Embezzled in the centre of London and nestled between buzzing restaurants, bars and cafes, The Resident Covent Garden has got to be one of the most convenient hotels we have had the pleasure to stay at. And despite a 20-minute tube journey, it’s a pretty ideal stay for those visiting Victoria Palace Theatre to watch the most raved about west end show, Hamilton. Keep reading if you want an honest review of The Resident Covent Garden…
If a weekend or weekday trip to see Hamilton is on the cards for you, or simply a trip to London, then I’m here to tell you that The Resident Covent Garden might just be the most comfortable hotel booking you might make this year. After a long and much-anticipated trip to London, Doug and I finally returned to the big smoke last week to see our favourite musical, Hamilton, while staying at The Resident Covent Garden*.
The Resident Covent Garden Review
The Resident Covent Garden Review? Let’s go!
From the moment we checked into The Resident Covent Garden, everything went smoothly. We were greeted by a very welcoming and warm reception team (shout out to Patricia) and check-in was quick, safe and easy. Exactly what you want, right?
As for our room, a superior king, it was immaculate and pretty big for a London hotel – most of which can be rather boxy. Equipped with a mini-kitchen, Brita filter tap (always welcome), coffee station, dressing gowns and slippers, GHD hairdryer, a waterfall shower and a TV with all the apps you could ask me, we had everything we needed for our stay. In fact, looking back now, we had zero complaints about our stay and anything we needed could be easily accessed by contacting reception.
Once we were in our room we were welcomed with a bottle of wine which was a kind gesture, and also pretty perfect as Doug and I had just received some amazing news so we were in the mood for celebrating! It was a lovely touch from the hotel team who also gave us a handwritten card welcoming us to The Resident. It’s the little things, right? If customer service is a high priority for you when staying somewhere, then you certainly won’t be disappointed here.
Despite being right on The Strand, one of the busiest roads in London, our room was still quiet enough to get a decent night’s sleep. And a decent night’s sleep we had! Although it took me a while to fall asleep (I blame the Hamilton songs stuck in my head), once I did I slept through the whole night and woke up only to the sound of my alarm – which is pretty unusual for me when I stay anywhere else but my bed. Lovely jubbly.
When it comes to breakfast (my favourite bit), The Resident Covent Garden rooms all have an in-room mini kitchen complete with fridge, microwave, sink (with a BRITA filter tap), kettle, crockery, cutlery, glassware, Nespresso coffee machine and Nespresso capsules and Fairtrade teas – free to use. So while this means you might not wake up to cooked bacon and eggs, it does mean you have the freedom to prepare your own breakfast or grab something from all the amazing restaurants and cafes outside. Or, if you prefer, there is the option to pre-stock your mini kitchen with items of your choice (say croissants, fresh juice, granola, etc) if you let the team know before you arrive.
Onc we were awake, Doug and I decided to take full advantage of the Nespresso coffee machine before we headed out for breakfast at the Ivy Covent Garden – just a 2-minute walk from our hotel. For once, it was actually quite nice to skip a hotel breakfast and explore the surrounding area a little (highly recommend doing so), especially before the rest of the city starts to wake.
The Resident Covent Garden Review Perks
- 2-minute walk from Covent Garden
- Immaculate room
- Convenient location
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- Stylish & modern
- GHD hairdryer (can I get a hallelujah ladies)
- Large room
- Built in Brita tap
- Mini-kitchen
- Close to cafes and restaurants for breakfast
Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre: Review
Now, if you’ve seen the New York version of Hamilton either on Broadway or Disney+, you won’t need me to tell you just how incredible it is. In fact, if you’re reading this now, then you’re probably doing so because you want to find out if the London version of Hamilton, performed at Victoria Palace Theatre, is just as good, right? Because that’s exactly what I wondered when my finger hovered over the “buy tickets now” button.
Well, let me say this: Hamilton London is simply a masterpiece of theatre. Visually, it’s mesmerizing, and technically, it’s creative. It’s everything the New York show is. And, due to its in-depth details, there is so much to get lost in. The cast, the costumes, the choreography, the music, the storytelling, everything.
Although the set is the same throughout the entire show, the incredible props, lighting and storytelling completely transforms each scene – something that is very rarely achieved or done.
But what makes Hamilton so special, in my opinion anyway, is the incredible passion from the cast and the show’s ability to carry a 2-hour 45-minute show through visual storytelling via singing only and no special set. For the first time ever, Hamilton has been the only musical that makes me want to listen to its songs on repeat almost weekly, if not daily!
Seeing Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre London was also pretty special. Although, it was disappointing when we sat down (packed in like sardines may I add) and realised that almost nobody was wearing masks. As someone who is still sticking to the rules as much as I can, and still a little anxious when it comes to crowds, I was quite shocked that no covid safety measures were in place, especially in such a crowded place. It was also extremely hot, which made it difficult to wear a mask without breaking a sweat (Doug and I had to have another shower again once we got back to our hotel room – eww). Because of that, I don’t think I’ll be rushing back to the theatre anytime soon.
So the burning question: was Hamilton London just as good as Hamilton New York? Yes, it really was! Of course there are different actors but be reassured that they’re just as talented as the New York cast. If anything, you’ll find yourself picking out favourite characters for different reasons. I personally love Hamilton and Burr in the New York Musical because of their acting, but I loved Burr and Washington just as much in the London Musical – you connect differently with different characters, but it doesn’t mean you’ll love it any less.
Overall, Hamilton is a musical masterpiece and must-watch for any fan or musical lover! I first fell in love with it during lockdown watching it on Disney+, but my love for it has only grown from watching it in person. “What time is it? Showtime!”
If you’re interested in a weekend (or weekday) trip to London to watch Hamilton, then you can actually stay at The Resident Victoria, which was our first choice, but we decided to switch last minute as we really love exploring London and it worked out perfect. So if you fancy a 40-minute walk to the theatre or a 20-minute tub ride, then I highly recommend staying at The Resident Covent Garden and making the most of your Hamilton trip!
PS, our stay at The Resident Covent Garden was a PR trip, but all opinions are my own.
Hannah x
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