The conduit between London’s financial district and edgy eastern heartlands, Shoreditch offers a wide choice of accommodation options for visitors.
Inside a guest room at Yotel Shoreditch (Photo: Yotel)
Those visiting Shoreditch today who knew the district in the early 2000s might struggle to recognise the unapologetic hipster hub it once was. Stag parties and high prices, along with neighbouring City types flocking here for post-work drinks changed the vibe somewhat – but the area’s underlying vibrancy and creative streak have endured. The result is a fusion of subculture and mainstream, with indie dive bars sitting side by side with chic boutiques and middle class bottomless brunchers eating in buildings adorned with urban street art. Shoreditch’s hotels are no less diverse – and here are five of our favourites, catering to different price points.
Yotel
The East London branch of the Yotel chain sits next to Bethnal Green station, a short stroll from Brick Lane and Shoreditch’s other main attractions. The chain’s signature minimalist design is accompanied by tech-driven amenities, with smart and functional guest rooms throughout. Ideal for getting some work done or simply kicking back and relaxing, the laptop-friendly ‘Komyuniti’ space serves food and drink all day, including a buffet breakfast. Close by are cocktail bars, pubs and trendy restaurants, while the Young V&A Museum – sister of the more famous Victoria and Albert Museum – is just across the street. From £63 per night.
Courthouse Hotel
A room at Courthouse Hotel with views over Shoreditch (Photo: Courthouse Hotel)
Now a 5-star hotel, the Courthouse was previously a court of justice, during which time such wildly different characters as Oscar Wilde and the notorious Kray twins graced the building with their presence. The Baroque facade along Old Street is hard to miss, while Art Deco details, a grand staircase and delightful terrazzo flooring welcome guests in to the atrium. A bar and the restaurant merge cool style with a dash of Shoreditch flair. Cocktails with a view can be enjoyed at the rooftop bar, while other notable facilities include a bowling alley, a cinema and a spa complete with an indoor swimming pool. From £228 per night.
Citizen M
Citizen M boasts a catalogue of prime locations on both sides of the Atlantic, including four in London. Their Shoreditch outpost is nestled in the vibrant heart of the neighbourhood, close to Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane. It offers smart but no-nonsense guest rooms, each fitted with an XL bed and with sharing the same design and decor. A choice of cooked or continental buffet breakfasts can be added to the booking, while all-day dining is available at the on-site canteen. From £182 per night.
One Hundred
The stylish bar at One Hundred hotel (Photo: One Hundred Hotel)
An on-site cocktail bar, a Danish-Japanese fusion restaurant, a Palm Springs-inspired rooftop bar and terrace, and a lobby bar hosting a curated programme of DJ sets go some way to rendering Shoreditch’s famed nightspots redundant at this swanky hotel. Beyond the nocturnal entertainment, there are also five social spaces available for private events and work meetings, including one boasting floor-to-ceiling glass over the City. Meanwhile contemporary design characterises One Hundred’s studios and suites. From £242 per night.
Batty Langlay’s
Name after an 18th-century author of home design handbooks, Betty Langlay’s transport its guests back to Georgian times – with a modern touch. It offers a small range of individually-designed rooms and suites, each fitted with antique furnishing and luxurious finishes including 17th-century beds, four-posters, and restored bathroom fittings such as roll-top baths and Carrara marble that positively ooze charm and character. It all serves to create a delightful vintage atmosphere complete with modern comforts. From £270 per night.