So I stumbled across Princes Square during one of those frantic London hotel searches, and honestly? I’m glad I did. It’s tucked away on this quiet little square that most tourists never find – you know how Westminster can be all chaos and red buses, but step off Ilchester Gardens and suddenly you’re in this pocket of calm that feels almost village-like. The building itself has that proper London townhouse vibe, white facade and all, but inside it’s been done up with just enough modern touches that you don’t feel like you’re sleeping in a museum.
What really got me was how the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood. I mean, when I asked about getting to Borough Market early (before the crowds descend), the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward the Tube – he mentioned the walking route along the Thames that cuts through some gorgeous side streets I never would’ve discovered otherwise. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place, nothing revolutionary but properly comfortable beds and those little details that matter when you’re jet-lagged, like blackout curtains that actually work and a shower with decent water pressure. I stayed in one of the upper floor rooms and could hear the faint hum of London life below, but nothing that kept me awake – just that reassuring city soundtrack that reminds you you’re really here.
The location thing is honestly perfect if you want to feel like a local rather than a tourist. You’re close enough to Hyde Park that morning runs become a real possibility (I saw the same dog walkers every day), but you’re also walking distance from Notting Hill’s antique shops and those little cafes where actual Londoners grab their morning coffee. Parking is typical London nightmare stuff, but the Tube connections are solid, and there’s something satisfying about staying somewhere that feels residential rather than touristy. I noticed they keep things pretty low-key – no flashy lobby scene or aggressive concierge pushing expensive tours, just solid hospitality from people who seem to actually enjoy their jobs. If you’re the type who wants to explore London at your own pace and come back to somewhere that feels more like a neighborhood spot than a hotel factory, Princes Square hits that sweet spot between comfort and authenticity.