With the increasing amount of millennials on the move, it’s no surprise that hotels are rushing to meet the demand of a generation who wants the world (but also wants a bargain). Although I’m currently staying in the London area, I took the train into town for a little staycation at The East London Hotel.
The East London Hotel has stripped down the offerings of a typical hotel to make it accessible to the young travelers who want to explore this hip neighborhood. I love the area and it’s one of the best places to stay in London. This hotel near Bethnal Green Station is perfect for travelers unfamiliar with London or prone to getting lost. And a one-minute walk from the tube means you can pack what you want without worrying about carrying it far.
Gone is the typical check in desk. In its place is a long table with three iPads and card readers. When I checked in, there were two staff members on site to assist me with getting a key. But when I checked out, it was a DIY situation.
On the fifth floor, I entered my room, bright from the afternoon sun. My room looked over the park, which is a welcome slice of green in the city. The artwork pays homage to this great city. Since the real Big Ben is under wraps until 2021, this is as close to sleeping under Big Ben as I’ll get!
My day was spent making good use of the free, fast WiFi. It was even good enough to complete my video interview for Starting with a Story’s podcast! The TV built into the wall in front of the bed was a reward for the completion of a day’s work. I thoroughly enjoyed basking in the luxury of doing nothing.
The Standard Double Room is built in the compact, container style, offering only the necessities. A slender, open hanging rack rids the #OOTD of wrinkles, while the under bed storage hides away luggage.
A safe keeps valuables locked away during your out of hotel adventures, while a Nespresso machine caffeinates you. (Sorry Brits, this is a BYO Tea establishment.. I didn’t see a single tea bag in the room!)
The bathroom is compact with large versions of hand soap, body lotion and a dual shampoo/shower gel. The traveler in me that loves having miniatures to take away was a little disappointed (RITUALS Infinity smells really yummy!), but the sustainable traveler in me is glad that there’s a LOT less plastic waste coming from The East London Hotel.
The friendly staff recommended dinner options, and I had the most delicious tres leches cake of my life at Arepa & Co. I’ve tried some good ones in Texas, but this super sweet, meringue-topped dessert takes the cake! The hotel is just a few streets away from Brick Lane, so your options for going out are endless. If you’re looking for a quiet night in, though, the hotel has a full bar downstairs.
In the morning, the hotel offers breakfast. My recommendation? London’s your oyster! Don’t miss out on the amazing brunch restaurants in Shoreditch or the super sweet cereals of your youth at Cereal Killer Cafe!
No matter what you choose to do while you’re in London, The East London Hotel provides easy tube access to get everywhere you want to go!
Note: I was a guest of The East London Hotel. All opinions are my own.
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