Anchor Guest House

First Impressions

Anchor Guest House sits on a quiet residential street in Golders Green, and honestly, you might walk right past it if you’re not looking carefully. It’s tucked into a row of Victorian houses on West Heath Drive, which — I’ll be straight with you — feels more like staying in someone’s converted home than a traditional hotel. The three-star property has that slightly worn-around-the-edges charm that either works for you or doesn’t.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s what I actually love about this spot: you’re a proper 15-minute walk from Hampstead Heath, which means early morning runs or evening strolls without the tourist crowds. London can feel overwhelming, but Golders Green has this village-y feel that’s quite refreshing. The Golders Green tube station is about a 10-minute walk, and from there you’re looking at roughly 20 minutes to central London on the Northern line.

The Room Experience

My room was, well, compact — let’s put it that way. The décor hasn’t been updated in what feels like a decade, but everything was clean and the bed was actually comfortable. You get the basics: a small TV, tea-making facilities, and a tiny ensuite that does the job. The windows are double-glazed, which is crucial because West Heath Drive can get surprisingly busy during morning rush hour.

Practical Considerations

There’s no on-site restaurant, but honestly, that’s not necessarily a bad thing in this area. Golders Green Road has some fantastic Middle Eastern and kosher eateries — the salt beef sandwiches at one of the local delis are genuinely incredible. Parking can be a bit tricky since it’s all street parking with residents’ permits, but the owners usually sort something out if you ask in advance.

Why Guests Choose It

Look, this isn’t going to win any design awards, and the 6.2 rating reflects that it’s pretty no-frills. But if you want a quiet base that’s actually affordable for London standards, and you don’t mind being slightly outside the main tourist areas, it does what it says on the tin. The owners are genuinely helpful — they know the area well and aren’t shy about sharing recommendations for local spots that tourists never find.