Belsize Park Apartments - London

Chess

NOT a self-catering facility.

This is advertised as a self-catering place, however the kitchens and stove are so small it is impossible to do much more than boil an egg in there.

We had some problems with the room we were first given, so were moved to another room (without any problems), but I noticed that both kitchenettes had insufficent ventilation.

In fact, both rooms we tried had insuffient ventilation and/or air conditioning. Although fans were provided on request, these weren't enough to get the air moving in these stuffy rooms.
You would think with Britain getting several hot summers in a row now, people in the tourism industry would start thinking about air conditioners. But you get the feeling that's not what BPA is about.

It was the same ventilation problem with the bathrooms and shower cubicles too, leading to moldy smells, which are a health hazard should any mould spores enter the lungs. I had to direct the fans into the shower cubicle most of the time in order to try and tackle the mould smell. I mentioned this to the receptionist, who was nice enough most of the time, but nothing was done.

Belsize Apartments are two houses in Belsize Square that have been hastily divided into many tiny units. Not a lot of thought has gone into their conversion leading to these problems and more.

Other minor things are no shelves or places to put soap in the shower. In one room, the shower cubicle and toilet are in one room, the sink is in a seperate room, and there is no toilet roll holder either. The house cleaning was excellent though.

In the end, as there were no other places available in the area we stayed. But ended up eating all of our meals outside, which took a lot more time out of our day while we were house hunting in the area (not to mention the added cost of not being able to cook food in the room).

Belsize Park Apartments will certainly do in an emergency if there's nothing else free, but given the price (approaching £150 per night, it seems they charge according to what they think they can get out of you), you certainly won't be getting value for money.

The location is an idillic leafy garden suburb with a short walk to main transportation links in one direction and shops/cafes in another, with no parking except in the evenings and weekends.

Steve Rudland

Clean, well located, and great value

Very impressive at a very good price. My room had everything that I needed with the exception of an ironing board.

Apartments are very well located less than 10 minutes walk from Belsize Park Northern Line, or Finchley Road Metropolitan Line stations.

I was pleased to find that I had a fridge and cooking facilities in a small kitchenette.

Bed was very comfortable.

The whole apartment, and especially the bathroom was extremely clean. I was particularly impressed to find that my room was cleaned each day.

As above the bathroom was very clean and the shower was excellent.

I think this is going to be my first choice accommodation for future London business trips.

Kate C

We stayed in a family room in September. Marc was very accommodating, flexible and friendly and allowed our daughter to stay a few days at short notice and arranged another room when one of us decided to stay on for an extra week.
The room, bed linen and towels were spotless and the room had everything that we needed (including a kitchenette) and was quiet and secure. The location was great, a stones throw from Belsize village with the fabulous Retsina Tavern - well worth a visit. We'd definitely stay again and would recommend.

Evelyn Lowe

Our stay at Countryside Cottage Retreat was a true escape from the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by rolling hills and grazing sheep, it was a peaceful sanctuary. The cottage itself was charming and well-equipped. The hosts were gracious and provided fresh eggs from their farm for breakfast. The nearby hiking trails were a nature lover's delight. We left with a renewed sense of tranquility.

Debbie C

Great location - 10 minute walk to Belsize or Swiss Cottage tube. Belsize Village is 5 minutes walk. Being out of the tourist area of London is quiet yet only a tube ride into the city for the museums, the Thames, and all the iconic sights. The apartments are very clean, and have complete little kitchens. This was our 3rd visit from Canada and stay at BPA.

Sambuca53

We stayed in room 10 of number 25, next door to the reception building. Really quick and easy check in and check out. Great communication from property owner. In a lovely quiet area with supermarket, pub and cafes etc nearby. Had a lovely evening in the nearby Washington pub. Nice clean room with well equipped kitchenette. Lovely comfy bed and pillows. Apartment and entire buildings spotlessly clean. Good price given the location. Would return in a heartbeat.

Stephen C

I stayed 7 nights in room 14 of 20 Belsize Ave. The room is quite spacious, occupying two levels. Most of what you need is supplied, including a shared laundry.|The double bed is comfortable and other furniture is basic but functional.|The bathroom is small and could do with some attention. The shower head is damaged and needs replacing and the toilet needs a better cistern as the current one doesn't flush well.||The location is great. The local village is conveniently close and has good restaurants.|The tube station is only a 5 min walk.||All up, very good value for such a great location that is within 15min or so by tube to the city centre.

marian b

We stayed here overnight as my husband had an appointment at The Royal Free Hospital. It's about a twenty minute walk from the hospital. Apartment was spotlessly clean and we got our key very quickly. Great location - Hampstead Heath is half an hours walk away with loads of bars and restaurants. There is a lovely little parade of shops very close to the apartment where we had breakfast. Would definitely recommend.