That was while tasting the very chic peninsula GQ fell in love with the hotel industry British. We needed a second round to take a broader look at what the English capital had to offer. There is no shortage of hotels in central London, but some stand out for their location, their five-star service or their comfortable bedding.
The Hoxton Southwark
The hotel : It is 11.30am UK time when the Eurostar arrives at St. Pancras station in London. The drizzle, which is (almost) inseparable from the English capital, urges me towards the first stop of this trip: Hoxton Southwark. Located a stone’s throw from the Waterloo district and ten minutes from the London Eye, in an urban, almost New York style, the hotel has a warm decor, warmed by subdued lighting, wooden furniture and brown leather armchairs. The loft-style stone walls and black steel windows give the impression that you are in the heart of the Big Apple. The key British is upstairs, in the bedrooms. Besides being the comfortable setting for a successful stay in London, it is also included in Hotels.com’s prestigious list of the 24 best hotels in the world
The rooms : Velvet headboard, retro bathroom and traditional details, the rooms honor an endearing English style, a bit rural but always elegant. Welcomed by a soft playlist served by a mini speaker, completely in keeping with the theme of the room, you will immediately feel very comfortable. Special mention for the bedding, but a small drawback for the view, obscured by several not very aesthetic buildings.
Food & well-being: No spa or gym in this four star hotel. On the restaurant side, the subdued ground floor space, lit by candles, is the stronghold for meetings with friends or romantic dinners on the weekend. The atmosphere lends itself to it. For breakfast the menu is not large, which often indicates quality cuisine. Please note that breakfast is not included in the room rate. On the top floor is the Seabird, the roof of the hotel. From here the view is noticeably clearer and the decoration is designed in impeccable tones, giving the space an almost angelic appearance. A nice place for the neighborhood.
The address: 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NY.
Price : from 490 euros.
The bedroom in Hoxton Southwark in London.© De Hoxton