One Hundred Reasons to Love One Hundred Shoreditch

One Hundred Shoreditch
Shoreditch, London
Trendy, $$

In the '90s and early aughts, artists, creatives, and designers dug their well-worn boots into East London grunge and transformed Shoreditch into a first-of-its-kind, live-and-work creative playground with a down-and-dirty glamour. The Ace Hotel opened shop, powering a seven-year party that shut down in 2020. The British hoteliers at Lore Group — already established across town in Southbank at Sea Containers, in Washington D.C. at Riggs and Lyle, and in Amsterdam at Pulitzer and Kimpton DeWitt — seized the opportunity to create a new chapter for the hot destination. One Hundred Shoreditch debuted in summer of 2022, revealing a grown-up makeover and symbolic return to the neighborhood after an unsettling two-year silence. Taking a low-impact approach to the renovation, the team retained the bones of the property, with a focus on food and beverage programming and a refresh to 258 rooms and three suites. The former "if these walls could talk" nightclub is now a subterranean cocktail speakeasy by famed bartender, Ryan "Mr. Lyan" Chetiyawardana, who has stirred up London's coolest cocktail bars. The rooftop, with terraces overlooking East London, is a California-inspired escape with pink terrazzo marble and spiny cacti where guests and locals alike meet for sunset cocktails and boozy weekend brunch. The rooms are a welcome contrast to the lively vibe of the public areas, with soft, fluffy white bedding, plenty of light, and cozy seating beneath the floor-to-ceiling oriel windows that overlook the bustling streets below.

The hotel puts sustainability at the forefront, powering the entire property with 100-percent renewable electricity, supplying plastic-free amenities, like sparkling and still water refill stations on every floor, and using local produce and responsibly raised seafood in the restaurants. The hotel partners with two charities, Spitalfields Crypt Trust, focused on helping people facing homelessness and addiction, and REFUGE, which provides support and raises awareness for those experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The spirit of Shoreditch is known for welcoming newcomers and celebrating what they bring and leave behind. One Hundred Shoreditch leads a movement to show that you can leave a place even better than you found it.

At a Glance

The Vibe : A day-to-night playground in London's buzziest neighborhood.

Standout Detail: Build your creative empire below a disco ball illuminated by the co-working buzz, then retreat to a heavenly quiet room for a great night's sleep.

This Place Is Perfect For: Couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to blend into London's creative energy.

Rooms: 258 rooms and three suites categorized in four styles — Studio, Studio Plus, Loft, and Suite — are a tranquil contrast to the rest of the hotel, with creamy soft carpets, fluffy duvets, eucalyptus branches, exposed concrete, and, in larger rooms, spacious living areas and terraces overlooking East London.

Food + Drink: Renowned bartender Ryan "Mr Lyan" Chetiyawardana has returned to his East London roots with Seed Library (including late-night DJ sets and appearances behind the bar, shaking cocktails himself). East London shows itself off from the rooftop terrace, where small plates of wild mushroom tacos and salmon tostadas are washed down with pineapple-spiced margaritas beneath cascading plants and marble terrazzo tables, giving California-inspired sunshine to London. A bar discretely tucked behind the lobby's co-working space serves beer and wine and Neapolitan-style pizzas.

On Site: Lively co-working friendly hotel lobby with low slung couches and a great playlist. Cycle studio on the lower level offers classes and training sessions on Peloton bikes. If you prefer to work out in your room, the hotel can deliver a bike to exercise in private. Five meeting rooms are located off the rooftop restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling London views.

What to Do Nearby

On Sundays, follow the scent of fresh flowers to Columbia Road Flower Market where locals stock up on overstuffed bouquets, records, antique tea sets, and croissants fresh from the oven. After a stroll, head to Royal Oak pub for a proper Sunday roast. Nearby Brick Lane is filled with stalls of eclectic vintage and surprisingly amazing bagel shops. To keep the nostalgic vibes going, catch a film at Close Up Film Centre, a cozy 40-seat cinema with a range of classic and contemporary films, along with a collection of 20,000 DVDs to rent (if you held on to your player). Nightcaps are best served at Nightjar, a speakeasy-style jazz club with Prohibition-style cocktails.

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