Luxury 2-Bed Angel Apartment: Friends St. London - Book Now!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the "Luxury 2-Bed Angel Apartment: Friends St. London - Book Now!" situation. And let me tell you, after spending a week there… well, let’s just say I’m still processing. This review is gonna be less clinical brochure and more, well, me. You've been warned.
SEO & Metadata (because, apparently, the internet demands it):
- Keywords: Luxury Apartments London, Angel Islington, 2-Bedroom Apartment, Accessible London, Spa London, Fitness Center London, Wi-Fi London, Family-Friendly London, Central London Accommodation, COVID-19 Safety London, London Hotels.
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of the "Luxury 2-Bed Angel Apartment: Friends St. London." Is it truly luxurious? Accessible? Family-friendly? I dish the dirt – the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward – with an emphasis on real experiences and the quirks that make London… London.
Alright, here we go.
First Impressions (and the Great London Fog):
So, arriving at "Friends St."… or, more accurately, trying to arrive. London, you sneaky devil, is a labyrinth. The address was… well, it was there. The apartment, though, that was the ultimate test. (Note: I'm not going to reveal exact specifics of Friends St. for "privacy" but… let's just say it's in a very good location to various restaurants and activities.) The building itself looked promising, a modern facade with a slightly imposing door. Okay, I can dig it. But the door… oh, the door. A thick, heavy, security-laden beast.
Accessibility: The Real Deal? (Or a Mild Headache?)
Okay, so this is where things got interesting. My party included someone with mobility issues to test out the claims. This is where the accessibility section comes in.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I wasn't able to discern this.
- Wheelchair accessible: The apartment itself? Good. The lobby to get to the elevator? Good, although a little tight maneuvering, especially during peak times. Getting around London with a wheelchair? Buckle up, folks. Pavements can be a nightmare.
- Elevator: Crucial. It's there, and it's (thankfully) reliable.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They clearly try, but there is room for improvement here. The apartment itself was well-laid out, and the accessible bathroom setup was great.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Factor (And My Slightly Overactive Germaphobe Brain)
Look, let's be honest, 2024 is still a bit of a COVID-19 whirlwind. So, naturally, I was hyper-aware. They claimed to have gone above and beyond.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Okay, fine. Good to know, but… how do you know? I just assumed they used something besides bleach.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep.
- Breakfast in room: Yes! And that was a huge plus, especially after the long journey.
- Cashless payment service: Amen to that!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: They said it, I'm sure they did it, I can't prove it (so… grain of salt).
- Doctor/nurse on call: Thank goodness, I didn't need that.
- First aid kit: Present and accounted for.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! (That I noticed, anyway).
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: The linens smelled fresh and clean, so thumbs up.
- Hygiene certification: I honestly didn't check/ask/care enough, too busy with the overall experience.
- Individually-wrapped food options: At the breakfast, yes.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Difficult to maintain in a lot of the common areas.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Again, claimed.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Did not see.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Hope so.
- Safe dining setup: Yes, at the restaurant.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed to be.
- Shared stationery removed: Don't need it, can't miss it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be.
- Sterilizing equipment: I did not inspect, but was assured it was used.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Restaurant, the Bar and Me
Okay, the dining situation. My opinion? It was a mixed bag.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yes.
- Asian breakfast: Not my jam, but available.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
- Bar: Decent, but a little… sterile.
- Bottle of water: Free, in the room.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Good variety, though I'm not a huge buffet person.
- Breakfast service: In the room, was a godsend. Coffee in my pyjamas, anyone?
- Buffet in restaurant: See above.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Standard.
- Coffee shop: Nearby. Excellent.
- Desserts in restaurant: They had a beautiful presentation of desserts that made me smile.
- Happy hour: Yep.
- International cuisine in restaurant: The menu was certainly diverse.
- Poolside bar: No pool during my stay.
- Restaurants: Right outside the door. This was a major win.
- Room service [24-hour]: Thank goodness.
- Salad in restaurant: Yes.
- Snack bar: Yes.
- Soup in restaurant: Yes.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Yes.
- Western breakfast: See my above comment about the breakfast buffet.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Ditto.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Spa Illusion
They advertise a spa, but there was something… off.
- Body scrub: I'm not sure.
- Body wrap: Maybe.
- Fitness center: Present and functional, although a little cramped.
