Heading to London and looking for somewhere convenient to check in for the weekend? When it comes to prime locations, it doesn’t get much better than the NYX Hotel London Holborn, which is nestled right in the heart of Zone One and in the thick of all of the action.
An ideal base whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, it’s nestled between the bustling West End and the vibrant neighbourhood of Farringdon and is just a couple of minutes’ walk from Holborn Underground Station for easy connections. It’s also only a stone’s throw from iconic attractions like the British Museum, the shopping district of Covent Garden and many of the city’s other highlights.
NYX Hotels are a collection of lifestyle boutique hotels that pride themselves on offering a hip and urban experience in prime locations across Europe, and belong to the Leonardo Hotels group – so when you check in at NYX Hotel London Holborn, you know you’re in for a good time.
Hotel
Inside the hotel, the lobby is vibrant and exciting, with contemporary artwork everywhere you look. From neon signs and bright pop-art to stand-out installations, it’s got character by the bucket-load – but has struck the fine balance needed to refrain from overkill and remain undeniably chic.
The NYX brand is known for its emphasis on design and comfort, and its Holborn property is a prime example of what it does so well. The ground floor features a spacious bar area that is filled with plush soft furnishings in jewel tones and statement accent cushions, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and unwind over a drink.
It all feels rather edgy and eclectic, and its vibrance is matched by the friendliness and professionalism of the reception team, who made me feel instantly at home.
In terms of amenities, the hotel offers a fully-equipped gym and a lovely spa that is a haven of tranquility and will whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of the city outside for a while – but more on that later.
Rooms and suites
NYX Hotel London Holborn offers a total of 213 rooms and suites, with each one thoughtfully designed to provide a sanctuary for relaxation and exuding the perfect mix of luxury and contemporary cool.
On check in, I was pleased to learn that I’d been upgraded to a Junior Suite – a spacious room spread over 45 square metres and exuding contemporary charm. It featured a sumptuous King DREAM bed which ensured one of the best night’s sleep I’d had in a while; despite the hotel’s very central location it was pleasingly quiet. There was also a large 49-inch HD TV with Chromecast, which was ideal for relaxing the night before taking an international flight the following day, and high-speed WiFi to ensure that you can get some work done or simply scroll to your heart’s content.
The colour scheme of muted greys and aubergine purples, combined with simple herringbone wood flooring, felt fresh and modern with a touch of regal opulence, and just like downstairs, unique pieces of art adorned the walls. There was a bright red Smeg fridge and minibar, which although a clashing choice but was in-keeping with the hotel’s bold and unapologetic character, along with a safe and a small coffee-making area, with a Nespresso coffee machine.
In the living area, sophisticated tan leather arm chairs offered a comfortable seating area in which to pop open the bottle of prosecco that was waiting for us and indulge in the platter of decadent sweet treats that had kindly been left to welcome us. As an extra surprise, there was also a balloon waiting to be popped with some gorgeous gifts inside it, including some silk eye masks, a lavender deep sleep spray and some ear plugs, which was a really lovely touch (and probably also has something to do with that excellent night’s sleep!)
All rooms at the hotel have air conditioning and feature an iron and ironing board – which if you’re anything like me, is always welcome and saves time on having to ring down to reception to request one. They also offer bathrobes and slippers, which you can pop on to head down to the spa (more on that later).
The bathroom was modern and sleek, with a rainfall shower and decadent, incredible-smelling toiletries, and plush towels.
Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including standard rooms, superior rooms, and spacious suites, catering to different needs and budgets. If you’re planning an extended stay or travelling with family then I’d highly recommend treating yourself to a suite, as the separate living area, additional seating and upgraded amenities promise maximum comfort and flexibility.
Food and drink
NYX Hotel London Holborn is located within easy walking distance of a plethora of restaurants and cafes, but you only have to venture downstairs to find a trendy eatery and bar, known as Midtown, right on site that places a focus on using locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious dishes.
It’s a vibrant social space that takes on a sophisticated London vibe in the evenings. Regular events happen here, including DJ nights and live music, so there’s always a lively undertone, no matter what day of the week it is.
The food menu is fairly simple but includes a range of options, from traditional British fare to international cuisine drawing inspiration from the Americas and the Middle East, ensuring there’s something for everyone – think classics like beer battered fish and chips and steak with peppercorn sauce, and international favourites like katsu curry and pulled pork nachos, along with an array of burgers, sides and desserts.
If you’re in the mood for a tipple, then the bar serves up an enticing menu of expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines and beers, too, with knowledgeable mixologists on hand to make recommendations if you’re in need of some inspiration.
A generous buffet breakfast is also served at Midtown in the mornings, and features a mouthwatering spread of breads, pastries, fruit and an egg station where the chefs will readily cook you up a freshly-made omelette on the spot.
Service is always friendly and attentive, too, which makes the entire experience a pleasure.
The hotel also boasts a stylish rooftop bar called Glasshouse, where guests can choose from a creative list of cocktails and enjoy them whilst taking in stunning views of the city. Sadly, it isn’t open every night and was closed when I visited – but word on the street is, it’s definitely worth checking out. Ideally, for its ‘Afternoon Teaquila’ – NYX’s afternoon tea with a Mexican twist – which, by the way, is bottomless.
To do
With such a central location, it goes without saying that there’s no shortage of things to do when staying at NYX Hotel London Holborn – but one of the very best is within the walls of the hotel itself. The Rena Spa is small but perfectly formed, featuring a sauna, steam room and 13 metre Greco-Roman swimming pool surrounded by loungers where you can kick back and relax for a while with a good book. There are also a range of rejuvenating treatments that can be booked in advance if you want to really max and relax. So, if you’re feeling in need of an escape from the busy city for a while, then look no further.
Not that you’d want to for too long, because there’s an incredible amount to do on your doorstep. The British Museum, just. short walk from the hotel, promises to whisk you back to times gone by and immerse yourself in British history and art from over the centuries. Famous shopping hotspots Oxford Street and Covent Garden are also easily accessible if you’re in the mood for a splurge, and offer a whole host of high-end boutiques, luxury fashion houses and high-street department stores.
Nearby Bloomsbury is perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll and offers an opportunity to experience one of London’s most charming neighborhoods, taking your time as you wander past its pretty gardens and enjoy a pause or two at one of its many quaint cafes.
In a nutshell
A stylish and eclectic hotel that is full of character, when it comes to perfectly located accommodation with all you need for a comfortable stay, NYX Hotel London Holborn has got it covered. With friendly service and a few extra surprises to make you feel special too, it’s the ideal choice for a weekend break in the capital.
Factbox
Address: 50 – 60 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR
Phone: +44 020 7242 1800
Website: https://www.nyx-hotels.co.uk/
All imagery credit: NYX Hotel London Holborn
