Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places around Westminster, and JOIVY’s luxury flats on Greycoat Place hit that sweet spot you rarely find – you’re genuinely close to everything that matters, but you’re not drowning in tourist chaos. I mean, when I say close to Big Ben, I’m talking about a proper 5-minute walk, not some exaggerated “walking distance” nonsense. You can actually hear the bells (which is charming during the day, though you might want to pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper).
What really surprised me about this place was how quiet Greycoat Place actually is, considering you’re practically next door to Parliament. It’s this lovely little pocket tucked away from the main Victoria Street madness – you know that constant stream of buses and black cabs that never seems to end. The flats themselves feel properly luxurious without being stuffy about it. I’m talking about those little touches that actually matter: decent water pressure in the shower, a kitchen that’s actually equipped for more than just making tea, and – honestly, this made my week – proper blackout curtains. The 9.3 rating isn’t just people being generous; these guys have figured out what travelers actually need.
Here’s something most visitors don’t realize: you’re positioned perfectly for both the touristy stuff and the real London. Sure, you can wander over to Westminster Bridge for your obligatory London Eye photos (and the views really are spectacular, especially around sunset when the crowds thin out a bit). But you’re also a stone’s throw from St. James’s Park, which is where locals actually go to decompress. Plus, Victoria Street has some genuinely good coffee shops that aren’t completely overrun – try the place next to the old art deco building, you’ll know it when you see it. The transport links are brilliant too; Victoria Station is right there, so you can escape to Brighton for the day or catch the Gatwick Express without any fuss. Actually, that’s probably one of the best things about staying here – you feel like you’re in the thick of historic London, but you’ve got options. Whether you want to people-watch at Parliament Square or grab a proper pint at one of the tucked-away pubs near the cathedral, everything just works from this location.