art’otel Hoxton: a first look at the hip hotel with its own collection of Banksys

At the new art’otel Hoxton expect low lighting, funky pop art on the walls and impeccable service.

It’s a long-awaited addition to the unique hotel chain from the Radisson Group, which offers guests something a little different: the chance to immerse themselves in all things artistic, from the comfort of killer locations right in the centre of their cities.

Despite having branches all over Europe (in the uber-trendy Berlin and Amsterdam, among others) art’otel Hoxton is the chain’s second opening in London — the first being art’otel London Battersea , which opened early last year.

But make no mistake, the Hoxton branch has an identity all its own. Forget the Spanish-style décor of its older sister: this is the hip little sibling with a love of the noughties, inspired by its artist in residence, London local D*face.

Where is it?

Perched in the middle of Hoxton, it’s hard to miss. Right on the edge of Old Street roundabout, it’s a massive cylindrical building that dominates the skyline. Some of London’s best restaurants are on its doorstep — as is quick access to the thriving artistic and creative hub that is Shoreditch . As I said: a killer location.

Style

Appropriately for Shoreditch and Hoxton — two of London’s edgiest, most artistic neighbourhoods —the art’otel lives up to its name. Designed by Eyal Shoan, it has curved steel and glass walls which give onto panoramic views of the city. And it’s all been decorated top to bottom by the hotel’s signature artist D*face.

His distinctive pop art style drawings decorate the bar, the rooms and the expansive reception area, as well as playful sculptures riffing on all things British. It’s ultra-modern with tributes to Cool Britannia, as well as unique artwork in the bedrooms.

Which room

When it comes to seeing London in all its glory; it’s a case of the higher the better. With that in mind, the One Bed Suite Skyline View is a must.

Not only do its floor to ceiling windows give onto gorgeous views of the city, both north and south, but it boasts a surprisingly spacious living room area, a fully stocked bar and even a sketchpad — should you want to live out your dreams of becoming an artist. The skyline begs to be drawn.

Food and drink

In the mood for a pre or post-dinner cocktail? art’otel has you covered: head down to the immaculately lit lounge-slash-bar on the first floor for some live music and a range of aperitivos, from the interestingly-named 50 Shades of Champagne — which mixes vodka, Cointreau and champagne — to the Lee-Lay, which features peach, Lillet, apricot, white grape soda and a rosé reduction.

As the hotel isn’t yet fully open, a 25th floor restaurant is still to come. It promises some out of this world eating, but in the meantime, there’s The Grand Café on the ground floor.

A café slash brasserie mix, it does an excellent a la carte breakfast, and (when the sun goes down) boasts a very Continental-inspired menu. Take a seat here and work your way through a burrata, tomato and basil oil starter, a truly enormous serving of moules frites and finish with a monkfish chop, fresh from the grill (a meal for two costs around £100). It’s comfort food done well, but still — if Joia at art’otel Battersea is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat when the signature restaurant opens.

Facilities

The facilities are where the hotel shines. There’s a spa and pool: they’re located underground next to the gym, which is fully stocked with rows of high-tech equipment, laid out next to towels and bottles of water.

The gym itself is spread out over a series of rooms, meaning there’s a bit of a trek if you want to work your way through all the exercise equipment on offer. The saunas (wet and dry), though, are top notch, as is the pool, which is lit with a soothing orange light, meaning that a swim feels akin to one during a Mediterranean sunset. Spa treatments will be launched later this year.

In keeping with the hotel’s art-heavy theme, there’s also a gallery (a first for any place I’ve ever stayed). And it’s very impressive — alongside works by D*face, there are two Banksy pieces and a host of others. It also plays host to a series of rotating exhibitions, which is fun, and there’s the promise of a local ‘Artist in Residence’ position to help spotlight local creatives.

Extracurricular

With London on your doorstep, there’s a whole range of stuff to get stuck into. Browse the many galleries around Hoxton and Shoreditch (the Victoria Miro Gallery , which showcases contemporary art from around the world, is a highlight); head to Brick Lane to shop vintage clothes and try out some of the area’s famous curry houses; and swing by Colombia Road Flower Market in the morning to stock up on plants and blooms.

The details

1-3 Rivington St, London EC2A 3DT. Closest tube station is Old Street.

Rooms start from £259 a night; book at artotel.com

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