Malmaison

Clerkenwell, once a neglected neighbour of Islington, is now a gentrified quarter filled with restaurants, expensive loft apartments and trendy bars. Now it has a stylish hotel, too. Convenient for the City, and overlooking historic Charterhouse Square, Malmaison is smart and reasonably priced—a rarity in London.

This is the latest addition to a successful chain of boutique- style hotels that started in Scotland and has expnaded slowly in the north of England. “London was a long time coming”, says Nick Gamble, the hotel manager. Malmaison's bars and brasseries are hubs for well- heeled locals, and many come for the chain's affordable stylishness. But regular patrons of “boutique” hotels may find the interior here only too familiar (eg, dimly- lit corridors, tasteful black- and- white photographs and terribly smooth furniture). One almost wishes for a leopard- skin throw or vast Victorian armchair to ruin the lines, and add some character.

Still, this is good value for money. Wireless broadband, good working space and a small gym are all bonuses. The best rooms overlook Charterhouse Square (parts of which date back to the 14th century, having survived the Great Fire of London). For dinner, try the beguiling Café du Marché next door, or St John

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Contact Information

Malmaison
Charterhouse Square
EC1M 6AH London

Tel. +442070123700

http://www.malmaison.com