Review: nhow London Hotel, Islington, UK – Gudstory

nhow London Hotel is an urban sanctuary where the sleek sophistication of contemporary design meets the creative energy of East London. Part of the Spanish NH Hotel Group, this charming open-house lifestyle hotel is set in some of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods, making it more than just a hotel – it’s a cultural hub that reflects the spirit of its surroundings.

welcome

Upon entering London, I was greeted by a splash of color and impressed by the funky interior of the hotel. A stone’s throw from the iconic Big Ben playfully reimagined as a rocket, I check in at the hotel’s futuristic reception desk where everything runs like clockwork.

the room

As I walk down the corridor to my room (615), each room’s door resembles the front door of a Georgian house, each brightly colored.

My room is a junior suite. London suites are not always so spacious but are generous with enough space to spread out and relax. I enter along a corridor, with a desk, Nespresso machine, minibar, Marshall Bluetooth-enabled amplifier, and a small bin on the side that says “we won’t tell” at its base.

This leads to a lounge area with a corner sofa and large, wall-mounted TV and “London Calling” written on the wall in a graffiti style.

In the corner, at the top of the building, is a cozy armchair where you can read a book or watch the hustle and bustle of Hoxton, Islington and Shoreditch below. My room overlooks Bunhill 2 Energy Center which I was excited to discover is located near a disused underground station (City Road) and uses waste heat from the tubes to warm homes, two leisure centers and a school in Islington.

Separated by a partition is the bedroom with a king-size ‘NH Sleep Better’ concept bed. All interior mattresses are custom-built to meet the highest expectations of the NH Hotel Group, and it certainly did not disappoint in terms of comfort. A mirrored wardrobe contains a safe, gown and slippers, hairdryer, ironing board and iron and shoe shine kit. Above the bed is a picture of the late queen in bright green and another TV in the corner of the room.

the bathroom

Just off the bedroom is an attractive green-tiled bathroom, with a rain-effect shower and separate bath, and thoughtful items such as a heated towel rail and shaving mirror.

There are new-brand toiletries as well as plenty of extras – bars of soap, shower caps, combs and hairbrush sets, lip balms, bath salts, shaving kits, dental kits and even sisal pads.

Facilities

Guilty by Olivier nhow is a relaxed, informal restaurant and bar in London, led by renowned Portuguese chef, Olivier da Costa, offering a range of gourmet options including salads, pasta dishes, burgers and homemade pizzas – a perfect blend of modern design and a relaxed The ambience offers guests a stylish and enjoyable dining experience.

I also enjoyed octopus carpaccio with vibrant bell peppers and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

The burgers are named ‘Oivière’ (Olivier sauce, mushrooms, onions and a fried egg), ‘Defiant’ (double cheese toastie, served between bacon and bacon), ‘Guilty’ (lettuce, tomato, gherkin, red onion, cheddar) cheese, bacon and fried egg) and ‘shameless’ (burrata, baked tomato, pesto and crispy pancetta). I chose the ‘Opulent’ – a delicious wagyu beef burger with black truffle and a truffle mayonnaise, plus an optional tomato and basil salt.

A warm and comforting apple crumble with apples, almonds and a velvety vanilla ice cream was a delightful way to complete the meal.

Breakfast is a buffet affair with fresh fruit, patisserie, cooking options and more, not to mention some bold London touches like a Union Jack-clad Smeg toaster and a Ferris wheel like the London Eye loaded with cakes.

location

nhow Hotel London is equidistant from Angel and Old Bank underground stations, both on the Northern Line and each only a 10-minute walk away. It is strategically located close to the heart of Shoreditch, one of London’s trendiest and most vibrant areas. Just 5 minutes from the City, University of London, it would be a very convenient location for anyone working there or visiting parents. The British Museum and British Library are also nearby, as is Spitalfields Market.

Other nice touches

The thoughtful inclusion of plush bathrobes adds an extra layer of comfort, allowing guests to unwind after a day of exploring or business meetings, while free access to a well-equipped gym ensures that health-conscious visitors can maintain their fitness routine. Another nice touch is the complimentary use of Brompton bikes, which not only promote sustainable transportation but also provide guests with an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to discover the city at their own pace.

price

Rooms here start from £120 per night.
Suites start from £216 per night.
Penthouses start from £420 per night.

The best bit

I think the best place I stayed was the place offered by nhow Suite. At 47 m², it’s quite generous by London standards.

final judgment

London’s embrace of unconventionality and quirky charm arguably makes it stand out. Individually-themed rooms that challenge the ordinary, and eclectic art installations that defy traditional norms, make the hotel a playground for the avant-garde and a haven for immersive stays that are as vibrant and unconventional as the city itself.

DISCUSER: Our stay was sponsored by nhow London Hotel.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is the editor of a luxury travel blog and has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years. He is the winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ award from Wired magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.