This was my first experience of using Go Native, who “provide business and leisure travellers with the most exciting selection of serviced apartments across the UK and in a growing number of European and US cities”. Well, I can only base my judgement on the time my family and I spent at their Hyde Park accommodation and we were more than happy.
Serviced apartments offer a welcome alternative to hotels and, in most cases, are more spacious and cheaper than accommodation in an equivalent standard hotel. Go Native state that a serviced apartment is typically 25% cheaper than staying in a hotel. Booking an apartment with the company is not only simple but very flexible – you can stay as long as you like: a night, week, month or even a year if you wish!
In London, Go Native has more serviced apartments on their books (1,300 plus) than any other operator so there is a wide choice. We picked a four-star apartment at the Hyde Park location. Situated at 206-214 Sussex Gardens, a stylish Grade II listed building, we opted for a “Family Premium One Bedroom” apartment with a maximum occupancy of four.
The price for a night’s stay costs around £212. Although initially it sounds a lot, it’s worth pointing out that the apartment we occupied is for four people and you’re situated right in the thick of the action in terms of nearby attractions. Plus, I was recently quoted nearly £120 to stay for a night in a well-known chain hotel at a Dorset seaside resort – and that was just a room with no self-catering facilities.
We couldn’t have asked for a better location. Being just moments from one of Hyde Park’s many entrances, it was ideal for exploring London’s sights. Fortunately, being blessed with decent weather meant we could explore the capital on foot. We saw many of the main attractions, including Downing Street, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, The Natural History Museum, Covent Garden and Madame Tussauds, a must for anyone’s itinerary.
The apartment boasted contemporary décor and furnishings (the work of modern furniture companies Ligne Roset and B&B Italia are evident in the building) but retained a degree of period charm. Our apartment contained all the essentials needed for a comfortable stay, including combi-oven, satellite TV, washer/dryer, dishwasher, free wi-fi and a nice set of toiletries; it’s remarkable how many hotels are still charging for wi-fi – that’s not the case at Go Native; and they don’t skimp when it comes to cutlery and crockery, either. All the pots and pans we needed were available.
The apartment’s separate dining space was appreciated, especially being a family of four, although we eat several meals outside on the expansive wrap-around balcony – one of the advantages of being located in Apartment 109, which is situated on the corner of the building.
The staff who greeted us at Reception were friendly and helpful; it’s surprising how much a smile can make guests feel welcome. They were on hand 24/7 and able to answer questions not only about the apartment but London, too.
That’s the beauty of Go Native apartments: you’ve got all the independence you want but always have someone to turn to if, for example, the hairdryer packs up or you can’t understand the manual to get the cooker working; it’s the best of both worlds.
There are two or three parking spaces allocated for the Hyde Park apartments, although these are sometimes used by contractors. It’s worth enquiring, though, when you make your booking if parking is essential at your chosen location because not all sites have spaces.
Overall, I’d highly recommend Go Native for their professionalism and standard of accommodation. Hopefully, I’ll be using them again in the not too distant future.
More information:
206-214 Sussex Gardens
London W2 3LA
www.gonative.com, t: 020 73133886
www.madametussauds.com, t: 0871 894 3000