The Hoxton, Shepherds Bush, London

BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. This property opened in December 2022 in West London, marking Hoxton’s fourth hotel in the capital, with existing properties in Shoreditch, Holborn and Southwark.

WHERE IS IT? It is located at the north end of Shepherd’s Bush Green, near Shepherd’s Bush Empire and within walking distance of Shepherd’s Bush Market, Westfield shopping centre and BBC Television Centre.

Shepherd’s Bush underground and overground stations are a ten-minute walk away, and the 94 bus stops just outside and takes you into central London via Notting Hill.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Often lively and energetic, with a bustling wraparound bar belonging to all-day restaurant Chet’s facing you as you enter. The lobby is narrow, with the reception located to the left-hand side and shop Plastic Freedom, which sells sustainable products, at the opposite end. There are comfy armchairs along this stretch where people can gather for informal meetings.

The check-in desk resembles a high-end cinema counter, with walls lined with snacks and drinks (in place of in-room minibars).

Guests have the option of flexible check-in and check-out times, if requested 72 hours in advance, otherwise check-in is from 2pm and check-out at 12pm.

Every Thursday from 5-9pm the hotel hosts DJ sets in partnership with local shop Next Door Records. Guests can pin local recommendations onto a noticeboard in the lift bank – a nice way to champion independents in the neighbourhood.

ROOMS The hotel’s 237 rooms all feature the same nostalgic design, with peach-toned walls, warm lighting, copper finishes and beautiful lighting fixtures. As you enter, a retro Roberts radio plays old-school hits taking you back to the 1970s, though the clientele seem to be of a younger generation.

Room categories include the compact 14.5 sqm Snug and same-sized Hideout, 18.5 sqm Cosy (and an ‘Up’ version with extra-large windows) and the 18.5 sqm Roomy. The Hideout, a new category, features basement rooms without windows, which may be a hard sell but the cheaper rate might entice some. While the rooms are on the small side, the space is well-designed. For instance, available space is maximised through the creation of onion’ – a fried onion which resembled a lotus flower – alongside stir-fried yellow miso aubergine, coconut and lemongrass seabass curry and pineapple fried rice served in the fruit shell. an open wardrobe, built into the right-hand side of the desk fitting. Cosy and Roomy categories are better suited for business travellers as they have a wooden desk as well as a co ee table and lounging area. I found it easy to work from the room. The road can be a little noisy, but not disruptive.

It has an upmarket 1950s diner feel, with open kitchen, booths, two-person tables and plush high-top tables. The two-person tables were too small for the sharing ethos; we had trouble sharing four dishes along with a drink.

Breakfast at this hotel is served from 7-10.30am, or guests can hang a breakfast bag on their door to get delivery of a breakfast pot, juice and fruit whenever they wake up (£4 per person).

All rooms include comfy king-size beds, tea and co ee, a laptop safe, blackout curtains, a TV and a mini fridge with water and fresh milk. The beds are comfortable and the terrazzo-topped bedside tables have both USB and plug sockets.

Bathrooms feature rainfall showers and amenities from The Hoxton’s brand, Blank. There is free wifi throughout (no password required) and you get an hour of free calls per day (including international calls).

FOOD AND DRINK ThaiAmericana restaurant Chet’s is helmed by Kris Yenbamroong of LA venue Night and Market. The sharing-style menu o ers Thai cuisine with American influences. We enjoyed the crispy ‘tingling

MEETINGS

The Apartment, located o the lobby, comprises four rooms with retractable walls centred around a communal pantry.

LEISURE

There are no leisure facilities.

VERDICT

The Hoxton is a fantastic, buzzy addition to Shepherd’s Bush that champions local venues. Rooms are small but welldesigned and dining at Chet’s is a must.

Hannah Brandler

BEST FOR

Stylish decor in the well-located neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush

DON’T MISS

Sharing spicy Thai dishes at lively Chet’s PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April start from £174 for a Snug room CONTACT

65 Shepherd’s Bush Green, London W12 8QE; +44 20 354 031 40; thehoxton.com

Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

BACKGROUND Movenpick’s first beach resort in the UAE opened its doors last year in Ras Al Khaimah. We recently checked into the property, and it doesn’t fail to impress. The resort has two buildings connected by a suspended bridge, which instantly caught our attention with its impressive architecture.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel sets an immediate tone for an ‘island’ feel, with a strong emphasis on nature-centricity. The entrance hallway leads to the lobby on the right, which is adorned with grey walls, soothing hues and attentive service. Ocean-inspired light fixtures hang from the ceiling, a wall nearby is covered with a large line drawing, while high-back wicker chairs o er a perfect reading spot. The floor-toceiling glass windows allow natural light to pour in and o er views of lush greenery outside, with winding pathways leading to the pristine beach.

WHERE IS IT? The resort is located on the man-made Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. It is a 50-minute drive from Dubai International airport, and is close to other properties including DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa Marjan Island and Rixos Bab Al Bahr.

FOOD AND DRINK We headed to Boons for brunch which had plenty on o er from salads, breads and sushi to an inviting dessert spread, accompanied by live music.

BEST FOR

The ability to disconnect due to the resort’s ‘island’ feel

DON’T MISS

Watching the sun set from the rooftop lounge, while downing a Red Star mocktail

Price

Internet rates for a Panoramic Bridge Junior suite in mid-April start from Dhs830

Contact

Al Marjan Island Boulevard, Ras Al Khaimah; +971 7 246 0000; movenpick.com

A warm and friendly vibe came strongly through. We’d recommend the mushroom tortellini, braised beef short ribs, volcano roll sushi and smoked salmon rillette. We headed to the Neo Sky Bar later, which is the island’s only rooftop lounge o ering stunning views. For dinner, we returned to Boons, where we’d recommend you try the Wagyu Entrecôte. We also dug our feet into the sand the following day for lunch when we headed to Beach House, where we recommend the Kick-in Wings and Steak Fajitas. Other restaurants and bars at the property include The Market, Ula and the Moca Lobby Lounge as well.

ROOMS There are 418 rooms, suites and chalets on the property. We checked into the Panoramic Bridge Junior suite on the top floor located on the suspended bridge. The suite o ers sweeping sea views and strongly reflects currents of modern design. It has plenty of storage space, a sofa bed and a large balcony. Thankfully, the bed isn’t stacked up against a wall. A partition flanking the bed hosts the LED TV. There is an enclosed walk-in shower o ering sea views, a bathtub as well as sustainable bathroom amenities.

The hotel sets an immediate tone for an ‘island’ feel, with a strong emphasis on nature-centricity

LEISURE The gym is open 24 hours, while the Citrine Day Spa is open from 10am until 10pm. Guests who fancy an adrenaline rush can opt for water sports, which are available until sunset. A floating waterpark is also present on the premises, along with multiple swimming pools.

BUSINESS A ballroom on the property can accommodate 300 people, and that figure can be increased to 450 guests for standing events. The space can be divided into two distinct sections and is complemented by a pre-function area and terrace. Meanwhile, the two meeting rooms, named after the mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, can each host up to 60 people. Each meeting room can be further divided into two smaller sections as well.

VERDICT An ideal family-friendly getaway, coupled with impeccable service, great food and stunning views. A must on your staycation – or blesiure – radar. Zainab Mansoor