First Impressions
Walking up to The Art House – Covent garden By Frankie Says, you’ll notice it doesn’t scream “look at me” like some hotels do — and honestly, that’s part of its charm. This four-star property sits in Camden but carries the sophisticated vibe of its Covent Garden namesake. The entrance feels more like stepping into a friend’s well-curated townhouse than a typical hotel lobby, which sets the tone for everything that follows.
Location & Getting Around
Here’s the thing about the location — you’re technically in Camden, but you’re close enough to London‘s theater district that you can actually walk to most West End shows. The Tube connections are solid, and I mean really solid, not just marketing speak. You’ve got multiple lines within reasonable walking distance, which makes getting around the city way less stressful than you’d expect. The neighborhood has this interesting mix of local pubs and places that clearly cater to visitors, but it doesn’t feel touristy in that overwhelming way.
The Room Experience
The room I stayed in had character — and I don’t mean quirky small like some London hotels where you can barely open your suitcase. The design leans into that art house concept without going overboard with it. You’ll find thoughtful touches like proper lighting for reading (thank god) and storage that actually makes sense. The bathroom was compact but functional, with decent water pressure, which honestly matters more than fancy fixtures when you’re dealing with London’s unpredictable weather.
Dining & Common Spaces
The restaurant area feels more like a neighborhood spot than a hotel dining room, which works in its favor. Breakfast was straightforward — nothing too fancy, but everything was fresh and they didn’t try to reinvent classics just for the sake of it. The coffee was actually good, not just hotel-acceptable good. There’s also this little lounge area where you can hang out without feeling like you’re camping in the lobby, which I appreciated during those inevitable London rain delays.
Why Guests Love It
What really works about this place is that it doesn’t try too hard. The staff seems to actually know the area and can give you directions that make sense, not just hand you a tourist map. The whole “art house” concept feels genuine rather than manufactured, and the Frankie Says branding adds personality without being gimmicky. For a 7.6 rating, it delivers exactly what you’d hope for — a solid base in London that feels like more than just a place to sleep, without the premium prices of hotels closer to the main tourist zones.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
