The William Wallace, by the Design Traveller

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve stayed at a lot of boutique hotels in London, but The William Wallace actually surprised me – and I mean that in the best way. First off, the location on West Smithfield is just… perfect. You’re literally steps from Smithfield Market (the historic meat market, not some touristy thing), and honestly, if you’re into that whole authentic London vibe, waking up to the early morning bustle of market traders is kind of charming. Though fair warning – it does get lively around 4 AM when the market starts up, but the rooms are well-insulated so it’s more atmospheric than disruptive.

The Design Traveller really nailed the aesthetic here – it’s got this sophisticated industrial thing going on that actually works with the Smithfield location rather than fighting against it. The rooms feel genuinely designed, not just decorated, if that makes sense. I loved the attention to detail, like the custom lighting and the way they’ve used local materials. The bathroom in my room had this amazing rainfall shower that I’m still thinking about weeks later. What really struck me though was how they’ve managed to make a 4-star place feel more intimate than some of those massive chain hotels – there’s only 69 rooms, so the staff actually remember your name and your coffee order by day two.

I’ll be honest, the area might seem a bit off the beaten path if you’re expecting to be right in Covent Garden or something, but that’s actually what makes it special. You’re a five-minute walk to Farringdon Station (which connects you to basically everywhere), and you’ve got St. Paul’s Cathedral literally around the corner – I mean, you can see it from some of the upper floor rooms. The whole Clerkenwell area has this great mix of old pubs (try the Fox & Anchor for breakfast, trust me) and new restaurants that most tourists never find. Plus, parking is way easier here than in central central London, and the hotel actually has arrangements with nearby spots if you’re driving. The check-in was refreshingly smooth – none of that “your room isn’t ready” nonsense – and the concierge gave me restaurant recommendations that were actually good, not just places that probably give them kickbacks. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re staying somewhere special without all the pretentious fuss that usually comes with it.

Rooms

• Studio Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Facilities