Latest news with #Hoxton
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
First look inside stunning new Scots hotel as trendy chain moves into major city
The Hoxton has opened its first Scottish site HOX STUFF First look inside stunning new Scots hotel as trendy chain moves into major city A LUXURY hotel chain has opened its first Scottish site after taking over 11 terraced town houses. The Hoxton has transformed the Georgian row into a 214-room resort including an Italian restaurant and ballroom in Edinburgh's Fountainbridge. Advertisement 4 The Hoxton's lobby features luxurious dark wood, plenty of natural light and tasteful decor 4 Bedrooms are painted in trendy sage green and views over the streets below 4 Patatino restaurant brings together classic Italian cuisine and Scottish ingredients 4 Bosses transformed 11 Georgian townhouses to create the luxury hotel It opened this week and also has boasts self-contained three-bedroom and bathroom homes with private kitchens and lounges which can be booked by those looking for extra space. Interiors feature period features, mid-century furnishings and brushed brass fixtures. A hotel spokesman said: 'The Hoxton is located in the heart of Edinburgh's West End, where Victorian and Georgian architecture rules, having been a hub for the city's expansion in the 19th century. 'A stone's throw from the city centre, the hotel serves as an ideal base to visit iconic cultural hotspots such as nearby New Town, Murrayfield Stadium, Castle Rock and Arthur's Seat. Advertisement 'This vibrant area is fast becoming a destination in its own right, loved by locals and visitors for its rich culture, culinary hotspots and elegant historic charm.' The Hoxton was launched by co-founder of sandwich chain Pret A Manger Sinclair Beecham when its first hotel was opened on the grounds of a former car park in Shoreditch, London, in 2006. The brand has since opened more than a dozen sites across the world, including in Amsterdam, Paris, Chicago, Los Angeles, Berlin and Rome. Guests at the Edinburgh branch can dine in trattoria-style bistro Patatino, where classic Italian cuisine meets traditional Scottish fayre. Advertisement The menu includes sourdough pizza, house-made pasta and dishes using seasonal ingredients, paired with specially selected mediterranean wines. Scots holiday park named one of best in world Bedrooms feature sage green walls and raspberry-coloured headboards, with bigger spaces having their own skylight windows. A gallery showcasing the work of local emerging artists and a shop selling prints, clothing and furnishings made in the city have also been opened. And customers will receive complimentary Brompton bike hire and 'mates' rates' discounts at nearby gyms and fitness studios. Advertisement Prices for a three-night weekend stay at The Hoxton Edinburgh next month start at £820.
Hospitality Net
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hospitality Net
The Hoxton, Edinburgh opens in Haymarket
Marking the brand's Scottish debut, The Hoxton has touched down in Edinburgh's West End, transforming 11 Georgian-inspired terraced townhouses. Bringing the signature Hox energy to the city, the 214 rooms are split across both sides of historic Grosvenor Street, with the hotel also home to trattoria-style Italian restaurant Patatino, The Get Together ballroom-style events space, The Apartment meeting and events concept, an intimate screening room, and three Houses: self-contained three-bed, three-bath homes-away-from-home, ideal for those looking to live like a local with all the usual Hox comforts. Lobby Upon entry, guests are greeted by a striking mural by artist Verity Woolley, with a vintage amber and clear Murano glass chandelier setting a warm and inviting mood. Enticing nooks, nestled around original pillars, mid-century lounge chairs, geometric textiles and scalloped motifs, are dotted throughout the space, both complementing and perfectly offsetting the Georgian-style architecture. Teals of all tones are enhanced with antique blues, dusty pinks and muted ochres, and dark stained woods paired with blackened steel, unlacquered brass and textured glass create a layered, cosy environment. Flooring is a mix of white and grey checkerboard tiling throughout the main lobby, and timber parquet towards the rear lounge areas, with tiled fireplaces, patterned sisal rugs and tapestry by local artist Jasmine