- Foot bath: Possible.
- Gym/fitness: See above.
- Massage: Yes, by appointment. Quality varied.
- Pool with view: Not in the building.
- Sauna: Yes.
- Spa: Yeah, it exists, in a sort of… functional way. Not the luxurious sanctuary I was hoping for. More… functional than fabulous. Definitely needs some work on the aesthetics.
- Spa/sauna: See above.
- Steamroom: Yes.
- Swimming pool: No internal pool but there is an outdoor pool.
Services and Conveniences: Helpful, but with a Slight Glitch
This is where the apartment mostly shines.
- Air conditioning in public area: The hotel has this.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Didn't see.
- Business facilities: Limited.
- Cash withdrawal: Available.
- Concierge: Fantastic. Truly helpful, especially with navigating the London transport system (which is… a journey).
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes, a definite plus.
- Convenience store: Nearby.
- Currency exchange: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient and friendly.
- Doorman: Yes, thankfully.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
- Elevator: See above.
- Essential condiments: Not really.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Well thought out.
- Food delivery: Yes, and it was fast.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Present, but a bit generic.
- Indoor venue for special events: Not really.
- Invoice provided: Yes.
- Ironing service: Yes.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
- Meetings: Probably for smaller events.
- Meeting stationery: No.
- On-site event hosting: Not really.
- Outdoor venue for special events: No.
- Projector/LED display: Nope.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Seminars: No.
- Shrine: No.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Nope, however, there is a small balcony for the suite.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Yes, although the speed wasn't what you'd expect.
- Xerox/fax in business center:
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is a chaotic, beautiful mess – just like me, and probably you by the end of it. This is my London trip, centered around that serviced apartment on Friends Street, Angel. Pray for my sanity (and my bank account).
The Very Un-Perfect Plan: London, Angel, and Me (Probably Screaming)
Day 1: Arrival. Or, How I Became One with the Tube (and Almost Died)
Morning (and by morning, I mean "whenever I clawed my way out of bed after the red-eye"): Arrive at Heathrow. Let's be honest, the flight itself was a blur of cheap wine, crying babies, and the existential dread of being crammed in a metal tube for hours. Customs? A breeze. My passport photo makes me look like a wanted criminal, but they let me through. Score!
Transportation Trauma: Now, the Tube. Oh, the glorious, terrifying Tube. I'd pre-booked an Oyster card, feeling smug. Then I got on the first one, and it felt like being sardined into a metal coffin propelled by angry ghosts. Got off at the wrong stop, naturally. Wandered around looking lost for a good half-hour. Eventually, I emerge blinking into the sunlight, victorious (and slightly nauseous).
Afternoon: Finally, Friends Street. The apartment. It's actually… decent! Small, but clean, and the "two beds" are definitely the size of cots. Okay. Adapt. Improvise. Overcome. After a failed attempt to operate the TV (curse you, technology!), I try to actually unpack. Which means, tossing my luggage items wildly.
Evening (or, "When Did I Eat Last?"): Hunger pangs. I desperately stumble out to scour the local shops. Found a tiny, amazing Italian deli. Ordered far too much pasta, the proprietor was super friendly, a nice start to the day. Stuffed myself silly. Regretted nothing.
Emotional Reaction: "Oh my god, I'm actually in London! I'm here! (Deep breath) Okay, don't panic. Just breathe. And maybe start figuring out where the hell the nearest laundromat is."
Day 2: History Hangovers and Museum Mayhem
Morning: Big Ben! I'm not generally a tourist person, but, Big Ben is kinda cool, right? So, I spend the morning wandering around Westminster, feeling vaguely cultured. Took a picture. Got photobombed by a pigeon. Iconic.
Mid-day: The British Museum. Oh, the British Museum. I lost myself (and my mind) in that place. The Rosetta Stone! Stunning. The Elgin Marbles! Controversial. I spent hours just gaping at the details of everything. This is why I love museums. I sat on the floor, totally absorbed. I then got a bit of a headache, I got lost. I saw more than one person cry. Okay, maybe I cried a little, too. It's a lot.
Afternoon: I needed sugar, desperately. I found a ridiculously overpriced, but delicious, cupcake shop. Fell into a sugar coma. Re-emerging, feeling incredibly guilty about the spending, I walked aimlessly, found a quirky bookshop.
