First Impressions
Covent Garden by Excel Apartments sits right in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and honestly, the location alone makes it worth considering. This three-star property occupies a classic London building that’s been converted into serviced apartments — you know, the kind of place where you get more space than a hotel room but still have someone to call if the Wi-Fi acts up. The entrance is understated in that very British way, tucked along a side street where you’ll walk past it twice before spotting the discreet signage.
The Apartment Experience
What I really appreciated was getting an actual apartment rather than just four walls and a bed. The units come with a proper kitchen setup — not just a mini-fridge and kettle, but actual cooking facilities with a stovetop and all the basics you’d need. The living areas feel genuinely lived-in rather than sterile, with comfortable seating where you can actually sprawl out after a long day of sightseeing. Sure, the décor won’t win any design awards, but everything’s clean and functional, which is what matters when you’re planning to stay more than a couple nights.
Covent Garden Neighborhood
Being in Covent Garden means you’re literally surrounded by some of the city’s best street performers, markets, and that constant buzz of activity that makes London so addictive. The Royal Opera House is practically on your doorstep, and you can wander through the covered market whenever you want — I mean, how many places let you grab artisanal coffee and watch a mime artist before 9 AM? The Tube stations at Covent Garden and Leicester Square are both walkable, though honestly, you’ll find yourself walking everywhere because there’s always something interesting happening on the streets.
Practical Considerations
The 7.4 rating makes sense when you consider what you’re getting for the price point. Staff are helpful without being hovering, and they actually know the neighborhood well enough to give proper recommendations beyond the obvious tourist traps. Parking isn’t available on-site, but let’s be real — you don’t want to drive in central London anyway. The building can get a bit echoey with all those hard surfaces, so pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, especially on weekends when Covent Garden stays lively well into the night.
Why Guests Love It
What keeps people coming back is the combination of space, location, and that apartment-style independence you just can’t get in a traditional hotel. You can pop down to Borough Market, grab some proper ingredients, and actually cook a meal while watching the chaos of the piazza from your window. The restaurant scene literally surrounds you — from pubs that have been serving pints since the 1600s to modern gastropubs that change their menus weekly. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic London living without the commitment of signing a lease.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
