The July London Victoria hotel - boutique brilliance and co-working chic

London’s Victoria district has long had a bit of a hotel problem. In days of yore, this corner of SW1 was famed for its grand 19th-century railway hotels – majestic beasts such as the Grosvenor and Hotel Victoria that welcomed upper-class rail travellers with aplomb. But as the golden age of rail faded, many of these once-opulent properties all but slipped into decline.

Putting it bluntly, modern hospitality went standard class. And with the area dominated by listed buildings, government offices and a focus on transport infrastructure, there was little room – or even much of an incentive – to introduce contemporary, design-led hotels. Victoria remained more of a transit hub than a destination in its own right.

Until, as they say, now: in a stretch of the capital that’s desperately needed a chic, modern offering, The July London Victoria has pulled into the capital at just the right time. 

Billing itself as “combining the comfort of apartment living with all the sparkle of a hotel,” this is an immensely stylish new opening from the July Group, whose Amsterdam hotels, including the July Boat & Co, are celebrated for pairing high-spec comfort with a strong sense of place – and they’ve applied that same ethos here.

A Wicked location

Located on Vauxhall Bridge Road, it’s a five-minute stroll from Victoria station – and a stone’s throw from the Apollo Victoria theatre (home of Wicked), Market Halls and a growing crop of highly rated restaurants such as A Wong and Lorne. It’s a splendid addition to the neighbourhood, finally meeting the needs of today’s business travellers, digital nomads and theatregoers.

It also looks gorgeous, as evinced by an eye-catching art deco design, a collaboration with interiors studio Fettle, that you’ll find throughout the 114 rooms and public areas, reflected in the brushed brass lighting, curved banquette seating, and the ceiling mural in the Mediterranean-influenced Idler restaurant, courtesy of artist Eliza Downes.

And aesthetics aside, each apartment (available from £249 per night) is exceptionally well equipped – even in the Studio category. With fully fitted kitchens (Smeg toaster and Nespresso machine present and correct), dishwashers, generous worktops, and banquet seating for either meals or working, you can really feel at home here. There’s even an option to pre-order fresh flowers or a stocked fridge on your arrival. And the bed? According to several reviews, it’s the ‘comfiest in town.’ And I certainly got a good night's sleep.

Co-working in comfort

Meanwhile, the ground floor offers comfortable lounge seating, co-working spaces, and bookable meeting rooms. While the basement has a well-appointed gym, a revitalising sauna, and a rare-to-the-area cold room – a great wellness feature for travellers. It’s sustainable too, with a BREEAM Excellent certification and carefully selected low-emission materials used throughout the building.

The aforementioned Idler restaurant, led by chef Jay Campbell, offers quality dining, with vegan, vegetarian and allergen-aware diners catered for. Also, a deli sells snacks, fresh bread and other essentials for guests who want to make the most of their snazzy in-room kitchens.

Admittedly, there’s no outdoor space – but when the interiors are as lush as The July’s, you mightn’t actually miss it. Instead, the hotel’s Neighbourhood Key is a specially curated guide to the best local dining spots, plus discounts and events, including plans for local community clubs and happenings – all part of the brand’s mission to create “human connection”, whether you’re visiting London for business, passing through on your way to Gatwick or staying for a theatre weekend with the family (there are two interconnecting family apartments, to boot).

This is a chic and exceptionally considered affair, ideal for modern travellers who want more than just a bed for the night – and a serious alternative for stays longer than a quick city break. The July has reinvented what a railway hotel can be.

Discover The July London Victoria hotel and co-working space.

Faith Hill is business and strategy director of content agency Meet the Leader and founder of Faith Hill Coaching. Additional reporting: Ali Catterall.

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