WHAT’S IT LIKE? Frasers Hospitality has nine serviced apartments in London, in addition to properties across Asia-Pacific, Paris, Scotland, Bahrain, Dubai and Shanghai under its Fraser Suites, Residence and Place brands. The Fraser Residence City in London is one of the newer offerings in the capital (having opened in May 2010), along with the Fraser Residence Prince of Wales Terrace, which was been upgraded in 2009. The Fraser Place Canary Wharf will be renovated in 2011.
This tastefully designed contemporary apartment block has 22 units across six floors. On the ground floor is a small reception area where a member of staff is on hand between 7am and 11pm. The interiors of the flats are decorated in a masculine colour-way of oatmeal, slate grey, burnt orange, cream, black and white, with oak flooring, wool and linen carpets, good quality minimalist furnishings and state-of-the-art technology in the living areas and kitchens.
WHERE IS IT? Tucked away down a discrete side street just around the corner from Monument tube station in London’s Square Mile. Canon Street and London Bridge railway stations are also accessible on foot with about ten minutes.
APARTMENT FACILITIES The Fraser’s apartments are ideally set-up for business travellers, particularly those looking for short- to medium-stay solutions. (Those looking for long-stay accommodation might find the lower category apartments a bit on the small side.) All offer amenities including living, dining and sleeping areas, a fully fitted kitchen with a combined hob, oven and microwave, a fridge, dishwasher, kettle, crockery, cutlery, glasses and a toaster, a flatscreen TV and DVD player, an iPod dock, in-room safe, alarm clock, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, wifi internet access (from £40 per month), air conditioning and direct dial telephones.
I was staying in the penthouse apartment, which had floor-to-ceiling windows and access to a spacious roof terrace complete with sun loungers, a table and chairs and stunning views of the Monument and surrounding cityscape. The flat was of a good size, with a separate bedroom, and open-plan living room and kitchen. The immaculate bathroom (particularly the walk-in shower) was quite small considering the dimensions of the rest of the apartment, but came with plenty of fresh towels, a bathtub, and a selection of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
Overall impressions were of a very comfortable living and working space – once I had stocked up on some food and drink from one of the nearby supermarkets, there was everything I needed in the kitchen to prepare an evening meal, and the circular glass dining table offered enough space to spread out documents and a laptop for working later in the evening. In the morning, it was a short walk to the nearest coffee shop to pick up a cappuccino and croissant.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES None.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS None.
LEISURE FACILITIES None.
VERDICT An excellent option for corporates looking for extended-stay accommodation in the City. The décor is smart and apartments are kitted out with everything you need to work, rest and play. The only drawback is some of them are fairly compact might not so good for long-term stays.
FACT FILE
- APARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS The central City location, the huge outdoor roof terrace, the iPod dock, comfortable bed, and tasteful décor.
- HOW MANY APARTMENTS? There are two Studio (38 sqm), three Studio Deluxe (40 sqm), eight One-Bed Deluxe (45 sqm), and eight One-Bed Super Deluxe (50 sqm) apartments, plus a penthouse (65 sqm).
- PRICE No minimum stay is required. Rates start from £217 per night.
- CONTACT Fraser Residence City, 3 Lovat Lane, London; tel +44 (0)20 7341 5599; london-city.frasershospitality.com
