You know what struck me first about the Montcalm East? It’s this gorgeous red-brick Victorian building that somehow manages to feel both historic and completely modern at the same time. I mean, you’re walking down City Road – which, let’s be honest, isn’t the prettiest stretch of London – and then boom, there’s this beautifully restored piece of architecture that actually makes you stop and look up from your phone.
The location is honestly brilliant if you know Shoreditch at all. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Old Street station, which is a godsend when you’re trying to get anywhere in London without dealing with the chaos of central tourist spots. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize – you’re also perfectly positioned between the creative buzz of Shoreditch proper and the financial district. I’ve stayed here a few times now, and I love that you can grab amazing coffee at Ozone just around the corner, hit up Boxpark Shoreditch for lunch (it’s maybe a 10-minute walk), and still be close enough to pop into the City for meetings without the nightmare commute.
The rooms are what really won me over though. They’ve got this industrial-chic thing going on – exposed brick walls, these fantastic floor-to-ceiling windows that actually open (rare in London hotels, trust me), and the beds are seriously comfortable. I’m usually a light sleeper, but the soundproofing is excellent considering you’re on a fairly busy road. The bathrooms are spacious too, with those rainfall showers that actually have decent water pressure – you’d be surprised how many fancy London hotels mess that up. One small thing that bugged me initially was the lighting – it took me a while to figure out all the switches, and some of the ambient lighting is a bit dim for reading. But honestly, that’s pretty minor when everything else works so well.
The staff really knows their stuff about the area, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to navigate East London’s ever-changing restaurant scene. They pointed me toward some incredible spots I never would have found otherwise – there’s this little Georgian restaurant called Supra that’s become one of my favorites, and it’s literally around the corner. The hotel restaurant itself is solid, though I’ll admit I usually end up exploring the neighborhood instead because there’s just so much good food within walking distance.
What really sets this place apart is that it feels like a proper neighborhood hotel rather than some sterile business chain. Yes, it’s got all the luxury touches you’d expect from a 5-star place – the lobby’s stunning, check-in is always smooth, and the service is genuinely warm without being overly formal. But it also feels connected to the energy of Shoreditch, which is exactly what you want if you’re staying in this part of London. The area can get pretty lively on weekends (you’ll hear some street noise Friday and Saturday nights), but that’s part of the charm – you’re in the heart of one of London’s most dynamic neighborhoods, not hidden away in some corporate bubble.