This classy, spacious, ideally located Covent Garden apartment was a dream come true.
Our (super!) host Jay welcomed us right on time with a complimentary bottle of wine and a helpful tour of the flat and its features. His communications with us were excellent - before, during and after our stay - and his “House Book” further explained his home’s amenities. We were immediately impressed that the “reality” of the space easily surpassed its “advertising” – unlike many rentals I have booked in the past!
The flat’s modern décor, sophisticated lighting effects and contemporary furnishings created an elegant, yet very comfortable environment. The large, well-insulated windows afforded ample natural light while muting the ambient city noise – and their light-blocking blinds enabled sound sleep. Tower fans helped create extra air circulation and white noise. The beds and bedding were super-comfortable, and the plentiful towels were of high quality. The spacious kitchen was stocked with a complete assortment of accoutrements for cooking and dining, plus an adequate supply of tea, coffee, condiments and cleaning supplies (laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, etc.). We also appreciated the built-in wine cooler, dishwasher, and – especially – the clothes washer / dryer! The living room was equipped with state-of-the-art TV / cable / internet, plus top-notch surround sound. Both bathrooms were roomy and well-functioning, with excellent water pressure, plentiful hot water and good lighting. I must add that – typical of traditional UK home design – there are no AC outlets in the bathroom itself (apart from shaving outlets), but we were able to easily use the (provided) hair dryers in the bedrooms, complete with wall mirrors. Jay helpfully provided us with AC adapters, so we could plug in our American phone chargers, etc.
Overall, the flat was super-classy, impeccably clean and BLISSFULLY UNCLUTTERED - again, unlike many STR flats I have formerly rented!
Additional logistical benefits of Jay’s home include:
Easy transportation: This flat is just a few minutes’ (level ground) walk to the Covent Garden tube station on the London Underground’s Picadilly Line – which takes you DIRECTLY to / from Heathrow Airport. This is a huge logistical boon, as it spares the hassle and time of changing lines while schlepping your luggage. Covent Garden station also has an elevator (many stations do not), plus there’s an elevator in Jay’s building, which further saves the weary traveler from hauling luggage / groceries / baby strollers up flights of stairs. I cannot over-emphasize the convenience of these benefits!
Excellent location: This ideal central location affords easy walking to multiple attractions, including the British Museum; Trafalgar Square / National Gallery / St. Martin in-the-Fields; the Strand / Theater District; plus a large variety of diverse restaurants, historic pubs, interesting shops and multiple grocery stores. We easily strolled to Soho’s London Palladium for a concert one night – quicker than the Tube or a taxi (due to typically heavy street traffic). Covent Garden itself is just down the street, with its lively cafes, buskers, London Transport Museum and Royal Opera House (we saw a fantastic ballet there). Just across the street is the impressive Freemason’s Hall – visitors are welcome inside to visit the Museum of Freemasonry, admire the interior Art Deco styling, or enjoy a drink at the bar. Jay’s building has two well-secured entrances, one on Wild Street (which the apartment overlooks), and another on Drury Lane which provides the easiest access to Covent Garden. The building’s on-site weekday desk managers were friendly and helpful. The building is excellently maintained, and trash / recycling pick-up is provided right outside your flat door.
In summary, Jay’s wonderful service – and his beautiful flat – wildly exceeded our expectations. We had a wonderful stay, and will return asap. Thanks for everything!