Kip Hotel

Kip Hotel is situated moments from Hackney Central Overground Station, in a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood. It’s tucked away off the main street, with the hotel’s signature minimalist signage blending with the surrounding streetscape. Sharing an entrance with a Travelodge, guests have to use an elevator to get to the hotel’s second-floor lobby. Expect a fittingly informal and cool style once you enter, where reception doubles as a tiny cafe and you'll spot hotel-branded hoodies, caps, and bikes proudly displayed in black-and-white tones. Seating is limited, and communal areas are non-existent, so guests head straight up to their rooms. Each floor has a couple of hallway seats and pretty fairy lights, which all feels youthful and fun. The monochromatic hues ensure widespread appeal, while the large potted plants dotted about bring some welcome color and a homey atmosphere to the otherwise stripped-back style. Guests tend to be predominantly leisure travelers and the hotel is particularly popular with groups and families because of its bunk beds. Understandably, the low rates and shared rooms attract a party crowd on weekends or when there’s a festival, and some guests have complained about the noise levels. 

First-time visitors to London may not have heard of Hackney, and the area has something of a checkered past. It is, however, going through a renewal and the signs of gentrification are everywhere. Just a short stroll away are shabby-chic pubs like The Old Ship Inn and The Cock Tavern, plus there’s the Breaking Bad-themed ABQ cocktail bar just down the road. Step out of the hotel’s shared entrance and you’ll be able to see Hackney Central Station, a mere one-minute walk away. Hackney Empire, a famous restored theatre with incredibly original interiors, is just four minutes away on foot. Hackney also has a great market scene. It takes 12 minutes on foot to reach Mentmore Terrace, a quirky stretch of road with cafes, breweries, and vintage shops. It takes 12 minutes by bus to reach the fashionable Broadway Market, which takes place on Saturdays. While there’s lots of discover locally, more famous sights and attractions take over 30 minutes to reach. Buckingham Palace requires two trains and just over 30 minutes to reach, whereas the Houses of Parliament require two trains and around 40 minutes. Tourist favorite Hyde Park is also between 30 and 40 minutes away. Budget just over an hour to reach Luton and Gatwick Airports by taxi or train, while Heathrow takes an hour and fifteen minutes to get to, depending on the traffic. Heathrow takes about the same amount of time -- 75 minutes -- to reach via train and tube connections from the Kip Hotel as well.

Rooms at the Kip Hotel range from minuscule pod-inspired cabins to a decadent penthouse suite, and everything in between. All are styled in the same cool contemporary way. Expect black pillowcases, white linens, and dark flooring, plus large green plants. Pops of personality comes in the form of Vice magazine, which is in every room, as well as slightly irreverent artwork – but nothing too overbearing. Guests tend to appreciate the modern and sleek look, and it’s reflective of this hip area. There are 13 room categories in total, which gives you some idea as to how flexible the sleeping arrangements are. Stand-out categories include Family Rooms, which have a double bed plus two cute bunk beds, and the Friend's Room, which have three double bunks stacked next to each other. Other categories include windowless rooms and five rooms which share the use of one bathroom. The latter are especially appealing for the budget conscious. If you have specific requirements, it's well worth calling the hotel, as the multiple categories have led to disappointment for some guests who confused what they were booking. Rooms don’t come with wardrobes, instead, most have a few hangers and peg hooks. If you’re only staying one night it won’t be too much of an issue, but it’s worth keeping in mind for longer stays. There are flat-screen Smart TVs in all rooms plus air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and multiple outlets. Bathrooms are simple, but clean, with showers throughout the hotel and Kip branded toiletries. In the Studios, there are Russell Hobbs kettles and microwaves, plus electric cookers, and utensils. A few of the rooms have attractive terraces too. All categories have similar amenities, so upgrading won’t merit any extras, just more spacious floor plans.

Kip Hotel doesn’t have a restaurant or breakfast area -- in fact, there aren’t really any communal areas at all. The hotel’s features are limited to a members program, which entitles you to room discounts and the use of bikes during your stay. Kip also has some local partnerships, which change frequently, and give guests discounts at various local stores. You can snag some local pastries and fresh coffee in the lobby, but that's about it for features aside from free Wi-Fi.