Linington. The showstopping lobby bar is wrapped in perforated brass, with peach bar back tiles and wall mounted mirrored beer taps, paying homage to a classic tap room. By day, it's the ideal spot to grab a coffee and work remotely or catch up with a friend; by night, it transforms into a lively locale for enjoying a wee dram or two. Off the side of the lobby, guests can indulge in some retro cinema in the intimate, five-seater screening room, complete with plush burgundy velvet, popcorn machine and a curated programme by local film buffs Cinetopia. Rooms Split across both sides of the street, with the main building housing 150 rooms, and the remaining 64 in the townhouse over the road, the hotel's 214 rooms come in nine categories: Snug Single and Bunk rooms (perfect crash pads for solo trips or stays with mates), as well as Cosy, Roomy and Biggy rooms (with 'Up' iterations for a slightly grander version of each). Edinburgh will also feature three of The Hoxton's newest room category, House: self-contained three-bed, three-bath homes, ideal for those travelling in larger groups. Launched earlier in the year at The Hoxton, Florence, each House sleeps up to seven guests (plus two kids for family stays) and comes complete with a fully kitted kitchen (including a fridge stocked with essentials), dining area and atmospheric lounge, with one House featuring a private terrace for alfresco living. House guests can also order extra Hox- curated treats throughout their stay: think seasonal blooms, hampers of local produce and more. The Hox team, contactable via WhatsApp, will ensure guests have everything they need during their stay to create a home-awayfrom-home. Houses will be available to book in Edinburgh from September 2025 onwards. Design throughout all rooms play into the building's Georgian-influenced architecture, with original features meticulously preserved by AIME Studios to celebrate the heritage of the property and Edinburgh as a whole. Cornicing, double height ceilings and impressive sash windows feature throughout many rooms, and headboards across all categories come in a deep raspberry red, with a mix of modern arched silhouettes in some, and a more flamboyant fluted design with a neo-classical feel in others. Walls are two toned in light and dark sage and divided by a dado rail, with whimsical touches such as pineapple coat hooks and fringe skirted armchairs offering a playful nod to the heritage of the townhouses. Brushed brass fixtures set off the mid-century geometric chandeliers in all room types, with patterned rugs and modern, abstract artworks creating an appealing juxtaposition to the original decorative detailing. Bathrooms are white tiled with vintage-style octagon and dot tiled flooring and brass fixtures and fittings, while some larger rooms also include standout design features such as impressive skylights for stargazing while bathing. Patatino Patatino, styled like a classic Italian trattoria with striped awning and dramatic florals, and inspired by the long lunches of Sorrento, brings Amalfi Coast energy to Edinburgh with warm hospitality and a relaxed, romantic vibe. Interiors channel the trattoria spirit with theatrical flair complete with mirror motifs, hot pink accents, ambient lighting, and a showstopping Baroque-style fountain surrounded by banquette seating. Rich textures and colour fill the space with deep blue velvet, green corduroy, floral prints, and striped walls, layered to create an opulent yet inviting atmosphere. Open from morning to night for early breakfasts, celebratory lunches and intimate dinners, Patatino has something for everyone, offering hearty, Italian dishes utilising local Scottish produce with playful twists. The menu kicks off with a breakfast selection including seasonal pastries, lighter fare like Fig and Almond Granola with Yoghurt and Scottish-Italian mashups including Square Sausage, Schiacciata Sandwich and Sourdough Bruschetta. Antipasti, house-made pastas, sourdough pizzas, beef and seafood are introduced for lunch and dinner, with highlights including Deep Fried Spaghetti Squares with Tomato and Spicy Basil Pesto, Arancini with Slow-Cooked Brisket, Pea and Smoked Tomato and Charcoal Focaccia and sourdough pizza topped with 'Nduja, Haggis, Jalapeño, Hot Honey and Fior di Latte, all of which are perfectly rounded off with classic Italian desserts such as Tiramisù. Drinks include refreshing