Town Hall Hotel & Apartments

I have had my eye on The Town Hall Hotel and Apartments since it opened a number of years ago, so I was happy to finally experience this stunning property on a recent trip to London, and my expectations were not quashed by reality. Whilst it is not in the heart of the London tourist trap, instead out in Bethnal Green, don’t let that put you off as this former Edwardian council build mixes a luxurious bygone era with up-to-the-minute conveniences and throws in a lot of luxe to create a beautiful and unique luxury hotel experience that is not to be missed.

Read on to find out more.

Location

Positioned in the east end neighbourhood of Bethnal Green it is fair to say you are not a stone’s throw from central London but it is well connected with a train station and underground (Bethnal Green – Central Line) taking you to Oxford Circus in around 13 minutes. Bethnal Green is rough and ready and well worth exploring; dotted with trendy bars and restaurants, traditional English pubs and boutique shops the area is waiting to be discovered and Brick Lane and Spitalfields are a short distance away too.

Concept

A former 1910 Edwardian council building which was constructed at a time of great financial confidence in Britain with wealth in the Borough the council spent lavishly on the property which can be seen both inside and out; marble floors, art deco finishes, high ceilings and not to mention grand staircases give the building a wow factor from the moment you walk up to it to the second you leave it.

The restoration has won awards thanks to the painstaking attention to detail, rooms are flooded with natural light and original features have been restored and centrepieced. Interior design is sympathetic to the space and luxury conveniences throughout sit in harmony as if they were always meant to be there, I was in love with it all.

The Room

Thanks to the size of the building and location in London the hotel can afford to be generous with room sizes, offering you plenty of bang for your buck! Rooms start at the traditional hotel room size, but for the same price as a standard five-star room in the centre of London, you can upgrade to their larger suite and one and two-bedroom category.

I had a one-bedroom suite which came complete with gigantic living space and a cleverly designed recessed kitchen with (a microwave, oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge freezer and stone-top work surface) that could be neatly hidden away. The bedroom was compact and cosy and a long narrow granite granite-tiled bathroom that felt like it went on for miles on for miles finished the space.

Lounge 

The suite’s lounge was finished in 70’s furniture that is sympathetic to the space (it has a touch of the Abigail Party to it) a tick for me! The kitchen is recessed in the room and hides away behind sliding doors, which I didn’t even notice at first it is so well designed. A selection of premium lifestyle magazines were lying out on the coffee table (Wallpaper, Cereal Magazine etc).

Bedroom

The bedroom was smaller and designed to maximise light in a smaller space with both a window looking outside and a window looking to the suite. A writing desk is included should you be doing any work and the bedsides have plenty of plug sockets and DAB radio next to the bed too.

Bathroom

Unusual in layout being very long and narrow, there was a double sized sink followed by what would have been an original fireplace and at the end a large rain shower that could easily accommodate two people (not that I tried 😉

Some Little Finishing touches I loved

I was happy to see an Italian-style coffee maker in the kitchen (and the milk fridge in the reception was a nice touch). Amenities by Locitanne were indulgent (and I liked the fact they don’t come in tiny throw-away bottles, I think all hotels should move to this more eco-friendly solution)

The suite also included a free mobile smartphone (complete with free 3g and free calls) this has to be a godsend to tourists in the city!

For reference, there is free WiFi throughout the hotel and a flatscreen TV, CD/DVD player in rooms as well as free bottled water in rooms too!

Other Rooms

If petite is your thing they have studios and standard sized rooms too and if you want to be the king of the castle for a night then head to the De Montfort Suite; the former Edwardian council room. Triple-height ceilings and huge glass room dividers split the space into workable areas, why not have a party in the suite, there is a grand piano, seating for 20 and space for a chef too!

The Gym and Swimming Pool

I didn’t have time to try the pool and only remembered about it when I arrived so that was a fail on my part but I had a quick look and it is beautiful, 15m in length and finished in marble and brass.

Food and Drink

The hotel has two restaurants, the first is the Corner Room, located on the first floor. A 30-cover restaurant ideal for casual dining Lunch is served from 12:00 noon to 14:45, and dinner is served from 18:00 to 22:00. The second is the Typing Room serving a fine dining menu.

Finances and Final Thoughts

I went, I tried and I loved it, I will be back again and I recommend you try it out too you won’t be disappointed!