You know what caught me off guard about The Play Pen? The name makes it sound like some trendy party spot, but honestly, it’s got this surprisingly sophisticated vibe going on. I mean, yes, it’s got that playful Frankie Says branding thing happening, but when you’re actually there in Holborn, it feels more grown-up than gimmicky. The location is pretty solid too – you’re basically right between the chaos of Camden Market (which is technically the postal address but don’t let that fool you) and the more buttoned-up legal district around Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
The rooms themselves have this sort of boutique hotel thing nailed down without being precious about it. I actually appreciated that they didn’t go overboard with the theme – there are some fun touches here and there, but you’re not sleeping in what feels like a teenager’s bedroom. The beds are properly comfortable, and here’s something that matters more than people realize: the windows actually block out street noise pretty well. That’s crucial in this part of London because you’ve got everything from late-night revelers stumbling back from Camden to early morning delivery trucks serving all those little cafes on Lamb’s Conduit Street. Speaking of which – and this is insider knowledge – grab breakfast at Noble Green just around the corner instead of paying hotel prices. Thank me later.
What really works here is that they’ve found this sweet spot between being memorable and being functional. The 7.6 rating feels about right, honestly – it’s not going to blow your mind, but there’s nothing that’ll make you want to check out early either. The staff seem to actually know the neighborhood, which is rarer than you’d think. They pointed me toward some genuinely good pubs (The Lamb on Lamb’s Conduit Street has these amazing Victorian snob screens) rather than just rattling off tourist traps. The whole area is brilliant for walking – you can hit the British Museum, wander through Covent Garden, or even walk to King’s Cross if you’re feeling ambitious. Parking is pretty much a nightmare, but that’s true anywhere in central London, and you’re honestly better off using the Tube anyway. Russell Square station is maybe a seven-minute walk, and from there you can get pretty much anywhere. The price point feels fair for what you’re getting and where you are – it’s definitely more reasonable than some of the stuffier places closer to the West End, and you’re still right in the thick of things without feeling like you’re trapped in tourist central.