No matter how many times you’ve visited London, a stroll down Old Street will always bring something new – whether it’s an edgy bar, modern hotel or restaurant. Old Street is the main artery that connects central London to the East End, making it one of the most convenient places to stay in town. Here’s Culture Trip’s guide to the best hotels in the area.
Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Business Hotel
Courtesy of Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch / Hotels.com
You’ll find the Courthouse Hotel at the end of Old Street near Columbia Road, a neighbourhood synonymous with the East End’s gritty history. Fitted with king-size beds, work desks and chic slate bathrooms the Courthouse is perfect for business trips. Featuring a stain-glass dome and sweeping staircase, this Grade II-listed former courthouse has seen its fair share of history, including the trials of infamous gangsters the Kray twins and legendary author George Orwell. These days, there’s just as much leisure as business, with a heated indoor pool, bowling alley and cinema screening room all available for use. For an historically immersive experience, head to the Jailhouse Bar – housed in the old police station – or to the courtroom-turned-dining room, Judge and Jury, for brasserie-style fare.
Nobu Shoreditch reflects the industrial grit of its surroundings while also paying homage to its Japanese heritage with minimalist and elegantly crafted style notes. Overseen by Nobu Matsuhisa, the in-house restaurant bears both the name and menu of this legendary chef, plying visitors with delicacies such as miso black cod and toro sashimi. There’s a tasting menu too, for the particularly indecisive. Spend the day exploring neighbouring Brick Lane and Barbican before heading back to the spa for one of Nobu’s signature massages. Sleek, effortless and minimalist, the rooms are as sophisticated as the clientele at this iconic hotel.
Just three minutes from Old Street roundabout, you’ll find M by Montcalm – a pocket of quiet among the noise and chaos of the surroundings streets. Inside this glass-covered, angular modern building you’ll find rooms decked out in soothing shades of cappuccino and cream, and an impressive array of tech. There’s mood lighting and climate control as well as complimentary smartphones that allow you to make local and international calls for free. Elsewhere on site, the indoor pool harks back to Ancient Greece, with its burnished gold murals and soothing, up-lit surface. After a swim, indulge in a spa treatment – the Capsule Rituals are ideal if you’re short on time, offering various facial and massage treatments that only take 30 minutes.
Out of town prices in inner city London? Yes please. This is exactly what you’ll find at the Z Shoreditch, where understated elegance meets affordable convenience. Just a one minute walk from Old Street roundabout, its rooms are functional and minimalist – you’ll find everything you need and none of the costly extras you can do without. Rooms range from doubles to family size and there are several accessible options for those who need them.
A quick turn off Old Street, past Barrio Shoreditch, will find you at the doors of the ever-hip Ace Hotel. Peppered with original artwork, Revo Radios and carefully curated vinyl and books, a stay at the Ace feels like getting a sneak peek inside a rock star’s house. It’s definitely grittier than its other boutique neighbours and the design team has worked hard to reflect the effortless cool of the neighbourhood. Build up an appetite on the hotel’s very own climbing wall before heading downstairs for French toast and Moroccan eggs at the Hoi Polloi brasserie. It’s well worth taking a trip up to the rooftop bar too – you’ll be rewarded with a sprawling private terrace and uninterrupted views of the East End.
