VIBE

Funky, modern, space-age feel, with lots of strong colors–primarily red and black–throughout the former warehouse. Lobby has an atrium that allows for natural light to come in, and there are usually a handful of guests lounging here throughout the day having a drink or a bite to eat. Very congenial atmosphere, helped along with friendly, very informal staff. In the guest rooms, secondhand Penguin Paperbacks on nightstands and extensive DVD/music library add a touch of fun. Bathrooms have walk-in rain showers but most do not have baths.

GO HERE WITH

Yourself, because you can’t fit anyone else unless you spring for a premium room. If it is summer and you want to enjoy a few cocktails on a nice terrace, bring a few friends along to a top floor room.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This is one of the more affordable options in London, and the Clerkenwell location (near the Sadler Wells Theatre, Exmouth Market, and St. John’s Gate Museum) is decidedly cool. The staff was very friendly, and the rooftop studios are roomier options with nice terraces so you can look out onto London.

AMENITY WE LOVE

Serve-yourself coffeemaker in the hall on each floor with decent coffee, latte, and cappuccino options. Also, the alcoholic vending machine is unique and quite entertaining (the Brits do like their drink!), with splits of champagne, gin and tonic sets, along with Pimm’s cup, just in case you fancy a cocktail in the comforts of your room… love it.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Room size, which is snug. Bijou room can only accommodate one person comfortably. Service is very friendly, but just a little more rough around the edges than our other picks, with no baggage assistance at curbside and multiple calls needed to get our wireless password.

GOOD TO KNOW

Price has a direct correlation with square footage–spring for a higher class room. Rooftop rooms are quite lovely. Rooms that face St. John’s Square are loud at night. Sister property The Zetter Townhouse is located just across St. John’s Square from The Zetter Hotel.

CLOSEST COMPS

The Hoxton Urban Lodge (London)

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