THE HOTEL

Open since April 2024, this new property from UK lifestyle aparthotel brand Native is in the Grade II listed The Kings Wardrobe, tucked away between St Pauls and Blackfriars. As the name suggests, the building once safeguarded the king’s state and ceremonial robes. Next year, Native will have eight aparthotels in the UK with the addition of a property in Fulham. 

THE CHECK-IN

Check-in is at COUNTER, a cool but cosy café/bar/restaurant that’s also home to a small reception desk. Once checked in, guests make their way past the bar and into a leafy, cobbled courtyard where all the apartments are situated. Mine was in a block on the left. I used my electronic key to enter the block and then also for the lift to the third floor.

THE APARTMENT

The lift door opened directly into the hallway of my two-bedroom penthouse apartment. To my left, there was a good sized lounge with a sofa and two comfy arm chairs, a dining table and a desk. In front was a separate kitchen. The bedrooms were at either end of the hallway, both with ensuites. I chose the larger one with the bath. The kitchen had everything I needed, and there was a handy leaflet with clear instructions for appliances.

THE FACILITIES

COUNTER serves an a la carte breakfast, lunch and evening bites. It opens at 7.30am, closes at 9pm and is popular with non guests too. For breakfast I had a healthy Acai Bowl with banana chips and a mug of tea, but there’s also bacon baps, the Royal Breakfast (with all the usual trimmings and sourdough toast), the Veggie Royal (with avocado), and other hot options.

In the evenings, COUNTER also hosts social events. There’s no on-site gym but a short walk away is Anytime Fitness (fees apply). You can also book spa treatments to have in your apartment. Underground parking is also available for a fee. Pets are welcome too.

THE VERDICT

The courtyard setting makes these apartments feel very homely and I can imagine you’d make friends easily on an extended stay, especially if you hang out at COUNTER. There’s a lovely outside seating area in the courtyard too, perfect for the summer. The location is ideal because it’s central but tucked away from the traffic noise. The free Wi-FI worked well and the beds were extremely comfortable.

THE DETAILS

Rates from £250 a night, nativeplaces.com