I was recently back in London — one of my favorite cities — and I got to stay at what’s become one of my go-to hotels there: the Montcalm East, right around Shoreditch off Old Street. After multiple stays at this property, I wanted to share exactly what makes me keep coming back, and whether it might be right for your next London trip.
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The Montcalm East sits in a perfect spot if you want to be close to the energy of East London without being right in the middle of the chaos. When you step out the front door, you’re immediately in one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods, but when you come back after a long day of exploring, you’re walking into what feels like a calm, sophisticated retreat.
Location and First Impressions
The hotel is positioned brilliantly near Old Street, which puts you within walking distance of some of London’s best restaurants, pubs, and cultural spots. I love that it’s not in the touristy center — you get a more authentic London experience here. The building itself has this modern, sleek design that immediately tells you this isn’t your typical London hotel.
When I first walked into the lobby, I was struck by how spacious and bright it felt. The design is contemporary without being cold, and the staff has always been genuinely helpful — not just going through the motions, but actually taking time to give you local recommendations that aren’t just the standard tourist spots.
The Room Experience
I’ve stayed in a few different room categories here over multiple visits, and I have to say, they consistently deliver on comfort and design. The rooms are well-appointed without being over-the-top. You get the essentials done right: a comfortable bed, good lighting, reliable Wi-Fi, and a bathroom that actually has decent water pressure — something you can’t always count on in London hotels.
The windows are large (in some rooms), which I appreciate because London can feel a bit gray sometimes, so getting natural light into your room makes a real difference. The rooms aren’t massive — this is London after all — but they’re efficiently designed so you don’t feel cramped.
The Pool, Spa, and Fitness Facilities
Here’s what really sets this hotel apart for me: they have a fantastic swimming pool. I love that they have this amenity because it’s not something you find at every London hotel, and after walking around the city all day, being able to take a swim is next level.
The pool area feels like a real retreat. It’s not huge, but it’s perfectly sized for the hotel, and the water temperature is always just right. What I really love is the jacuzzi — it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. But the real star for me is the sauna.
I have to mention the sauna specifically because I’ve been to hotel saunas where you’re sitting there wondering if the heater is actually on. Not here. This sauna gets properly hot, the way a sauna should be. It’s one of those details that shows the hotel actually cares about the experience they’re providing.
Now, I’ll be honest — I personally haven’t checked out the fitness center at this hotel. It’s there, and from what I’ve seen walking by, it looks well-equipped, but the pool and sauna are where I spend my time when I’m using the facilities.
Food and Beverage Experience
The cocktails at this hotel are fantastic. I’m not just saying that — I’ve had cocktails all over London, and
the bar here genuinely knows what they’re doing. When you come back from a long day exploring the city and you want to sit down with a well-made drink, this is exactly the kind of spot you want.
I’ve had breakfast here multiple times at the restaurant on the second floor, and the breakfast is consistently good. All the food is always fresh — you can tell they’re not just reheating things that have been sitting around. The selection hits all the basics you want for a proper English breakfast, plus some lighter options if you’re not in the mood for a heavy meal.
But here’s what surprised me: I had pizza at this hotel, and I was genuinely impressed by how good it was. You don’t always expect hotel pizza to be anything special, but they’re clearly putting effort into their food program. The crust was properly done, the ingredients tasted fresh, and it satisfied that late-night craving perfectly.
Service and Atmosphere
The service here strikes that perfect balance — attentive without being intrusive. The staff remembers you if you’re staying for multiple nights, which I always appreciate. They’re knowledgeable about the neighborhood and can point you toward restaurants or attractions that might not be on your typical tourist list.
The atmosphere throughout the hotel feels relaxed but sophisticated. It’s not trying too hard to be trendy, but it’s definitely not stuffy either. You feel comfortable whether you’re dressed up for dinner or just coming back from a casual day of sightseeing.
The Honest Downside
The only thing I’d say is that if you’re looking for that classic, traditional London hotel experience — think old-world charm with historic architecture — this isn’t going to be that. The Montcalm East is thoroughly modern, which I love, but if you’re specifically wanting to stay somewhere that feels like you’re in a period drama, you might want to look elsewhere.
Also, while the location is fantastic for exploring East London, if your plans are mostly centered around traditional tourist attractions like Westminster or the West End, you’ll be doing a bit more traveling back and forth.
Practical Information
The hotel is easily accessible from multiple tube stations, with Old Street being the closest. The neighborhood has excellent transport links, so getting around London is straightforward. There’s also good street parking if you’re driving, though like anywhere in London, expect to pay for it.
The area has fantastic restaurant options within walking distance. You’re in the heart of one of London’s best food scenes, so don’t feel like you have to eat every meal at the hotel — though as I mentioned, the food there is good too.
After multiple stays, the Montcalm East has become my reliable London home base — modern comfort in one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods.
The Verdict
I keep coming back to the Montcalm East because it gets the fundamentals right while offering some genuine standout features. The pool and sauna alone make it worth considering, the cocktails are legitimately good, and the location puts you right in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant areas. It’s not the cheapest option in London, but it delivers consistent quality and a experience that feels both comfortable and authentic to the neighborhood it’s in. If you want modern comfort with easy access to the real London, this is a solid choice.
Have you stayed at the Montcalm East or other hotels in the Shoreditch area? Drop your experience in the comments below — I read every single one and I’m always looking for new London recommendations.
