First Impressions
Walking up to Monument by Excel Apartments in the heart of the City of London, you get that immediate sense you’re somewhere important — but not in a flashy way. The building sits quietly among the financial district’s towers, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it work. This three-star property doesn’t try to be something it’s not, which I actually found refreshing after dealing with so many hotels that overpromise.
Location & Getting Around
The London location is pretty brilliant if you ask me. You’re literally walking distance from Monument Station, and I mean actually walking distance — not that “10-minute walk” that somehow takes 20. Bank junction is right there, which means you’ve got access to basically every tube line you could want. What struck me most was how quiet it gets in the evenings once the city workers head home, turning this busy financial area into something almost peaceful.
The Apartment Experience
Here’s where things get interesting — each apartment feels more like a proper flat than a hotel room. The kitchen setup is genuinely useful, not just a mini-fridge and kettle situation. I mean, you’ve got actual counter space and a proper hob, which came in handy when I picked up groceries from the Tesco Express around the corner. The living areas have this understated modern thing going on — clean lines, decent furniture, nothing fancy but everything works.
Practical Stuff That Matters
The wifi actually works well (tested it on video calls), and there’s air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a jet engine. Parking is available, though you’ll want to book it ahead — street parking around here is basically impossible during the week. One thing I appreciated was the 24-hour reception, especially since my flight got in late and I wasn’t sure if anyone would be around.
Why Guests Keep Coming Back
Look, this isn’t the kind of place with a fancy spa or Michelin-starred restaurant, but that’s sort of the point. You get proper space to spread out, you’re in one of London’s most connected areas, and the staff actually seem to care about sorting out any issues. The apartments work especially well for longer stays — I watched other guests who were clearly there for work trips, and they all seemed pretty settled in. For the price point in this part of London, you’re getting solid value without any of the pretense.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
