Last Updated on August 26, 2022 by
Situated in the heart of Bethnal green, The East London Hotel is the ideal location to escape the central London madness despite being at no more than a 27 minutes tube ride from the London’s main attractions.
I had the occasion to stay at the East London Hotel during my participation at this year World Travel Market (WTM). I arrived with a National Express coach from East Midlands at the worst London’s rush hour and I admit it was easier than expected to reach the hotel from Marble Arch in just 20 minutes. Indeed, The East London Hotel is conveniently located at one-minute walk from the Bethnal green station, which is served by the Central Line. You will immediately recognise the hotel for its prominent urban architecture giving a revitalising feeling to the area’s streetscape.
Table of Contents
The Hotel
The East London Hotel developed its 161 rooms into the former headquarters of the Balls Brothers wine merchant. Together with the nearby Bethnal Green Mission Church, has brought to Cambridge Heath Road new vitality. Once you step inside the hotel, you will be surprised to discover the urban grey-style of the facade will be replaced by a cosy and friendly environment, warm lights and the most stylish design created by the known firm Occa Design.
Check-in
The check-in into my room couldn’t be any easier as the classic hotel reception has been replaced by a fast and smart check-in area situated just after the entrance giving you a pleasant look to the hotel’s bar lounge. Instead of interacting with people, you will need to show your digital skills by inserting your reservation data on one of the available screens. The system automatically finds your info and after asking you for additional services (e.g. if you wish to have served breakfast, in case you don’t have it included during your reservation) will release your room number and card. Don’t worry if you are not into this new way of checking-in, a group of young employees are available to help with any needs.
Furthermore, in absence of a main reception, the only way to contact the staff if any problem arise during your stay is throughout a WhatsApp number you will find in your room. I initially found this quite odd, but then I realised how many times in the past I avoided call the reception because I was shy or I didn’t want to disturb at late night and I found this very friendly method incredibly genial! The check-out has the same smart characteristics of the check-in. You will have to digitise your surname and room number and pay for eventual additional services you used during your stay through the card machine next to your screen….and that’s all!
The room
My room was a standard double located at the fourth floor with a lovely view on the V&A Museum of Childhood. The space was compact and essential with a notable researched design aiming to maximise the living area and the storage capabilities. Rooms are fully equipped with the best amenities including 43-inch 4k TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, superfast and free Wi-Fi and comfortable British-made mattresses by Millbrook Beds. Guests may choose different rooms according to their needs: twins, standard double, premium double and family/interconnecting rooms, with or without windows. Prices range around £79-109 per night, which are quite competitive for the area and definitely win the value for money. I was positively surprised by the comfort of the mattress and the endearing looking of the room, which displays also some nice local artworks.
The ensuite bathroom is surely bigger than many other central London hotels of the same category I’ve tried, providing a luxury monsoon shower and Rituals toiletries giving the feeling of a pleasant spa stay. I admit I have a thing for spacious shower spots with fitted monsoon panel because I love to relax during my stays! So the East London Hotel has definitely conquered my heart for this.
Café-Bar
The Due East is the stylish café-bar situated at the street level of the East London Hotel. Don’t expect a restaurant with a three-courses menu but rather a dynamic place offering a wide selection of healthy dishes and tasty snacks where you can enjoy a lovely time in company of your friends/family or simply a book. If you decide to have a light dinner at the hotel, I warmly suggest you the smashed avo bagel with feta, which is very tasty and not more expensive than £7.
The Due East will be also your breakfast area in the morning serving freshly- made juices and smoothies, bagels, pastries and hot drinks. You can opt to be served the full breakfast menu or simply choose your favourite dishes a la carte.
Neighbourghood
If you fancy a walk around, The East London Hotel is situated in a very convenient location. In fact, it takes just a 20 minutes walk to reach the fashionable area of Shoreditch. You can also visit the V&A Museum of Childhood situated at the opposite side of the Cambridge Heath Road or enjoy a peaceful walk at the nearby Victoria park, located at ten minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Furthermore, the area of Bethnal Green, historically known as one the poorest slums in London frequented by shady figures as Jack the Ripper during the 19th century, is now one of the best and vibrant places where to enjoy London’s nightlife. In this regard, The East London Hotel is situated at the rear of the known Paradise Row where you can find a wide choice of bars and restaurants open till late night. Some of the best ones are Sager+Wilde and the known Mother’s Kelly, but I woudn’t miss to pop at The Craft to enjoy one of the best cocktails of the area.
Check out the latest prices and availability at the East London Hotel!!!
A big thanks to The East London Hotel for hosting me for this review! All the opinion above mentioned are my own!
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