Malmaison is deliciously located, looking out on a lovely cobbled square on the edge of the Square Mile, near the bars, clubs and better restaurants of the East End. This being design-conscious Clerkenwell, it’s no surprise that the decor throughout makes a cool statement (note the Veuve Clicquot ice buckets built into the love seats at reception).
The rooms overlooking the square are the pick of the bunch, with the best of the views and morning sunshine that pours through large sash windows on to big, white firm beds. After a recent redesign, they now feature wallpapers and stripped wooden floors. There’s smiley service downstairs in the lovely basement brasserie, and internet usage is free.