Charming 1-Bedroom Haven near The Shard in Elephant & Castle

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about this place? It’s actually got character – and I mean that in the best way possible. When you’re walking down New Kent Road (which, honestly, isn’t the prettiest stretch of London), you might wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into. But step inside this converted Victorian building and there’s this immediate sense of “oh, someone actually thought about this.” The 1-bedroom setup feels more like a proper London flat than a hotel room, with enough space to spread out your stuff without living out of a suitcase for your entire stay.

The location is one of those things that sounds sketchy on paper but works brilliantly in practice. Elephant & Castle gets a bad rap, but it’s genuinely having a moment – there’s this energy around the area with new restaurants popping up and, well, The Shard looming there like London’s giant glass exclamation point just a quick walk away. I love that you can actually see it from some of the windows. The Northern line station is maybe eight minutes on foot, which means you’re not dealing with the tourist crowds at London Bridge but you can still get anywhere in the city without much fuss. Borough Market is close enough for a proper Saturday morning wander, and honestly, the walk along the Thames path to get there is lovely when the weather cooperates.

What really sells this place though is the attention to small things that matter when you’re actually living somewhere for a few days. The kitchen isn’t just for show – there’s proper counter space, decent knives, even a coffee machine that doesn’t make you want to cry. The bed is firm (which I appreciate, though some might find it a bit much), and they’ve managed to make the bedroom feel separate from the living area even in a compact space. Street noise isn’t terrible, though you’ll hear the occasional bus rumble by – nothing a decent pair of earplugs can’t handle if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, no hovering desk clerk trying to upsell you on breakfast or spa treatments. The building itself has this solid, lived-in feel that’s become rare in London’s hotel scene – thick walls, high ceilings, the kind of place that’s seen decades of stories. It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtful, and after staying in too many places that prioritize Instagram-worthy lobbies over actual comfort, that feels like a genuine luxury.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children

Facilities