‘nhow’ you’re talking. The ideal base for an urban adventure, nhow London is ideal for the wellness worshipper who also likes to let their hair down (and jean’s belt out)
East London is really a place that’s starting to grow on me. For many years I avoided it – deemed it too edgy and cool for the likes of me and my preppy Abercrombie wardrobe – but it feels like those days of deliberate detours are long behind me. I can appreciate this part of the city for its incredible creativity, delectable foodie scene and of course, excellent run routes.
So when the opportunity arose to enjoy a night of gluttony at the sleek nhow London, a modishly modern hotel located about a 10-minute stroll from Old Street station, I didn’t hesitate to say yes to a night within these Shoreditch sheets – especially knowing that this time (I’ve been lucky enough to stay once before) I’d be devouring the menu at its since-opened Guilty restaurant.
The Hotel
The four-star nhow London is part of the global nhow brand, a fun, lively and tongue-in-cheek hotel group that puts having fun at the heart of a guest’s stay. Nhow London isn’t exactly my first rodeo – I’ve also been fortunate enough to visit its Frankfurt and Milan-based properties – plus as mentioned, I’ve also stayed within these walls once before just after covid.
I genuinely love the creative vibrancy of this brand – especially when it comes to the somewhat eccentric decor you’ll find within. nhow London is no different – walk into the lobby and find yourself greeted by a sea of contemporary fixtures and displays – from a London Eye-themed pastry station through to graffiti-like armchairs and punk-inspired artwork. There’s even a crown full of sweets awaiting you by reception.
This property is flamboyant and fun, yet ultra comfortable and sleek at the same time. I’m tired from a day of frantic dashing around the city, so swooping up in the lift towards the room feels like a welcome respite. The sense of frivolity continues as we approach the room’s bright red door, awaiting at the very end of a sultrily-lit hallway – there’s even a doorbell to accompany this grand corner suite. Ding ding.
The Room
There’s something undeniably fabulous about swishing a hotel key to a gorgeous hotel suite for the first time. Segmented into different living areas by a large structural pillar which makes the suite feel more like an apartment, my vast abode features everything needed for a night of relaxing.
Modern and inviting, the space brims with nhow’s trademark green colour schemes, especially in the living room where a blanket of patterned carpet sits silkily under my feet as I explore. It’s not all play, of course – the comfortable couch makes an excellent makeshift office for a few hours as me and my guest tick off a few emails pre-dinner.
Moving on to the boudoir, guests can unwind further in the enormous marble-clad bathroom and contemporary bedroom. The white and gold elements of the space conjure sophisticated grandeur that makes the hotel feel incredibly inviting – aided by endless toiletries (hello branded bath salts) and patterned towels with forest green etchings. For those that prefer a faster pamper fix, the huge walk-in rainfall shower is perfect – although be warned, it can get a little slippery on the floor.
nhow has the tiniest of details covered, with the addition of a Nespresso machine, wide plasma TV and enveloping robes monogrammed with ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ detailing for a sweet touch.
The Food & Drink
Sitting in a large and spacious booth for the evening, we settle in pretty quickly for a hefty dose of the quintessential ‘Girl Dinner’ and a night of gossiping (yep, just like the restaurant – I’m guilty). Guilty’s modern British menu is varied and decadent, I spot the likes of nachos, steak, fish ‘n chips and club sandwiches on the wide menu selection.
Both me and my friend go for the classic – Caesar salad topped with a crispy pan-seared salmon fillet, plus a side of truffle fries. I say a side – what arrives is more like an entire tray – each. I’m not complaining (although your waistline might be) and I absolutely love throwing carb caution to the wind and getting stuck in to the piping hot pile of perfection. This is heartily-delicious cuisine, where calorie counting doesn’t get a look in. Pick up a fork and enjoy the art of enjoyment instead.
The atmosphere at Guilty is notably relaxed, with a quiet but friendly ambience. This is a great spot for a very laidback evening with friends or even an afternoon meeting, with hours easily spent chatting away. There’s no pressure to finish and leave – one staff member even high fives us as we depart for the awaiting upstairs pillows. Well, there’s a first time for everything.
Breakfast is also served here, presented as a huge buffet selection of continental and hot options. Pastries, breads, eggs, hot classics, salad and more can be found around the different stations, with no limit on platefuls or portions. Sorry to the caffeine snobs, as coffee comes via a machine – but guests can also order eggs a la carte if they fancy something more special.
The Wellness
If you’re like me, a staycation in London simply wouldn’t be complete without a tourist run. If you love exploring via foot, this hotel is ideally located for a spot of urban adventuring, with Camden, Hackney and Islington on its doorstep. Following a quick morning coffee thanks to the room’s much-needed pod machine, I pull on my Brooks and head out for a 9km outing with my friend along the nearby canal to Victoria Park and back.
The kilometres feel like they fly by as we chat our away along the narrow path – my calves have been fully re-fuelled thanks to the preceding evening’s french fry feast despite already running a fair few miles during the days beforehand.
Being both flat and easy to follow makes this East London route an excellent one for anyone who gets nervous running in busy or new places – plus there’s the bonus of fun art installations and quirky sightseeing opportunities along the way. I return feeling genuinely elated with my Strava outing (and ready to tackle the buffet breakfast head on). There’s also an on-site gym decked out with TechnoGym equipment for those that prefer a weights or indoor-led session.
The Wordrobe Verdict
‘nhow’ you’re talking. The ideal base for an urban adventure, nhow London is ideal for the wellness worshipper who also likes to let their hair down (and jean’s belt out). The food is decadent, the interiors modernly sophisticated and there’s just the right amount of charisma to give this East London property a sense of place that fits right into its eccentric surroundings.
Make it happen
How: Find out more and make a booking via nhow-hotels.com
Where: nhow London, Macclesfield road 2 EC1V 8DG London
