Cheval Calico House

Cheval Calico House Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Cheval Calico House on Bow Lane, you immediately get that “I’m in the real London” feeling — you know what I mean? This four-star property sits right in the City of London, tucked into one of those narrow medieval lanes that somehow survived the centuries. The building itself has this understated elegance that doesn’t scream for attention, which honestly feels refreshing after seeing so many flashy hotel facades. You’re literally steps away from St. Paul’s Cathedral, and I mean literally — you can see it from some of the upper floors.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s the thing about staying in the City of London — most tourists think it’s all business suits and empty weekends, but they’re missing out. Bow Lane is this charming little street that feels almost village-like, despite being surrounded by some of London’s most important financial buildings. You can walk to the Millennium Bridge in about three minutes, cross over to Tate Modern, then wander through Borough Market for lunch. The location score of 9.6 makes total sense when you realize you’re within walking distance of basically everything — Covent Garden, the Thames, even the Tower of London if you don’t mind a pleasant stroll.

The Apartments

What sets Cheval Calico House apart is that these aren’t traditional hotel rooms — they’re serviced apartments, which changes everything about your stay. Each unit feels like a proper London flat, complete with a full kitchen (actually useful, not just a mini-fridge situation) and separate living areas. The interiors strike this nice balance between contemporary comfort and subtle nods to the building’s history. I particularly appreciated having space to spread out after long days of sightseeing, plus the ability to grab groceries from the nearby Tesco Metro and actually cook something if the mood struck.

Daily Life

The staff here gets it — they understand you’re not just passing through for a night, you’re temporarily living in London. Housekeeping is thorough but not intrusive, and the front desk team actually knows the neighborhood well enough to give you those insider tips that matter. Need a good pub that’s not overrun with tourists? They’ll point you toward The Blackfriar. Looking for the best coffee nearby? There’s this little place on Watling Street they recommended that became my daily ritual. The 24-hour reception means you can come and go as you please, which feels essential when you’re exploring a city like London.

Why Guests Love It

That 9.2 rating and the fact that couples rate the location 9.9 tells you everything you need to know, really. This isn’t about fancy amenities or over-the-top service — it’s about being perfectly positioned to experience London like you actually live here. You wake up in the heart of one of the world’s great cities, step outside, and you’re immediately part of the flow of London life. Whether you’re here for business, romance, or just want to feel like a temporary Londoner, Cheval Calico House delivers that authentic city experience without any of the tourist trap nonsense.

Cheval Calico House Accommodations

Facilities