Travel
Originally published on Tuesday, 7th September 2010
Battle of the Bunks
Hotel concepts reaching new heights
Perhaps it’s the imminent arrival of Olympic onlookers (or possibly we’ve all gotten bored of our own bedrooms), but the London hotel scene is buzzing. The Savoy is re-launching in a mere month, W’s set to kick off the party with Boujis come February, and St John’s are expanding their restaurant reservations book to room rates this October.
If you’re lusting after sunnier climes at cheap-as-chips rates, inspect the brand new offering from the Far East’s favourite low-cost carrier, Air Asia. With outposts in Malaysia and Bali, Tune Hotels opened their first European site last week on London’s soggy turf. Rooms (from £35) are compact and sci-fi functional, with extras going airline style – choose a bag of toiletries and a towel for £1.50 (handed over in a white paper bag), a hairdryer for a quid and TV access for £3.
And should your taste run to something a little less basic, you’ll love The One Room Hotel at Hostem. An intimate installation set up as part of the London Design Festival by JAMESPLUMB, you can apply online to win a night’s stay in the lovingly restored interiors for free. Once the keys are handed over you can peruse the handpicked library and enjoy cocktails and canapés at Lounge Lover, amenities from Aesop, and access to the Shoreditch House gym.
But if you just can’t shake that luxe living, check into The Verta opening in Battersea on the 20th with a giant rooftop space, 40’s glam interiors, and adjoining London’s only heliport. Chop chop – how’s that for choice.
INFO
The One Room Hotel, 18th-26th September. 41-43 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday 8th September.
Tune Westminster, 118-120 Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7RW.
Hotel Verta, 6 Lombard Road, SW11 3RP.
