The Hoxton, Southwark

Hotel Description

I’ll be honest – when I first walked into The Hoxton, Southwark, I wasn’t expecting much from another hotel on Blackfriars Road. But you know what? This place actually gets it right in ways that surprised me. The lobby has this relaxed, almost residential feel that doesn’t scream “tourist hotel,” and the staff genuinely seem like they want to help rather than just get through their shift. What really sold me was how they’ve managed to create something that feels distinctly London without falling into the whole red telephone box cliché trap that so many places do.

The location is honestly perfect if you know how to work it. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Southwark tube station – I mean, you can practically see it from the front door – which puts you one stop from Waterloo and three stops from London Bridge. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: you’re also walking distance from Borough Market (maybe ten minutes if you don’t mind a pleasant stroll), and the South Bank is right there. I’ve stayed in supposedly more central spots that required way more tube hopping to get anywhere interesting. The neighborhood itself has this great mix of locals grabbing coffee and office workers, so it never feels like a tourist bubble. Fair warning though – Blackfriars Road can get a bit noisy during rush hour, but honestly, that’s just London being London.

The rooms themselves have that signature Hoxton vibe – you know, the whole “effortlessly cool” thing they do so well. Everything feels thoughtfully designed without being precious about it, and they’ve actually nailed the lighting situation, which is rarer than you’d think. The beds are properly comfortable (I’m picky about this), and the bathrooms are small but well-designed – they’ve clearly thought about how real people actually use the space. What I really appreciated was the little touches that show they understand travelers: decent WiFi that actually works, outlets where you need them, and a mini-fridge that’s not just for show. The breakfast situation is solid too – nothing fancy, but good coffee and proper pastries, not the sad continental spread you get at a lot of places.

Look, with an 8.7 rating, you’re getting what you pay for here, and that’s a genuinely good four-star experience without the stuffiness. It’s the kind of place where you feel comfortable rolling in after a long day of walking around the city, but you’re also not embarrassed to meet someone in the lobby for a drink. The Hoxton brand has this down to a science at this point – they know how to make a place feel local and welcoming without trying too hard. If you’re the type of traveler who wants to feel like you’re staying somewhere with personality rather than just a bed for the night, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Snug with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Cosy with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Roomy with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Biggy with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 2 children
• Roomy Twin with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Shoebox with 1 double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities