Crane Court by City2Stay

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Crane Court? It’s tucked away on this tiny historic lane that feels almost secret – I mean, you’re literally in the heart of the City of London, but stepping into Crane Court itself is like finding a quiet pocket that somehow escaped all the financial district chaos. The building has this lovely period character that City2Stay managed to preserve while making everything actually functional for modern travelers.

The location is honestly brilliant if you know London well. You’re a two-minute walk from Fleet Street (perfect for that proper pub crawl), and Temple tube station is right there – which locals know is one of those underrated stations that gets you anywhere without the tourist crowds you’d face at Covent Garden or Leicester Square. I loved being able to walk to St. Paul’s in the morning before the tour groups descended, and the proximity to the Thames means you can actually hear the city breathing at night instead of just traffic. The rooms themselves feel thoughtfully designed rather than just thrown together – there’s proper space to spread out your stuff, which is rarer than it should be in London hotels. The beds are actually comfortable (not just Instagram-pretty), and they’ve got those little details sorted like decent water pressure and blackout curtains that work.

What really won me over was how the staff seemed to genuinely know the neighborhood. When I asked about dinner recommendations, instead of directing me to some overpriced tourist trap, they pointed me toward a fantastic gastropub on Ludgate Hill that I never would’ve found otherwise. The breakfast situation is solid too – not elaborate, but proper coffee and fresh pastries that’ll fuel you for a day of wandering. I’ll be honest, the area can feel a bit corporate during weekdays since you’re surrounded by banking offices, but evenings and weekends it transforms into something much more atmospheric. The 8.4 rating makes complete sense to me – it’s the kind of place that delivers on what it promises without trying to be something it’s not. If you’re the type who wants to experience London like someone who actually lives here rather than just hitting the obvious tourist spots, Crane Court gives you that perfect base where you can disappear into real London life.

Rooms

• Studio Apartment Lower Ground Floor with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Classic Studio Apartment with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• One Bedroom Apartment with Terrace with 1 double bed for 2 adults

Facilities