First Impressions
Holborn by Excel Apartments sits in one of those Camden streets where you can actually hear yourself think — which, honestly, is pretty rare around here. The building itself won’t wow you from the outside, but that’s sort of the point with these three-star serviced apartments. They’ve focused their energy on what actually matters when you’re staying somewhere for more than a night or two.
The Apartment Setup
Each apartment comes with a proper kitchen setup that goes beyond the usual hotel kettle situation. I mean, there’s a full-sized fridge, decent counter space, and all the basics you need if you want to grab groceries from the Tesco Express down the road. The living area feels separate from the sleeping space, which makes a real difference when you’re working remotely or just need to spread out a bit.
Location & Getting Around
You know what’s great about this spot in Camden? You’re close enough to central London that the tube ride to Oxford Circus takes about fifteen minutes, but far enough out that you’re not paying Covent Garden prices for a coffee. Russell Square station is your closest bet, and from there you can get pretty much anywhere without too much hassle. The British Museum is actually walkable if you don’t mind a twenty-minute stroll.
What Works Well
The wifi holds up well — I’ve done video calls without any drama, which isn’t always a given with serviced apartments. There’s parking available too, though you’ll want to book that ahead if you’re driving into London (which, honestly, I wouldn’t recommend unless you absolutely have to). The housekeeping comes weekly rather than daily, but that works fine when you’ve got your own space to maintain.
Why Guests Keep Coming Back
This place gets the basics right without trying to be something it’s not. The staff are helpful when you need them but don’t hover around, and there’s something refreshing about having your own front door key rather than dealing with hotel card systems that never work properly. For the price point, especially if you’re staying more than a few days, it actually makes more sense than cramming into a tiny hotel room somewhere more central.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.