Islington Inn: London's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)
Islington Inn: London's BEST Kept Secret? Let's See About That… (And My God, You NEED to See This!)
Okay, so the Islington Inn. "London's BEST Kept Secret Hotel?" Big words, my friends. Big, secretive words. I went in with a healthy dose of skepticism, naturally. (I've been burned by "hidden gems" before. More like "hidden piles of disappointment.") But, spoiler alert: I’m still processing my stay… and I think I like it. Maybe. Let's untangle this, shall we? Buckle up, because my brain is still trying to do the dishes after this experience.
First Impressions & The (Slightly Chaotic) Arrival:
Getting there was straightforward. They boast a decent airport transfer service (and it’s a godsend after a red-eye). That check-in? Contactless check-in/out - tick! Which, honestly, is great. Less human interaction is always a win after a flight. Though, I did miss the personal touch a tiny bit. They also have a Doorman. A proper one! I half expected a secret handshake and a password. Didn't get one. Disappointing.
The lobby… aaaaah, the lobby. It’s a vibe. A very… is it bohemian? Eclectic? A delightful mishmash of styles that somehow works. I noticed CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside the property – good for peace of mind. And the Elevator – crucial for anyone with mobility issues. The facilities for disabled guests seemed…well, there. (More on accessibility later.)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Let’s Be Honest…)
Okay, so the website claims accessibility. And, technically, they’re not wrong. The elevator is a life-saver. But I did spot a few potential hiccups. The car park [on-site] seemed a tiny bit tight for maneuvering a larger wheelchair, but the car park [free of charge] is available! It’s London, so that's a win! And the hallways aren't exactly a grand ballroom.
I couldn't personally check the details for full Wheelchair accessible rooms, but the general impression was… they try. It’s not a fully barrier-free experience, but it seems they've made a genuine effort which is more than can be said for many London hotels. The Facilities for disabled guests are a point they could really, really expand on. Some more specific descriptions on the website would be great.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Oh, my room! I got an Air conditioned one (blessed relief), with an Air conditioning in public area also! It felt… lived in. In a good way, mostly. No cold, sterile, hotel-ness here! The Linens were crisp. The Bed was fantastic, and the pillows? Heaven. An Extra long bed – always a plus for a lanky individual such as myself.
Key features? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! The Internet access – wireless was reliable, unlike some hotels where you spend half your stay cursing the connection. There was an Internet access – LAN too, if you’re old-school. And the Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services are all good. Wi-Fi for special events too!
I loved having a Refrigerator, and the Coffee/tea maker was my best friend. A Desk for working, a Laptop workspace, and a Socket near the bed - essential for the modern traveller! The Bathroom! My personal heaven was my Separate shower/bathtub. Clean, spacious, and the toiletries were decent. There were even Bathrobes and Slippers. The Mirror was huge.
However… there was a slight lack of privacy. The Blackout curtains, were almost able to keep out all the light, and I noticed a distinct lack of soundproofing from the hallway, meaning you could hear most of the doors opening and closing. A small price to pay, I guess? Not all perfect, but pretty darn good.
Dining & Drinking Adventures (Because, Well, London):
Okay, the dining situation at the Islington Inn is … interesting. There are several restaurants. There is a Coffee shop and a Snack bar. Sadly, I cannot remember their names or what they serve, which just shows how bad I am at making notes. I can tell you though; you are not confined to your room!
They had an amazing Breakfast [buffet], which was included. It was a proper proper spread, with Asian breakfast options too. The Western breakfast was also amazing! It had everything you'd ever want. If buffet isn't your thing, there are Breakfast takeaway service, Room service [24-hour] and Breakfast in room too! I'm a sucker for a full English, and they did not disappoint. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was also top-notch.
There is a Bar too! With a good range of drinks and a proper happy hour. I could not remember the prices, or whether they were worth it! It's London, so probably not!
The Spa & Relaxation (Or, My Failed Attempt to De-Stress):
Right, this is where things get… complicated. The Islington Inn boasts a spa. And a gym. And a Pool with view. Now, I admit it: I was lured in by the promise of relaxation. I envisioned myself reclining by the pool, sipping a cocktail, and letting all my London anxieties melt away.