spritzes, house negronis with fruit mist garnishes, and an all-Italian wine list spanning both traditional and emerging artisan producers. Event spaces Playing into Edinburgh's penchant for performance and grand architecture, the hotel will house a vast ballroomstyle events space: The Get Together. Spread over 300 sqm with its own private bar and stage, The Get Together features concertina doors that allows for the space to split in two and booked separately for more intimate gatherings or bolted together for bigger dos of up to 250 guests, with the larger aptly named The Get Up (165 sqm) and the smaller going by The Get Down (135 sqm). The space is an ideal venue for weddings, live music and even Edinburgh Fringe shows, exuding modern elegance with tiled walls in black and white, a recessed fireplace, a dramatic skylight that bathes the area in natural light, and striking globe pendant lights. Excitingly, the townhouse across the road, home to 64 of the hotel's rooms, can be exclusively booked to accommodate overnight guests for larger events, making the journey home easier than ever. Set around an open pantry with a kitchen that can flip into a bar in the evening, Hox's staple meeting and events space The Apartment comes in at 213 sqm and comprises four private rooms - the Dining Room, Library, Living Room and Drawing Room - which can be hired individually or collectively to host everything from presentations to parties, press days and private dinners. Located on the ground floor, each room is fully equipped with AV and design throughout is classic and pared back, with huge bay windows allowing light to flood the space, light wood and khaki green accents and herringbone parquet flooring. Best Of & Local Partners Always prioritising community and connection, The Hoxton works with partners in their neighbourhoods, supporting local brands and creatives, fostering genuine connections to bring the best of each area into the hotel. Edinburgh's Hox Gallery - a space dedicated to showcasing local emerging artists - will open with local fine art photographer, Soo Burnell, whose work takes inspiration from architecture, cinematic imagery and human connection. he Hoxton and Patatino are proud to support Scotland's leading youth homelessness charity, Rock Trust, adding an optional £1 onto every food and drink bill, with 100% of funds going directly to those in need. Guests looking to stay active while exploring the city can take advantage of complimentary Brompton Bike hire, as well as mates' rates at Hot Yoga and PedalHouse. The Hoxton's ultimate neighbourhood shop, Best Of, is a curated collection of products from some of the city's best independent artisans, creatives and brands, available to purchase at the hotel. Pick up Simo The Label x Patatino limited-edition silk scarves, sustainable wool blankets and accessories from TBCo, bespoke prints from illustrator Max Machen via Edinburgh Printmakers, tongue-in-cheek tees from Pieute and much more. The Neighbourhood Just down the road from Haymarket station and right on the recently completed tram line, The Hoxton is located in the heart of Edinburgh's West End, where Victorian and Georgian architecture rules, having been a hub for the city's expansion in the 19th century. A stone's throw from the city centre, the hotel serves as an ideal base to visit iconic cultural hotspots such as nearby New Town, Murrayfield Stadium, Castle Rock and Arthur's Seat. This vibrant area is fast becoming a destination in its own right, loved by locals and visitors for its rich culture, culinary hotspots and elegant historic charm. Hotel website
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Solo travel is on the rise, and hotels are responding
Hotels worldwide are redesigning their offerings to better accommodate solo travellers, a group that is steadily growing across age ranges. Industry forecasts show nearly 10% annual growth in solo travel through 2030, driven by millennials, Gen Z, and retirees alike. This shift is prompting hotels to rethink their approach, with many now prioritising safety, flexible room design, and built-in social opportunities for guests travelling alone. For years, the hospitality industry catered primarily to couples and families. However, solo travellers are no longer an afterthought. 