London Luxury: 2-Bed w/Balcony in Skyvillion, Enfield!
Skyvillion, Enfield: My London Luxury Adventure (and the Clumsy Bits)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause I've just emerged blinking from a whirlwind stay at that "London Luxury: 2-Bed w/Balcony" place in Skyvillion, Enfield. Let me tell you, luxury is a subjective term. More on that later.
First up: Accessibility. Now, I'm thankfully mobile, so I didn't need to scrutinize every single inch. But from what I saw, the elevator was a godsend. I spotted a sign mentioning facilities for disabled guests, but I'd recommend contacting them specifically to iron out the details. This isn't the kind of place that screams "seamlessly accessible" right off the bat.
The Good Stuff (and the Great Expectations)
Let's dive into the good stuff, because, honestly, there was a lot to love. The Internet? Yup, got you covered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a lifesaver. I need my digital fix, and the signal was strong enough to stream a guilty pleasure marathon of cheesy reality TV shows (don't judge). Plus there was Internet access – LAN, something for the more tech savvy. My stay there made me feel like I was living in the 21st century.
The Swimming pool… alright, this is where things got interesting. The Pool with a view they advertised? Yeah, it kind of had a view. More like a peek at a distant cityscape after you’ve squinted your way through a chlorine haze. Still, it was a pool. And I enjoyed the Sauna afterwards. I needed that, to clear my head. And the Steamroom? Oh, the steamroom. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Absolutely what you need after a long day.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax:
Speaking of bliss, I'm a sucker for a spa. So, I'd planned to spend a day lounging around. The Spa/sauna combo was definitely a draw. But the Fitness center, while present (tick!), looked a bit… underused. It had the vibe of a room that was once meant to be a gym, you know? The equipment wasn't exactly state-of-the-art, but hey, it had a treadmill, and that's all that matters right? I didn't fancy getting a Body scrub or Body wrap. Maybe next time? I'm not sure it's my thing. The Massage was supposed to be incredible, but I didn't get a chance to try it.
Cleanliness and Safety – The (Reassuringly) Obsessive Bits:
Okay, this is where they really nail it. Post-pandemic, you want to know you're safe. And Skyvillion takes it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check, check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Everyone was masked, hand sanitizer was everywhere. They even had Individually-wrapped food options (more on that later). The Hand sanitizer was plentiful everywhere. I appreciated all the effort they put in. And that, my friends, put my mind at rest. I felt super-safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Culinary Rollercoaster
Now, let's talk food, because this is where things get a little… uneven. The Buffet in restaurant, was standard, but nothing beyond the usual selection. The Western breakfast was okay, but the Asian breakfast left something to be desired. I'd suggest sticking to what you know, unless you are a super adventurous eater. I'm not.
The Coffee shop was decent, just the right amount of caffeine, but the ambiance felt a little… sterile. The Poolside bar was fine. I didn't have anything too adventurous, a few drinks. Nothing to write home about. The food was standard.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Count (and the Odd Omission)
They have a Concierge. And they were okay. Not the super proactive, "anything you need, darling?" type. More like, "Yes, we have a taxi service." The Elevator was a must. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The rooms were spotless every day. Luggage storage was a plus.
Okay, here’s where I hit a snag. I tried to go for a walk one evening, and there was absolutely no information provided about local routes. So, I rang the front desk (I think they use a front desk, it's all a blur now, with all the things) and asked if I could walk around. It was not as pleasant as I thought. I did manage to visit. The Convenience store was helpful. The Gift/souvenir shop, however, seemed stuck in the 80s.
The Room Itself – And the Questionable "Luxury"
The 2-Bed w/Balcony was spacious, and Air conditioning was a life-saver. The Air conditioning in public area was also welcome. The Balcony, however, overlooked a building site, just as I started looking into the Blackout curtains, because I wanted to sleep and avoid the light, I found out that they weren't there. Not my favorite thing. It was like someone took a perfectly functional flat and added a touch of "luxury" by throwing in some fancy toiletries. The Coffee/tea maker was a godsend, I'm a total caffeine fiend. And the Complimentary tea was much appreciated.
The In-room safe box gave me the space to keep the important things as well.
For the Kids – I Have to Wonder?
