It is rare for a hotel to exceed expectations, but Art’otel Hoxton certainly did.
Nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant Hoxton and Shoreditch neighbourhoods’, Art’otel Hoxton is a for art enthusiasts and travellers seeking a blend of modern luxury and creative flair. It as a cultural hub.
This 26-story, designed by the renowned Squire & Partners, stands on foundation of where the Foundry pub once stood, as a testament to the area’s rich artistic Brit Art movement heritage.
There is art everywhere to be seen and the in-house gallery showcases a rotating calendar of multimedia exhibitions, supporting both up-and-coming and established contemporary artists.
Greeted at the front door by a giant rat and the other of a tv set being thrown out the window – yes these are original Banksy artworks, set the tone of the artistic journey that awaits
Reception is one floor up with an impressive pop art display over the escalators. So phone out, video on and don’t forget to watch your step and not the art! Check in was seamless but I guess that was partly to do with the optical illusion behind the desk where you come face to face with a rebellious loving comic-strip style installation by resident artist D*Face which is fascinating.
Everywhere you look there is something, it’s a treasure trove. The interior design, a collaboration with Eyal Shoan of the award-winning Digital Space studio, ensures that every corner of the hotel exudes a playful yet sophisticated vibe.
Descend to the basement level to find an in-house gallery wall featuring immersive art that is almost hypnotic. This area also serves as an event space, and adjacent to it is a 60-seat auditorium for public screenings and product launches, furnished with bright red leather chairs.
The hotel features 357 rooms, including 48 luxury suites. My room on the 17th floor offered stunning views of the skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows. again, artwork by D*Face adorned the walls, and the décor is bold and sleek. The room includes a desk with paper and paintbrush pens, inviting guests to doodle. The hotel collects these doodles to create a montage in their in-house newspaper.
Upon entering the hallway, you will find wardrobes equipped with a safe big enough to accommodate a laptop, as well as an elegant cocktail-making area featuring fresh lemons and limes and delicate champagne and cocktail glasses.
This leads into a spacious living area featuring an impressive corner sofa with throws and funky cushions, an armchair, a dining table, and a large desk area with a TV. There are plenty of chic touches such as the Dyson air wrap, a retro record player with ten vinyl records that change depending on who is in concert. A Roberts radio, minibar with an personal side, recyclable cartons of water by the bed, a kettle, Nespresso machine and even a milk frother to accompany the Illy espresso maker – something I have never seen before in a hotel room.
The bathroom featured eco Murphy toiletries and optical illusion between the shower screen and mirror. Soft, fluffy towels, a grey embroidered robe, and slippers were provided, all of which were so soft and cosy that I was reluctant return them. Additionally, fresh flowers added a lovely touch. Numerous amenities were supplied, including dental and sewing kits.
The bedroom featured an extremely large bed, with high-quality linens. The little touches, such as the throws and cushions, made it feel more homely than a typical hotel room and the pillows provided the best night’s sleep in a long time.
I appreciated the high-tech features in the rooms, which controlled everything the air, blackout blinds, curtains, and lights, all by the touch of a button from the bedside table. Additionally, there were plenty of sockets available.
The hotel’s amenities are impressive. The lifts are a work art, changing colour floor by floor. The state-of-the-art gym offers a breath taking view. I only had to follow the aroma from the spa to find four treatment and a mood-lit indoor swimming pool. Additionally, there are bikes available for hire from concierge to explore the local area.
Dining at the Brush Grand Café, Lounge & Cocktail Bar on the ground and first floors offers a delightful culinary experience with delicious freshly made cakes, European signature dishes, exceptional cocktails and live music.
Art’otel Hoxton seamlessly blends modern flair and convenience, perfectly capturing the “artsy” without being over pretentious. The vibrant atmosphere and exceptional amenities attract a diverse clientele, including business travellers, tourists, families, and art enthusiasts. Its proximity to Liverpool Street Station and the City makes it a convenient choice for those seeking either an artistic ambiance or luxurious stay and I cant wait to return.