It has been a couple of years since we last visited the excellent original Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch. The local area has become hotter than ever with ever more trendy boutiques, cool bars, and cutting edge East End Galleries. There are now even more top restaurants, hip clubs and all the while, the City is still just a stroll away.
Last year the hotel was given a thorough revamp. The original Hox formula set exacting new London standards for great value boutique hotels, and together with a pricing formula that reversed the usual with a book early and pay less system. In the very capable hands of new owners Ennismore (since 2011), these changes have further enhanced the hotel without eroding any of its original appeal.
Entering from blue-lit Space Odyssey style corridors, the rooms have been given a cool, but comfortable industrial-chic makeover. Ours, darkly painted and minimal, had a large, and very comfortable white bed with a waffle-knit throw, tan leather chairs, and a big round mirror set to the side which effectively expanded the smallish area.
The shower room – also dark and stylish – was a very good size with slick fittings and great lighting. The only minus point being, that no shower cap was provided to protect from the wonderful rain-forest shower. A genuine must for the ladies!
Wardrobe space was limited but everything useful like corkscrews, tea and coffee, and charging points were close at hand. Free water and fresh milk was in the fridge, and a minimal Pret breakfast is hung outside the door upon request.
Downstairs, the buzzy bar and Hoxton Grill restaurant are now run by the Soho House Group and are fittingly stylish. The airy exposed brick and concrete lobby is faux-industrial with open fire, shelves of books, big sofas, chunky tables, and a chilled vibe.
Personally, we could have done without the later evening mixing decks and loud (really loud) music, but there were plenty at the buzzy bar who might disagree. Coming back from an already busy evening, it would have been nice to have the option of a quiet corner to nurse a nightcap without having to go back to the room.
All the staff meanwhile were friendly, helpful and savvy whilst behind the slick row of Macs, the counter-top shop at reception held a small but useful range of fairly priced bits from memory sticks to Mars Bars.
A great stay in a brilliant East End location. Business or pleasure, The Hox is sure a hard act to beat. Just don’t forget to book early to for the best prices, and ladies, please remember to bring your own shower cap.
For more information visit www.hoxtonhotels.com
All images by CELLOPHANELAND* and The Hoxton.