2024 survey found that 59% of travellers plan to take a solo trip, and hotels are responding with targeted amenities and design changes. At the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, the Artist Tower offers sleek, open-concept rooms designed to resemble modern studio apartments. 'It's perfect for someone travelling alone,' said Leon Bolivar, the hotel's Director of Marketing. Across the Atlantic, The Hoxton hotels have introduced compact "Shoebox" rooms for single occupancy, along with open lobbies and curated local events to foster social interaction among guests. Marriott's Moxy Hotels have replaced traditional check-ins with casual bar counters and host regular communal events, specifically catering to solo travellers seeking informal ways to connect. Safety remains a top concern, especially among younger and female solo travellers. Some hotels are offering measures like optional phone check-ins, staff training for approachability, and increased monitoring of public spaces. Bella Bucchiotti, a solo traveller and writer, described how a Paris hotel's proactive contact during her trip provided reassurance in an unfamiliar setting. Community-focused dining is also gaining popularity. At the Omni Boston, solo diners can join group wine tastings and trivia nights at on-site restaurants, while other brands like Freehand Hotels and Moxy feature bar seating and casual layouts that remove the stigma of eating alone. Hotels are also integrating programming that gives solo guests structured ways to explore and connect. The Omni Boston doubles as an art gallery and offers rooftop fitness classes and seasonal events. This summer, the hotel is launching a package featuring solo-friendly activities, including boat tours and museum visits. Eaton DC and Kimpton Hotels offer similar experiences with a focus on wellness and culture, including yoga sessions and wine hours, which serve as informal meetups for guests. These low-pressure environments are designed to give solo travellers the choice to engage socially without obligation. The rise in solo travel shows no signs of slowing, and hotels are increasingly tailoring their experiences to meet this demand. Features like private yet sociable spaces, safe environments, and inclusive events are becoming standard in the effort to meet expectations. Bolivar notes that feedback from solo guests has directly influenced new initiatives. 'The Artist Tower was built with solo travellers in mind, and the positive response has helped us expand our programming,' he said. As solo travel becomes more mainstream, the hotel industry's evolution signals a broader shift: travelling alone no longer means being left out. "Solo travel is on the rise, and hotels are responding" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
09-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Augustine priest hails ‘icing on the cake' as one of their own becomes Pope
An Augustinian parish is rejoicing as the new Pope shares their spiritual heritage. Father Gabriel Hassan, parish priest at St Monica's Church in Hoxton, east London, said the election of Pope Leo XIV was especially meaningful to Augustinian Catholics across the world. 'Just like any other Catholic, we're delighted to have a new pope after the passing of Pope Francis,' he told the PA news agency. 'Personally, being an Augustinian priest, it's the icing on the cake.' 'The Holy Spirit works in a very mysterious way – before his election, he was the only Augustinian cardinal at this conclave. 'We don't root for candidates, we pray for the cardinals to be led by the Holy Spirit, but many of us were very happy to see he was selected.' The Augustinians are a Catholic religious order founded on the teachings of St Augustine. Many practitioners hail from the Philippines, the United States, Nigeria and parts of Latin America. Father Hassan said the order had a long and rich history, but it was rare to see one of their own elevated to the highest role in the Church. He recalled meeting the new Pope as a young seminarian in Nigeria around 16 years ago when he was just 26. 'He was the general superior of the Augustinians at the time, and I was a student in Jos,' he said. 'He was very soft spoken. 'One thing I will say about him, he was a great listener, he has empathy, and a deep love for the Church.' Since the news broke, Father Hassan said the phones at his parish have not stopped ringing. 'People are so delighted to be associated with this parish. There's a real feeling of joy, pride and prayer.'
