Last week I had the privilege of staying at the Citizen M Hotel in Shoreditch for an overnight stay to experience a ‘staycation’ in a city that I call my second home, so when 2pm came we swiftly made our way east to check-in. Check-in was a breeze with the help of their ‘self-check in’ machines making sure that you’ll have a comfortable hassle free stay, as well as giving you the choice of where you wanted your room-floor and view. We opted for fairly high room facing the overground line, as I thought it would make an interesting view to watch as the world goes by. This was helped by the friendly staff on hand, advising us on the process.
The room itself was stunningly decorated adding to the trendy minimal, ’boutique’ feel of the hotel with pops of red and teal to accent the white decor. Upon arriving into our room we were greeted with an iPad which acted as your hub to control literally EVERYTHING that you could possibly think of. From adjusting the blinds/curtains, air-con, t.v, alarm and of course the mood lighting, as well as offering an array of recommendations for local eateries and attractions nearby.
As a lover of technology, this was such a fun and intriguing gadget to use.
With the iPad programmed to play “Lou Reed” (thanks to Apple TV) we took a 15 minute break to ‘take-in’ the view and ‘people watch’. Despite the room overlooking the overground rail line, the room itself was so quiet you wouldn’t even know there was multiple trains passing by. This happened to make it a breeze to full fast asleep later on that evening.
Whenever I’m in Shoreditch I always have to make a routine ‘pilgrimage’ to Rough Trade situated next to the Truman’s Brewery, which happens to be a short 10 mins walk from the hotel-we could literally see it from our hotel room window. Rough Trade is one of those places where I wished I lived round the corner from as there is always something on, whether that’s an in-store performance or an album signing. Another place which we had a nose round was Rokit, filled to the brim with vintage must-haves and two stores (with different stock) within a few steps away from each other. If you love vintage then Rokit is the shop you need to visit.
After a mooch around the shops, we headed to DF/Mexico for dinner which also happens to be round the corner from Rough Trade. Mexican food lovers (on a budget) DF/Mexico is the place that combines both, in an atmospheric and Instagram worthy setting. The burritos and chilli fries are my no. 1 recommendation to try out, plus their “Bottomless Aguas Frescas” (drink) makes the perfect accompaniment.
With a stomachs filled to brim and finding ourselves verging onto the ‘food coma’ phase of fullness, we took a stroll back to our hotel room. Thanks to the room having a Apple TV and super fast (free!) wi-fi we were able to link our Netflix up to the screen for a late night movie night- Drew Barrymore’s 90s “Never Been Kissed” was on the cards that night. As we discovered that the magical iPad had a ‘movie’ setting on, meaning that it transformed the room into the ‘cinema’ effect, with added mood lighting. It was the perfect addition to our ‘movie night’. I also discovered that as well as a ‘movie’ room setting, there were so many others including one called ‘chill/relax’, subsequently changing the mood lighting to a lime green with an added ambient soundtrack.
Come morning we were treated to a complimentary breakfast down in Canteen M, which might I add covered all your breakfast needs very well. From those wanting a full-english to those opting for a ‘lighter’ option-granola, porridge, fresh fruit etc. Needless to say we took full advantage of ALL the options.
Check-out was a relaxed 11am, and made super easy with the check-in/out machines it was all complete within minutes. If you ever need a place to stay whilst exploring London than I highly recommend checking out Citizen M hotels, who also have places across the globe including Europe, America and Asia.
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