Background
The Hoxton brand is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. This property opened in December 2022 in West London, marking the Hoxton’s fourth hotel in the capital, with existing properties in Shoreditch, Holborn and Southwark.
Where is it?
At the north end of Shepherd’s Bush Green, a few minutes’ walk from Shepherd’s Bush Market and music venue Shepherd’s Bush Empire, and within walking distance of Westfield shopping centre and BBC Television Centre.
Shepherd’s Bush underground and overground stations are a ten-minute walk away, and the 94 bus stops just outside and takes you into central London via Notting Hill.
What's it like?
Often lively and energetic, with a bustling wraparound bar belonging to all-day restaurant Chet’s facing you as you enter. The lobby is narrow, with the reception located to the left-hand side and shop Plastic Freedom, which sells sustainable products, at the opposite end. There are comfy armchairs along this stretch where people can gather for informal meetings.
The check-in desk resembles a high-end cinema counter, with walls lined with snacks and drinks (in place of in-room minibars). This ties in nicely with the exterior, where the hotel name is illuminated in a film-strip design.
Check-in was quick and rooms are accessible via the bank of lifts to the right, just past the ‘Hox Shop’ – shelves of homeware products. Guests have the option of flexible check-in and check-out times, if requested 72 hours in advance, otherwise check-in is from 2pm and check-out at 12pm.
The hotel has been designed by Aime Studios (Ennismore’s in-house design firm), with 1970s-inspired furnishings, mid-century lighting fixtures, pastel colour palettes and motifs inspired by the TfL archives in the nearby London Transport Museum Depot.
Every Thursday from 5-9pm the hotel hosts DJ sets in partnership with local shop Next Door Records. Guests can pin local recommendations onto a noticeboard in the lift bank – a nice way to champion independents in the neighbourhood.
Rooms
The hotel’s 237 rooms all feature the same nostalgic design, with peach-toned walls, warm lighting, copper finishes and beautiful lighting fixtures. As you enter, a retro Roberts radio plays old-school hits taking you back to the 1970s, though the clientele seem to be of a younger generation.
Room categories include the compact 14.5 sqm Snug and same-sized Hideout, 18.5 sqm Cosy (and an ‘Up’ version with extra-large windows) and the 18.5 sqm Roomy. The Hideout, a new category still under construction, features basement rooms without windows, which may be a hard sell but the cheaper rate might entice some. Snug rooms also have a great bunk bed option which is ideal for families, as these can interconnect with a Cosy room.
While the rooms are on the small side, the space is well-designed. For instance, available space is maximised through the creation of an open wardrobe, built into the right-hand side of the desk fitting. Cosy and Roomy categories are better suited for business travellers as they have a wooden desk as well as a coffee table and lounging area. I found it easy to work from the room. The road can be a little noisy, but not disruptive.
All rooms include comfy king-size beds, tea and coffee, laptop safe, blackout curtains, a TV and a mini fridge with water and fresh milk. The beds are comfortable and the terrazzo-topped bedside tables have both USB and plug sockets.
Bathrooms differ from the colour palette in the bedrooms, with pistachio green-tiled walls, and include rainfall showers and large-size amenities from The Hoxton’s brand, Blank.
There is free wifi throughout (no password required) and you get an hour of free calls per day (including international calls).
Food and drink
Thai-Americana restaurant Chet’s is helmed by Kris Yenbamroong of LA venue Night and Market. The sharing-style menu offers Thai cuisine with American influences.
Our dinner was very flavourful and delicious, with a great level of spice and fun presentation. We enjoyed the crispy ‘tingling onion’ (£7) – a fried onion which resembled a lotus flower – alongside stir-fried yellow miso aubergine with greens (£10), silky coconut and lemongrass seabass curry (£16) and pineapple fried rice served in the fruit shell (£15).
Chet’s has an upmarket 1950s diner feel, with open kitchen, booths, two-person tables and plush high-top tables. The two-person tables were too small, however, for the sharing ethos; we had trouble sharing four dishes along with a drink.
Breakfast is served from 7-10.30am, or guests can hang a breakfast bag on their door to get delivery of a breakfast pot, juice and fruit when you wake (£4 per person).
Meetings
The Apartment, located off the lobby, comprises four rooms with retractable walls centred around a communal pantry. The Hoxton also offers the possibility to hire rooms for day-use from 10am to 4pm.
Leisure
There are no leisure facilities.
Verdict
The Hoxton is a fantastic, buzzy addition to Shepherd’s Bush that champions local venues. Rooms are small but well-designed and dining at Chet’s is a must.
FACT BOX
- Best for Stylish décor in the well-located neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush
- Don’t miss Sharing spicy Thai dishes at lively Chet’s
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April started from £174 for a Snug room
- Contact 65 Shepherd’s Bush Green, London W12 8QE; 020 354 031 40; thehoxton.com
