Overview
First Impressions
Dolls House – Farringdon – by Frankie Says caught me off guard — in the best possible way. You know those places where the name makes you wonder what you’re walking into? Well, this four-star gem in London turns out to be exactly what you’d hope for: quirky without being gimmicky, stylish without trying too hard. The building itself sits on a quiet street that feels refreshingly removed from the tourist chaos, yet you’re literally minutes from everything that matters in central London.
Location & Neighborhood
Farringdon is honestly one of those neighborhoods that locals love but tourists often miss — which works in your favor here. You’ve got Exmouth Market just around the corner (seriously, go there for lunch), and the tube connections are brilliant. I mean, you can reach King’s Cross in about five minutes, which makes this spot incredibly practical if you’re doing day trips or arriving by Eurostar. The area has this lived-in feel that’s hard to find in central London these days.
The Room Experience
The room design leans into that “dolls house” concept without going overboard — think carefully curated vintage touches mixed with modern comforts. What struck me most was the attention to small details: proper lighting for reading, enough outlets where you actually need them, and storage that makes sense for travelers. The beds are genuinely comfortable (not just hotel-comfortable), and the bathrooms feel more spacious than you’d expect given London’s typical constraints.
Practical Touches
Each unit comes with a compact kitchenette that’s actually functional — not just decorative. You can make proper coffee in the morning or grab ingredients from Borough Market and put together a decent meal. There’s no on-site restaurant, but honestly, with Exmouth Market and all the Farringdon options nearby, you don’t need one. The staff knows the neighborhood well and their recommendations have been spot-on every time I’ve asked.
Why Guests Love It
This place works because it doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s for people who want a comfortable, well-designed base in London without paying Covent Garden prices or dealing with Covent Garden crowds. The 8.8 rating reflects what you actually experience: solid fundamentals done really well, plus those little extras that make you remember a place fondly. If you’re the type who appreciates thoughtful design and a genuine neighborhood feel, Dolls House delivers exactly that.
To book a hotel in London during opera season, visitors plan ahead to balance Royal Opera House nights with quiet Regent’s Canal strolls.
Guest reviews
"Exceptional"
We absolutely loved our stay with Frankie! Everything in every way was perfect. Spacious, clean and well-equipped for this family. So convenient to the main station lines and a lovely walk to St Paul's and more. We'll definitely stay again. Thank you for having us.
What could be improved: Everything was perfect.
1 August 2025
"A little haven in the heart of Clerkenwell"
Despite the dolls house name, there's actually plenty of space compared with other similarly priced self catering apartments that we have used when on business in London. Impeccably kitted out, wittily decorated, comfortable and surprisingly quiet.
15 May 2025
"Short stay, could easily make it my home."
Dolls House accommodation was excellent !
The bed and sofa bed were both sooooo comfortable, and the bedding was perfect to get the best nights sleep.
Everything was perfect !
5 May 2025
"Exceptional"
Large and bright apartment with everything you need, convenient location, close to a store and metro station, nice area, the staff is very helpful and friendly, were always in touch, self-check-in and check-out, which is very convenient, thanks for the hospitality
What could be improved: everything was great
17 October 2024
"Superb"
location and facilities are great. it is really convenient. I had a great stay.
What could be improved: the glass door of the shower room doesn't seal well and leaks
7 October 2024
"Does the job"
It’s modern and clean. The host had a nice sense of humour. The location is convenient to restaurants and a small supermarket is very close
What could be improved: The 10am checkout time but I suppose that’s standard for London.
We’d probably have extended the stay but the price shot up for the night. Ended up at a better location for far less money
12 August 2024
"Overall, a great stay. However, a few changes would make it a place I would return to."
The flat was clean and new. Kitchen had everything we needed. Heated floors in bathroom were nice (but a bit too hot - 38C). There’s a Sainsbury’s not even a minute out the door. Very convenient.
What could be improved: Overall the location was good but it took a bit of a walk to get to the tube - a bit further than advertised.
Unfortunately, the sleeping arrangements were less than ideal. I travelled with my 10yr old twins and it was shown that there was a bedroom and a sofa bed. The bed wasn’t too comfy. It needed a mattress topper of some kind.
The bigger issue was the pull out sofa (if you can call it that). It was an IKEA couch that comes out to a mattress on the floor. Absolutely horrendous! Once open, you had the hard part under your head and torso. After the first night, where my son slept on the carpeted bedroom floor and I in the bed, the maintenance guy came to show me where the mattress pad for the pullout was - hidden, unused, in the utility closet. Even with that on top of the sofa it wasn’t the best. They tried to make it better but it just didn’t work. A proper pull out sofa or futon would work better.
29 April 2024
"Amazing!"
Great and recently renovated apartment. Provides you everything you need and the staff is very efficient.
What could be improved: Nothing
3 January 2024
"Superb"
Great location, quiet neighbourhood, lots of cafes and restaurants nearby. Spacious apartment with all the necessary things.
What could be improved: The bed was a bit too narrow for two adult people, and as others already mentioned before - shower door leaks and creates puddles all over bathroom floor.
3 August 2025
"Pleasant stay"
Spacious apartment and good location.
What could be improved: The double bed is slightly small for two persons and the pillows are too small and deflated
4 November 2025
