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Penthouse Apartment in the Heart of London
First Impressions
Walking into Penthouse Apartment in the Heart of London, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from the building’s exterior — but wow, was I wrong. The Spectrum Building might look understated from the street, but once you hit the upper floors, this place completely transforms your perspective of London. The views alone made me forget I was staying in what’s technically an apartment rather than a traditional hotel.
The Space
This four-star spot really delivers on the penthouse promise. The room layout is clever — you’ve got proper living areas that don’t feel cramped, and the windows frame the city skyline like artwork. I mean, I spent way too much time just watching the light change across the rooftops throughout the day. The kitchen setup is actually functional too, not just for show like some places, which came in handy for morning coffee without having to venture out immediately.
Location Reality Check
Hackney gets a bad rap sometimes, but honestly? East Road puts you right where things are happening without the tourist chaos. You’re walking distance to Old Street and Angel stations, which means the rest of London is stupidly accessible. The neighborhood has this authentic London feel — proper pubs, independent coffee shops, and locals who aren’t constantly dodging selfie sticks.
What Actually Matters
The 9.3 rating isn’t just numbers — it shows in the details that matter when you’re actually living somewhere for a few days. Water pressure is excellent (trust me, this matters after a long day exploring), the heating works properly, and there’s decent parking nearby if you’re brave enough to drive in London. The building’s quiet despite being central, which I wasn’t expecting given the location.
Why Guests Love It
You know what sets this place apart? It feels like borrowing a friend’s really nice flat rather than staying in a sterile hotel. There’s character here — the kind of space where you can actually relax and spread out your stuff without feeling like you’re camping. Plus, having your own space means you can avoid the morning rush at hotel breakfast buffets and explore the local food scene at your own pace. The combination of genuine comfort, killer views, and that perfect London location makes it the kind of place you’ll actually want to come back to.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.