DEPARTURES
Reality check
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Hote l: Hub b y pr e m ie r , s h o r e ditc h , L o ndo n the hotel
A former Victorian stable
luggage in a compartment under the
block, this 246-room hotel opened in
bed, plug sockets were above the pull-
Quaker Street, Shoreditch, in summer
out desk (no scrambling), the 40” smart
2021. It’s one of 14 hub by Premier
TV was simple to operate and, best of
properties, a brand which launched in
all, from a simple bedside touchscreen
2014 and promises cleverly-designed
panel I could set the lights to full, partly
compact rooms in city centres with
dimmed, dimmed, or off, press a ‘do not
“everything you'd expect from a Premier
disturb’ sign and even control the room
Inn room in about half the space”.
temperature. If you lie still for long
I arrived late and my
enough, lights turn off to conserve
cab driver had a bit of trouble finding
energy and if you wave your hand
the place. I guess it’s still fairly new. I
they’ll come back on. Genius. Wi-Fi is
was greeted by two friendly gents at the
free and speedy too. The shower was
small reception desk, behind Covid
super powerful and there’s a hair dryer.
screens. There are self check-in kiosks
The decor was simple, bright and
too. A few people were still milling
everything felt new and clean.
THE CHECK-IN
about in the open-plan lobby/bar/
COVID STRATEGY
restaurant/lounge. I made myself a
operates CleanProtect, a rigorous
cuppa (24-hour free tea and coffee) and
cleaning regime developed in
took the lift to my second floor room.
partnership with Diversey, a global
THE ROOM
The hotel has a mix of
THE FACILITIES
cleaning and hygiene product supplier.
Breakfast (hot and
continental) costs £7. There’s a bar and
Premier Inn
you can order a limited menu of
The decor was simple and bright and everything felt new and clean
evening meals, such as pizza or curry. THE VERDICT
I didn’t notice the lack
of bedroom space because the design
Standard and Bigger hub rooms. I had a
Measures includes more frequent
Bigger room, which is slightly more
cleaning of high-touch areas. Unlike
spacious and has a king-size bed rather
other hotel brands, Premier employs all
than a double. As promised, the room
of its 9,000-strong housekeeping team
6SN; 0333 003 8101; premierinn.com.
design was very clever. I could store my
directly to ensure high standards.
Rooms start from £49. Bev
was so brilliant. Perfect for an affordable, no-frills overnight stay. The detailS
Quaker St, London E1
Fearis
H OTEL: CONR A D LONDON ST . J A MES THE HOTEL
This five-star 256-room
bedding and noise insulation helped me
Hilton property is in the former Queen
sleep well. There was a good-sized work
Anne's Chambers, a 19th-century
table along with abundant power and
building. Although right opposite St
USB points. A 42-inch HDTV satellite TV,
James Tube Station, in the heart of
with Chromecast, was built into a large
Westminster, it's away from the main
LCD panel in the wall. The marble-
streets in a relatively quiet area.
furnished bathroom was very spacious,
COVID STRATEGY
The Conrad follows
with a separate bathtub, walk-in rain
Hilton's CleanStay programme. The
shower and Shanghai Tang toiletries.
Hilton Honors app can be used to check
There was a Nespresso machine with
in, choose your room, and opt in for a
plenty of coffee pods and Hope + Glory
digital key.
t-bags. Warning: the gently sloping wall
THE CHECK-IN
Sunshine poured in
angles by the window aren't
through the lobby's angular skylight and
immediately obvious - I twice knocked
I was welcomed with a warm smile.
my head sitting in the window chair.
There's a mesmerising art centrepiece,
THE BUSINESS
There are seven well-
The Ladder to Bronze by Tom Clark,
equipped meeting rooms of various
which apparently represents power in
sizes on the bottom floor and an
the hands of the people - a nice
Executive Lounge on the top floor.
reference to the hotel’s proximity to the decision-makers in Westminster. THE ROOM
My King Deluxe Room
THE FACILITIES
These revolve mainly
around the newish dining/drinking options - The elegant Hedgerow, The
THE VERDICT
This is a competitively-
priced and classy hotel that is small enough to feel intimate, welcoming and
THIS CLASSY hotel is small enough to feel intimate and almost 'boutiquey'
almost 'boutiquey" – and in a great location. The lively Blue Boar pub is a place to return to time and time again, even if you're not staying at the hotel.
(604) was a little on the smallish side
Pem restaurant, with an art Deco feel,
considering the room category but
and the Blue Boar pub, a fabulous
London, SW1H 0BH; 020 3301 8080;
made excellent use of the space and
recreation of a London pub with craft
hilton.com. A King Deluxe Room starts
was very comfortable. Egyptian cotton
beers and even a Sunday roast.
from £288. Steve
40
THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.com
THE DETAILS
22-28 Broadway,
Hartridge
