The July has breezed into Victoria with the confidence of a seasoned Londoner and the charm of a stylish house guest you secretly wish would never leave, writes Katy Gorniak

At barely two months old, The July, a boutique hotel-meets-residence hybrid, has already made its mark on the capital, with a personality that balances modern city cool with playful, homely quirks.

LOCATION

Just a few minutes’ stroll from Victoria Station, The July is brilliantly placed for both work and play. The neighbourhood has everything within reach - restaurants, pubs and theatres for an evening out, plus Buckingham Palace just around the corner if you fancy a brush with the royal side of London. Whether you’re catching a train, heading to a show or sightseeing, you couldn’t ask for a more convenient base.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Stepping through the doors,  you’re greeted by an atmosphere that feels both chic and welcoming -  think Manhattan loft energy but without the doorman theatrics. The reception team are warm and efficient and the interiors set the tone straight away - colourful, modern and unmistakably homely. There’s a subtle fragrance in the air and a living room style welcome area that makes you want to linger.  Above your head, is a colourful ceiling that doubles as artwork.   
ETHOS

One of the core things at the heart of The July is the flexibility around your stay. You can stay for a night, a week or even move in for a year - they’ll happily sort you out with a long term rate. Thanks to the blurred lines between a stylish hotel living and the comfort (and quirks) of an art-deco home, It feels more like settling than checking in.

ROOMS

The July's 114 apartments are designed to feel like your very own Manhattan-meets-Gossip Girl dream flat. The apartments are designed with a range of guests in mind, from the solo traveller to those with accessibility needs to large families and groups. The interiors are quirky yet calming: splashes of green, orange and yellow warm up the spaces, while a bright yellow retro telephone keeps things fun (and connects you to reception 24/7). 
The king-sized beds deserve their own fan club - supremely comfortable, with mattresses you’ll be reluctant to part from. Each room comes with a proper workspace, robes, and a fully equipped kitchen complete with cookbooks, a Nespresso machine, bottled milk, mugs in every size and even dishwasher tablets. It’s those thoughtful little touches - like a handwritten card and biscuits waiting for you - that make it feel genuinely personal.

RESTAURANT & BAR

On the ground floor you’ll find Idler, The July’s restaurant and bar, where the mood is inviting yet playful. The menu is seasonal, simple and well executed. Standouts include grilled octopus with romesco and bitter leaves, and white onion & summer truffle arancini that are dangerously addictive.The drinks menu however is on the more limited side, with a few notable drinks such as the Coconut Rum Old Fashioned (£14) which is worth ordering twice. Breakfast is of good quality but slightly underwhelming for the price: continental at £19 (pastries, bread, cheeses, ham, yoghurt, granola and the usual suspects) with some cooked options available for an extra £6. Service, however shines throughout - The team were professional, friendly and eager to make sure you’ve got everything you need.

WELLNESS & GYM

The gym is compact but well equipped with all the essentials. The wellness area is a little slice of escape - a sauna you can book via QR code, cosy lounge sofas, cucumber water, and even an ice water bucket for those brave enough to shock their nervous system (and their vocal cords). There are no treatment rooms, but it still feels like a welcome retreat in the middle of the city.

WORK & MEETING SPACES

This isn’t just a hotel for leisure - it’s work-friendly too. The July offers meeting rooms and relaxed co-working spaces that feel calm and stylish rather than stiff. You can order a barista coffee from the restaurant, pour yourself a drink from the self-service bar or settle into an armchair with a book when you’re done. It’s exactly the sort of atmosphere that makes working from a hotel infinitely more appealing than working from home.

VERDICT

The July manages to be quirky, stylish and homely all at once - no small feat in London’s competitive hotel scene. Whether you’re here for business, a night at the theatre, or a longer stay, it’s the kind of place you’ll actually want to spend time in rather than just crash at. Thoughtful design, genuinely friendly service and beds you won’t want to leave make this a brilliant new addition to Victoria. Stays at The July are priced from £249 per night