Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of London hotels, and the NYX on Southampton Row honestly surprised me – in the best way. You know how some five-star places feel stuffy or try too hard? This one doesn’t. The moment you walk in, there’s this cool, almost art gallery vibe going on with dark woods and these moody lighting fixtures that somehow make you feel sophisticated without being intimidated.
The location is what really sold me though. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Russell Square tube station, which puts you on the Piccadilly line straight to Heathrow – that alone is worth its weight in gold when you’re dragging luggage. But here’s what the booking sites don’t tell you: you’re also right in the heart of literary London. The British Museum is practically next door (seriously, five minutes max), and you’ve got all these gorgeous Georgian squares around Bloomsbury that most tourists never discover. Plus – and this is key if you’re traveling with someone who shops – Oxford Street is walkable, but you’re far enough away that you don’t hear the tourist chaos at night.
The rooms feel more Brooklyn boutique than traditional London hotel, if that makes sense. Mine had this rich burgundy accent wall and the kind of bathroom where you actually want to take a long shower after trudging around the city all day. The bed was properly comfortable too, not just hotel-fluffy but actually supportive. I will say the rooms aren’t massive – this is London, after all – but they’re cleverly designed so you don’t feel cramped. What I really appreciated was the soundproofing; Southampton Row can get busy during the day, but I slept like a baby. The bar downstairs has this speakeasy feel and makes a proper cocktail, though it does get lively on weekends (fair warning if you’re an early sleeper). Check-in was smooth, the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood when I asked for restaurant recommendations, and honestly, for an 8.4 rating, I was expecting maybe some rough edges, but I really couldn’t find much to complain about. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve discovered something rather than just booked a room, you know?