Overview
First Impressions
Walking up to Hidden Gem on Woodhouse Road, you might actually wonder if you’ve got the right address — it’s tucked away in this quiet residential street in Finchley that feels miles from the tourist chaos. The name isn’t just marketing speak, honestly. This three-star place has that homey vibe that makes you feel like you’re staying at your well-traveled aunt’s house, if she happened to have impeccable taste in linens.
The Neighborhood Feel
Finchley’s one of those North London areas that locals love but tourists often miss, and that works in your favor here. You’ve got proper coffee shops within walking distance, not the chain stuff, and the high street actually has character. The Tube station’s close enough that getting into central London is straightforward, but you know what? Sometimes you’ll find yourself just wandering the leafy streets around the hotel because it’s genuinely pleasant.
Your Room Experience
The room I stayed in was smaller than what you’d get at a big hotel chain, but everything felt intentional — like someone actually thought about how you’d use the space. The bed was properly comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses), and there’s this little seating area by the window that’s perfect for morning coffee. They’ve managed to squeeze in all the essentials without making it feel cramped, which is honestly impressive given London property sizes.
Personal Touches That Matter
What struck me most was how the staff seemed to genuinely care about your stay — not in that overly rehearsed way, but like they’re proud of the place. There’s complimentary tea and coffee available throughout the day, and they’ll give you proper local recommendations that aren’t just the obvious tourist spots. The breakfast setup is simple but fresh, with options that actually taste homemade rather than mass-produced.
Why Guests Love It
That 9.7 rating isn’t a fluke — this place delivers on the fundamentals without trying to be something it’s not. You’re getting clean, comfortable accommodation with personal service in a part of London that feels authentic. It’s the kind of place where you’ll sleep well, start your day properly, and come back each evening feeling like you’ve discovered something special. For the price point, especially given London standards, it’s honestly hard to find fault with Hidden Gem.
Guest reviews
"HIDDEN GEM! ⭐⭐⭐⭐"
Hidden Gem couldn't be a more appropriate name for this beautiful accommodation.
The charming host is just at the end of the phone and answers all calls and responds to texts immediately - which is very reassuring after a previous nightmare experience elsewhere.
Apartment is very tastefully decorated and is spotless throughout.
24 hour access to spacious living room, with large flatscreen tv; kitchen area containing cooker, fridge freezer, air fryer, microwave - plus all the usual crockery, cutlery and utensils you would expect.
Bedroom with large comfortable double bed with immaculate, fresh clean bedding.
Bathroom has shower, with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash and hand cream lotion provided.
Several eateries across the road and many more with abundance of shops are only a ten minutes walk away.
Bus stop yards away with standard £1.75 fare, wherever you choose to go, locally.
Bus station with buses to many locations further afield is less than half mile away.
We used Uber and didn't have to wait longer than five minutes for a taxi.
What was especially reassuring, was the actual area itself - feeling safe on the streets, both day and night. No rowdy behaviour or shouting experienced during our six day visit and several pubs we visited - particularly the nearby Tally Ho Pub and Restaurant with beer garden - boasted welcoming staff and friendly atmosphere.
I couldn't rate this accommodation highly enough!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What could be improved: If you've read this far, you'll not be disappointed to hear there was nothing we disliked.
8 December 2025
"Great stay and amazing host!"
We really enjoyed our stay, the apartment has everything you need and it's exceptionally clean and comfortable. We really appreciated how aesthetically pleasing the place is too, it's got some nice design touches. It's situated in a great location with great transport links, you can reach Central London very easily and quickly. The owner of the property, Lina, is extremely kind – she was always available to assist us and made our holiday even more pleasant. It really felt like home! We'll definitely be back!
8 November 2025
"Just like coming home"
It is just like coming back home. Everything clean and perfect maintain. We are really lucky to find this place. And special thanks to our host Lina for her kindness, caring and like family feeling.
25 September 2025
"The apartment is a bit outside the city centre, but the area is very calm and safe, with supermarket"
The apartment is a bit outside the city centre, but the area is very calm and safe, with supermarkets and nice cafés nearby. The flat is new, clean, cosy, and exactly as in the photos. The host was very kind and welcoming. Everything was perfectly clean, with fresh towels, bed linen, tea and coffee provided. We really enjoyed our stay and would happily come back again. Highly recommended!
16 August 2025
"Amazing stay Lina was brilliant very accommodating.would highly will definitely be back"
The property was amazing and of a very high standard with lots of space excellent facilities and very comfortable bed
What could be improved: Nothing
27 July 2025
"Absolutely perfect"
Everything is absolutely perfect. The apartment is clean and shiny like a new apartment. All facilities are new, perfect clean and maintained. Excellent communication with the owner about everything. Just feel like you are at your own home. Thank you very much for such a pleasant stay.
6 June 2025
"Best hidden gem I could find"
modern clean and everything was functional as confirmed
What could be improved: requires 1 extra pot or pan for additional food prep
fold out bed was a little thin so you felt the bars
30 September 2024
"Exceptional"
Host was very accommodating, responded promptly to any questions I had, Apartment was very clean, lovely decor, facilities were excellent within the apartment, area was accessible to all amenities. Really happy with the stay would definitely book again! Thank you
15 June 2025
"Short and sweet; would highly recommend."
The property is exceptionally clean,
very tastefully decorated and feel surprisingly roomy for a compact property.
What could be improved: There’s nothing to dislike; although the property is compact it does not feel cramped.
18 May 2025
"Excellente location !!!"
Luminosité. Propreté, fonctionnalités bien équipés et proche des transports (bus à proximité et métro Nothetline facile d’accès. )Tous commerces et restaurants !!!
What could be improved: C’est un petit détail !!! Juste la douche très jolie et très propre mais compliquée pour les personnes peu précautionneuses comme mon fils et mon mari
31 December 2025
