40 Winks is not an ordinary London hotel. There’s no room service, no concierge, no tea and coffee-making facilities. Instead there are just two bedrooms in an opulently decorated Queen Anne house on Mile End Road.
Stepping inside – having first removed your shoes (a house rule) – you’ll find yourself entering the extraordinary and slightly eccentric world of interior designer David Carter. 40 Winks is his home, lovingly restored over the last 10 years and now a favourite for fashion shoots and stylish, in-the-know visitors looking for somewhere a little bit different to stay in the capital.
There have been no trips to Ikea for David – the carefully sourced pieces of furniture and well-loved bits and bobs have been artfully placed so that every corner of the four-floor house holds some surprise or other – a Beatles drum kit here, a stack of vintage suitcases there.
Unsurprisingly, then, each room is decorated differently, but with the same perfectly jumbled and extravagant style. The spacious room on the top floor of the building has bare wooden floorboards, a large and wonderfully comfortable double bed and a beautiful vintage dressing table. And if your idea of heaven is a good bath then you’ll love the bathroom, all dark paint, mottled gold walls and the deepest of bathtubs. The only slight downside? You have to share it with the other guests.
What’s hot?
- The decor – shabby chic at its best
- You’ll feel as though you’re a house guest rather than a hotel guest
What’s not?
- The shared bathroom and no shower – may be a deal-breaker for some
Need to Know: 40 Winks
Number of rooms: 2
Check-in/check-out times: Flexible
Room service: No
Swimming pool: No
Spa: No
Dogs welcome: No
Eating and drinking: There's no restaurant or bar at 40 Winks, but breakfast is a laid-back, DIY affair laid out in the basement kitchen.
Near to? A short stroll to the Whitechapel Gallery, Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane and the East End’s other highlights, making it a great spot for a weekend visit.
Getting there: Stepney Green Underground station is a couple of steps away from the hotel. You can get the Hammersmith & City Line from there to Liverpool Street Station (where the shuttle train runs to/from nearest airport Stansted) or take a 5-10 minute taxi journey from the hotel.
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