Travel review: Sleek and arty east London hotel a win for the discerning traveller
So staying in a hotel there is a novelty to me, never mind landing somewhere as sleek, hip and trendy as the art'otel London Hoxton.
It's a newly-built 26-storey luxury hotel, just a short trip from the centre of London by Tube. Its exact location at the intersection of Old Street and Great Eastern Street is described as 'the cool hub of London's urban art scene'.
The international art'otel brand, owned by Radisson, is all about taking the liveliness of a city's art scene and blending that with the luxurious stylings of a high-end hotel to create a premium experience.
There is an artist in residence whose works are on display, and during our visit it's Sylver, a queer jeweller, fashion designer, filmmaker and artist. Their works include sculptural body adornment and jewellery, and it's great to soak up Sylver's artworks while exploring the hotel's communal areas.
My Hertford-dwelling friend and I are fortunate enough to have bagged a complimentary one-night bed and breakfast stay for November 30. Otherwise, when I price a Saturday night stay for June 28, it costs about £325 for a double alone, or £381 if you have breakfast as well. But you can save 15% by becoming a Radisson Rewards member.
I've travelled just after we've had a catastrophic flood in my house back in Belfast (it was Black Friday in more ways than one), and the touch of luxury provided by art'otel Hoxton turn out to be just the comfort and distraction I need.
We arrive late in the evening, after a day filled with a late lunch at a Korean fried chicken joint in Soho, then later, an evening of uproariously funny (but reasonably-priced) entertainment at Comedy Store Leicester Square.
From Leicester Square to Old Street station is a straightforward trip, and once out of Old Street, a short walk takes you to the hotel. A brightly-lit beacon, it's impossible to miss.
We approach from the front and could see the Brush Grand Cafe on the ground floor but took a while to figure out that the main entrance was just around the corner. The person on reception (which is on the first floor) who we checked in with was super-friendly and welcoming.
The decor in reception is the result of a collaboration with street artist D*Face, described as an icon of the East London art scene, and designer of album covers for artists like Christina Aguilera and Blink 182.
The hotel's description of his work as 'characterised by bold colours, daring themes and a critical look at contemporary culture' is a pretty good summary of the comic strip-style murals combining art, design and graffiti on display.
We have a quick look around, and ooh and aah at the artwork, before getting to explore our room. We're on the 10th floor, well away from any street noise.
It has a welcome letter from general manager Axel Krueger, and an invitation to 'live art in a way only art'otel can offer.' There are a few pages of sketch paper which we should consider as a blank canvas 'to capture moments of inspiration, record your journey or simply let your imagination flow'.
The room is streamlined and bright but really cosy, with the twin beds we requested. In keeping with the art theme, there are shelves with objets d'art and art books, and everything is curated with flair and attention to detail.
I love the glamorous, funky decor, and I'm impressed by the IperEspresso machine. Because, on arriving into a new hotel room, my first act is to check out the tea and coffee facilities, and these don't disappoint. There are coffee capsules for the machine and some coffee bags, plenty of choice in tea bags, and some Border cookies.
You've guessed it, I love detail, so I appreciate the luxurious Kevin Murphy-branded toiletries in the bathroom. The room's grey robe and slippers are beyond cosy but note, you do need to buy them if you want them as a souvenir of your stay. There is a bedside panel to control features like the air conditioning and curtains.
We don't have a main meal in The Brush Grand Cafe during our stay, but it is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner with European signature dishes like veal schnitzel and whole grilled seabass.
The first floor offers The Lounge & Cocktail Bar, a hub to work and relax in by day, with live music and a cocktail list in the evening. During our stay, there are performances by guitar and vocal duo The Rivers ft Lauren Cofie.
After our hearty fried-chicken lunch, something light from room service seems a great compromise. We use the hotel app to order the London Cure smoked salmon, avocado and capers bagel, and the Scottish smoked salmon on pumpernickel bread with fish eggs. Delish.
Thankfully, our appetite is back in earnest by the following morning. Breakfast has three courses, a croissant, pain au chocolat or pain au raisin, followed by fruits and grains and a hot breakfast such as eggs, avocado and poached egg on sourdough, savoury muffin, prosciutto toastie, bratwurst, eggs benedict, smoked salmon or shakshuka. My friend loves her avocado and poached eggs, and my shakshuka is delicious but if I had to do it over, I'd request a second poached egg to make it more filling.
