Native Mayfair

Built in 1890, the townhouse holding Go Native Mayfair is a remnant of Victorian London with its white-trimmed, burnt-red brick mews, bay windows, and steep roof pitches. Inside, the nicely renovated space has marble tiled flooring, striped staircase carpeting, and framed sketches of 1890s architecture and fashion alongside more contemporary art. Independent travelers appreciate the freedom that these full-service apartments allow: preparing meals, doing laundry in the unit, coming and going without the watchful gaze of reception staff. The flipside is that the building has no lobby, common area, or front desk staff. The “reception” area consists of a 24-hour, security-coded front door, and a safe in the entryway from which guests pick up their room keys. The straightforward, self-serve check-in process and no-frills setup make it easy to feel like a local rather than a visitor, though some guests may miss the convenience of on-site staff. Travelers arriving by car should note that there is limited vehicular access at the front of the hotel.

In the heart of the posh Mayfair neighborhood known as “Royal London,” the Go Native Mayfair takes up real estate in one of the city’s glitziest areas, with many well-respected restaurants nearby. Though centrally located, the hotel is tucked on a quiet street, shielded from traffic but close to the action. Five-minute walks lead to Hyde Park and Marble Arch, while it’s 11 minutes by foot to world-famous Oxford Street shopping. Major London attractions are easily accessible within 15 to 40 minutes by tube (aka subway) or bus. The hotel is a six-minute walk from two tube stations and a four-minute walk from the nearest bus stop. Heathrow Airport is 30 minutes away using the tube and the Heathrow Connect train service, and a 45- to 50-minute drive. Gatwick Airport is an hour and 30 minutes away by car, or an hour away by public transport. 

• 15 minutes to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey via public transport
• 20 minutes to St. Paul’s Cathedral via public transport
• 20 minutes to Buckingham Palace via public transport 
• 20 minutes to the British Museum via public transport
• 20 minutes to Trafalgar Square via public transport
• 30 minutes to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre via public transport
• 35 minutes to the Tower of London via public transport
• 35 to 40 minutes to Wembley Stadium via public transport

The one- and two-bedroom apartments at the Go Native Mayfair are a modern counterpoint to the building's classic exteriors. A neutral color palette of creams, slate grays, and black keeps the overall look clean and tasteful. The furnishings are sleek and the decor uncluttered and minimalistic, with splashes of color and personality from bold accent cushions, faux-fur bedspreads, and uniquely British pieces that add a touch of vintage style. Most bedrooms are carpeted, while thin, textured rugs cover patches of the light oak-wood flooring in the living and dining areas. Each apartment comes with one half-bath and one full bathroom, with marble-topped sinks and shower/tub combos; some higher-category rooms feature additional walk-in showers. Bathrooms are stocked with hairdryers and luxury White Company toiletries. All apartments include wide-screen HDTVs with cable/satellite, safes, iPod docks, washer/dryer units, ironing equipment, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning -- still a rarity for the typical London apartment. The fairly spacious kitchens are equipped with microwaves, full refrigerators and freezers, ovens, and dishwashers complete with dishwashing tablets and soaps. Coffee-and-tea-making facilities are provided, along with a full range of basic cooking utensils, pots and pans, and flatware.

Aimed at providing that “home away from home” experience, the Go Native Mayfair lacks the regular amenities of a traditional hotel. A pool, on-site restaurants, breakfast service, business and fitness centers won’t be found here, though a nearby local gym offers guests a discounted rate. The closest grocery store is a four-minute walk away, convenient for in-room dining needs. Daily housekeeping service is available; for other services guests need to call a 24-hour guest-support line. Guests who stay at the apartments for more than 14 days also receive a welcome basket with snacks from a local gourmet deli. Wi-Fi is free throughout.