In Shoreditch, London’s celebrated creative enclave, The Hoxton Hotel is as effortlessly cool as you’d expect. Like the designer showrooms, artists’ studios and dimly lit bars that surround it, the lobby is finished with concrete flooring and exposed brickwork. Crackling log fires and laid-back, friendly service add an immediate sense of homeliness.
Almost all rooms are uniform. Small (but still more than adequate), they’re decorated in walnut and cream. The exceptions are three rooms on the top floor designed by Project Orange, Suzy Hoodless and Adrian Kilby of The Formation. Although a lick of paint wouldn’t go amiss in places, The Hoxton triumphs with impressive luxury and unexpected extras – like an hour’s free international calls per day.
The beds, with Frette cotton bed linen and duck-down duvets, are gloriously comfortable, while rain-showers in sleek, tiled bathrooms pummel you into life come morning, aided by Pears soap and toiletries from C.O. Bigelow. (It’s a feature you’ll especially appreciate if you've experienced Shoreditch’s infamous clubbing scene the night before – many of the area’s best bars and clubs are within stumbling distance.)
Open throughout the day, the stylish Hoxton Grill restaurant serves hulking portions of American comfort food to guests seated on red leather, diner-style banquettes. The macaroni cheese is popular, but for something lighter, try the pastrami and beetroot salad with a Lychee and Rose prosecco cocktail.
What’s hot?
- The location. The Hoxton Hotel is right in the middle of everything that’s happening in London’s East End, while nearby Tube stations mean the best of the rest of London is easily accessible.
- Although the £1 rooms are snapped up immediately, staying here is still great value. WiFi is complimentary - as it should be - but so too are international phone calls, ‘lite’ breakfasts and mineral water. Goodies from reception cost the same as in your typical corner shop, rather than a typical minibar.
- Service is competent but refreshingly relaxed. The young, multinational team are kitted out in denim uniforms by Lee; fellow guests are similarly chilled, so it’s easy to strike up conversations in the lobby or restaurant.
What’s not?
- The noise. This is central London so even with the windows closed you’re likely to hear noise from outside. Avoid the rooms that face the always busy Great Eastern Street.
- Opened in 2006, the hotel is looking a little bit tatty in some of the corridors and rooms. That said, the rooms are clean and comfortable.
Need to Know: The Hoxton
Number of rooms: 205
Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 12noon
Room service: Yes
Swimming pool: Guests can use the pool and facilities of a nearby gym for a discounted rate.
Spa: No
Dogs welcome: No
Eating and drinking: The Hoxton Grill serves indulgent American food in a setting much like a posh California diner. The wine list is more detailed than you’d expect, given the type of cuisine served at the Grill. Most bottles average £20-£30. The adjacent bar also serves non-dining guests and locals warming up for a night out. Cocktails are good, although the list is limited.
Near to? Numerous London designers have showrooms and boutiques in and around Shoreditch, while Brick Lane (on Sunday) and Spitalfields markets are also within walking distance. It’s a five-minute walk to Old Street Tube station.
Getting there: Liverpool Street is five minutes by car. London City Airport is 30-40 minutes by car; Heathrow Airport is approximately 75 minutes away.
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