How was the serviced apartment?
It’s 9:00am, the room is bright, the bed is warm and the birds are chirping away at a tree by the window. Did I really sleep in until this late? Yesterday I would have been at work by this time, but this Saturday morning I’m in a warm, cosy and comfortable bed. It has that fresh new linen feel to it, the mattress is so comfortable I feel like it’s moulded to my body whilst the pillow hugs my head.
Do I have to get up?
Thankfully I didn’t have to leave my warm room for a while as I made use of the very welcomed en-suite which is very generously sized and ultra-sleek in beige and white tones.
The apartment in general is very spacious with a large kitchen and separate open plan lounge-diner featuring a large balcony, letting in an abundance of morning light while I eat my breakfast.
Each room has been styled individually and it is instantly clear that living in the apartment has been thought through every choice of décor, right from the mirror by the bed to apply your makeup to the lamp by the sofa for if you wish to read in the evening.
Everything you could possibly need comes provided; want to cook? Everything from a pan to a garlic press can be found in the kitchen.
Unlike hotels, the apartments are prepared with living and comfort in mind so as soon as you enter the apartment, the grey sofas with colourful pillows feel warm and inviting. You instantly feel relaxed and at home, sure enough I soon found myself with my laptop on my lap, coffee in my hand and working from ‘home’.
How do you get there?
The apartment is great for families with a car as there is parking available in front of the apartment.
However if like me you commute by train, you’re looking at 16 minutes from London Waterloo and then it’s a good 20 minute walk from Richmond Train station (served by both the district line and south west train services to London Waterloo).
I advise getting an Uber (or taxi) from Richmond train station to the Manning Place apartment as by car it is only around 10 minutes away, alternatively the 371 bus via Kingston stops right by the apartment.
If you’re coming from abroad (or want to go on holiday during your stay) Heathrow Airport is just 20 minutes away on the train!
What to do?
Walk with the deer’s in Richmond park which is extremely accessible from the apartment- it can get quite chilly in the winter months so wear something warm. Then head down (or should I say up) to Richmond Hill Village to warm up in the Marlborough for a pub quiz and traditional British pub grub at its finest.
The fine print:
Rates usually start from £130 per night, however there’s currently a winter discount for bookings during December and January.
By Orianna Rosa Royle