Okay, I didn't have kids with me, but the fact that the hotel listed Babysitting service and Kids meal services was a definite plus for families.
Getting Around – The Great Escape!
Finding parking was a breeze with Car park [free of charge], a huge relief in London! And the Taxi service was reliable (though, again, the concierge wasn't exactly brimming with local knowledge).
The Bottom Line: Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Probably. The positives outweigh the minor quibbles. The location is convenient enough, the rooms are comfortable, and the safety measures are top-notch. It's not true "luxury" in the five-star sense, but it's a solid, comfortable stay with a few quirks. I'm still baffled by the view of the building site from the balcony, and the somewhat lackluster breakfast. But hey, nobody's perfect. And if you're looking for a safe, centrally located place with a pool and a steam room, Skyvillion, Enfield, might just be worth a shot. Just, maybe, pack your own coffee.
Luxury Kings Cross Flat: 1-Bed Haven Near St. Pancras!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into… well, my potential Skyvillion adventure. Tower Point Enfield, 2 bed, balcony, London… it's practically a blank slate of possibility, and knowing me, it's gonna be a chaotic masterpiece. This isn't your polished itinerary; this is the raw, unfiltered me prepping for a trip I haven’t even booked yet, but hey, the dreaming's half the fun, right? (And the anxiety of planning is the other half… mostly.)
Phase 1: The "Ooh, London!" Giddy-Up (and the Pre-Trip Panic)
Day 0: The Prep-ocalypse
- Okay, first off, I need to actually book the dang place. Right now, it's just a dream fuelled by online listings and an overactive imagination. My bank account is already trembling. I'm picturing those online reviews: "Great location!" and then "But the neighbours' dog barks constantly." Ugh, the worst.
- Packing: I’m going to aim for “minimalist chic” but end up with “pack-everything-and-the-kitchen-sink-because-what-if-it-rains-and-I-need-a-sequined-gown-for-a-potluck-brunch.” My emotional baggage usually weighs more than my actual suitcases.
- Emotional Reaction: "Oh God, I need to declutter my entire life before I go. My apartment is a biohazard zone of half-finished projects, empty coffee cups, and the ghosts of Christmas cookies past. Am I even capable of leaving? YES. I must. For my sanity and the sake of seeing a new city."
Day 1: Arrival and "Whoa, London!" (and the Jet Lag Debacle)
- Let's assume (big, HUGE assumption) I actually arrive. The journey itself will probably involve some kind of epic delay at the airport. I picture myself stuck in traffic, missing a connecting flight due to a screaming child, or some other hilariously inconvenient scenario.
- Tower Point Enfield: First impressions are everything! “Oh, that’s a nice balcony and look the two-bedroom, YES. A kitchen! Perfect. It looks the one on the listing.” This is when the real assessment kicks in. Is it actually clean? Is the wifi worse than a dial-up modem? Are there any creepy vibes?
- Quirky Observation: I'll probably be wandering around like a lost lamb, mouth agape, taking photos of absolutely everything – the red phone booths, the double-decker buses, even the bins. I'll feel like a tourist and secretly love every second of it.
- Emotional Reaction: "The jet lag is going to be brutal. I'll be wandering the streets at 3 AM, fueled by adrenaline and the overwhelming urge to buy a souvenir tea cosy. And then I'll feel like garbage the next day. Why do I always do this to myself?"
Day 1 - Afternoon/Evening: Enfield Exploration (and the Pub Crawl of Doom)
- Enfield Town: Once I've dropped my bags, Enfield Town exploration is on the cards. I’ll be looking for that quintessential British vibe. The charming high street? Any local markets? My goal: to find a hidden gem, preferably a quirky bookshop or a vintage clothing store where I can find a hideous souvenir.
- The Pub Crawl (Potentially): I'm a sucker for a good pub. The plan: Find a classic pub with the proper old-timey feel. Maybe a local craft beer? I picture myself chatting with the locals, attempting a British accent (and failing miserably), and generally enjoying the atmosphere. But… this is where things could get messy. I'm not exactly known for my drinking moderation.
- Anecdote: One time, during a "casual" pub tour, I ended up singing karaoke at 2 AM and then got lost on the way back to my hotel. That, sadly, is an experience I will try to not repeat.
