First Impressions
Walking into Amity Doodles by Artsy feels like stepping into someone’s incredibly creative friend’s house — if that friend happened to have impeccable taste and a serious eye for design. This unique boutique hotel without official star rating sits in Raynes Park, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from this corner of South London. Boy, was I wrong.
The Artistic Vision
Every corner of this place tells a story, and I mean that literally — there are actual doodles and art installations scattered throughout the property that’ll make you stop mid-stride. The owners clearly have connections in the local art scene because the rotating exhibitions in the lobby area change regularly. You know what really got me? The way they’ve managed to make each room feel like a mini gallery without it being overwhelming or pretentious.
Location & Neighborhood
Raynes Park might not be on every tourist’s radar, but that’s actually part of its charm. You’re about 20 minutes from central London by train, which means you get that authentic residential London feel without the chaos. There’s a proper local pub just down the road — The Raynes Park Tavern — and honestly, the curry house around the corner serves some of the best food I had during my entire stay.
The Room Experience
My room was compact but thoughtfully designed, with original artwork on the walls and these quirky little touches that made me smile. The bathroom products were locally sourced (I actually asked where they got them because they smelled amazing), and there’s proper attention to lighting — something most boutique places get wrong. The bed was comfortable enough that I didn’t want to get up for the complimentary breakfast, which says something because I’m usually up early when traveling.
Why Guests Love It
Here’s the thing about Amity Doodles — it’s not trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s exactly why it works. The staff genuinely care about what they’re doing, you can tell they’re proud of the space. There’s no pretense here, no trying to impress you with fancy amenities or over-the-top service. Instead, you get authentic hospitality and a space that feels both comfortable and inspiring. Plus, the value for money in London? Pretty hard to beat, especially when you factor in the unique character you’re getting.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
