StayInn Borough

Hotel Description

I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to StayInn Borough on Southwark Bridge Road, I wasn’t expecting much from what looked like a pretty standard London building. But you know what? Sometimes the best places are the ones that surprise you, and this little gem absolutely did that. The flat’s on the third floor (that’s Flat 304), and while there’s no lift – I mean, it’s London, what did you expect – the climb is totally worth it once you see what’s waiting up there.

What really got me was how thoughtfully everything’s been set up. The person running this place actually gets what travelers need, not just the obvious stuff but the little things that make you feel like you’re staying somewhere special rather than just crashing for the night. The space feels properly lived-in but in the best way possible – like someone’s stylish friend let you borrow their place while they’re out of town. And honestly, the location is just brilliant if you know anything about this part of London. You’re literally a few minutes’ walk from Borough Market (which, if you haven’t been, is absolutely mental on Saturday mornings in the best possible way), and the Thames is right there when you need that riverside walk to clear your head. Plus – and this is something I only figured out after staying here a few times – you can actually walk across Southwark Bridge and be in the City in about ten minutes, which beats dealing with the Tube during rush hour any day.

The thing that really sets this place apart though is how quiet it gets at night, which is honestly pretty rare around here. Southwark Bridge Road can get busy during the day with all the office workers heading to and from London Bridge station, but evenings are surprisingly peaceful. The windows are good quality too, so even when there is street noise, it doesn’t really penetrate. I’ve stayed here during both the crazy summer tourist season and the dead of winter, and the experience is consistently solid – good heating (thank god), reliable WiFi, and a proper shower with decent water pressure. Look, I’m not going to pretend it’s the Ritz or anything, but for what you’re paying and where you are, it’s genuinely excellent value. The check-in process is smooth, the communication is clear, and there’s this attention to detail that you just don’t get at most places in this price range. If you’re the type of person who wants to actually experience London rather than just tick off tourist boxes, this is exactly the kind of base you want – somewhere that feels like home but puts you right in the middle of one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Facilities