The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell

Set among the cobbled streets of Clerkenwell on a historic and picturesque little square, this hotel’s hip vibe starts with a beautiful Georgian facade, complete with sophisticated lamps, smart brickwork, and wrought-iron gates. Inside, the Cocktail Lounge replaces the usual hotel lobby and reception area. Instead, a side table and laptop are all that’s used to check-in guests. The result is a relaxed and informal vibe, with guests encouraged to take a seat in the lounge and enjoy the atmosphere rather than worry about booking details. Part trendy bar area, part homey lounge, the style is that of a little shop of curiosities, with photographs, stag’s heads, dolls, and other collectibles lining the walls. Several deep and comfortable armchairs upholstered in rich red velvet or sage green call to mind an eccentric aunt’s living room -- the hotel has affectionately named her Wilhelmina. It can be dark in the lounge, largely due to the number of accessories, the red-pink walls, and the heavy drape curtains, but this only serves to heighten the atmosphere. Elsewhere the idiosyncratic look continues with a ping-pong table in The Games Room and huge life-size kangaroo with boxing gloves in The Dining Room. Obviously, the unconventional style draws a young and trendy crowd, though there's appeal for all here as well.

Nestled between Clerkenwell and the City on historic St. John’s Square, The Zetter Townhouse is surrounded by Michelin-star restaurants, upmarket bars, and artisanal markets. There are even a few interesting museums and architectural points of interest within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. In terms of getting around, it's easy to explore Clerkenwell on foot, but for journeys farther afield, plenty of bus routes can be picked up near the hotel. Farringdon Station and the new Crossrail are less than a five-minute walk away. It takes seven minutes to walk to revered Michelin-star restaurant, Club Gascon, with Exmouth Market just beyond that. Sadler’s Wells Theatre is an 11-minute walk from the hotel. For business guests, the proximity to the City is a real draw here. It takes just 15 minutes by bus or 17 minutes walking to reach St. Paul’s Station, which is considered the gateway to the City. Unfortunately, London’s iconic landmarks aren’t as close, with Big Ben taking 25 minutes to reach and Buckingham Palace requiring a 30-minute, two-train journey. The closest airport is Heathrow, which is an hour away by car or train. Luton Airport, however, is very accessible. Guests can pick up a Thameslink train from Farringdon Station, which goes all the way to Luton Airport Parkway, where a shuttle takes travelers to the airport. This journey takes an hour in total. 

The 13 bedrooms are spread out over three floors, giving each level an unusually wide hallway and sense of privacy, not easily achieved in the heart of East London. The style throughout is comfortable but exotic, with pieces of furniture picked up from local stores and the owner’s own extensive travels. Interiors vary slightly from room to room. Club Rooms tend to feature pink-red walls, thick carpeted floors, dark wood furniture, cozy armchairs, and outlandish artwork, plus, some have regal four-poster beds with Gainsborough fabrics. Deluxe Rooms champion a largely blue scheme with some yellow accents coming from the heavy draped curtains, intricately patterned lamps, and highly ornate headboards. The deep, warm tones continue in the Suites, while the Townhouse Apartment has a refined safari style, with elephant prints and carriage chairs. Beds are comfortable and have Hypnos mattresses, while Suites and the apartment have separate seating areas. There are ample sized writing desks in all the rooms too, as well as bedside tables. High-end amenities include flat-screen digital TVs, BOSE portable Bluetooth speakers, a snacks and drinks tray, plus free Wi-Fi, wardrobes with laptop-sized safes, slippers, and bathrobes. Monochrome bathrooms have rain dance showers and some Deluxe Rooms feature incredible marble tubs with gold mosaic tiling. Bathrooms come with full-sized hairdryers and REN bath products. Endearing extra touches include the personal selection of novels in each room, hot water bottles in hand-knitted covers, and retro-style telephone, which are all quaint and absolutely charming. Upgrading to a Deluxe Room will get you great views of St. John’s Square as well as a personal selection of the Townhouse's own bottled cocktails. The most impressive option, however, is the Townhouse Apartment, which is a spacious suite overlooking London’s skyline. A free-standing roll-top bath, king-size bed, and Nespresso machine, plus two TVs, and SONOS sound system are included. 

The hotel’s drawcard for both guests and locals is the characterful Cocktail Lounge, which overlooks the cobbled streets of Clerkenwell and is just off St. John’s Square. Of course, the recipes are inspired by retro concoctions and herbal remedies, which fits perfectly with the apothecary-style counter. As well as being a drinks destination, the lounge is popular for afternoon tea too. It’s here in the Cocktail Lounge that the Full English or Continental breakfast is served, which includes a good spread of quality food. There’s also a comprehensive bar menu. Entertainment is laid on each month in the form of a party, event, or masterclass. In the past, these have included raucous performances by a New Orleans’s jazz band and flapper girls dancing the Charleston.Despite its size, this small boutique hotel does have two meetings rooms, The Games Room and The Dining Room. Both are versatile spaces suitable for smaller business meetings. Like elsewhere in the hotel, the style is less stuffy and corporate than most meeting rooms in London, instead, expect a ping-pong table and large kangaroo, complete with boxing gloves, though the decor can be amended to suit the needs of guests. Facilities in the meeting rooms include a small courtyard, sound system, 50-inch plasma screen, and staff if required. Wi-fi is also free throughout the hotel.