You know what struck me first about this place? It actually feels like someone’s home, not a sterile hotel room with beige everything. The moment I walked into this one-bedroom flat on Warwick Way, I could tell everything was genuinely new – and I mean that crisp, fresh paint smell was still hanging around (in a good way, not overwhelming). The whole setup screams modern without being cold, if that makes sense.
Location-wise, honestly, you’ve hit the jackpot here. Warwick Way is one of those Westminster streets that tourists walk past without realizing how perfectly positioned it is. You’re literally a three-minute stroll to Victoria Station – I timed it because I’m weird like that – which means the Gatwick Express is right there when you need to catch a flight. But here’s the thing locals know: you can walk to Buckingham Palace in about eight minutes, and it’s actually a pleasant walk through neighborhoods instead of dodging crowds on the main drags. The Tate Britain is practically around the corner too, and there’s this little stretch of independent cafes along Warwick Way that most guidebooks completely miss.
What really impressed me was how they’ve thought about the small stuff. The kitchen isn’t just for show – you can actually cook a proper meal, which is rare in London accommodations at this price point. The bed is positioned away from the street, so you don’t get the early morning traffic noise that can be brutal in central London. I mean, there’s still the occasional siren (it’s Westminster, after all), but nothing that’ll wake you up at 5 AM. The wifi actually works consistently, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many places mess this up. Storage space is generous too – I could unpack everything for a week-long stay without playing suitcase Tetris.
The building itself sits on a quieter section of Warwick Way, closer to the residential end rather than the busier Victoria end. There’s something reassuring about hearing normal neighborhood sounds – people coming home from work, the occasional dog walker – instead of constant tourist chatter. Parking is typical London nightmare stuff, but honestly, you won’t need a car from here. The 24 bus stops right outside and takes you straight to Hampstead Heath if you want to escape the city center for a bit.
One small thing that caught my attention – the shower pressure is actually decent, which anyone who’s stayed in older London buildings will appreciate. The heating responds quickly too, important during those damp London months when you just want to warm up fast. The 8.9 rating makes total sense once you’ve been there; it’s not trying to be fancy, just really well-executed basics with thoughtful touches. For the money, especially considering you get a proper flat instead of a cramped hotel room, it’s honestly hard to beat this spot for exploring London properly.