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This bold, irreverent London hotel is a crashpad of sorts, injecting color and cheeky British whimsy into playful interiors.
Place
The hotel is in an ordinary area LondonAccessed across a small road past a block of flats and otherwise surrounded by tall office buildings (don’t expect spectacular views). It is on the cusp of the meeting of different areas – Islington and Hoxton – rather than at the center of the action, but you can move around easily: The Victoria Line, passing through Angel tube station (connecting to Oxford Circus) is about a 10-minute walk, as is Old Street (on the Northern line). Nightlife and art scene Shoreditch is a 15-minute walk away.
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stretch
The industrial look – silver exhaust crossing the ceiling, bare walls painted just a little – is softened by a riot of quirkiness and colour, somewhat of a unique signature. It’s pure fantasy decor throughout the grounds: a miniature Elizabeth Tower (home of Big Ben) sits at an angle and appears to be flying, denim jackets covered in textile offcuts are used as lightshades, long tables patterned with off-color Union flags and pillars with images of multi-colored toast above grayscale toasters. Are decorated with. Even the most ardent minimalist guests will agree that decluttering works.
The ground floor is open plan, so a space filled with contrasting seating (chairs modeled after Chelsea pensioners, a mix of differently patterned sofas created by a local artist from Hackney) merges into the bar and restaurant. Upstairs, the corridors have the same splashes of whimsy: London street “rooms”, exposed filament bulbs, oversized custom-made Monopoly cards and carpets decorated with pink and red roses.
Service
Disappointingly slow check-in with queuing, but warm and knowledgeable welcome by the staff. Equally as pleasant as answering questions during your stay, from the best places nearby for an overnight stay to recommended routes for a morning run, they also know of some good cycling routes.
bed and bath
The design of the 190 rooms takes cues from other areas of the hotel, which are British-themed: bold punk-style Union Flag rugs, pink silhouettes of Queen Elizabeth II on the wood-look walls behind the bed (which are firm but cosy), black lacquer Bulldog lamps on bedside tables, lampshades with maps of London, and life-size figures of British royalty in the bathrooms. Photos. The Penthouse Suite follows a different design, described as a “floral paradise”: from the artwork to the teapots, flower-like greens abound. Apart from the beauty in front of you, the rooms are stripped back: space to work, a chair, tea and coffee making facilities. Beyond the unexpected emperor, the bathrooms are modern and compact with green tiles; All have showers, although suites and penthouses also have tubs.
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Food and Drink
In the center of the ground floor is a fun bar with a long cocktail list. It’s really just the classics, although those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the vodka, milk and Nero chocolate liquor mix called ‘Guilty Hot Chocolate’). The restaurant, Guilty London, serves a diverse collection of dishes, ranging from shrimp tacos to steak and ale pie, chicken tikka masala to heirloom tomato salad; Perfect in a pinch, but there aren’t any places to eat nearby to worry about. Those who have canine companions can book their four-legged friend in for a ‘Possum Afternoon Tea’, which includes pupuccinos and frozen peanut butter bites.
facilities
In addition to the bar and restaurant, there is a small gym with five machines that is open 24/7 and a limited number of parking spaces for guests (these cost from £37 and can be booked on arrival). Guests can borrow foldable Brompton bikes from reception to tour the capital on two wheels (no charge, although there is a deposit).
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disability Access
The ground floor is wheelchair-accessible, and there are three elevators to the upper levels; 19 rooms are suitable for wheelchair users.
pet policy
Dogs (weighing up to 25 kg) and cats are allowed at a cost of £35 per day.
check in check out
Check-in from 3pm onwards; Check out by 12 noon.
family friendly?
Yes, with interconnecting rooms (maximum two guests per room). The lobby has board games and a small arcade game.
at a glance
Best thing: An unexpected avalanche of color and design in a dreary part of town.
Perfect for: A cozy city base with heaps of personality.
Not suitable for: They get overstimulated easily (or traditionalists).
From Instagram: Ground Floor – Catch some strange aspects.
Address: 2 Macclesfield Road, London EC1V 8DG
phone: +44 20 3907 8100
Website: nh-hotels.com
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