Times
06-05-2025
- Times
22 of the best affordable hotels in London under £200
London might be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there's no need to blow your entire travel budget on a hotel. Forget tatty rooms and shabby surroundings: in recent years, a wave of smart openings across the capital has tapped into the growing realisation that good value shouldn't mean compromising on excellent design. Increasingly, destination restaurants and buzzy, neighbourhood bars (quite rightly) come as standard too. Want to hang out with the creative set in Shoreditch or in the cultural hub of the South Bank; at a sweet, up-and-coming spot in the suburbs or slap bang in the centre of the city? There are plenty of places that won't scrimp on service or style, or dip too heavily into your holiday spending pot. Here are the best affordable places to stay in London, all offering room-only doubles at under £200 a night. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for a spot of shopping Forget Oxford Street: the newest Hoxton hotel is right by Westfield shopping centre for a spot of retail therapy. A 20-minute stroll takes you to Holland Park (and Notting Hill is one Tube stop further on). You'll want to head back to the hotel for dinner at the Thai-Americana restaurant, Chet's, where you can feast on firecracker lobster noodles or sea bream, coconut and lemongrass fish curry. Stylish rooms have peach-toned walls, scallop-edge headboards, terrazzo-topped bedside tables and copper finishes and eight categories range from Hideout (with no windows but a king-size bed) to Biggy, with a freestanding tub. • Discover our full guide to London Best for a great jumping off point The Australian-born hotel brand TRIBE landed in Canary Wharf in 2022, bringing a smart, wallet-friendly place to stay in the financial district. Brass lamps and funky cityscape artwork add character to the bedrooms while all-day dining happens at California-inspired Feels Like June (tuna steaks, cobb salad, chipotle half chicken), and there's a 24-hour grab-and-go counter for coffee and snacks. Best of all, though, is the buzzy outdoor terrace with canal views for sundowners. Hop on the Jubilee line west to Bermondsey for the Maltby Street food market held on weekends or take the DLR to Cutty Sark to stroll up One Tree Hill for panoramic views of the capital. Best for refinedvillage life The Thames setting — and the restaurant's wraparound balcony overlooking the water — are the biggest draws to this south London hotel and members' club. The executive chef Vanessa Marx (previously a guest judge on Celebrity MasterChef South Africa) emphasises wild, foraged and sustainable ingredients; oyster mushrooms grown from recycled coffee grounds and microgreens such as radishes and rainbow chard cultivated at Rooftop Farm Wimbledon. Rooms are pared-back and neutral with handmade beds and wooden floors; the best have copper baths. Drop into yoga classes, book a guided paddleboard session on the river or a massage in the new treatment room. Richmond Park is on the doorstep and glorious Kew Gardens is a 15-minute drive away. • Best Airbnbs in London Best for soul-soothing stays A calming antidote to the chaos of the outside world (and nearby Paddington station), this Scandi-style haven is centred on wellness — from the plant-centric menu at Kitchen restaurant, curated by the health brand Yeotown, to the noise-free library and wooden boxes in rooms that encourage guests to lock their phones away at night. Plus, there is a changing wellness programme that could include morning meditation, vinyasa yoga and guided runs in Hyde Park. It's a 20-minute walk to the independent boutiques on Marylebone High Street in one direction and Little Venice, where the Grand Union Canal and Regent's Canal meet, in another. • Best boutique hotels in London Best for home-from-home appeal A budget-friendly hotel in upmarket Belgravia? Incredibly, yes, at this long-established, boutique within walking distance of the neighbourhood's fancy delis and galleries, with Buckingham Palace and Sloane Square also nearby. The 26 rooms are split across a pair of Georgian townhouses with bold, feature wallpapers, Pooky lampshades and geometric cushions — downstairs you can tuck into brunch at the Buttery, where the likes of shakshuka and warm beetroot salads are served until 3.30pm, or while away sunny afternoons with a book and an Aperol spritz in the walled garden. • Best things to do in London Best for living like a local With the V&A and the Natural History Museum on the same road, this beautifully designed aparthotel couldn't be better placed for a weekend of culture. There's a mix of art deco and 1960s influences in the rich jewel-like colours and retro tassel lampshades in the rooms, studios and suites; the last come with a kitchen kitted out with a microwave and dishwasher if you want to tuck into a takeaway from restaurants such as Thali, an Indian institution on Old Brompton Road (it's a 15-minute walk or order