The spa? A bit… compact. It had a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a few treatment rooms. The Foot bath was divine, I’ll give them that. I booked a Massage. Well, I tried to book a massage. Turns out there was a scheduling mix-up (perfect), which meant I spent an hour trying to get a massage. The staff was apologetic, and they did their best to sort it out. I ended up with a slightly rushed, but still decent massage. And, I've been told, they had a Body scrub, Body wrap, etc.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous. Seriously. The Pool with view was magical. And actually swim-able, unlike what I was expecting!
The Fitness center was well-equipped, if a little small. I didn’t get to use it, because, well, I had a massage mix-up, and it's too exhausting to workout. The Spa/sauna were also beautiful.
Cleanliness & Safety: They Seem to Care (Which is Good!)
Important stuff, right? The Islington Inn gets high marks here. They’ve got Anti-viral cleaning products. They do Daily disinfection in common areas. And, crucially, they have Hand sanitizer everywhere. They’re also very much on top of the COVID situation.
The Rooms sanitized between stays are assured. The Rooms sanitization opt-out available is a great touch. Hygiene certification – tick! And the staff? They’re Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt pretty darn safe overall, which is a huge relief.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They’ve got a Concierge. They offer Cash withdrawal. Currency exchange? Yes! They did an Invoice provided. There's a Daily housekeeping. Dry cleaning and Laundry service are available. Luggage storage – essential in London! And the staff are friendly and helpful.
They even had a Convenience store! I forgot to go in it. I need to get better at remembering these things!
Things to Do & Getting Around:
The Islington Inn is located really well to get to most places in London. There is a Taxi service, and they offer Airport transfer. A Car park [free of charge] and also a Bicycle parking.
For the Kids:
I don't have kids, and can't comment. I spotted some families, with a Babysitting service and Family/child friendly. I saw Kids facilities too.
The Verdict: Unfiltered Thoughts
So, is the Islington Inn London’s “Best Kept Secret”? Honestly? Maybe. It's got charm. It's got personality. It's a little rough around the edges, sure, but that's part of its appeal. It’s definitely not your typical cookie-cutter chain hotel. It’s a place where things are a little more… organic. And that’s fine by me.
The “You NEED to See This” Offer:
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Offer Details:
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This isn't your polished Lonely Planet itinerary. This is MY trip to Islington Inn Hotel in London, and it's gonna be a glorious, hot mess.
The Islington Inn: A Love Story (and Maybe a Few Scratches)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and Accidental Bagel Bliss
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Heathrow Landing: Blimey, I'm in London! Jet lag is a cruel mistress, but the promise of London, the city of my dreams (and, let's be honest, a few questionable meals I saw on YouTube), is a powerful antidote. After a surprisingly smooth flight (miracles do happen!), I'm hitting the ground running… after fumbling with my luggage and nearly taking out a small child with a bright pink suitcase. Sorry, kid!
- 11:30 AM (ish) - The Heathrow Express, or "How I Learned to Love Speed": Okay, this train is FAST. Like, really fast. I'm pretty sure I accidentally screamed when it hit top speed. At least they have Wi-Fi, which is essential for a frantic search for directions on Google Maps. I swear, the London Underground map is designed by someone who enjoys watching tourists sweat.
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Arrival at Islington Inn: "Is this… my room?" The hotel itself is charming. Actually it looks like someone decided to decorate a quaint, slightly wonky, dollhouse. The lobby is all cozy nooks and crannies, smells vaguely of lavender and old books, and the staff are genuinely lovely. Now, my room… Okay, it's small. Really small. And the window looks out onto… a brick wall. But hey, at least I have a bed (which, thank God, looks comfy). And the location is perfect – right in the heart of Islington, a place I've dreamt of visiting.
- 2:00 PM (ish) - Lunch, or "The Accidental Bagel Bonanza": Starving. Actually, hangry. Found a cute little cafe nearby for a supposed bite to eat, I got lost in the menu and ordered the 'everything bagel with smoked salmon'. The lady at the cafe gave a weary look, but I was too excited to notice. It was the best bagel I've ever eaten in my life, an absolute symphony of flavor! I could have cried (in a good way).
