By Katie Wilson
Think there’s no boutique places to stay in central London for under £150 a night? I’ve just found one.
Tucked away in a posh Pimlico street near Victoria station, Bower House London is within walking distance of Chelsea, Belgravia and tourist hotspots like Harrods, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.
A period townhouse, it has stylish rooms – including some with freestanding baths – plus a complimentary continental breakfast if you book directly.
It’s the third London establishment from Your Place, the family run team behind Georgian House Hotel, which dates back to 1851, and the much newer Chinnery House apartments, both in Pimlico. They also run Victoria House, an upmarket B&B in the Lake District.
Founder Serena von der Heyde, who inherited the business from her great, great grandfather and began running it in 1987 when she was just 19, is passionate about preserving historic properties and giving them a stylish, second life, as well as making boutique travel affordable. She says of Bower House: ‘We want our guests to enjoy London in a stay that feels special and comfortable – something that’s stylish, inclusive and accessibly priced.’
So, if you’re looking for a boutique, affordable and centrally located stay in the capital, here’s why Bower House London ticked all the boxes for me.
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Bower House London review
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Bower House London doesn’t have its own reception area so guests are invited to go to its big sister hotel, Georgian House, on St George’s Drive (a minute’s walk round the corner) to check in. The friendly team can look after your case if you arrive early, like I did.
Both properties are in smart townhouses in Pimlico, around a five-minute walk from Victoria station. It’s super handy if you’re arriving by train or bus. You also feel pretty elite just walking round the streets there.
Once you have your keys, tap them on the front door of Bower House on Cambridge Street and you’re in. My room was the first one along the downstairs corridor. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it had a freestanding bath in front of the window. Helpfully, my case was also waiting in the room.
THE ROOMS
A true boutique stay, there are just 10 rooms at Bower House London. These range from Cosy Singles and Pimlico Doubles to Family Rooms. The latter come with cool bunkbeds that look like something out of Harry Potter and can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children.
The rest of the rooms sleep one or two people, so it’s an ideal choice for solo travellers in London for work or play.
For the price, the interiors are seriously impressive. Expect period features like high ceilings, feature headboards, handpicked antiques and grand decorative fireplaces. My ground floor Cosy Single room even came with a freestanding bath that was magically bathed in golden light each morning.
I particularly loved the sconce shell wall lights on each side of the bed and the cut out detailing of the wardrobe, which had a steamer inside, as well as a good quality hairdryer and plenty of space to hang your clothes.
As I had a bath in my room with a shower head attached, I didn’t have a bathroom as such. The toilet was sweetly tucked away in its own cupboard and there was a separate sink basin on the wall. Everything was in one room, but for me it was perfect.
FOOD AND DRINK
As Bower House London is quite literally a townhouse full of serviced rooms, there isn’t a restaurant or area where you can eat breakfast. However, there is the option of ordering a breakfast takeaway bag if you book a room directly.
Put your breakfast preference on the menu in your room and hang it on the outside of your door. In the morning a brown paper bag of orange juice, fruit and mini pastries magically arrived. You’ll find tea and coffee making facilities in your room.
Want something that’s not breakfast? The Bower House team have thought of everything. Guests can order room service from local eateries and restaurants to their door through the FeastHQ App from 11am to 6am daily. Just scan the bar code in the room and you’re away!
OVERALL VERDICT
Bower House London might be a room only establishment, but it still ticked all the boxes in terms of fanciness – hello, bath in the room – for me. And for the price, it’s an absolute steal. Living in Margate, with trains that regularly run to Victoria, it’s the ideal place for me to stay when I’m in London. I’ll definitely be booking again and have already told friends who don’t live in the capital about it.
Rooms start from £120 a night
Book a stay at Bower House London here
*The Boutique Handbook’s visit was complimentary, but we always give honest reviews
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5 FAQs on Bower House London
1. Is Bower House London a good hotel for couples, families, and solo travellers?
Yes, Bower House London is a great option for couples, families, and solo travellers looking for a stylish boutique stay in central London. The hotel’s elegant interiors, peaceful Pimlico location, and convenient access to Victoria Station make it suitable for romantic weekends, family city breaks, and solo trips alike. Guests also appreciate the quiet residential atmosphere while still being close to London’s top attractions.
2. Where is Bower House located in London?
Bower House is located in Pimlico, close to Victoria Station and within easy reach of popular London attractions like Buckingham Palace, Chelsea, and Westminster.
3. Is Bower House London within walking distance of Victoria Station?
Yes, Bower House is only a short walk from Victoria Station, making it convenient for travelers arriving by train, Gatwick Express, or London Underground services.
4. Does Bower House London have good transport links?
Yes, Bower House London is well located for exploring the city, with Victoria Station just a short walk away. Guests can easily access the London Underground, trains, buses, and the Gatwick Express, making it a convenient base for sightseeing and weekend breaks.
5. What makes Bower House London a unique place to stay?
Bower House stands out for its stylish townhouse design, relaxed residential setting in Pimlico, and thoughtfully curated interiors. It offers a more characterful and intimate stay compared to larger chain accommodation, making it popular for London city breaks and weekend escapes.
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