on Deliveroo). There's also everything you might want on site, from a laundry and gym to a co-working space, garden and EVE, a coffee shop, bar and restaurant rolled into one. Best for smart, contemporary design Fresh from refurbishment at the end of last year, this hotel is a two-minute walk from magnificent St Paul's Cathedral, and less than ten minutes from the Thames. Its location also makes it the perfect place for long weekends, with Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane and Shoreditch just two Tube stops away. Mid-century pop art prints and fluted headboards give nods to the building's postwar heritage while handy touches such as self-check-in iPads save time and there's a co-working space in the Living room for relaxing with coffee or cocktails from the Counter. • Great things to do in London when it rains Best for entertainment valueYou can't miss the bright red lights of the Bedford — just a five-minute walk from Balham station — and you wouldn't want to either. This 15-room pub with boutique rooms charms you with its circus theme downstairs and wows you upstairs in the bedroom: expect bold wallpapers, Instagram-worthy tubs and loud but stylish interiors. A stay here will put you in very good company: the likes of Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini and KT Tunstall have all performed in the club room before they hit the big time. It's a hotbed for new comedy talent too, having hosted a young Harry Hill and Frank Skinner. There's always something happening in the five bars, be it a swing dance or an open mic night, and the buzzing pub guarantees a good time, a great meal (food is half-price on a Tuesday) and plenty of tempting cocktails. Best for smart technologyBrilliantly positioned just behind the South Bank and a few minutes' walk from London's renowned Borough Market, this is a smart hotel in both senses of the word. Everything from check-in to browsing menus for the canteen M bar is done on an app. All rooms are the same; compact but with all the necessities you need for a good night's sleep: coloured mood lighting, blackout blinds, king-size beds. There's a help-yourself breakfast and a stylish living room hangout space furnished with Vitra chairs, a curated collection of books, modern art and for a laid-back vibeA pub, restaurant and hotel rolled into one, the Culpeper is a stone's throw from buzzing Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street. Expect virtually the same menu — comfort classics such as beer-battered fish and chips — in the light-filled pub and the smarter bistro on the first floor. Rooms are rustic-luxe, with wooden bedheads and wicker lights, tree-trunk tables and cosy throws on the beds. In the summer, the best spot for dinner and drinks is the rooftop, where produce for the kitchen is grown in the garden. Best for rooftop garden views Named in homage to the local 19th-century anti-slavery campaigner and social reformer Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, this characterful pub and hotel sits right on Brick Lane (it's the younger sibling to the Culpeper down the road). The 15 pared-back but functional rooms feature handwoven artworks, rugs and blankets (another nod to Buxton, who also raised money for the weaving community) and a selection of books chosen by the nearby bookshop Libreria. The ground-floor bar serves low-intervention wines, local beers and a bar menu of nibbles such as artichoke hearts, Ortiz sardines on toast and a Mons cheeseboard. There is also a guests-only rooftop garden, which delivers knockout views of the City. Read our full review of the Buxton Best for family weekendersThere's a loose sports theme to Moxy London Stratford — a reference to its location, a ten-minute walk from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park — from the silhouettes of athletes swimming, skipping and playing table tennis, printed on wood panelling, to a light fitting designed to imitate gymnastic rings. There's also a mural by illustrator and street artist Alex Lucas depicting east London landmarks. Table football, books and board games (as well as the bar) encourage families to stay put, while the 24-hour grab-and-go is perfect for stocking up on provisions before heading out. Best for visiting museumsIt's the convenient location of the Rockwell in west London, close to blockbuster museums and boutique shopping in Chelsea, that makes it a winner. Inside the Victorian townhouse, the look is classic (rooms are furnished with floral wallpapers and oak furniture). Another boon is the walled garden, dotted with pretty plants and ideal for alfresco summer drinks, while the restaurant serves an all-day brunch menu that covers everything from soups and salads to fish and chips and steak. Best for creative typesA social enterprise hotel for the arts opposite Wood Green Tube station (it's just 12 minutes to King's Cross), Green Rooms has discounted rates for artists and creatives. Chairman Kurt Bredenbeck founded the Hoxton in Hackney