The Zetter

On arrival
The side entrance to this corner building is flanked by two miniature pine trees in large ceramic pots, setting the slight Mediterranean feel which continues throughout the hotel.

Once through the double doors, you have reception to your left, twin lifts straight ahead and, to your right, a spiral staircase leading to the lounge and restaurant. The colour white prevails in the large open space which is the lobby with the only touches of colour coming from a quirky Murano light fitting with pink crystal leaves, the red of the lift doors and the hazel tones of the lounge.

The hotel forms a horseshoe shape around a central light shaft, from which a series of passageways leads to the rooms. Nestling at the heart of this shaft is the Atrium Bar, where small metal tables and soft, aged-leather sofas are set against the backdrop of a swirl-patterned carpet and artwork from the current exhibition.

The stylish bistro-restaurant located in the curve of the building has a large bar, white painted brickwork and picture windows. When the weather is fine, its modern, European cuisine can also be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the lovely Saint John Square.

The rooms
Fairly high ceilings and large external-facing windows make for light and airy rooms. Retro carpets and furniture combine with up-to-the minute artwork set against the soft colours of the walls, in most cases painted brickwork. The rooftop Studios have a loft feel with their parquet flooring and white décor.

The sheets are ultra-soft, the duvets are thick, and second-hand books and magazines await inquisitive minds, whilst a pretty little hot water bottle in a knitted orange jacket will take care of those who feel the cold. A computer linked to the television also serves as a hi-fi system and DVD player and provides a wealth of information about the hotel and its surrounding area, a selection of films and over 4000 carefully-selected music tracks covering a wide range of styles. The bathrooms, in some aspects very functional, in others less so, can seem a little cold despite a link to the radio channel of the television, but the large “raindance” showerhead is particularly pleasant.

Room types
There are four types of room, Guest, Saint John Square, Deluxe and Studio, each differing according to their size, outlook and location. The Saint John Square rooms overlook the square and are a little bit larger than the Guest rooms, the office area in particular.

The larger Deluxe rooms can accommodate bigger beds and, last but not least, the rooftop Studios have a slightly wider range of equipment and beautiful private terraces offering an unobstructed view over London.

With the largest terrace and a panoramic view, the Roof Top Corner Studio spans two floors. Inside, the room fans out from the bed towards a large picture window, giving you the feeling you are taking off over the city. The dome of Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and the buildings and cranes of an ever-changing city are just visible between two buildings.

Services
There is a ready supply of free tea and coffee and bottles of mineral water hailing from the historic Clerkenwell spring. Full restaurant service is available on demand during opening hours with light snacks available 24 hours a day.

A full range of in-room beauty treatments are on offer, including skin and body treatments, massage and a hairdresser. Your electronic room key operates the drinks dispensers on the landings and the lifts, which are accessible only to hotel guests.