garden, the British Museum, and those winding streets around Bloomsbury that tourists always seem to miss. What I love about this spot is that couples seem to really get it — there’s something romantic about being able to stroll to a West End show or duck into one of those hidden pubs that locals actually frequent. The transport links are brilliant too, so you can easily hop over to South London or head north without the usual London transport drama.

The Room Experience

The room design definitely leans into that “play pen” concept without going overboard. Think modern comfort with quirky touches that actually work rather than feeling forced. The beds are properly comfortable (and trust me, after walking around London all day, you’ll appreciate that), and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. What struck me most was the attention to lighting — they’ve got it just right for both getting ready to go out and winding down afterward.

Dining & Social Spaces

The social areas have this energy that’s hard to describe — it’s like they’ve captured that London vibe where business travelers, tourists, and locals all somehow end up in the same space and it just works. The restaurant serves food that’s actually worth eating (not always a given in hotel restaurants, let’s be honest), and the staff seem to genuinely enjoy working there, which always makes a difference in the overall experience.

Why Guests Love It

Here’s the thing about The Play Pen — it gets London right. You’re not stuck in some generic hotel bubble; you’re actually in the city, feeling like you belong there. The combination of that prime Holborn location with a property that has personality makes it work for different types of travelers. Whether you’re here for business meetings in the City or planning romantic evenings in Covent Garden, you’ll find yourself coming back to a place that feels more like a well-designed friend’s flat than a standard hotel room. It’s that balance of comfort and character that keeps people talking about it long after they’ve checked out.

Savvy travelers reserve a hotel in London before Chelsea Flower Show turns squares into pop-up gardens.

The Play Pen – Holborn – by Frankie Says Accommodations

Facilities