and advised on the design here: expect original art deco period detailing complemented by a stripped-back, rustic aesthetic in the 24 rooms. Some have shared bathrooms, and there are also 12-bed and 14-bed dorms). The restaurant, Oita, specialises in Japanese food in a relaxed atmosphere. Best for seeing the sights The no-frills, function-first Z Hotel group has 11 outposts dotted around the capital but this one, in a red-brick house that backs onto St Paul's Church behind the Piazza in Covent Garden, stands out for its buzzing, brilliant location. Rooms are compact (some categories have no windows) but come with crisp linens and comfy beds. There's a café for a continental breakfast, toasties and pizza lunches, and wine in the for stylish breaksThis grade II listed Victorian pub with rooms is perfect for those who want a boudoir they'll remember. Forget plain walls and soulless furnishings; the decor here is a tasteful clash of bold wallpapers, velvet curtains and vintage furnishings. Downstairs there's a lively restaurant and well-stocked bar, while every spare wall is covered in a mix of quirky photographs and paintings. Food is a cut above standard pub grub and the Sunday roast is one of the best in London. Here on a summer evening? Tuck in on the terrace: it's perfect for warm evenings with an Aperol in hand. • Best dog-friendly hotels in London Best for an East End escapeHoused in a former textiles factory in Whitechapel, this New York-inspired hotel nods to its industrial past with exposed brick walls and huge metal-framed windows. Even the smallest rooms come with a king-size bed; the best loft room has its own hot tub on the roof. Social spaces include a games room with a pool table, a library and yoga studio, while the menu at Mr White's English Chophouse restaurant, which centres around halal steaks, grills and chops, is devised by the chef Marco Pierre White. Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are within walking for exploring south of the river This hotel, a ten-minute walk from London Bridge Tube station, provides a great base for those who want to explore the South Bank — the Tower of London and Borough Market are both a short stroll away. Rooms are comfortable and surprisingly spacious and the best come with excellent views of the Shard. There's plenty of choice at breakfast and the mood-lit bar is the perfect place to put your feet up after a day of walking around the city. Best for couples getawaysThe design-centric chain Mama Shelter's London outpost is in the heart of Shoreditch so there's no shortage of things to do nearby. But if you're thinking about staying put, the hotel has a busy restaurant and bar serving an eclectic menu ranging from fish and chips to peri peri chicken burger, plus some banging cocktails. Guests can also make use of the gym — and the hotel even has its own karaoke rooms. Bedrooms here are on the cosy side but they have everything you'd need, from a mini-fridge to a desk. A USP for the brand is that free movies are included as part of your stay, even X-rated ones. Best for sustainable stays If you want somewhere to stay with eco-friendly credentials, look no further than Room2. On the roof, there are solar panels as well as 75,000 bees creating local honey and contributing to biodiversity in the area. Inside, all energy comes from renewable sources and the showers use 40 per cent less power (with a promise that they don't scrimp on water pressure). Climate-friendly measures extend to the decor, with pieces made locally wherever possible and carpets created from fishing nets. There's a café serving breakfast and light bites — or you can make use of your room's handy kitchenette. Best for solo travellersThis hotel is housed in a slick, post-war office building, around a courtyard just off Fleet Street, once the home of some of Britain's best newspapers ‚— you'll be less than ten minutes' walk from St Paul's and only a little further from the theatres of Covent Garden. Rooms, decorated in greys and emerald greens, manage to feel both comfy and upmarket and bathrooms are kitted out with Antipodes products. Chambers restaurant, a nod to the courts nearby, serves hearty classics and steaks and spills out into a courtyard during for music loversThis hotel will hit the right note with music lovers. Formerly the Hard Rock Hotel, there's memorabilia everywhere and guests will find vinyl record players and black-and-white shots of big-name rock legends on the walls. Live music takes centre stage each evening — best enjoyed between 5pm and 7pm when the cocktail happy hour is in full flow — and hearty American favourites are dished up at the Sound Bar: sizzling fajitas, stacked burgers and sides of mac and cheese. You'll struggle to find somewhere more central too. The hotel is a few minutes' walk from Marble Arch tube station and Oxford Street is moments away. Additional reporting by Lucy Perrin, Alexandra Whiting and Qin Xie • Most romantic hotels in London• Best London hotels with a view
