First Impressions
The Editorial – Covent Garden By Frankie Says hits you with this unexpected vibe the moment you walk in — it’s like stepping into a really well-curated magazine office, but one where you’d actually want to hang out. The lobby feels more like a stylish newsroom than a typical hotel space, with vintage typewriters scattered around and newspaper clippings covering parts of the walls. It’s quirky without being gimmicky, which honestly surprised me given how many London hotels try way too hard to be “different.”
Location & Neighborhood
You’re right in the thick of London’s theater district here, which means the energy outside is pretty much constant. Covent Garden Market is literally around the corner — and I mean that, not hotel-brochure “around the corner.” The street performers start up around 10 AM, so you’ll hear snippets of music drifting through if you keep your windows open. Neal’s Yard is about a three-minute walk, and that’s where I’d head for coffee that’s actually decent (the hotel coffee is fine, but you know how it is).
The Room Experience
The room I stayed in had this newspaper theme carried through pretty cleverly — headlines printed on the headboard, black and white photography on the walls, but nothing too literal or overwhelming. The bed was actually comfortable, which isn’t always a given with boutique places that prioritize style over sleep. What I really appreciated was the desk setup; it’s clearly designed for people who might need to work, not just posed there for photos.
Dining & Amenities
The ground-floor restaurant serves what they call “modern British” food, and it’s better than you’d expect from a hotel kitchen. I had their fish and chips one evening (I know, touristy, but sometimes you just want the classics), and they’d done something interesting with the batter that made it less heavy. The four-star rating feels about right — everything works well, the staff knows what they’re doing, but it’s not trying to be something it’s not.
Why Guests Love It
What really works about this place is how it balances being distinctly London without feeling like a theme park version of the city. You’re close enough to walk to most of the major sights, but you’re also in a neighborhood where actual Londoners live and work. The editorial concept could’ve been cheesy, but they’ve pulled it off with enough subtlety that it feels authentic rather than forced. Plus, the staff genuinely seems to enjoy working there, which always makes a difference in how your stay feels.
Locals suggest to book apartments in London around South Bank for riverside dining, market stops, and easy city crossings.
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