Evening: Attempted dinner at a pub. Ordered a "traditional" fish and chips. Which, let's be honest, was greasy as hell but tasted amazing after all the walking and thinking. Overheard a hilarious conversation between two old ladies arguing about the best way to make a cup of tea. London already has me hooked.
Emotional Reaction: "My feet hurt, my brain is full, and I need a nap. But… wow. Just… wow. And, maybe I should buy that book…"
Day 3: Angel Adventures (and the Dreaded Shopping)
Morning: Exploring Angel itself! I'm in the neighborhood! I walk up and down the streets, people watching. Discovered an independent coffee shop. Seriously, best cup of coffee I’ve had in years. I'm a convert.
Mid-day - Shopping Hell: Okay, time for shopping. Ugh. I hate shopping. But, I promised myself something vaguely fashionable. I went into a couple of places. I tried on things. I nearly had a panic attack. Then gave up and bought a scarf. It's nice, though.
Afternoon: Back to the apartment to recover from retail therapy. Sat by the window, watching the world go by. Felt a wave of contentment. This is exactly what I needed. I need to tell myself that more often.
Evening: The theater! I braved the crowds and saw a play. Sat in the second-highest row, but could still see the stage. The acting was superb. For a brief moment, I felt like a real Londoner. Then I dropped my program and tripped over someone's foot on the way out. Back to reality.
Emotional Reaction: "That play was amazing! I think I'm falling in love with London. (Quickly followed by) I need to learn how to navigate public transport without resembling a lost toddler."
Day 4: Day-Trip Disaster and Unexpected Delights
Morning: A day trip! I'd been told I had to see Windsor Castle. I got on the train. Got off at the wrong stop (again). Found my way. Spent a good amount of time wandering around, feeling like a royal. It was beautiful, but overwhelming.
Mid-Afternoon: I got back to London, tired, a little frazzled. Back to Friends Street… I had a massive craving for Indian. Found the best damn chicken korma I've ever tasted. (I mean, honestly, it was incredible.)
Evening: I actually cooked in the apartment. It was a disaster. Smoked out the entire place. Nearly set off the fire alarm. Managed to salvage something edible. The satisfaction was real, even if the food was questionable.
Emotional Reaction: "Today was a rollercoaster of emotions! From Windsor Castle to questionable cooking. But I'm surviving! And the Indian food… Oh, the Indian food!"
Day 5: Farewell (Sobbing) and Future Plans
Morning: Packing. Or, more accurately, stuffing my suitcase with questionable souvenirs and a lot of laundry. One last walk around Angel. Said a quiet goodbye to my little apartment.
Afternoon: Getting to the airport. Goodbye, London. Goodbye, Friends Street. I'm definitely going to come back. Maybe next time, I'll master the Tube, and the cooking and the shopping. Maybe. Probably not.
Emotional Reaction: "I never want to leave. London, you beautiful, chaotic mess. I'll be back. I swear I will." (Starts planning the next trip before the plane even takes off.) Sob.
This is my plan. It's messy, imperfect, and probably full of spelling mistakes, but it’s mine. Wish me luck. And if you see me wandering around London looking bewildered, please, offer me a cup of tea. I'll probably need it.
Jeju Murray Pension: Your Dream Island Getaway Awaits!
Okay, so... "Luxury 2-Bed Angel Apartment: Friends St. London" - Is it *actually* luxurious? Because let's be real, "luxury" is thrown around like confetti these days...
Right? The word "luxury" is practically a curse at this point. I get it. You've been burned. I get *burned*. Okay, so, let me tell you. It *is* pretty darn nice. But like... realistic nice. Think less "palace of Versailles" and more "damn, this is a lovely apartment and I’m not sleeping on a futon."
The kitchen? Actually usable. Unlike that "luxury" place I stayed in last year where the "luxury" hob was so high-tech I almost set my hair on fire trying to boil water. The beds? Comfortable. I've slept in some hard beds, let me tell you. Hotels where you feel like you've slept directly on a pile of rocks. These beds, though? I actually woke up refreshed. It's those little things. Like, the shower pressure is *amazing* (and I'm a shower pressure snob). So, yeah. Luxury? Let's call it... elevated comfort, with a serious injection of 'I actually *want* to stay here'. And the location... well, that's the real icing on the cake. More on that later.