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Wandering, Wondering, and a Near-Disaster Involving a Red Bus: Walked around Islington, just soaking it all in. The architecture is stunning, the people are interesting, and the shops are tempting. Got myself completely turned around (of course) and almost got flattened by a double-decker bus. Note to self: look both ways and up. Those things are massive! Also, buying a ridiculously oversized Union Jack scarf. It's cliché, I know, but I don't care.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a "Pub": Okay, so I tried to be adventurous and go to a "real" pub. I ordered the fish and chips. It was… fine. Edible. The beer, however, was excellent, and the atmosphere was buzzing. Maybe I'm just not a "fish and chips" person. I'll give it another go later. The pub chatter faded into a background hum as I tried to figure out what half the people were saying (English accents are amazing but can be challenging).
Day 2: Culture, Caffeine, and a Catastrophe of Colour
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel (and Another Bagel!): I've decided to have breakfast at the hotel. It was a basic Continental breakfast, but it was good. I also got an "everything" bagel. I think I will order one every single day.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM - To the British Museum, or "Are We Nearly There Yet?": Wow. The British Museum is overwhelming! I mean, so much history! I spent hours wandering around the exhibits, staring at ancient artifacts and trying to comprehend how old everything is. The Rosetta Stone was incredible. Actually, everything was incredible. I’m also pretty sure I saw a ghost in the Egyptian exhibit. Okay, scratch that, I probably just need more sleep.
- 1:30 PM - Lunch, or "The Great Coffee Crisis": Found a small café with a rather large coffee list, ordered a latte and had a near-catastrophe involving my own clumsiness and a spillage of about a river's-worth of coffee. I had to order a new one.
- 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Camden Town, or "Punk Rock and Rainbow Hair": Camden Market! What a place! I loved it. I spent hours wandering around the market, just looking at things. I had a tattoo, I bought some cool clothes, I tried to fit in… I felt really alive walking through the market. I got a bit of a head rush from the constant noise and the sheer sensory overload. It’s all a bit “much” in the best possible way.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner, or "The Curry Conundrum": After a day of intense sightseeing, I decided to have a relaxing dinner at an Indian restaurant. That was the plan, anyway. However, I accidentally ordered a curry that was so spicy it made me cry. Tears streaming down my face, nose running, the works. I spent the rest of the meal trying to cool my mouth down with a mountain of rice and water. Lesson learned: read the menu carefully.
Day 3: The Tower, the Tube, and a Tearful Goodbye
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel (Yes, Another Bagel!): Bagels for breakfast! Now, that is what I call a proper trip.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - The Tower of London, or "Where Kings and Queens Met Their End": The Tower of London! I was really looking forward to this one. It was absolutely fascinating, but also gave me the serious creeps. Traitors' Gate? The Crown Jewels? It was all a bit morbid, but also incredibly impressive. I’m pretty sure I saw a Raven wink at me.
- 1:30 PM - Lunch near Tower Bridge: Quick lunch at a nearby cafe, the view of Tower Bridge was stunning. It was the first time I've ever had to take many photos of the water.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - The Tube, or "Navigating the Underworld": I've basically become a pro at the tube. It's still a bit chaotic, but at least I understand the basic rules. I'm not sure if I will be able to survive once I leave this place.
- 5:00 PM - Back to the Islington Inn, or "A Sad Farewell": The time has come to say goodbye to the Islington Inn. It ended up being a cosy little place that I'll be nostalgic of. I'm leaving London. I’ve had the best trip, and I’m sad to leave.
Final Thoughts (aka, Ramblings and Regrets)
This trip was awesome. Messy, chaotic, and occasionally terrifying, but awesome. I ate way too many bagels, witnessed the majesty of a thousand-year-old history and almost died in the middle of a road. I wouldn't change a thing.
Would I come back? Absolutely. London, you crazy, wonderful city, I'll be back. As soon as I’ve saved up enough money for another bagel… and a less spicy curry.
Escape to Luxury: Home2 Suites Charleston, WV - Your Dream Getaway!
Islington Inn: London's BEST Kept Secret? (Ugh, You NEED to See This... or Maybe Not?)
Alright, let's be honest. Islington Inn... it's a thing. Is it a secret? Debatable. Best? Well, buckle up, buttercups. I've got some feelings.
So, is this place actually a secret? Because I saw it all over TikTok...
"Secret" is a subjective term, isn't it? Thanks to the internet, a true London secret is probably a forgotten cellar filled with forgotten treasures. Islington Inn? Yeah, it's gained traction. Let's just say it's *less* secret than it pretends to be. I mean, I saw a whole group of influencers clambering over each other to get *the* shot of the hallway with the wonky light fixtures. And trust me, on a Monday. That hallway felt like the start of a never-ending queue for the worst roller-coaster in history. Annoying. The 'secret' is gone, but the 'charm'... well, that's another story.
What's the *vibe*? Because the photos are... something.
Oh, the "vibe." Right. Prepare yourself. It's... eclectic. Think 'Grandma's attic meets hipster haven… after a slightly chaotic car boot sale'. I mean, the furniture is gorgeous, *if* you like slightly mismatched antiques. I found myself staring at an armchair for a good fifteen minutes. It was upholstered in a vibrant floral fabric that clashed beautifully with the chipped paint on the window frame. And then, there was the smell. A heady mix of old books, lavender scented candles that probably weren't actually burning, and... maybe a hint of stale beer? I’m not sure, but it was *memorable*. In a completely unscientific way, of course.
The rooms... are they actually nice? Because pictures can be deceiving.
Okay, the rooms are a real mixed bag. I booked the "Romantic Hideaway" or whatever, and, to be honest, it's... *small*. Like, you could touch both walls at the same time. But the lighting! Oh, the lighting. It's *perfect*. Dim, flattering, and makes you feel like you're starring in a low-budget period drama. You know, until you realize you can hear the couple next door, and the creaking floorboards. Then, it's more like a *slightly* more luxurious camping trip. The bed was surprisingly comfortable, though! I'm a tough sleeper. I mean, I sleep through my alarm on the daily, but that bed? I woke up feeling *great*. So maybe. Maybe not.
Let’s talk about the staff. Are the rumors true? They seem… quirky.
Oh, the staff. Where do I even begin? They're… something else. "Quirky" is putting it mildly. The check-in process was... an experience. The woman at the desk, bless her heart, seemed to have stepped straight out of the 1940s. She was wearing a perfectly pressed floral dress, her hair was pin-curled, and she greeted me with a booming "Right then, love!" before immediately launching into a detailed history of the building... which I *think* was accurate, but honestly got lost in the sheer volume of facts. Then, later, I asked for a corkscrew and the concierge, a guy wearing a cravat and smoking a *pipe* (yes, really!), started telling me about his extensive wine cellar... and then gave me a completely different key to a completely different room! Good times. Real good times.
The breakfast situation? Is it as good as the hype suggests?
Breakfast. Okay. Prepare yourself. It's not *bad*. It's just... idiosyncratic. They offer what they call a "Full English Adventure," which includes things I’ve never seen on a Full English before. Like, a "secret herb-infused sausage" (which tasted mildly of thyme), and something they described as "deconstructed black pudding" (which looked suspiciously like a pile of… something). The coffee was strong, which was a blessing after my night of listening to the couple next door... And it’s served in mismatched vintage china. Which, okay, that’s cute at first, but after a week? I was wishing for some disposable stuff. Just... please.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Honestly? Probably. Why? Because… it’s memorable. Even the bad parts. The wonky light fixtures, the slightly-too-loud neighbors, the overenthusiastic staff… it all kind of adds up to a certain charm. It’s the anti-hotel hotel. It's the type of experience you bond over with other travelers at the pub later on. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But it’s unique. It’s quirky. And yeah, maybe it *is* a bit of a secret… just not that well-kept anymore. I could probably write a book on my stay. Maybe I will.
Is this place… romantic? Because that's the vibe I’m getting.
*Sigh*. Romantic? Let's say it *could* be. If your idea of romance involves dim lighting, creaky floors, a shared wall with a boisterous couple, and the faint scent of lavender and nostalgia… then yes. It could be *very* romantic. The ambiance is there, don't get me wrong. But like I said, small rooms, slightly annoying neighbors, and the memory of that "deconstructed black pudding" sort of kill the mood.
Okay, let's get specific. What was the *weirdest* thing?
Alright, buckle up. Here's a story. I wandered into the back garden one afternoon. It was a small space, with a slightly overgrown, but charming, feel. There was a fountain, and some statues. When I rounded the back corner, I found the concierge, the cravat-wearing, pipe-smoking gentleman from check-in, *feeding a squirrel mini-quiches*. Mini-quiches! He was talking to it too, telling it stories about the hotel's history. I stood there, frozen, for a FULL minute. Then, he *looked at me*, winked, and offered me a quiche. I laughed, and actually ate it. It was surprisingly delicious. It was the weirdest, most wonderful thing. I'll never forget that squirrel. Or the quiche.
