Old St penthouse

Hotel Description

So here’s the thing about Old St penthouse – it’s actually in one of those quirky London spots where the address says Islington but you’re basically on the edge of everything interesting. Bartholomew Square is this tiny pocket near Old Street that honestly, I walked past about three times before I found it. But once you’re there, you get it. The building itself has that converted warehouse vibe that London does so well, and stepping into the penthouse feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s really cool apartment rather than a hotel room.

The space is what got me – proper high ceilings and these massive windows that let in way more light than you’d expect in central London. You know what’s brilliant? You can actually see across the rooftops, which sounds cheesy but when you’re used to staring at brick walls from most London hotel windows, it’s pretty refreshing. The furnishings walk that line between modern and industrial without feeling cold, if that makes sense. There’s exposed brick (because of course there is) but they’ve done it right – not trying too hard to be trendy. I mean, the bathroom’s compact but well thought out, and the bed’s genuinely comfortable, not just hotel-marketing comfortable.

Location-wise, you’re a proper five-minute walk to Old Street station, which connects you to basically everywhere. But here’s what the booking sites don’t tell you – you’re also walking distance to some of London’s best gastropubs and that whole Exmouth Market area where locals actually eat. Angel’s just up the road too, and honestly, wandering through the quieter Islington streets in the evening beats fighting crowds in Covent Garden any day. The square itself is surprisingly peaceful for being so central – I was worried about noise but the double glazing actually works. Weekend mornings you’ll hear a bit of life from the surrounding flats, but it’s more neighborhoody sounds than traffic chaos. Parking’s typically London awful, but if you’re driving here you’re probably doing London wrong anyway. The 7.8 rating feels about right – it’s solidly good without being flashy, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to experience London like you live here rather than just visiting.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 1 child

Facilities