Background
The Ascott Limited’s aparthotel brand, Citadines is a hybrid hotel and serviced apartment concept offering larger rooms than standard hotels, with fully equipped kitchens, but without restaurants and aimed at longer-stay guests. Open since September, this new Islington property is the fifth in the capital for the brand, and is due to be followed next year by Citadines Wembley London.
What’s it like?
The building has an Edwardian red-brick façade and was once a Royal Mail sorting office. Reception is bright and modern with art referencing its previous life, plus hand sanitisers, screens and social distancing signs.
Where is it?
On Islington Square, a new development just off Upper Street that is based around the Grade II-listed former sorting office and yards. There are private apartments, shops, offices, a cinema, and a Third Space gym. The traffic-free Esther Anne Place runs through it, between Theberton and Almeida streets. Angel Tube station is about a ten-minute walk.
Rooms
The 81 studios and 27 one-bedroom apartments range from 25 sqm to 53 sqm and hold up to two or four guests, respectively. They are on floors one to four and look on to the pedestrianised square or interior Japanese garden (rooms overlooking the latter are quieter – there is no access to the garden so it is peaceful). Each unit has a kitchen, a separate bedroom or sleeping area, a good-sized bathroom and a living area. Even the studios have an entrance hall, adding to the spacious feel. In Deluxe one-bed apartments, the living room sofa converts into two single beds. Wifi is free.
Pale wood floors and neutral walls are lifted by textured blue upholstery, brushed chrome light fittings and bold rugs. Sleeping areas have blue and white screen-printed wallpaper by Paris-based graphic artist and printmaker Jérémie Solomon that references London’s skyline and rooftops.
The kitchen area takes up one end of the living rooms in Deluxe one-beds, and is cleverly tucked behind a dividing wall feature in the studios. It has a hob, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, fridge, dishwasher and table for four. Most of the one-bedroom and Deluxe apartments have a washing machine; otherwise, you can use the one in the property’s laundry room. Rooms also have an ironing board, while Deluxe one-beds come with a yoga mat and, more importantly, the space to use it.
Food and Drink
The breakfast buffet in the residents’ lounge is currently closed, although at the time of writing there were plans to offer a grab-and-go breakfast for £5 towards the end of the year. There is a free coffee and tea machine plus vending fridges selling beer, wine and soft drinks. Given the many food and drink options nearby – including a street-food market just outside (Fri-Sun), and several supermarkets a short walk away – this would only be for emergency purchases.
Meetings
No dedicated facilities
Leisure
A decent-sized first-floor gym
Verdict
If you need a base that is away from the tourist trail but still central, Islington is a great choice. It’s one of London’s most vibrant areas, with excellent bars and restaurants and a good mix of high-street and independent shops, while the leafy streets and nearby Regent’s Canal offer opportunities for running. A good-value option if you’re bringing your family on a business trip, especially the Deluxe one-bedroom apartments with sofa beds for children in the living room.
FACT FILE
- Best for A taste of Islington living, with the option to self-cater for some of your stay
- Don’t miss A picnic lunch from the street-food market, where you can pick up artisan breads, tarts, pies, cheeses, beers, gins and other delights
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in January started from £119 for a studio
- Contact 3 Shelley Place; tel +44 (0)20 3986 0900; citadines.com
