You know what’s funny about Park Lane Apartments on Harrowby Street? The name is slightly misleading – it’s not actually on Park Lane (that’s about a 10-minute walk south), but honestly, the location is better than being right on that tourist-packed strip anyway. I mean, you’re tucked into this quiet residential street in Marylebone that feels properly London, with those classic white Georgian facades and tree-lined sidewalks that actually make you slow down and appreciate where you are.
The apartments themselves hit that sweet spot between hotel service and having your own space. It’s one of those places where you get proper kitchenettes – not just a mini-fridge and kettle situation, but actual counter space where you can spread out your Waitrose haul (there’s one literally two streets over on Crawford Street, which locals will tell you is way less chaotic than the big Tesco). The 4-star rating feels about right; everything works well and looks fresh, though don’t expect marble bathrooms or anything too flashy. What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays, even with Marylebone Road’s constant hum just a few blocks north – something about the way these old buildings are positioned just blocks most of the city noise.
The 8.2 rating makes sense when you factor in the neighborhood perks that aren’t immediately obvious. You’re a proper 5-minute stroll from Baker Street tube (multiple lines, thank god), but more importantly, you’re in walking distance of Regent’s Park without dealing with the Camden crowds, and you can actually get to Fitzrovia’s restaurant scene faster than most central hotels. The check-in process was refreshingly straightforward – none of that overly chatty concierge performance you get at fancier places, just efficient and friendly. I will say the elevators are a bit slow, so if you’re on a higher floor with heavy luggage, factor that in. But there’s something charming about having time to study the neighborhood map in the lobby while you wait. The whole area comes alive differently depending on when you’re there – weekday mornings you’ll see actual Londoners heading to work, weekends it’s more relaxed with people heading to the farmers market on Marylebone High Street. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re staying in London rather than just visiting it.