We explore the pool, gym and sauna facilities before we check out, and even though we're not flinging ourselves onto the machines for a workout, we can appreciate the fantastic view from the 26th floor gym of a skyline featuring the London Eye, Walkie Talkie and The Shard.
And there is plenty to explore outside the hotel itself. Districts like Hoxton and Shoreditch are associated with creativity and innovation and a contrast to nearby gleaming skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
There are old pubs, old brick buildings, avant-garde restaurants, warehouses repurposed into lofts and offices, tech start-ups and fashion studios, and plenty of great live music venues.
Shoreditch has become more and more trendy in recent years, and the art'otel is emblematic of that process. But it does bring so much style and elegance with it.
You might find more traditional places closer to the typical tourist sights of London, but as my friend puts it, this is aimed at the more 'inquisitive traveller who wants to see the grittier sights of the city'. I'd agree – and it has a lot of luxury and art thrown in.
Then, it's back home to my flooded Belfast abode, but after the luxury I've experienced, I can't complain too much.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Top summer beauty trends from Kate Middleton's hair colour to no-smudge mascara
From the shades of the season to must-have buys, here are the buzzwords to have on your radar as we – and experts – round up the 10 best beauty trends for summer 2025 We're now well into summer, and if you want to know what beauty products, treatments and trends are worth trying this summer, you're in luck. We've rounded up our pick of the best viral beauty trends that you'll actually want to wear, from the products our team can't live without to inspiration for you next appointment at the hair or nail salon. Here's what's hot right now... 10 biggest beauty trends for summer 2025 Mocha bronde Mocha Mousse is Pantone's Colour of the Year, and it's made its way to become a top hair colour trend for summer, says hair stylist and trends forecaster Tom Smith. Described by Tom as 'monochromatic and muted', at the salon ask for neutral mushroom and cool coffee tones running throughout (steer clear of caramels), and you could benefit from using a blue or purple shampoo or conditioner like John Frieda Blue Crush Blue Conditioner, currently £6.89, every couple of weeks, too. Tubing mascara If you find that your mascara typically doesn't last long on your lashes in hot weather, or when sweating or swimming, it's time to try a tubing mascara. Unlike traditional formulas (think of them like paint), tubing mascaras contain polymers that form 'tubes' around each eyelash, lengthening them then setting in place without smudging or flaking. They also remove differently, too, sliding off each hair with warm water and a gentle rub – making them ideal for eyes prone to stinging. Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Mascara, £28 – read my full review of this mascara here Revolution Wrap Lash Tubing Mascara, currently £7.99 (usual price £10.99) K-beauty Korean beauty certainly isn't a new trend, but with the recent launch of cult favourite K-beauty brands in the UK, such as Beauty of Joseon at Boots and Belif on Beauty Bay and Amazon, it's now easier than ever to give them a try. Korean formulas are known for being especially hydrating with a dewy finish, yet incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for summer, when applying heavy cream in hot weather might not be that appealing. SPF superstars Sunscreen is often seen as more of a chore than a treat, but facial SPF formulations have come on in leaps and bounds – so there's really no excuse not to wear it every day. Merit's The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 50, £34, launched with a waitlist of over 20,000, while beauty editors have been singing the praises of Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen, £38. Created to be make-up-friendly, Olay Brighten & Glow Vitamin C Moisturising Fluid SPF 50+, £26, looks set to be the high street's big hitter – and you can often find it on offer, too. Fruity fragrances Perfumes take their inspiration from fruits, with juicy concoctions creating dreamy scents. Try PHLUR Peach Skin Body Mist, from £25, Ariana Grande R.E.M. Cherry Eclipse Eau de Parfum, currently £36 (usual price £45), or Jo Loves With Love From Como, £135, with zesty notes of grapefruit and clementine. And look out for a lip-smacking new launch from Jo Malone London next month. Sunscreen oils They're back – but with a big difference. Unlike the sometimes dangerously low (or even no) protection tanning oils of the past, Bali Body's new Watermelon Sunscreen Oil SPF 50, £22.95, comes with super-high broad spectrum sun protection for that gleaming-limb look without risking your skin. It smells incredible, too – like summer in a bottle. Neck care In summer there's little chance to hide under high-neck jumpers, so if you're