Quirky Meets Cool (On the Cheap) at The Hoxton Shoreditch

Hoxton Shoreditch

London, England
Trendy $$

LONDON — From graffiti-covered buildings to London's most culturally diverse streets, Shoreditch is still a magnet for all things cool and global. There is endless exploring at bars, restaurants, vintage shops, finger-on-the-pulse galleries, and a never-ending stream of new hangouts. Capturing the spirit of the area is The Hoxton Shoreditch, a handsome hotel in the center of it all, a neighborhood anchor that effortlessly eases guests into a stylish stay. And how's this for a kicker? The hotel delivers great value for the money, catering as much to burgeoning artists as blue-chip hipsters.

At a Glance

Style: Playful furnishings with pops of bright color (like neon signs) mix with moments of calm neutrals. Though architecturally industrial (brick walls, exposed ceiling pipes, polished concrete floors), the hotel manages to feel vibrant and homey. The atmosphere is consciously fashionable and distinctly relaxed.

Standout Detail: The Apartment, designed to look like a chic Manhattan loft, invites guests to make themselves home in the library, study, dining room, or playroom. The pantry has checkerboard flooring and a fully stocked bar. It's like you've been invited to a casual house party, and there’s no better way to feel at home in a new city.

This Place Is Perfect For: Travelers looking to experience the artistic and gritty side of London comfortably. Edgy, chic and reasonably priced, The Hoxton delivers value and style in spades. It's family-friendly, too, with connecting rooms and extra cots.

Rooms: 210 rooms are labeled Shoebox, Cosy, Roomy, and Concept. The nine Concept Rooms are all individually designed by local artists. About the size of the Cosy rooms, they are given to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. There is free WiFI and free international calls from all the vintage-style phones in the rooms. A complimentary light breakfast bag is dropped off outside guest room doors, a Hoxton Hotel standard. Detail to note: Late checkout is available for 5GBP for every additional hour you need.

On Site: There are DJ sets in the lobby on weekends. A photo booth in the bar is a must for a retro souvenir picture, especially after a few drinks.

Food and Drink: The classic Chicago-style grill downstairs, The Hoxton Grill, serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It's open from 7 a.m. until late every day. The bar, run by Soho House, has an air of exclusivity, minus the stuffiness.

Book It

Rates change seasonally and start at $120 per night. Click here for reservations.

What to Do Nearby

You’re in the perfect neighborhood for experimenting with food and checking out impressive street art. London’s East End has historically been a major haven for immigrants. Brick Lane, a ten-minute walk away, is lined with Bangladeshi and Jewish shops worth a gander. The bagels on Brick Lane are considered the best (and basically only) bagels in London. Beigel Bake is open 24 hours and brought the famous rainbow-bagel trend to London. Their neighbor, Beigel Shop, introduced the rainbow croissant shortly thereafter. Locals debate about which is better, but we'll let you judge. For a sweet indulgence, stop by Dark Sugars for the decedent selection of artisanal chocolate truffles, chocolate pearls (a chocolate shell filled with a soft, flavored ganache), and a ridiculously rich hot cocoa.

You'll find it hard to walk around Shoreditch without passing a vintage shop. To narrow it down: ATIKA (a five-minute drive from The Hoxton) is a 6,000-square-foot warehouse that stocks about 20,000 pieces, including Burberry and Armani from the '70s and early '00s and Nike and Adidas sportswear. If you're into finding unique pieces, you'll spend a happy day rifling through the selection here. For something smaller, This Shop Rocks is a quirky storefront where you'll find unique antique trinkets, kitchenware, and furniture.

If you're around on a Sunday, stop by Columbia Road Flower Market. The vibrant booths are tucked between bushels of flowering plants, art, and homemade goods. The market runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and is a great way to beat the Sunday scaries.

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