Staybridge Suites London-Vauxhall, an IHG Hotel

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first saw the Staybridge Suites tucked away on Vauxhall Walk, I wasn’t expecting much. The area’s been changing fast (there’s construction everywhere), but this place actually gets it right. It’s one of those extended-stay hotels that works perfectly even if you’re just staying a couple nights, and the 8.9 rating? Yeah, it’s earned.

What really struck me was how they’ve nailed the suite setup – you get a proper kitchenette with a full-size fridge, which is honestly a game-changer when you’re dealing with London food prices. I mean, being able to grab groceries from the Tesco Express just down the road and actually cook something decent? That’s worth mentioning. The living area feels separate from the bedroom too, not like those cramped hotel rooms where your suitcase becomes part of the decor. And here’s something you don’t always think about – the washing machines on each floor are free. Free! Try finding a laundromat in central London that won’t cost you twenty quid.

The location’s gotten way better than it used to be. Sure, Vauxhall isn’t Covent Garden, but you’re literally a five-minute walk to Vauxhall station, and from there you can get pretty much anywhere. The Northern line takes you straight up to the West End, and if you’re heading to Waterloo (which, let’s face it, you probably will be), it’s just one stop on the train. What I really love is how quiet it gets at night – you’re close enough to everything but far enough from the chaos of the South Bank crowds. The riverside walk along the Thames is right there too, perfect for those early morning runs when the city’s still waking up.

The staff actually seem to care, which isn’t something you can say about every chain hotel. Check-in was smooth, they knew about the ongoing Tube strikes without me having to ask, and when I mentioned I was heading to Borough Market, the guy at the front desk gave me the local route instead of the tourist one. Small things, but they add up. The evening social they do a few nights a week is pretty low-key – just some drinks and snacks in the lobby area – but it’s nice if you’re traveling solo and want to chat with other guests.

The rooms themselves are solid – nothing fancy, but everything works. Good water pressure, reliable WiFi, and the beds are actually comfortable (not those rock-hard mattresses some business hotels seem to love). My only real complaint? The air conditioning can be a bit loud, but honestly, after walking around London all day, I was too tired to care. The breakfast is included and it’s proper food – not just pastries and coffee. They do hot dishes, and the coffee’s decent enough that I didn’t need to hunt down a café first thing in the morning.

If you’re looking for somewhere that feels more like a temporary apartment than a hotel room, especially if you’re staying more than a couple nights, this place makes sense. It’s not trying to be the flashiest spot in London, but it does what it does really well.

Rooms

• Studio Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Studio Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio Queen Suite – Accessible with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom Suite for 3 adults, 2 children
• Deluxe King Studio Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 1 adult, 1 child
• King Studio with Kitchenette and Ergonomic Flex Space with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio Twin Suite with Kitchenette with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities