The Zetter Hotel

The Scene

A great deal of London forgot about Clerkenwell for a good few decades, but thanks to hotels like the Zetter and an innovative attitude, it’s become the new hip neighborhood. Gastropubs were born and perfected here and there’s also loads of nightlife (megaclub Fabric is within walking distance) if you can pull away from the Bistrot downstairs, seriously consider a visit at the alluring cocktail lounge at sister hotel Zetter Townhouse across the street. You’re quite close to nearly all of London’s top sights; for fantastic advice that’s hard to come by even in the hotel industry, just ask the staff for their advice on what to see and do.

The Concept

The Zetter Hotel adopted its name from a former football pools* company that used to call this Victorian warehouse home and kept all the fun that comes with it in the atmosphere. The space maintains the light and airy feel common to converted warehouses but also imbues a flair for contemporary style with a touch of vintage into common areas and rooms alike. The atrium is central architectural feature of the Zetter, but what’ll really catch your eye as you walk in is the woodlands-inspired mural in the lobby (this trend of big artwork is delightfully continued throughout the hotel). Forget to bring the party with you? No matter, there’s a constant buzz downstairs thanks to Bistrot Bruno Loubet and the bright bar…plus champagne and anything else you may have forgotten in vending machines on every floor.

The Look

The garnet-tiled reception desk sweeps your eye into the mural and up into the round atrium while sweeping you into the lobby, lounge, and bar. In your room, large windows allows loads of light in; for even more light, book a room on the rooftop and get curved floor-to- ceiling windows. While the color palette is largely neutral, sprigs of bright color are sprinkled in lightly, often in décor (especially rugs and vintage chairs). Make sure you look for a bookshelf nestled away somewhere in your room as it’s stocked with secondhand classics. Tune in on any of the four constantly-playing radio stations for Zetter patrons only for mood music to suit you.

In Short

The Zetter Hotel is the perfect complement to anyone in search of a crash pad that feels like home but is always down for a party. Rely on the staff here to not only make your stay great but also memorable with their local expertise and suggestions.

*In short, betting on soccer. This reviewer had to look that one up!