You know what struck me first about the Radisson Blu on Mercer Street? It’s tucked into this narrow Covent Garden street that most tourists rush past on their way to the market – but that’s actually perfect because you’re literally thirty seconds from all the action without dealing with the street performers practicing outside your window at 7am. I mean, I’ve stayed at hotels right on the piazza before and honestly, the charm wears off pretty quickly when you’re trying to sleep.
The building itself has this interesting thing going on where it’s clearly modern inside but fits seamlessly into the Georgian streetscape – you’d walk right past it if you weren’t looking for the subtle signage. Check-in was refreshingly quick (I arrived around 2pm on a Thursday), and the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood when I asked about dinner spots. They pointed me toward some wine bar on Shelton Street that I never would’ve found otherwise. The rooms are what you’d expect from a five-star place, but I really appreciated the blackout curtains – crucial when you’re dealing with those ridiculously long summer days in London. Plus the air conditioning actually works properly, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many places here get that wrong.
What really sold me on this place though is the location intelligence, if that makes sense. You’re a two-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station, which connects you to everywhere via the Elizabeth Line – game changer for getting to Heathrow or out to Canary Wharf. But you’re also stumbling distance from Seven Dials (great for morning coffee runs) and close enough to Neal’s Yard that you can pop over for lunch without it being a whole expedition. I spent one evening just wandering down toward the Strand and ended up at Somerset House, which felt like discovering a secret even though it’s obviously not. The only minor downside is that Mercer Street itself is pretty narrow, so if you’re arriving by car, good luck – though honestly, why would you drive in central London anyway? The nearest car park is that NCP on Shelton Street, but you’re better off just taking the Tube from wherever you’re coming from.
After three nights there, I can see why it’s pulling an 8.7 rating. It’s not trying to be flashy or Instagram-famous like some of the newer places in King’s Cross, but it nails the fundamentals while actually understanding what travelers need. The neighborhood feels authentically London without being touristy, the hotel anticipates practical concerns without making a big deal about it, and you genuinely feel like you’re staying somewhere that locals would recommend rather than just endure. Honestly, I’d book it again – especially during theater season when everything else in the area gets completely booked up and overpriced.