not already paying attention to the skin under your chin, you really should be, say the experts and – judging by all the new neck creams being launched and the interest we get from readers whenever we write about them – it's clearly an area worth paying attention to. Boost Lab's Edelweiss Neck Firming Serum, £24.99, is good value with impressive shopper results, while Prai Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme, £31.99, continues to be the best-selling neck cream at M&S. Butter yellow Striking the perfect balance between cute and cool, butter yellow continues to be fashion's colour of the season, with celebrities including Cynthia Erivo, Victoria Beckham and The Princess of Wales all spotted wearing outfits in the surprisingly flattering shade recently. For a low cost, low commitment way to try the trend, pick up a nail polish such as Essie's Summer Soulstice, £8.99, or OPI's Nature Strong in Make My Daisy, £18.50. In the nail salon, ask for Bio Sculpture's Alinta or The GelBottle's Sorbet shades of polish. Berry girl make-up Every season there seems to be a new food-themed make-up style, and this summer it's 'berry girl', made popular by Hailey Bieber (who else?) recently. Although tones of cherry, plum and raspberry worn on lips, cheeks and nails may seem more suited to winter, it's a surprisingly fresh and youthful summer look. Try Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Blush Stick in Berry Glow, £30, and for lips, e.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm in Yummy Gummy, £9. Riviera bob Article continues below Bobs have been trending for years, but this summer the way to wear them is bouncy and voluminous, yet slightly ruffled and undone – think Aubrey Plaza's character, Harper, in season two of The White Lotus, embracing just a touch of holiday hair humidity. To get the riviera bob look, 'ask your stylist for a straight bob cut just longer than your chin,' says Tom Smith. 'Some soft, very long layering should be cut with a shattered finish – avoid steps or blunt lines, and keep any fringe area longer and blended into the rest of the shape.'
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
I was KICKED OUT of Dubai and had my £3,000 glam holiday ruined over my face tattoos – despite being allowed in before
A HEAVILY-inked Brit has vowed to never return to Dubai after claiming he got kicked out for plastering his face in tattoos. Jordan Howman, 34, said he had his passport confiscated and was held by airport workers for six hours before being given the boot - ruining his £3,000 holiday. 4 4 The plasterer, from Crewe, Cheshire, covered his face in tattoos of geometric cubes and words including "blessed" and "crazy life" almost a decade ago. Jordan said his ink addiction hadn't caused him any issues during his previous two trips to his "favourite country in the world", the UAE. The dad told The Sun: "My missus has been crying her eyes out. "It has absolutely devastated me. I feel like I've been massively discriminated against. 'There's no law against face tattoos - there's nothing like that. "I'm a lovely lad, I get on with anyone. It's made me feel absolutely rubbish. I'm not allowed in a country because of the way I look. It's properly, massively affected me. 'It was my favourite country, but this has absolutely ruined it. Now I'll never go again. I've lost all of my money because of a pattern on my face.' Jordan landed at Dubai International Airport on Wednesday for a dream week-long holiday with his fiancée Theresa, 38, and daughter Kaic, 16. But he said as he ventured through passport control he was pulled to one side. After taking Jordan aside, the worker asked if he'd had his passport stamped before taking it from him. Moment hardcore anti tourist mob surround Brit tourists in Majorca chanting 'go home' & telling Brit ex-pats to 'go to hell' 'Then he snatched my passport out of my hand," Jordan said. "There had been nowhere to stamp it - we'd used the electronic gates. It was just an excuse to get the passport out of my hand.' After being held in a waiting room for more than four hours, Jordan was transferred to immigration at around midday, he said. By this time, his family had reached their five-star Anantara hotel. He called his partner and she got a taxi to the airport - but Jordan said airport staff refused to let her go to him and so she got a cab back, costing a total of £250. Jordan said he was "terrified" as he was not given his passport back for some time. 4 4 'A woman came and took me upstairs to immigration, where they said: 'He's not coming in because of his face tattoos - you're not coming in because of the way you look'," he claimed. 'One of the staff behind the desk said a more senior immigration officer made the decision, saying I was not to enter Dubai and that I must leave the country immediately.' At 2.30pm - six hours after arriving - Jordan was put on another Emirates flight heading back to the UK. 