It’s not always easy to imagine a chain hotel fitting into the edgy, independent spirit of Shoreditch, London’s creative hub. But CitizenM, a Dutch brand known for its budget-friendly, design-forward approach, has managed to pull it off. Their third London location, which opened last September, embraces the neighborhood’s vibe with a unique blend of bold design, cultural nods, and a playful touch of irreverence.
This isn’t your typical hotel – it’s an experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a whimsical, abstract wooden staircase that winds its way to the lobby. The lobby itself is a vibrant explosion of color and texture, featuring eye-catching patterns, bold wallpaper, and a sea of red glass bottles at the bar. Even the ceiling isn’t immune to the artistic influence, adorned with a psychedelic painting that immediately draws your attention.
The dining room, a space that feels more like a creative gallery than a typical hotel eatery, is another showcase of CitizenM’s distinctive style. Here, Nordic poetry books share shelf space with miniature Beatles figurines and contemporary art sculptures. The furniture, sourced from the renowned designer Vitra, adds a sophisticated touch that’s reminiscent of Ikea, but with a more refined edge.
The hotel embraces its youthful, unconventional spirit through small, playful touches. The welcome booklet in your room offers a reassuring message: “We won’t judge your movie selection… Feel free to ask for extra pillows to build your own fortress.” While this might seem a bit over-the-top, it’s a refreshing departure from the standard hotel welcome and fits perfectly with CitizenM’s playful personality.
While the hotel boasts a “budget” price tag, the experience is anything but budget-friendly. The 24-hour bar (although alcohol service ends at 2:30 am), is staffed by exceptionally knowledgeable bartenders who go above and beyond to create the perfect drink for each guest.
For those looking to work out or take a dip, the hotel doesn’t offer on-site facilities, but they have a partnership with Nuffield Health, allowing guests to use their local branch with a guest pass.
A Prime Location in the Heart of Shoreditch
CitizenM Shoreditch sits tucked away on a quiet side street, right in the heart of the neighborhood’s action. The Shoreditch High Street Overground station is just a short walk away, making it easy to explore the city. Old Street and Liverpool Street stations are also within a 10-minute walk, and from there, you can reach central London in just 20 minutes by public transportation. Liverpool Street station is also the departure point for the Stansted Express train, offering frequent service to Stansted Airport.
Shoreditch itself is a cultural playground, brimming with quirky coffee shops, independent boutiques, restaurants, and captivating street art. The BoxPark and Brick Lane areas are popular shopping destinations, and the Pump Street Food Market is a great spot to try a variety of cuisines.
Unique Room Design: Modular, Tech-Savvy, and Compact
The rooms at CitizenM Shoreditch are all pre-assembled modular units that were installed by crane, a unique and somewhat surprising design choice. The white, red, and black color scheme of the hallways carries over into the rooms, creating a cohesive and modern aesthetic.
CitizenM’s signature feature is the “moodpad,” an iPad that acts as a centralized control for everything in your room, from the TV and lighting to the temperature and blackout blinds. While this might sound gimmicky, it’s actually quite a pleasant surprise, especially the ability to change the room’s lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere.
CitizenM rooms are known for their compact size, and the Shoreditch location is no exception. The king-sized bed takes up a significant portion of the space, but you’ll still find a small desk and stool, a shower and toilet tucked into small cubicles, and a wall-mounted TV at the foot of the bed. The moodpad allows you to control everything without leaving the comfort of your bed, aligning with the hotel’s philosophy of prioritizing relaxation. Adding to the playful atmosphere, the pillows are adorned with quirky slogans.
One of the biggest annoyances in hotel rooms is the lack of convenient power outlets near the bed. CitizenM addresses this issue with three international sockets and two USB ports situated by the bed, making it easy to charge your devices without needing to stretch across the room.
