The Z Hotel Shoreditch

Formally an office block for stressed city workers, now the goings on at this Shoreditch hotel are much more exciting; one definite perk is the free cheese and wine sessions held in the on-site restaurant. The rooms come with en-suite wet rooms and free WiFi and are compact, but modern and clean (make sure you nab a room with a view). Fill up on breakfast (an optional extra) before heading out into the city – Colombia Road Market, the Barbican and Old Spitalfields Market are all within walking distance. And there are plenty of trendy cafes and quirky bars to explore nearby (once you've taken full advantage of the cheese and wine, that is). The hotel is 100 metres from Old Street station while The City’s Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations are within easy reach.