Urban Chic Covent Garden Retreat

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about this place? It’s tucked away on Floral Street in a way that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something the tour groups haven’t found yet. I mean, you’re literally in the heart of Covent Garden – I could hear the street performers from my third-floor window – but the hotel itself feels refreshingly removed from all that chaos.

The lobby has this understated cool factor that actually lives up to the “urban chic” name without trying too hard. Dark wood, exposed brick in spots, and honestly some of the most comfortable seating I’ve encountered during check-in. Speaking of which, the staff seem to genuinely know the neighborhood – when I asked about avoiding the crowds at Borough Market, the concierge gave me specific timing advice that actually worked. The rooms themselves hit that sweet spot between stylish and livable. Mine had this interesting mix of industrial touches and warmer elements, plus a bathroom with proper water pressure (you’d be surprised how often that’s an issue in London). The bed was solid, though the pillows were a bit too soft for my taste – minor thing, really.

What I loved most was the location’s practicality. You’re a two-minute walk from Covent Garden tube station, which honestly makes everything easier, and Leicester Square is right there when you want it but not so close that you’re dealing with the weekend crowds stumbling past at 2 AM. There’s a brilliant little coffee shop called Monmouth just around the corner that locals actually use – not touristy at all – and if you walk five minutes toward the Thames, you hit that gorgeous stretch near Somerset House. The hotel doesn’t have parking (fair warning), but the public transport connections mean you really don’t need a car anyway. I stayed during a busy September week and while the area was definitely lively, the rooms were surprisingly quiet once you closed the windows. The 8.1 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the Savoy, but it delivers exactly what it promises with some nice unexpected touches. For the money and location, especially if you want to be in central London without staying in some soulless chain hotel, this place actually gets it right.

Rooms

• Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Deluxe Two-Bedroom Apartment with Balcony with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children

Facilities