You know what surprised me most about these apartments? Walking up to 395 Oxford Street, I honestly expected another cramped London conversion with paper-thin walls and dodgy plumbing. But stepping into Gilbert Court – this little tucked-away entrance that you’d miss if you weren’t looking for it – the whole vibe shifts. It’s like finding a quiet pocket in the middle of all that Oxford Street madness.
The apartments themselves are actually spacious, which is saying something for central London. I mean, you’re literally on one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe, but once you’re inside, the double-glazed windows do their job pretty well. You’ll still hear the occasional night bus rumbling past, but it’s not the constant drone you’d expect. The kitchens are properly equipped too – not just a kettle and a mini-fridge like some places try to pass off as “self-catering.” I actually cooked breakfast a couple of times, which felt weirdly domestic considering Selfridges is basically across the street. Speaking of which, the Marks & Spencer food hall is about a three-minute walk if you can’t be bothered with cooking.
What really works about this place is how it sits right in that sweet spot between Westminster and Marylebone. You’re close enough to Oxford Circus tube that you don’t need to plan your journeys around transport (though honestly, avoid rush hour if you can – it’s brutal down there). But walk five minutes north toward Marylebone High Street and suddenly you’re in this lovely village-y area with proper cafes and bookshops. The contrast is pretty striking, actually. The front desk staff seem to get that most guests are either here for serious shopping or using it as a base to explore, so they’re good with restaurant recommendations that aren’t just the obvious tourist traps. One guy told me about this excellent Lebanese place on Edgware Road that I never would have found otherwise.
I’ll be honest – the 4-star rating feels about right. It’s not trying to be The Ritz, but everything works, it’s clean, and the beds are comfortable enough that you won’t wake up feeling like you’ve been sleeping on a park bench. The bathrooms are modern without being flashy, and there’s actually decent water pressure, which can be hit-or-miss in older London buildings. Check-in was straightforward, though if you’re arriving on a weekend during shopping season (basically October through January), expect Oxford Street to be absolutely heaving. I’d probably take the tube to Marble Arch and walk down rather than trying to get a taxi directly to the door. The whole area gets pretty quiet after the shops close though, which is nice if you’re planning early nights between sightseeing days. For the location and the fact that you get proper apartment space rather than a hotel box, it’s actually decent value – well, as decent as anything gets in Zone 1 London anyway.