A couple of weekends ago, TLE spent a long weekend in London catching up with friends and exploring the cities East End. We stayed at the Threadneedles Hotel in Bank and also the M by Montcalm which has been on our list of places to stay since it first opened back in 2015.
Located in London’s ‘Silicon Valley’ at Old Street – the beating heart of all things tech, the M By Montcalm cuts through the horizon with its striking architectural look creating an optical illusion that draws you along towards its entrance.
The hotel applies to both business and leisure guests, with a spa and pool in the basement this really provides much-needed relaxation time after you have spent the day pounding the streets of London.
The area is undergoing a huge transformation with new developments being built all around the hotel. The hotel does feel a fair trek from the west end however Old Street tube station is a two-minute walk away, you can reach Liverpool Street station in roughly 10 minutes and the financial district is just a short cab ride away. And lets not forget that you are in one of the cities most happening neighbourhoods, Hoxton Square is moments away and Shoreditch High Street is on your door step too.
Style & Ambiance
Totally current in style – there is technology everywhere, the reception has interactive screens on the tables, rooms are all controlled with iPad style screens. Minimal in design, the communal areas and bedrooms are clean and crisp, but it still have a warmth to them.
Check In
I arrived early but that was no problem, bags were left with the hotel. The usual swipe of the credit card is taken and I came back later on to goto my room and my bags were waiting in my room.
The Room
The hotel is deceiving large – 269 rooms over 17 floors. Room types include – Deluxe double, Club double, Club twin, M Club double, M Club twin, Triple rooms and Junior and Family suites.
Rooms are spacious and the room decor matches that of the rest of the hotel; sophisticated and modern. Each room includes free wifi and media hubs (including international sockets); in room food and drink includes, a mini bar, snack drawer, coffee machine, a kettle and selection of teabags as well as mineral water. Additional ffacilities include a wardrobe with a safe, umbrella, iron and ironing board.
I was in a deluxe room, which includes king size bed. The bathroom was larger than I expected, no bath but a large Grohe rain shower made up for it. Additional nice features were the under-floor heating as well as cosy robes and slippers and the marble finish gave the bathroom an additional layer of luxury. Bath amenities by Elemis!
One thing and it really didn’t bother me was the architecture of the building sacrifices the light that can get into the room – large floor to ceiling windows are somewhat blocked by the cladding on the outside of the building.
Some of the practical things I liked
Nespresso!
Some of the finishing touches
I love technology and the more buttons the better, the touchscreen tablets that control the room features were a nice finishing touch, I especially liked the electric curtains, taking laziness to the next level and the choice of mood lighting for the room was great too.
Spa
The spa really made the stay perfect, I used it twice. After an entire day walking around London’s to be able to recharge for an hour before dinner was great. Complete with pool, jacuzzi, large sauna and Turkish bath along with a chillax room and day beds to relax on it didn’t feel too busy and Elemis spa products in the showers made it extra indulgent.
Food and Drink
The hotel has a choice of two restaurants, Tonic and Remedy which overlooks the main reception and the second ‘Urban Coterie’ is on the 17th floor.
Final Thoughts
This is a great leisure hotel, the distance to the city centre might not be idea for all, but it was fine for my weekend needs. I would def recommend staying here if you are planning a trip to London.
Finances and Details
I stayed in a Deluxe Room which cost £140 per night inclusive of VAT.
Address: 151-157 City Rd, London EC1V 1JH
Phone: 0800 288 8100
Web: www.mbymontcalm.co.uk
