Overview
First Impressions
The Cosy Nook Studio #5 lives up to its name — this three-star place feels more like staying at a friend’s well-appointed flat than a typical hotel. Tucked away on a quiet residential street in London, you’d walk right past it if you weren’t looking for the subtle entrance at 33 Hanmer Walk. The building itself is classic Victorian terraced housing, which honestly makes it blend seamlessly into this residential corner of Islington.
Location & Getting Around
Here’s what I love about this spot — you’re genuinely in a neighborhood rather than touristland. Caledonian Road tube station is about a 10-minute walk, and from there you can reach King’s Cross in just two stops. The area has that authentic North London vibe with proper local pubs (The Swimmer is literally around the corner) and the kind of corner shops where you can actually grab decent groceries. You know what’s great? You can walk to Camden Market in about 20 minutes if you’re up for it, but you’re far enough away to avoid the crowds.
The Space
The studio itself is compact but thoughtfully designed — I mean, they’ve really maximized every square foot. The room combines sleeping and living areas without feeling cramped, which is honestly impressive given London space constraints. There’s a small kitchenette that’s actually functional (not just decorative like some places), complete with a proper fridge and everything you need for basic meal prep. The bathroom is tiny but clean, and the shower has decent pressure — something you can’t always count on in older London buildings.
Practical Details
What surprised me was how quiet it stays despite being in the city — those Victorian walls are thick, and Hanmer Walk doesn’t get much through traffic. The WiFi works well (I did some work from there without issues), and there’s good natural light from the windows. Parking isn’t provided, but that’s pretty standard for this area — honestly, you don’t need a car here anyway with the transport links. The hosts are responsive via messaging, though it’s more of a self-check-in situation rather than a staffed reception.
Why Guests Appreciate It
Look, this isn’t going to wow you with fancy amenities or concierge service — it’s a solid, comfortable base in a genuinely local part of London. The 7.5 rating makes sense because it delivers exactly what it promises without any pretense. You get your own space, a real neighborhood feel, and easy access to central London without paying Zone 1 prices. For travelers who want to experience London more like a resident than a tourist, The Cosy Nook Studio #5 actually nails that brief quite well.
Savvy travelers reserve a hotel in London before spring brings blossom-lined parks, pop-up exhibitions, and warm evening strolls.
Guest reviews
"Superb"
All good
What could be improved: Directions great and well
Priced
25 March 2025
"I'd stay here again"
I like the fact you get instructions on how to access the property yourself, nobody meets you to check you in.
Makes it feel very relaxed.
It was clean and the bed was comfy. I slept very well both nights of my stay, even with the window open a little for fresh air. It was quite outside which is good, especially on a Friday and Saturday night.
The fridge is decent too, chills drinks nicely.
What could be improved: The biggest issue is not having a blind in the bathroom, only the bottom half of the glass is privacy glass and the window is directly opposite the shower. I had to use a t-shirt to trap in the window as a make-shif blind. That wasn't good!
Not the easiest to find when you first arrive either, Google maps gets you close, but not to the right place.
Turn opposite the entrance to Esso in Hornsey Rd, onto Newington barrow way, then it'll be more or less in front of you, go left slightly first.
Also I think a fan needs to be provided, in warmer months I imagine I'd find it unbearable.
9 September 2024
"Ok place for good price"
All was fine
What could be improved: Everything needed was there
10 August 2024
"Superb"
Very simple set up for getting in. Code system really easy to use. Very clean and comfortable, bed was very comfortable too. Very quiet location!
What could be improved: Facilities stated there was a toaster however there wasn’t one there. Found an alternative to cooking our toast for breakfast but definitely would benefit from having one.
Also the bathroom window had no blind, so felt a little on edge showering, so could do with a blind. Shower could do with a little corner shelf too.
8 July 2024
"Good, location, housekeeping, washing machine, kitchen facility."
Location and convenience of groceries and travel. Host was responsive.housekeeping team was helpful.
What could be improved: Very small room and highly congested space for a 13 night stay of international tourists. Not enough cupboard space, kitchen tap was broken.shower very small. Bathroom mat was smelly and very old. Water pressure was very fluctuating and sluggish and made showering hard.
7 September 2025
"I was content and liked convenience of neighborhood and proximity to my friends"
Clean
What could be improved: No tv and wasn’t given detailed instructions on entry. Only got in with help of area tenants
20 August 2024
"Good location and cosy room"
Good location for emirates stadium. Room was well thought out with kitchen including basic supplies.
What could be improved: Room was a little tired including holes in the ceiling filled with tissues. It could have also been cleaner and we felt the internal doors with small bolt and no key did not feel as secure as we would have liked.
8 June 2025
"A bit overpriced for the quality"
The place provide tea and coffee
What could be improved: I didn’t liked the bed
30 March 2025
"Really good location but not good noise insulation"
It was 10 min walk from the Finsbury park station and it was quite well connected to the city. The apartment itself had a lot of kitchen amenities and the bed was really comfortable.
What could be improved: You could hear perfectly the other guests living in the other rooms and at night it was hard to sleep when other people was talking, same thing in the morning, it was easy to get awake by other guest's noises. The room was smaller than I thought and there was no toilet paper so we had to sort that out on our own, so for a short stay it was not nice to have to think on these type of matters.
17 October 2024
"Acceptable"
It was okay.
Some not so urgent things need to be replaced/repaired/reviewed but overall it's acceptable.
It's not that big but had previous trips where I stayed on smaller flats for the same price.
Bed is comfortable.
What could be improved: Not easy to get the right temperature on the shower but eventually you get there. Low water pressure though.
12 November 2025