'They sent me on a flight back to Manchester," he said. "It was only when I landed that I got my passport back. "Friday morning was the first time I got to see my daughter, over Facetime.' The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai have been approached for comment. Dubai Airports was also contacted for a response. Dubai's tourist laws LAWS for tourists in Dubai are largely centred around respect for local customs and traditions. Swearing, loud music and public displays of affection are banned. Tourists must also observe Ramadan rules by refraining from eating or drinking publicly during fasting hours. Holidaymakers must also be careful when taking photos of individuals or sensitive sites. Visa regulations require a valid passport with six months minimum before it expires. Tourists must also have a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. Overstaying your visa can lead to fines or deportation. Drinking alcohol is restricted in licensed venues and public intoxication is illegal. Dubai has strict drug laws, and certain medications require prior approval from UAE authorities. Unmarried couples sharing a room may face restrictions, although enforcement is relaxed in private hotels. Public indecency, such as inappropriate behaviour or clothing, is punishable.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
'£21 viral Korean foundation blew me away - I'm binning all my other ones'
Korean beauty products have many beauty fans in a chokehold - and this latest foundation has sent TikTokers into a frenzy. The Korean brand Tir Tir has finally launched in the UK, stocked in Boots, and there's a reason it's going viral online. K-beauty isn't new, and Tir Tir is just one of hundreds of renowned K-beauty brands, but it's a brand that is making huge global waves. Tir Tir's philosophy is that it uses high-quality natural ingredients to develop skincare that delivers visible results. It's also the first Korean brand to have a foundation that offers 40 different shades, making it the most diverse and inclusive. The most-raved about product by far is the Mask Fit Red Cushion foundation (£21), which promises to give full coverage which a natural, semi-matte finish. The lightweight formula blends seamlessly as it conceals imperfections and evens skin tone - while also keeping skin nourished and comfortable, and with that, I was sold. I couldn't wait to get my hands on one, as someone who likes a full coverage foundation but hates feeling cakey, I knew I had to try. What also makes this unique is the application, instead of a liquid in a bottle product which we are all familiar with, it's a cushion foundation where you press the applicator into the cushion which then transfers onto the applicator which you then apply. No more spilling of a liquid, messy fingers and dirty makeup brushes as it all comes compact in one, making it the easiest foundation to bring on the go. I have always struggled to find foundations that work on my extremely combination skin. While I am oily around my t-zone, I can get dry patches on my chin which can make it pretty hard to find a good fit. I also like a full coverage foundation, and after seeing so many videos of this foundation and how seamlessly it was applied and how quickly it covered people's faces I was amazed. When I first opened the product, I couldn't understand how the cushion would release the product, and I pressed the applicator so hard into the cushion, only to realise that it really does come out a lot and just a little dab would have sufficed. We live and we learn, but as soon I did one swipe to my cheek, it covered the whole side of my face. The product really does go a long way which is what surprised me the most, as you really don't need a lot of it to cover your whole face. When it came to the coverage it was seriosuly impressive, I have a few acne scares which it completely covered, as well as my pores which is one of my biggest concerns. The only way I can describe it is that it made my skin look almost porcelain, something it has never looked like before. While it has great coverage, it's not a dewy foundation, it makes me look very matte, which meant I had to apply some highlighter - something I haven't had to do with any of my other foundations, just to give my face a bit more of a shine rather than looking like a doll. Due to it being so matte, I skipped applying my setting power, which I realised after a few hours was grave mistake. Maybe it was just my skin, but it didn't stay matte for very long, and I had to apply powder to my t-zone every few hours. Nevertheless it stayed on for the whole day with an impressive coverage. It's clear I am a huge fan of this product, and it has definitely earned a spot in my makeup bag as an every day foundation. I think I will stick with my other foundation for nights out and events as it's a bit thicker and longer lasting, but for the warm sunny days, this lightweight product is perfect. The Tir Tir Mask Fit Red Cushion foundation is available to buy online at Boots, Korean Skincare UK and you can try a sample set from Amazon.
