You may have spotted on my Instagram recently, I took a trip down to London to stay in the Shoreditch branch of CitizenM.
CitizenM hotel invited me down to experience the hotel and to share it with you, my readers. Their aim is of an inclusive global community of travel citizens; rather refreshing in today’s political climate. The brand focuses on good design but also on fun and affordability. They’ve worked hard to create a space that feels like a community- and it does.
There isn’t a traditional hotel reception area; you check yourself in. There is someone on hand to help if you need it. You can choose your room at this point too, I asked which one had the best view and obviously picked it! Seventh floor on the East side of the building.
What a view; golden hour captured. I could’ve happily sat watching this for a while through the wall to wall window.
The room felt rather Japanese- an XL King bed at one end, which was incredibly comfortable. At the other end of the room, as you come in, there is a shower and loo pod, with a vanity unit and sink opposite. It felt minimal, but by design rather than in any other way. The hardware, technology, bed linen were all high end.
The room is controlled by an iPad, so temperature, TV, sound, and the lights. The films are all free!! I finally watched Bridget Jones’s Baby- have you seen it? The WiFi is also free at CitizenM and super quick, perfect.
The rooms are designed for travellers, for those wanting to experience all Shoreditch has to offer. Not really for people who want to lounge around all day in their beds (there’s no kettle). It’s very much a make the most of your location type hotel, the location being right in the middle of Shoreditch with bars, eateries, galleries and markets all around five minutes away.
For those worried about the lack of kettle- all teas and coffees are free downstairs in the lobby area for guests.
To be honest I did miss having a kettle in the room, perhaps its a Northern thing. I could’ve gone down to get myself a herbal tea before bed, but I was too lazy (…plus PJs!)!
The room included breakfast and there was literally anything you fancied. I inadvertently ended up with a protein plate; bacon, sausage, beans, avocado, Parma ham, salmon and grilled tomatoes. Yes all on the same plate! There were different pastries breads, cereals, fruits, yogurts- and a barista to make the coffee. Basically whatever you fancy; an incredible amount of choice and all tasting really fresh.
The lobby was my favourite part of this hotel.
Full of modern art, kitsch collectables and uber cool furniture, it was spacious and full of light. There are desks and even Mac’s to work from. I was pleasantly surprised that even though it was a Saturday, there were so many people having meetings and doing their side hustle from this great spot.
For me the lobby area and the community feel is where this hotel strikes gold. Its a great price point in a central location. People come here to network and I could feel the creative sparks flying across the room.
Completely agree with that cushion!
Have you stayed in a CitizenM?
susan earlam ~ horror author 
I would love your input