Two beds. Okay, so, what's the deal? Is it two proper bedrooms? Because I've seen some "two-beds" that are a glorified cupboard and a sofa bed disguised as a room.
Absolutely. Two *proper* bedrooms. I mean, I didn't take a tape measure in there, measuring every inch. But yes, two actual, real bedrooms. One I'd describe as the "Master Suite," and the other a good-sized second bedroom. There was space - glorious, beautiful space! You know, space enough to actually swing a cat, if you're into that kind of thing (I’m not, of course. Animal lover here). I think one of them had an en-suite. Don't quote me. I do remember thinking, "right, two proper rooms. This is not the kind of place that lies about the number of bedrooms". And believe me, I *always* check. Bad experiences leave you with scars, you know. Like that "apartment" in Prague. Don't get me started.
Friends Street? Is that *the* Friends Street? Angel? I mean, I've heard of the area. Is the location actually good or is it just, you know, convenient for… pigeons?
Okay, so this is where my *heart* started doing the happy dance. Friends Street is PERFECT!!! It's a bit off the beaten track, but super connected. Like, I could practically *see* the Angel tube station from the window (maybe not, but it was close enough that you could practically roll out of bed and be there). And the shops! The restaurants! The pubs! Seriously, I had the best roast chicken of my *life*... right around the corner. Seriously! I still dream about it. Ugh, I need to go back. It's a great area for walking around. You know, getting lost in the best possible way. And the best thing? It's not *too* touristy. It's got that lived-in, local vibe. Which I *adore*. You're not constantly dodging selfie sticks. It’s a real London experience. It's got soul, unlike some of those soulless hotel zones. Seriously, the location is a huge selling point.
Okay, let's talk money. How much is this "Luxury" and is it worth the potential damage to my bank balance?
Look, I'm not your accountant. But here's the deal: It's not budget accommodation. You're not getting a hostel dorm. But I *will* say... considering the location, the space, and the *quality* of the apartment, it's *probably* worth it. Check the prices yourself, of course. Compare it to other places in the area. Also, compare it to the cost of *not* having a comfortable and decent place to stay. That peace of mind is worth much. Think about it this way: you're on vacation, right? Do you really want to spend your vacation moaning about the uncomfortable bed or the lack of space? You can't put a price on comfort. This place provides it.
If I remmeber correctly, I found a good deal at that time. I booked it like, weeks in advance. But, like, prices *do* fluctuate, as everyone knows. So, yeah, do your comparing!
Anything I should know *before* I book? Hidden catches? Quirky features? Secret passages to Narnia?
Alright, secret passages to Narnia are sadly absent. Trust me, I checked. But... there's a quirky bit. The windows. They're those old-fashioned, sash windows. Super charming! But... they sometimes stick. You might need a little oomph to open them. Embrace the London vibe! Other than that, I think everything's pretty straightforward. Great comms with the people who manage it. Cleanliness was impeccable. Honestly, I'm getting a bit obsessed just remembering this building. There was also a Nespresso machine. That, my friends, is a *major* win in my book (I basically subsist on coffee and the occasional existential crisis). Oh, and the Wi-Fi was strong. Very important. Very, very important. Don't underestimate good Wi-Fi. It can make or break a trip.
Seriously, what's the *best* thing about the apartment? Give me the juicy details. What would you do differently?
The best thing? Okay, I'm going to go back to location. But not just the *street* location. The *feel* of the neighbourhood. Every morning, I’d go out and grab a coffee from this independent cafe, and I’d chat with the barista about the weather (very London, I know!). Then, I'd walk around the market, checking out the local produce. It’s not like staying in some sterile hotel and feeling detached from everything. You *live* here. I really did feel like I was having a taste of life as a Londoner. It made my trip.
What I'd do differently? Hmm... I wish I’d booked it for longer! I was there for a week, and honestly, I could have stayed *months*. And maybe, just maybe, I would have eaten more of that delicious roast chicken from up the street. And, like, ordered takeaway more frequently.
Okay, last question. "Book Now!" – should I? What's the real verdict?
Look. Do I *really* need to tell you? Yes! If you're looking for a comfortable, well-located apartment in London, and you're not afraid to spend aLuxury Apartments Markovic: Your Dream Budva Getaway Awaits!
