Dolls House – Farringdon – by Frankie Says

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Dolls House? The name actually makes perfect sense once you’re inside – it’s got this intimate, almost miniature boutique feel that’s completely charming without being precious about it. I mean, we’re talking about a place tucked into one of those classic Camden corners where Farringdon bleeds into the proper tourist bits, but somehow the Frankie Says folks have created something that feels more like staying at your coolest friend’s incredibly well-designed flat.

The location is honestly brilliant if you know London even a little bit. You’re literally a few minutes’ walk from King’s Cross (which, let’s be real, is actually useful now that they’ve sorted it out), but you’re far enough from the chaos that you can actually sleep. I stayed there during a particularly busy week in October, and while you could hear the occasional late-night reveler making their way home from the pubs on Rosebery Avenue, it never felt intrusive. The rooms themselves have this interesting thing going on where everything feels carefully chosen rather than just… hotel-y, if that makes sense. The beds are properly comfortable – not just Instagram-worthy – and there’s enough space to actually unpack without feeling like you’re playing Tetris with your luggage.

What really won me over, though, was how the staff seemed to genuinely know the neighborhood. When I mentioned I was looking for somewhere decent for breakfast that wasn’t going to cost me twenty quid, they pointed me toward this little spot on Lamb’s Conduit Street that I never would have found otherwise. That kind of local knowledge is worth its weight in gold when you’re trying to experience London like an actual person rather than just ticking boxes. The whole place has this relaxed energy – check-in was refreshingly straightforward, none of that forced cheerfulness you get at some boutique places, just efficient and friendly. Honestly, for a 4-star rating with an 8.5 score, it delivers exactly what you’d hope for without any nasty surprises. The only minor quibble I’d have is that the lifts are tiny (very much keeping with the dollhouse theme, I suppose), but unless you’re traveling with massive amounts of luggage, it’s hardly a dealbreaker. If you’re the type who wants to be near the action but not drowning in it, this spot gets the balance just right.

Rooms

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

Facilities