The Hoxton London: A Vibrant Hotel... :: NoGarlicNoOnions: Restaurant, Food, and Travel Stories/Reviews

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I’ve been staying at The Hoxton which I enjoyed, and I didn't want to leave the hotel without writing my review on premises. Enjoying the good weather, smooth wind escaping from the open window and a classic jazz selection, I sat on the brown leather sofa next to my room's window sipping my coffee...

The Hoxton hotel is an original hotel, special in almost every way. It was 10pm when we reached the place and we landed in front of a high glass facade reflecting the busy action inside. Hundreds of youngsters drinking and enjoying themselves. I personally thought at first that I missed the address.

As the glass doors open up, a long dark blue sofa separates the entrance from the restaurant area. Sofas, each of different colors, metallic shelves, books and paintings... Pass the vibrant lobby, take a left and reach the reception. Checking in is easy and quick before continuing to the elevators up the alley to arrive to the rooms. Decorative items are everywhere. Books, old furniture, design items, metal, wood... The choices and ideas are endless in this living art space. Every floor is different, every corner is different and your eyes don't seem to get bored. By pure curiosity, I decided to visit the six floors constituting this hotel. The carpet that covers them, grey in the background, has six lines, each representing a floor. The floors are different colors and have different design items to welcome you. Even the lights in the alleys are the same as the large letter printed on the carpet facing the elevator. The 208 rooms are cleverly designed so that you have everything you need and nothing that you don't. You get the best, from royally approved mattresses to a serious soaking in the rainmaker showers. And while you’re at it, take free Wi-Fi, an hour of phone calls, fresh milk, water and, of course, the daily breakfast.

There's no hierarchy here, all of the rooms are the same size and come with exactly the same benefits. However the Hoxton have eight concept rooms, which are a little louder than the rest.

The room little details:

The space is a mix of white, black and dark wood
An industrial style takes over
A long black wall to the right has a round mirror in its middle
Facing the door is a working desk designed from grey metal and rugged wood with a TV on a stand
Choose from a dozen books to read from
The 42-inch screen is kind is a cinema experience in this small room
Two twin beds or one king fill in the space
Indirect lighting is kind enough to accompany you through your journey
Behind the bed, a large dark blue leather square protects your head from bumping the wall
Robert's musical system offers a choice of a thousand internet radio channels free of charge depending on your mood and style
A large bathroom, soap and shampoo and a rain shower, that's all what you need
The fridge is empty and only offers free water and milk: you can order the rest from the reception
In the room, a coffee machine, coffee sachets and tea are offered
Real wood parquet makes it enjoyable to walk around barefoot
A relaxing bed, or at least relaxing after such a busy day discovering London
In the corner is the sofa, its leather fabrics and designer pillow. I spent most of my time on it
Safe and hair dryer are available in all rooms

I really loved this hotel and its energy. I surely won't recommend it for the older generation, but for the middle-aged clientele it’s the best place to be. Every night there's a party going on. The bar filled like a clubbing destination. Hundreds meet up every night, filling the lobby, the bar and restaurant. So before going to sleep, grab a drink and have fun.

Good to know:

The hotel is less than 1 mile from London’s Liverpool Street station
Speedy free Wi-Fi is offered
A light breakfast is delivered to the room every morning (yogurt, banana, orange juice). Just remember to tick the bag and hang it at the door
The hotel has four Macintosh computers in the lobby and free printing and faxing services
Enjoy up to 1 hour per day of complimentary phone calls to the UK, USA, Australia, and most of Europe
Old Street Tube Station is only five minutes’ walk away
The Hoxton Grill restaurant serves American-style grilled food and tasty breakfasts in the morning
The rooms have English and European electrical plugs
Ask for your late checkout, we paid £5 an hour
Taxis pick up their clientele from the back door since the main entrance doesn't have a parking spot

The lobby is extravagant:

A high ceiling makes the space relaxing and fun
A dimmed lighting, enjoyable and funky
Metal, wood, leather... The hundreds of items are more of a gallery
The space is divided into many corners where sharing is a normal thing
Two chimneys, one on each, side add warmth and style and are lit every night
The lobby is on the left side, three Mac computers, a joyful staff and behind them a filled wall of snacks and drinks for special room delivery
On the right is the bar, grill and restaurant. You can sit on the high rectangular table surfing the Internet or meeting some friends
Next to the reception is the business center, large 27-inch screens and free Internet for all
Take a photo at the photo booth for £3

I liked the signage used. A realistic signage without the lies or bullshit other hotels try to tell you. Don't throw your towels on the floor because we lose money. Don’t touch the walls, because the pain is wet, I mean you will dirty it. All the staff have access passes, like if they were event organizers. On the room access card, a sign asks you to put it in. And so on... Before leaving, I passed in front of a room with an open door. I was so happy to have a look inside this beautiful space. A private room that can be booked for meetings and workshops. A room that is a replica of an American diner or old house from the 60s, like you see in movies. A red Smeg fridge, a working table, a kitchen, dining rooms, books, cooking utensils and a large empty space for fun.

A great stay I'll surely repeat. I loved the hotel, its welcoming staff and relaxed feel, the amenities and, most importantly, their free, speedy Internet. It’s a place I recommend for your next stay in the heart of London, a bit away from the busy expensive touristic center.