- Emotional Reaction: "The pub crawl part terrifies me and excites me. I could have an amazing night and make lasting memories… or I could end up crying in a taxi at 4 AM. It's a gamble, people, a gamble!"
Phase 2: London Calling (and the Tourist Trap Temptation)
Day 2: The Big Smoke Blitz
- Morning: I’ll be heading to the "must-sees" – the Tower of London, Big Ben (yes, I know it's technically Elizabeth Tower), Buckingham Palace (if I'm lucky, I'll catch a glimpse of a royal).
- Afternoon: The plan hinges on me finding an amazing authentic lunch. Some local spot, not a chain restaurant.
- Afternoon/Evening: The Theatre District. I love a good show. Finding a last-minute deal or discount is the mission. I really want to see something big, but I am not sure which show to attend.
- Messier Structure/Rambles: Okay, the "must-sees" are a total tourist trap, but I have to see them anyway. It's the law! But, I'd avoid those long queues. Also, I need to remember to book my tickets in advance. I'm a firm believer that spontaneity is great, the best planning is to have a loose plan, so that I have a plan, and I can adapt to it.
- Emotional Reaction: "I love being a tourist, but those crowds! Ugh. Maybe I'll book a tour. Or maybe I'll just wing it and get lost in the middle of nowhere. It's just… the thought of it all!"
Day 3: Niche Adventures and Local Charm
- Morning: Instead of the typical tourist trails from yesterday, I want to spend the morning exploring a specific neighbourhood. I'll do some research and seek out local markets, independent shops, maybe a street art walk.
- Afternoon: I'll have an afternoon tea, because I have to - this is the law of London!
- Evening: A quiet evening at a local restaurant or a cosy pub.
- Opinionated Language/Natural Pacing: I want to find the real London, the one the guidebooks don't mention. I am tired of the usual, even it is to start off the trip.
- Quirky Observation: I'll probably get hopelessly lost at least twice on this day. I'll embrace the chaos, though.
Phase 3: The Skyvillion Farewell (and the Post-Trip Blues)
Day 4: The Enfield Encore (and the "What Have I Done?" Panic)
- Morning: I'll return to Enfield for final adventures. The plan is to go for a walk in a nearby park or green space. Maybe I'll find a local cafe for breakfast.
- Afternoon: I'll take the time to look back on the trip and do a final lap around Enfield.
- Evening: The dreaded packing time. I want to make a photo album.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: "The packing is the worst! And I'll probably feel really sad that the trip is over. I need to take loads of pictures and document everything. It'll be a long-term memory. The trip would feel incomplete if I do not do that!"
Day 5: Departure and the Post-Trip Blues
- Heading to the airport with more luggage than I started with. I'll spend the whole flight replaying my trip.
- Back home! I'll probably spend the next week unpacking, washing laundry, and replaying my trip, because that is what I would be doing.
- Honest and Funny: "Goodbye, London! Until next time! And also, I need to wash more clothes before I go!"
- Emotional Reaction: "Post-trip depression is real. I will miss the sights, the sounds, the whole adventure. It's bittersweet."
Final Thoughts:
This isn't a perfect plan, and it's probably going to go completely off the rails. I'll likely get lost, overspend, and have several awkward encounters. But hey, that's the beauty of it, right? It's the imperfections that make the trip truly memorable. Wish me luck! I'm going to need it.
Enfield DREAM HOME: 4-Bed House w/ Garden & Parking! (Skyvillion)
Skyvillion, Enfield: Luxury? Or Just… High Up? My Brain's Still Processing. FAQs!
So, is this Skyvillion place *actually* luxurious, or is it just… expensive? Let's be real.
Okay, deep breaths. Luxury is a slippery fish, right? Depends on your definition. Skyvillion... well, the views from that balcony are phenomenal. Seriously, I could stare out over Enfield for hours. But the kitchen... It's nice, stainless steel, all the bells and whistles, BUT the first time I tried to use the induction hob, I nearly set off the smoke alarm. I'm not the most tech-savvy chef, clearly. So, is it luxury? Parts of it scream "yes!" -- the plush carpets, the concierge (who, bless her heart, had to explain the hob to me *twice*). Other parts? Well, let's just say I chipped a fingernail wrestling with the blinds the other day. Luxury has its flaws, even at Skyvillion. Maybe it's more "aspirational luxury," which, frankly, is very London of it.
