London, full of exquisite luxury hotels, all individual in their own way, whether they have balcony views over the Thames, are in the heart of the buzzing theatre district or hidden down a leafy suburb, they all have their own piece of uniqueness, but as far as quirky and imaginative go nhow London has to be at the top!
With its riot of eccentricity that includes vibrant funky furnishings, contemporary artwork, a riot of colour throughout and a Big Ben rocket ship (honestly) in reception, this hotel really does pull you further and further down the rabbit hole getting curiouser and curiouser around every corner.
Situated on City Road, on the fringe of Shoreditch, from the outside nhow looks non-assuming and discreet, but once you walk through those doors – WOW!
The large open plan lobby is an unconventional mix of vibrant hues, quirky decor, funky furniture (armchairs are upholstered using red military coats and gold tassels), neon signs adorn the walls along with unconventional images of past monarchs and the bare concrete ceilings, visible pipes and industrial lighting most definitely take you away from the real world and wrap you in a surreal bubble to simply relax and savour the moment.
The hotel has 190 rooms, spread over 8 floors with one suite on each of the first seven floors and then a penthouse on the top floor, each room is uniquely designed with a punky high-tech vibe by architecture and interiors studio, Project Orange.
We were staying in The Penthouse reached by a long, dark, moody lit corridor, where Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t seem out of place. Each bedroom door was painted in bold colours with brass door furniture making them look like a regular front door. The penthouse is housed at the end of the corridor on the angled part of the building and walking along to get to it is an experience in itself, once reached there is artwork around the door containing picture clues to films such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Alice in Wonderland and Lord of the Rings.
Through the main door, before you even enter the suite is a guest toilet (in case you’re planning on entertaing during your stay) and then you’re speechless.
A brightly coloured green shag pile carpet that resembles a freshly mowed lawn, hessian wallpaper, a large green sofa, sea blue rug and giant wicker chairs all come together to create an outdoor roof garden vibe.
The walls of the suite meet in a sharp point overlooking City Road – a great place for a ‘Titanic’ selfie, before you slip into something a little more comfortable. The gowns are embroidered with King and Queen (just request your preference) and you certainly feel like Royalty as you sit in one of the wicker chairs, cool glass of wine in hand overlooking the London skyline (just don’t look down!)
There’s a lot of space even with an eight-person dining table, coffee table and life size dog ornament! Dotted around are lots of retro nods, an old-fashioned dial phone with a cute quote, along with the essentials of a mini-fridge, tea making facilities that include a porcelain kettle, teapot and an espresso coffee machine.
The hessian walls continue through into the bedroom, with a comfy king size bed, vibrant green print floor to ceiling headboard and large gold-rimmed TV – all very sleek and slightly reminiscent of a cabin on a luxury yacht.
The freestanding roll top bath, set against a large flower design wall was just calling out my name for a little bubble time and the gold sink, walk-in rain shower and marble floor simply added to the opulent feel of the bathroom.
The main restaurant at the hotel is currently being refurbished, so dinner is served within the lobby, where seated areas aplenty are dotted around the central bar.
Dining began with cocktails before we indulged in some unusual but delightfully delicious food.
A rosemary doughnut and King prawn bao bun, were our choices, both infused with flavours and textures that definitely got our taste buds wanting more.
Next up was roast porchetta and Cornish crab tagliolini, cooked al dente, with a mild chilli kick, it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Portion sizes here are not small, so be prepared to roll out of your chair at the end of the evening! And roll is what we did, straight back to the eighth floor where it was time to watch the bright lights of the capital whizzing by below us.
After a restful night’s sleep, who doesn’t love breakfast, especially when its room service and you can indulge at your leisure. A fabulous combination of cooked and continental arrived with trays full of pastries, meats, cheeses, fresh fruit salad, toast and preserves, fresh juices and coffee along with poached eggs on a creamy bed of avocado and toasted muffin – we knew there was a reason for the large dining table!
If after all this food you’re feeling a little guilty you can always take a trip down to the basement where the nhow London has its very own gym, a ‘Mind the Gap’ sign by the lift doors, metal grate entrance, and sound of an approaching tube train playing constantly in the gym, is a definite nod towards the London underground.
nhow London is an experience in itself, somewhere you’ll be talking about for months to come, with its vibrant, funky rather quirky vibes it might not be everyone’s first choice, but it’s definitely an experience everyone has to try at least once.
BOOK IT
Prices start from £144 room only and from £174 including breakfast.
For more information or to book, visit www.nhowlondon.com
