Overview
First Impressions
Apartment 1, 48 Bishopsgate by City Living London sits right in the thick of the City — and I mean properly in the financial district, not just near it. When I first walked up to the building on Bishopsgate, honestly, it felt a bit like stepping into the scene of a heist movie with all those gleaming office towers around. This four-star serviced apartment setup isn’t your typical hotel experience, which is exactly what makes it interesting.
Location & Getting Around
You’re literally surrounded by the city’s financial heartbeat here in London. Liverpool Street station is about a three-minute walk — I timed it — which means you can hop on the Elizabeth Line and be in Paddington in no time. What I found fascinating is how quiet it gets after office hours; the area transforms from this buzzing business hub to almost eerily peaceful streets. The Gherkin looms nearby, and you’ll find yourself using it as a landmark more than you’d expect.
The Space
The room — well, it’s more of a studio really — has this modern, minimalist vibe that actually works. There’s a proper kitchenette with everything you need if you’re planning to stay a few days and want to avoid eating out constantly (smart move in this part of town, trust me). The bed’s comfortable enough, though the space feels a bit compact when you’ve got a full suitcase open. The windows face the street, so you get a proper view of City life rushing by below.
Practical Considerations
Here’s what I wish someone had told me: there’s no on-site restaurant, but honestly, you’re in one of London’s best areas for food anyway. Leadenhall Market is a short walk, and the variety of lunch spots around Liverpool Street is genuinely impressive. The building has decent Wi-Fi, which matters if you’re working, and the staff are helpful when you actually need them — though it’s more of a self-service situation than a traditional hotel setup.
Why Guests Love It
What really works about this place is the independence it gives you while keeping you plugged into central London. You’re not dealing with typical hotel breakfast times or lobby crowds, but you’ve got the security and cleanliness of a managed property. For business travelers, the location is pretty much perfect — you could probably walk to meetings in the Square Mile. The 8.1 rating makes sense when you consider what you’re getting: a clean, well-equipped base in one of London’s most connected areas, without the fuss of a big hotel operation.
Guest reviews
"Great London accommodation in central location"
It was really central to a lot of good restaurants and landmarks, great kitchen/laundry facilities and room to move
What could be improved: The step up to the bathroom area was a bit tricky and the lack of natural light in the bathroom wasn’t ideal.
The lift was out of order and the stairs aren’t great for lugging luggage
18 August 2025
"In good location room had everything we needed for our stay just a lack of natural light coming in"
It was clean everything in we needed
What could be improved: Not able to open windows, noisy in bedroom as to do with office block at rear fans noisy
20 June 2025
"I will return"
Location is really great if you need to be in the financial district.
What could be improved: The wifi doesn't really work in apartment no 1 (poor connection), further more I would be great if the windows in the apartment on the road side would be cleaned they are really dirty behind the extra window.
27 July 2024
"Good"
The location could not be more central, it is quick and easy to get anywhere from the apartment. Having a kitchen and washing machine was fantastic.
What could be improved: The bedroom is very light at night. The blinds do very little to block the light coming from offices during the week. I had to purchase an eye mask. The blinds are also very hard to use because the pulls are very high up, and also broken. They are not really the right choice for the space. The light levels are darker on weekends when the offices are empty.
25 July 2024
"We booked the apartment for three adults spending five days in London. very convenient to metro stations, groceries, pu"
great location and very comfortable for three adults
What could be improved: could use some additional kitchen utensils such as a bottle and a spatula.
6 May 2023
"Good place to stay in London"
Location and space in the apartament.
What could be improved: Some vehicles noise at nights.
21 March 2023
"Centrally located gem!"
Location amazing, very central. Short distance to tube, buses and boats. Near many attractions.
Flat well equipped and spacious.
Sofa bed was generous size and comfortable.
What could be improved: Shower controls confusing and seem to switch round every so often. The lower shower could do with better angle adjustment. Shower cubicle needs resealing as water leaked.
Dusty in places.
The door codes work well though sometimes tricky to enter as buttons worn, the extra deadlock on inner door should be removed or notice put up as we (and another flat) was locked out by someone putting the lock on unaware.
19 March 2025
"A nice location, but only one bathroom"
I like the location and the price.I find it it was fair for the accessibility.
What could be improved: I didn't like that I couldn't open the windows and receive fresh air and that the windows were full of dust.
I also didn't like that the bed was old and making a sound.
It was also bothering me about the access in the bathroom through the bedroom.
If you come with 4 Person's in the apartment...the person who will sleep in the living room will have no access to the bathroom in the night...or you sleep with the door open and always someone will bother you.So I won't recomande for more then 2 Person's.
17 May 2024
"Very good location , convenient living, room is clean, but wifi not fast ."
Location is very good. We can go many places on foot. There are many supermarkets around, very convenient.
What could be improved: No kitchen paper, not enough toilet paper and body wash. Wifi slow.
22 March 2024
"Overall, great experience, close to shops, nice clean comfortable apartment. I will stay again"
Apartment was very close to my work venue, the apartment was comfortable and clean! The kitchen had all the necessary items you need. (dishwasher, washing machine, fridge, microwave, oven / stove)
What could be improved: The door was very sticky and I struggled to open the front door. had green lights on the keypad, but the door didn't unlock initially.
Shower was also strange to use, and I ended up having luke warm showers (not ideal when it was snowing outside)
19 January 2024
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