Two-bedroom with a balcony – sounds dreamy! What's the balcony *actually* like? Is it useable, or just for showing off?
Ah, the balcony! The promise of morning coffee, sunset cocktails, all that jazz. Okay, reality check: It *is* lovely. Big enough for a small table and two chairs. I spent the first afternoon out there just… *staring*. The wind can get a bit blustery, mind you. My potted herbs nearly blew away last week. I'm trying to decide if I should anchor them with bricks. It's that kind of practicality that separates aspiration from reality, I guess. I did see a pigeon once. But it was a cute pigeon, at least. So, yes, useable. Potentially pigeon-filled. And probably not as Instagram-perfect as the brochure suggests. Still, I love it.
Okay, Enfield. Not exactly *the* heart of London. How accessible is it really if I want to get into Central London?
Right, Enfield. Look, I'm not going to lie, you're not stumbling out of the building into a tube station. It’s the Overground to Liverpool Street (which is actually pretty decent) or the tube from Oakwood. It will take you an hour. An *hour*. That's an hour of reading, podcasting, or (in my case) desperately trying to catch up on emails that I *swear* I’d get to on the weekend but never do. Inconvenient yes, but it allows a nice journey to clear my head on my own and to feel the calm of being away from the bustle. The truth is that living in London is a trade-off of convenience. You trade location for space, or space for cost, or cost for accessibility. Skyvillion? It's trading proximity to central London for the view. And the fresh air (sometimes).
Parking. Always the question. What's the deal at Skyvillion?
Parking at Skyvillion? Okay, so, if you *have* a car, or *need* a car, you're likely to be fine. There's allocated parking, which is a HUGE win in London. I've seen friends in more central locations fighting over parking spaces that would make gladiators weep. It's not *free* parking, obviously, but it's there! I have a friend who drives a tiny Smart car. They could park that thing anywhere. The parking spot is roomy, and I can easily fit my old Volvo in. I guess if you’re planning on driving a tank... well, you might have a problem. Also, I think they have EV chargers. That's pretty cool, right? I don't drive. But still, cool.
What amenities are there within the building itself? Does it have, like, a gym? A swimming pool? A butler? (Okay, probably not a butler…)
Right, amenities. This is where Skyvillion tries to justify the "luxury" label. No butler, sadly (I asked). There's a gym. It's... fine. It has the usual equipment. I’ve been three times. Each time, I felt intimidated by the people who, I suspect, live in the gym. There's a communal area. I haven't ventured in there yet. I have a feeling I'd feel out of place with my trackies and my disorganised self. The concierge is *nice*. They take deliveries, which is a lifesaver. So, yes: gym, communal area, concierge. Not quite a five-star hotel, but definitely better than a grotty walk-up. It's still luxurious, just in a more self-service kind of way.
Any horror stories? Any downsides I should be aware of?
Okay, so the horror stories... hmm. The only real *horror* I've encountered is the occasional noisy neighbour at 3 am. You can hear them. But honestly, that's London, right? Then there was that incident with the lift. But it was fixed quickly. So, nothing truly *horrific*. The biggest downside? The cost. It’s London. It’s expensive. You’re paying for that balcony, for that view, for the, admittedly, stylish kitchen. And the convenience of the Overground. But it's worth it. It is my slice of heaven. And the feeling of being away from the bustle of the city is so good. It depends on how much the view and the promise of a slightly more peaceful life are worth to you. For me? So far, it's been a worthwhile gamble. I'm happy.
The views. They're always promising the views. Are they *actually* good? And if so, what's the best time of day to enjoy them?
Okay, the views. They *are* good. Really good. I'm not even exaggerating. You can see for miles. The best time of day? Sunrise, definitely. Get up early, watch the city wake up. It's a peaceful start to the day, if you can drag yourself out of bed. Sunset is also amazing. The sky explodes with colour. Honestly, I’ve found myself getting a little too emotional about the sunsets. I've never been so connected to the natural world. It's actually the sunsets that make the whole Skyvillion experience worth it. Every day is a show.
