You know what? I almost walked right past this place on Parker Mews – it’s tucked into one of those narrow cobblestone streets that London does so well, the kind where you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a movie set. The apartment sits in this quiet pocket between Camden and Covent Garden, which honestly is perfect because you get the best of both worlds without being smack in the middle of tourist chaos.
The “newly renovated” part isn’t just marketing speak – whoever did this place actually gets what travelers need. The shower has proper pressure (I mean, you’d be surprised how rare that is in London), and there’s this gorgeous exposed brick wall that somehow doesn’t feel like they’re trying too hard to be trendy. The kitchen is small but functional, with a coffee machine that actually works and enough counter space to spread out your takeaway from Borough Market. What really impressed me was the attention to details most places miss – good WiFi throughout, plenty of outlets near the bed, and blackout curtains that actually block out the morning light. The living area has this comfortable, lived-in feeling rather than that sterile hotel vibe, with a sofa you’d actually want to curl up on after walking around the city all day.
Location-wise, this is where it gets really good. You’re literally a five-minute walk to Russell Square tube station, which puts you on the Piccadilly line – perfect for airport runs or quick trips to anywhere central. But here’s the thing locals know: you’re also walking distance to some of the city’s best hidden spots. There’s this incredible little pub called The Lamb on Lamb’s Conduit Street that serves proper British fare without the tourist markup, and you can wander through the quieter squares of Bloomsbury when you need a break from the crowds. Covent Garden’s theatres and market are close enough for evening entertainment, but far enough that you won’t hear street performers at midnight. The neighborhood has that residential London feel during the day – you’ll see people walking their dogs and grabbing coffee from the local café rather than just endless streams of tourists with cameras. Honestly, staying here felt more like borrowing a friend’s flat than checking into accommodation, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to experience London like someone who actually lives there.