Radiating from the original hipster hotspot of Shoreditch and encompassing Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane and Bethnal Green, the borough is your one-stop-shop for edgy fashion, alternative music, kale salads and cocktails served in Mason jars.
Tower Hamlets is the ideal place to explore London’s alternative side and to make sure you get the full experience, we’ve put together a list of our top five hipster hotels as part of our London Neighbourhoods series
Set in the heart of the vibrant East End, the Town Hall Hotel boasts everything a dedicated hipster could want, with cool amenities, a stylish interior design and central location. Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms are individually designed and feature bespoke furniture, an iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries.
The hotel’s characteristic Edwardian exterior and art-deco décor are a constant source of inspiration for Instagrammers, with guest snaps being regularly shared on the Town Hall’s official Instagram account – a perfect opportunity for those looking to increase their followers.
Displaying all the charm and humour that makes East London so welcoming and lovable, the Qbic London City is the perfect hipster accommodation for anyone looking to rediscover their cockney heritage.
Nods to East End tradition and culture are found throughout the hotel, with a large “Alright Treacle?” fluorescent sign hanging proudly in the lobby. Guests can choose to stay in one of three distinct room types – Fun, Cosy or Smart – which are each equipped with an amazing rain-shower, super-king-size bed, flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
Boundary is a modern hotel exuding all the charm and charisma of old-world grandeur. Conveniently located next to Shoreditch High Street, guests are within easy reach of the Old Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane Market – both hipster institutions.
The hotel’s USP is its amazing rooftop restaurant and terrace gardens. Open year-round, the heated orangery is the ideal place to relax with a cocktail after spending the day exploring London. But if rooftop drinks aren’t your thing, guests can choose to unwind in one of the hotel’s charming individually-decorated rooms or suites.
Located just outside Tower Hamlets but in the heart of Shoreditch, The Hoxton is proud of its East End roots and isn’t afraid to brag about them. Operating on the mantra of “Live East, Love East”, the hotel boasts everything a guest could want. Each of the small but perfectly-formed rooms boast extremely comfy beds, rain-showers and free Wi-Fi, but that’s not all.
Each guest is also treated to a Breakfast Bag – “what’s that?”, I hear you ask. Every morning, staff will drop off a complimentary breakfast package, complete with yoghurt, granola, fruit and orange juice, at your door – perfect fuel for your East End adventures.
Situated in Shoreditch and encompassing everything the area is famous for – food, culture, innovation and creativity – the Ace Hotel is the perfect option for anyone looking for an authentic London hipster experience. Boasting its own basement nightclub, which holds nightly musical performances, the hotel remains loyal to its punk past, with guitars, turntables and vinyl records featured throughout the hotel.
All hotel rooms feature vintage furniture, original artwork, an in-room safe and a flat screen TV, as well as video-on-demand and high-tech Revo radios.