The Hoxton

On arrival
The Hoxton is an impressive building, set between other equally impressive buildings, but is easy to identify with the only two plane trees on this very busy street planted right in front. The entrance, flanked by two bevelled metal panels, leads onto a glass-walled vestibule guarded by two magnificent metal greyhounds.

The glass vestibule opens onto a large shallow lobby which stretches the full breadth of the establishment and comprises two sizeable, perfectly symmetrical lounges on either side of the entrance. The flight of an incredible papier mâché eagle, in five stages from just after it takes wing to just before it reaches the reception desk, gives the impression that time has been suspended.

Two brick walls stand opposite each other on either side of this immense space. At the foot of each of these walls is a solid stone fireplace, almost Gothic in style, over which hangs a hunting trophy, just like in houses in times gone by. With a wink to tradition, the deer’s head is replaced by the branch of a tree which serves as a promontory for the eagle. We have now come full circle, or almost, in so far as the other works of art hanging in a narrow line around the lobby appear to project a glimpse into a new take on nature.

Sofas, armchairs and low tables in different styles sit in front of the fireplaces, offering an ideal place to meet, to cosy up in front of the fire, read one of the many magazines available or watch the world go by in the street outside or in the hotel itself.

On the left, the lobby leads onto the reception desk and the lifts, on the right it extends to the Grille restaurant, with its open kitchens in the style of a chic New York brasserie, and to a patio designed around a very old olive tree.

A long glass panel depicting the London skyline with sketches of the city’s main monuments separates reception from the restaurant. These sketches are reproduced in each of the rooms.

The rooms
The rooms are cleverly arranged at an angle to create a bold new perspective and add a chaotic edge to the corridors with their bolted metal structure and red and orange lighting.

The rooms are all similar, well laid out, and above all functional. However the carpets, wooden furniture, leather headboards and predominantly chocolate brown colour scheme also give them a cosy feel. The curves of the furniture, such as the desk and banquette seat, soften the décor considerably and the large windows let in a lot of light.

The rooms have a big flat screen, WIFI access, tea and coffee making facilities and an empty mini-bar ready for you to fill with the reasonably-priced drinks on sale at reception.

The showers in the chocolate-coloured bathrooms have several settings. The fittings could be described as designer but practical.

There is only one type of room on offer, although they are all laid out slightly differently. The building is v-shaped so has three outlooks: over an open courtyard, Great Eastern Street or Willow Street. The rooms overlooking the courtyard or Willow Street are quieter. Those overlooking Willow Street have a South-West orientation so even get the sunshine for much of the day.

Room service is available until 10.30pm. The hotel has negotiated a very good rate for the use of a nearby gym and has its own business centre.

Breakfast
Breakfast is free of charge and takes the form of a “Prêt à Manger” bag, comprising an orange juice, banana and wholegrain yoghurt, left beside your door in the morning. If you prefer to go à la carte, the Grille restaurant offers a wide choice ranging from pastries to a traditional English breakfast or eggs Benedict.