For a well-situated stopover on a weekend trip to the capital, you can’t really fault NYX Holborn. This huge, confidently decorated hotel sits just three minutes from Holborn station, and it’s covered in bold, ‘urban’-style artwork inside and out. Whether that’s to your taste or not, you can’t deny the commitment to it. Check in either with someone at reception or on a self-service point (which are really easy to use), and you’ll be met with walls, floors and countertops absolutely splattered with colour. The 213 rooms are comparatively toned-down in design, and our Deluxe Space King was wonderfully comfortable (though there were still a pair of looming red eyes painted on the wall).
Another thing this hotel really commits to is masking its scale. Despite being spread over nine floors, we didn’t have to wait to speak to a team member, grab some pancakes, plonk ourselves in the steam room (in the basement’s Rena Spa facilities) or get seated at dinner. There were always people around, but staying here felt perfectly uncrowded.
And then there’s the food. Everyone loves a breakfast buffet, and this one featured smoked mackerel, feta cheese and an on-hand egg chef, alongside the typical offering of yoghurts, waffles and fry-up components. Dinner at the Midtown restaurant was also pretty darn good - the menu is made up of classic pub dishes which are done justice, and there’s an extensive cocktail menu to accompany whatever hearty plate you opt for.
Neighbourhood
Holborn might be nestled between chocker-block Covent Garden and historical Bloomsbury, but it competes well with its notorious neighbours in terms of brilliant restaurants, bars and quirky things to do. Sure, the British Museum and Russell Square are must-sees, but Sir John Soane’s Museum and the October Gallery are also a couple of spots to check out while you’re nearby.
Nearby
Honey & Co: Really cracking mezze and loads of tahini.
Fitz’s Bar: Immaculate cocktails and Jazz Age atmosphere.
Museum of Comedy: A tucked-away venue showcasing up-and-coming comics.
Time Out Tip
Leave plenty of time to make the most of the basement’s facilities. While your weekend is probably jam-packed with activities already, the sizable, remarkably tranquil Rena Spa facilities and pool are a welcoming oasis in the city. There’s a steam room, a sauna, and the option to book in for a treatment, too.
