James Clark checks out the brand new YOTEL London in Clerkenwell and is pleased with what he finds.
If someone had said to me a year ago that a brand new, central, modern, stylish and inexpensive hotel was about to open in the city at a time when London hasn’t been so quiet since the Blitz I’d have questioned their sanity, but somehow YOTEL London has pulled it off.
YOTEL Clerkenwell Welcome
I took the tube to Farringdon and in just under five minutes on foot I was standing in reception ‘mission control’ and being shown by one of the staff ‘crew’ how to use the self check in service. In under a minute, I’d checked in, had my key card activated and was heading towards the lift. Now if only every check in was this simple.
I got out of the lift on the seventh floor and entered room 703, one of 212 rooms or cabins as YOTEL likes to call them.
I’m a fan of YOTEL, and have spent many a night tucked up in bed at YOTELAIR London Gatwick Airport prior to taking an early morning flight. The cabins there are compact, so I was expecting something small, and adequate. But entering 703 blew my expectations away.
Inside YOTEL London
The all white and spotlessly clean cabin was larger than some of the suites I’ve stayed in, the shower room and toilet were separate and the sofa changed into a big and comfortable bed at the press of a button. Around the bedroom area were a selection of plug sockets and USB charging points and let me not forget two massive windows providing views of The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral. I could see most of the city from my cabin.
I had to head out to a meeting over in Waterloo so didn’t have the time to check out the restaurant and bar area known as Komyuniti – Japanese for community that evening.
But as I’m a curious man, I headed down for breakfast a little later than the other hotel guests as the sound proofed room really was sound proof. I didn’t hear a single noise throughout the night. Now that has never happened to me in a hotel before.
Komyuniti
I was greeted warmly as I approached Komyuniti, and after an enjoyable and brief chat served with an americano and delicious sausage and egg bap. There were various other breakfast options available, but as I had a lunch appointment on nearby Old Street ahead of me I decided not to try the lot.
As I checked out, I was greeted warmly by two senior looking crew members with big smiles under their masks, enquiring how I’d enjoyed my stay and bids for a great day ahead.
James’ Verdict
YOTEL has upped the anty with this new edition in Clerkenwell. YOTEL London can hold its head high and give many of its more costly neighbours a run for their money. I’ll be keeping my eye firmly on YOTEL and reckon i’ll try out YOTEL Edinburgh next.
YOTEL London
To reserve a room, click here.
