Hotels

Stylotel

Love it or loathe it, the Stylotel turns the notion of a budget London property on its head. This recent overhaul of a traditional townhouse hotel appears to take some design cues from efficient European youth hostels – fastidiously clean laminate flooring, royal blue colour scheme – but what sets it apart is the attention to detail. Funky materials and features such as galvanised steel floors, frosted glass and the cubic, blue faux leather sofas of the retro-futurist lounge and reception are echoed in the rooms. There, apart from the capsule-like bathroom units, most things are custom designed by the owner’s son: stippled aluminium panelling, padded headboards in that same blue faux leather, metal boxes with glass sides and tops that serve double duty as bedside table and lamp, and welded metal bedframes that lift the thick mattresses high enough to scoot luggage beneath. Add flatscreen TVs, wireless internet, an enthusiastic manager and a colourful breakfast room (a hot breakfast is included), and you’ve got a hip bargain for today’s kids (though an octogen-arian couple were on a repeat stay when we visited).

Services

Concierge Smoking rooms Internet (wireless, £2/hr) TV

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