When it comes to London’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Shoreditch is up there with the best of them, and the sophisticated Montcalm East, located right on its edge, is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re looking to soak up the vibe in style.
Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s sophisticated Autograph Collection, this five-star hotel offers the perfect balance of contemporary style, sophistication and relaxation, so it’s little wonder it has become one of the most sought-after spots in the capital.
Shoreditch is well known for its edgy selection of restaurants, cocktail bars, cafes and street food markets, as well as being a hotspot for shoppers seeking out fashionable boutiques – which means you’ll have everything you need right on your doorstep. And the City of London is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel, which means it’s also a convenient base if you’re visiting on business.
Exuding artistic flair and contemporary cool, this popular hotel is located on lively Old Street and is a true urban retreat and embodies the art of the local area – so when I was recently invited to check in for a weekend, I couldn’t wait to see what it was all about.
Hotel
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to stay, then the Montcalm East London is a haven for creative types and lovers of the arts. Innovative contemporary design features throughout the hotel, starting with its geometric, diamond-shaped façade, which pays tribute to Tate Modern artist Bridget Riley’s Op Art, and continuing throughout the interiors, and there’s a distinct nod to photography and other creative mediums, with plenty of interesting pieces of work to admire as you make your way around the building. Highlights to look out for include a signature printed silk scarf by British-Thai artist Lisa King, a hand-painted mural by Spanish artist Carlos Peñalver, and an East London-themed video art installation by Shoreditch studio Acrylicize. The hotel also hosts rotating photography exhibitions in collaboration with Proud Galleries, and has a resident photographer programme.
Montcalm East prides itself on being not simply a place to stay, but a destination in itself, and it really is the perfect place to come and soak up the local culture. Its architectural design was dreamt up by forward-thinking Squire and Partners, and it considers itself to be a combination of hotel and cultural hub, with its creative interiors by local design studio Blacksheep drawing inspiration from the revolutionary Shoreditch art scene of the 1980s and ’90s.
Rooms and suites
Featuring 288 modern and well-appointed rooms and suites over 17 floors, each exemplifies the perfect balance of contemporary luxury and artistic inspiration and is designed to maximise natural light, with each one exterior facing and offering some impressive views over the city as a result.
If you’re looking for more space, then it goes without saying that you should book one of the suites – you can choose from the Sky High Junior, which is on the 17th floor and offers the best vistas, or the Junior Suite Dreams, as well as a selection of family, double and queen suites. But considering you’re in London, the standard rooms are surprisingly spacious.
I stayed in a Sky High double room which, like the suite, is located in the upper echelons of the hotel. One of the top room categories, it was modern, bright and airy, and was tastefully decorated with collage-style artworks inspired by Shoreditch’s street posters. The stunning floor-to-ceiling windows were a highlight, and afforded me those all important city views I’d been hoping for. The bed was large, very comfortable and featured a beautifully designed velvet bedhead – the perfect set-up for a relaxing and indulgent night’s stay.
Rooms at the Montcalm East come with a host of extra luxuries, including a capsule-coffee machine, Hackney-sourced Flying Horse coffee pods, two sumptuous robes and slippers, and a hairdryer, as well as a decent amount of desk space if you need to get some work done. And because the hotel takes its eco-credentials seriously, there’s also a refillable water bottle in every room.
If your stay is more about kicking back and making the most of the experience, then there’s a flatscreen television and free WIFI to keep you entertained and connected too.
The bathroom, too, was expansive given the location, and was well equipped with a rain shower, a large, lit makeup mirror, underfloor heating and full-sized toiletries by Co Bigelow Apothecaries.
It’s not just the decor at the Montcalm East that’s modern, and there are also plenty of tech-enhanced amenities to make use of that promise to elevate your stay. The colour-changing mood-lighting is a great touch and means you can tailor the atmosphere depending on how you’re feeling, while the easy to use air-conditioning and electronic curtains (a useful addition especially in the summer months considering the enormous windows) all made for a seamless and hassle free experience.
Food and drink
The hotel’s laid-back restaurant and bar, Moor and Mead, is a trendy spot that dishes up best-of-British classics, updated with modern twists. The menu is ever-changing in line with the seasons, and is based largely around fresh, locally-sourced ingredients – so whether you’re seeking a filling breakfast to set you up for the day, craving a leisurely lunch or are in the mood for a casual, fuss-free dinner, you’re almost certain to find something to whet your appetite.
Characterised by plush velvet furnishings and copper details, Danish design features add an extra sense of flair to the dining area. The mezzanine bar and restaurant seamlessly blend into the open-plan lobby, creating an inviting space to unwind, socialise or debrief the day over a drink.
Classic dishes like the cheeseburger in a sesame brioche bun or the fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce are the ultimate comfort food and are bound to go down a treat after a long day out and about in the Big Smoke. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for, with mouthwatering dishes like the mushroom and squash wellington with braised red cabbage and the spaghetti with tomato, basil and parmesan excellent please-alls. And there’s a selection of sourdough pizzas to choose from, too, followed by a decadent choice of desserts – the rich chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream is a top choice for the self-confessed chocoholic, while if you’re keen to round off your meal on a lighter note, then the spiced pears poached in white wine and served with coconut yoghurt, is just the ticket.
To do
A highlight of the hotel is the elegant Bokeh Spa, which is tucked away in the basement and just so happens to be one of the very best in London featuring a host of opulent facilities including a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, as well as a large fitness centre, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind, or to keep up with your fitness regime.
The spa’s sumptuous range of treatments incorporate products by Sussex-founded Temple Spa and luxury CBD-oil brand OTO (both of which are vegan and cruelty-free). During my stay I enjoyed the OTO Amplify Treatment – a re-energising full body massage designed to release tension and boost the immune system – and it was every bit as blissful as it sounds.
The hotel features a string of versatile event spaces and meeting rooms, making it an ideal choice for business conferences and social gatherings alike.
If you’re looking to venture a little further afield, then there are plenty of things to do in the hotel’s vicinity. If you have time to spare, then exploring Shoreditch and spotting the numerous pieces of street art along the way is a must, while destinations such as Columbia Road, which is famous for its flower market, and Spitalfields Market, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops and eateries, are also worth venturing to and just a short walk away.
In a nutshell
Blending contemporary design and modern luxury with artistic expression, Montcalm East is undoubtedly one of London’s trendiest five star hotels, and is the perfect choice for those looking to immerse themselves in creative inspiration, enjoy some hearty cuisine, and enjoy the vibrant districts of Shoreditch and City.
If you’re seeking a standout accommodation choice for your next stay in London, then this hotel promises much more than just a comfortable room, and when it comes to locations, it really doesn’t get much better.
Factbox
Double rooms from £175 in low season, and from £220 in high. Breakfast excluded; prices vary. Free Wi-Fi.
Address: 151-157 City Road, London EC1V 1JH
Phone: 020 3837 3000
Website: themontcalm.com/hotel/montcalm-east/
