You know what caught me off guard about The Goodenough Hotel? The name makes it sound sort of… mediocre, but honestly, this place is way better than “good enough.” I stumbled across it on Mecklenburgh Square – one of those gorgeous Georgian squares in Bloomsbury that most tourists completely miss because they’re too busy hunting down the British Museum (which, by the way, is literally a ten-minute walk from here). The square itself feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, all elegant townhouses and that perfectly manicured garden in the center where you’ll actually see locals walking their dogs in the morning.
The hotel sits right in the heart of Camden – well, the civilized part of Camden, not the market madness everyone thinks of. What I love about this spot is that you’re genuinely in a London neighborhood where people actually live and work. There’s a proper little café around the corner on Lamb’s Conduit Street where the barista will remember your order after two visits, and you can walk to Russell Square tube station in about five minutes without dodging tourist crowds. The building itself has that classic London thing going on – it’s clearly been updated inside but keeps all the character you want from a Georgian terrace. Check-in was refreshingly normal, no pretentious lobby nonsense, just efficient and friendly staff who seem to actually know the area when you ask for restaurant recommendations.
I mean, it’s a solid four-star without trying too hard to be fancy – the rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, though don’t expect massive spaces because, well, London. What impressed me was the attention to details that matter: proper reading lights, decent water pressure, and windows that actually block out street noise (which matters more than you’d think, even on these quieter residential streets). The 8.1 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it consistently delivers on what it promises. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned for both the intellectual Bloomsbury vibe and easy access to the rest of central London. King’s Cross is close enough for day trips, Covent Garden’s walkable when the weather’s decent, and you can actually find street parking nearby if you’re brave enough to drive in London. It’s one of those places that just works, especially if you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere with a bit of local character rather than another generic hotel that could be anywhere.