The Hoxton, Holborn

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Hoxton Holborn? It’s actually tucked right into that buzzy stretch of High Holborn where you’ve got tourists rushing to the British Museum mixed with lawyers heading to the Inns of Court – but somehow the hotel feels like this calm pocket away from all that chaos. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Holborn tube station, which honestly makes getting anywhere in London ridiculously easy, but once you’re inside, there’s this surprisingly cozy vibe that doesn’t feel corporate at all. The lobby has these worn leather chairs and mismatched vintage pieces that look like someone’s stylish friend just casually threw them together (in the best way possible). Check-in was smooth – no fuss, just friendly staff who actually seemed to know the neighborhood when I asked about dinner spots.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a 4-star place in this part of London – not huge, but cleverly designed so nothing feels cramped. What I really appreciated were the little touches that show someone was thinking about actual travelers: decent bedside lighting for reading, enough outlets near the bed, and – this might sound weird – but the curtains actually block out light properly. You’d be surprised how many London hotels mess that up. The bathroom’s compact but well done, with a proper shower that has good pressure. I stayed on the fourth floor facing High Holborn and yes, there’s some street noise, but it’s that gentle London hum rather than anything jarring. If you’re sensitive to sound, maybe mention it when booking – the back rooms are probably quieter. The whole place has this sort of Brooklyn-meets-London aesthetic that works without trying too hard, and honestly, it photographs well if that’s your thing.

What really sells this place for me is the location knowledge you get just by staying here. The staff pointed me toward Lamb’s Conduit Street for shopping (gorgeous little independent stores), and I discovered that Coram’s Fields – this weird wonderful city farm with actual sheep – is just a ten-minute walk away. You’re close enough to walk to Bloomsbury’s garden squares when you need green space, but you can also easily hop over to King’s Cross or even walk to Covent Garden when you want more action. The breakfast is solid – nothing revolutionary, but good coffee and they don’t rush you out. There’s no parking on-site, which isn’t shocking for central London, but there are a couple of NCP car parks nearby if you’re driving for some reason. Look, it’s not the fanciest place you’ll ever stay, but there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about it that makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere locals might actually recommend rather than just another hotel that looks good in photos.

Rooms

• Snug with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Cosy Double with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Roomy with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Biggy with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Cosy Up with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Shoebox with 1 double bed for 2 adults

Facilities