SMJ Groups Hotel Review

Hellooooo travelers! This post is going to be relatively short and sweet, since there’s really only so much you can say about a hotel stay, specifically. But I am considering doing a review of Camden Town itself- we’ll see! For now, let’s get into this SMJ Groups “hotel” review. We stayed in the ‘Green Circle’ room.

I put hotel in quotes because it wasn’t so much a hotel. They are “service apartments” as self-described on their website. They are pretty cute….but don’t let the photos on the website fool you. It’s incredibly base level, the property staff has TERRIBLE communication, and there are incredibly narrow stairs that are basically begging you to fall down them and break your neck, which is not necessarily a fun trek with luggage. However, THE LOCATION almost made up for all of its shortcomings. It’s right by the tube (mornington crescent station), and walking distance from Camden Town/Market, one of London’s liveliest areas. '

Literally like a 5-10 minute walk with so many incredible bars, restaurants etc on the way. The walk is almost just as fun as anything else lmao

Personally, when I visited, it was great for what we needed. The rooms are quite small, with a bedroom, living space/kitchen and tight bathroom (if you’re over 6’, you will have to hunch to wash your hair/get your entire body wet….trust me), but it’s manageable for a short stay. There is a washing machine, but no detergent provided (nor toiletries of any kind, including toilet paper) so if you plan on doing laundry you’ll have to pop over to the Sainsbury’s across the street. They have the option to pay extra for towels, but I wouldn’t recommend that. Based on other reviews of this hotel that I’ve read, they’re basically glorified hand towels, exactly like the ones in the photo, and you only get one set (unless you pay for more, I guess). I knew that towels were not provided prior to our stay, so we packed our own lmao.

You also don’t get a proper couch, just two chairs. Honestly this wasn’t a huge issue for us, considering we didn’t spend much time in the room anyway, but can be a hindrance to many. The chairs weren’t even comfortable. There is also a little bar/shelf area right under the mounted TV with two stools, but it’s so tiny it’s essentially useless.

There didn’t seem to be hot water at the sinks, but the shower got very hot, so no complaints there since the heat existed where it truly mattered. As for the temperature in the apartment, we traveled in October so the weather was relatively perfect, but I have read reviews saying that the heating/air systems get wonky through the seasons. There is also no mirror in the bathroom (no, not even a small one above the sink) which was inconvenient at times. There was, however, a massive one just outside of the bathroom so it was ok to make do.

The room…..also wasn’t the cleanest. A nightmare in general, but seeing as I’m writing this during COVID times, I can’t believe I accepted that shit. It wasn’t HORRIFYINGLY disgusting (at least not at the time lol) but it absolutely could have used a deeeeeep clean or two.

All in all….. You get what you pay for I guess. One review puts it best in my opinion “the room has what you “need” (bed, bathroom, kitchen) but it didn’t have things that made it feel comfortable.” Wish I could quote that but I found that a year ago and didn’t think to include a name. Will do better next time. I would rate SMJ Groups three stars, and only that high because of the absolutely phenomenal location. Would I recommend to a friend? …….probably not, honestly, unless they had all of this information and were cool with it lol. It really wasn’t THAT bad, in my original notes I’d even say that I recommend it for solo travelers or couples, but especially with covid, nah. You’re better off somewhere else. Sorry to this man.

I JUST FOUND A VIDEO!! Enjoy this footage of Dylan giving a room tour for his parents.