First Impressions
The Essex Apartment sits right on The Broadway in Loughton, and honestly, it caught me off guard in the best way. This unique boutique hotel doesn’t chase after official star ratings — it just does its own thing, and you know what? That actually works in its favor. The building has this understated charm that feels more like stumbling upon a well-kept local secret than checking into a typical hotel.
Location & Getting Around
Loughton’s one of those places that gives you the best of both worlds — you’re technically in Essex, but the Central line gets you into central London in about 30 minutes. The Broadway is the town’s main strip, so you’ve got everything you need within walking distance. I mean, there’s a Tesco just down the road, and the high street has that proper English market town feel without being touristy. Plus, Epping Forest is literally on your doorstep if you fancy a proper walk.
The Space
The apartment setup here is what makes this place different — you’re not getting a standard hotel room, but rather a self-contained space that feels like you’re borrowing someone’s really nice flat. The kitchen is actually functional (not just a token kettle and mini-fridge situation), which is brilliant if you pick up groceries or just want to make a proper cup of tea without hotel markup. Everything’s clean and thoughtfully arranged, though don’t expect cutting-edge design — it’s more about comfort than Instagram moments.
What You Should Know
Look, with a 5.6 rating, this isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and I think that’s partly because people expect different things. If you want 24-hour room service and a concierge, this probably isn’t your spot. But if you appreciate having your own space, decent value for money, and being somewhere that feels authentic rather than corporate, it actually delivers. The building’s got character — which sometimes means quirks, but that’s part of the appeal.
Why Guests Love It
What really works here is the independence it gives you. You can come and go as you please, cook if you want to, and you’re staying somewhere that locals actually know and respect. It’s particularly good if you’re using London as a base but don’t want to deal with central London prices or crowds every single night. The forest walks alone make it worth considering — I spent a morning wandering through Epping Forest and felt like I’d discovered something most London visitors never see.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
