Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked up to Virginia House on Bloomsbury Way – the entrance is pretty understated, tucked between some typical London terraced buildings. But you know what? That’s actually part of its charm. This place feels more like staying in a really well-appointed London apartment than your typical tourist hotel, which I mean, is exactly what City Living London was going for.
The location is absolutely brilliant, though most people don’t realize how perfect this little stretch is until they’re actually here. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the British Museum (I timed it), but more importantly, you’re right in the heart of Bloomsbury where actual Londoners live and work. There’s this fantastic little café called Bea’s of Bloomsbury just around the corner that does proper full English breakfasts, and Lamb’s Conduit Street – which honestly has some of the best independent shops in central London – is maybe five minutes away. The Foundling Museum is practically next door if you’re into that sort of thing, and Russell Square tube station gets you anywhere you need to go without the chaos of Oxford Circus.
What really sets this apart from the cookie-cutter hotels is the attention to detail in the apartments themselves. The kitchenettes are actually functional (not just for show), with proper appliances and enough space to make a decent cup of tea or even cook if you’re staying longer. The beds are genuinely comfortable – none of that rock-hard hotel mattress nonsense – and the bathrooms feel modern without being sterile. I particularly loved the tall windows; you get proper natural light during the day, which is rarer than you’d think in London accommodations. The Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building, which seems basic but you’d be surprised how many places get this wrong. One small thing – the street can get a bit noisy during rush hour since it’s a main route, but honestly, that’s London for you, and it quiets down completely by evening.
The staff really know their stuff too, which makes a difference when you’re trying to navigate the city. They gave me spot-on restaurant recommendations that weren’t just the usual tourist traps, and when my flight got delayed, they sorted out a late check-in without any drama. Check-in itself was refreshingly straightforward – no endless forms or upselling, just quick and professional.
What I’d say to anyone considering this place is that it’s perfect if you want to feel like you’re actually living in London rather than just visiting it. The 8.6 rating makes total sense when you factor in the location, the quality of the apartments, and that it’s genuinely good value for what you get in this part of town. It’s not flashy or Instagram-perfect, but it’s real London living with all the conveniences you need. Plus, being managed by City Living London means they really understand what travelers actually want versus what hotels think they want – there’s a difference, and it shows.