Montcalm East Hotel Review: A Five-Star Oasis in Shoreditch
When an invitation arrived to review a hotel on a Monday evening in Shoreditch, my initial reaction was to calculate the travel time from my office. The Montcalm East's location on City Road, just north of Old Street Station, promised to trim thirty minutes from my usual commute. That prospect alone sparked genuine excitement. As a professional critic, one develops a certain cynicism after experiencing countless city centre hotels. I arrived with preconceived notions: compact rooms, average cuisine, and a modest, basic spa facility. To my pleasant surprise, the Montcalm East defied all expectations. This relaxed Marriott Autograph property impresses with its generous proportions, delightful flavours, and an outstanding commitment to wellness. Book a facial treatment and specifically request Mikaela – more details on that exceptional experience follow.
Prime Location in Vibrant Shoreditch
Trendy, technology-focused, and bursting with vibrant colour, Shoreditch represents a dynamic playground where striking street art and some of London's finest dining establishments converge with Scandinavian-inspired start-up studios and sleek office buildings. The Montcalm East positions itself just outside the immediate hustle and bustle, approximately ten minutes by bus from the Barbican and a few Tube stops from central London. It has become a favoured choice for American business executives undertaking transatlantic commutes to nearby Amazon and TikTok offices. Conveniently, London City Airport is roughly a twenty-minute taxi ride away, assuming clear traffic conditions.
Distinctive Architecture and Design Vibe
The Montcalm East presents an architecturally fascinating building. Imagine if New York's iconic Flatiron Building underwent a futuristic renovation; the hotel cuts a striking silhouette with sharp, triangular glass panels that appear poised to slice the roadway in two. As part of the Marriott Autograph collection – renowned for quality, uniqueness, and an independent spirit within a franchise framework – the Montcalm East embraces a signature theme. Photography permeates the entire experience, from the artistic photo books gracing lobby tables to the monochrome portraits adorning bedroom walls. The mezzanine breakfast area features a dedicated photo lab where guests can book Polaroid sessions. According to the hotel's genial manager, Deepak Panicker, this facility proves popular with groups of friends and hen parties. An in-house photography resident, typically a student from Ravensbourne University London, conducts monthly workshops, demonstrating a genuine commitment to this creative concept.
Beyond this photographic thread, the interiors blend modern aesthetics with futuristic accents. The lobby feels welcoming and inviting, while the corridors, adorned with LED light dashes and black varnish, project a slightly more austere, contemporary atmosphere.
Spacious and Tech-Forward Accommodation
Reflecting its east London setting and the hotel industry's flair for nomenclature, all nine room categories bear imaginative titles like 'Feeling Superior' and 'Anything But Standard'. The decor scheme leans towards darker tones with a strong emphasis on technology. The lighting system can be somewhat overcomplicated, and the bathroom's ring light possesses an intensity that might reveal facial details you never knew existed. However, the rooms compensate with generous floor space, substantial weighty duvets, and premium Hypnos and Respa mattresses, ensuring comfort. All 288 rooms are equipped with Nespresso coffee machines and smart televisions – though mine required several minutes to power up. Bathrooms feature rainfall showers, Soapsmith toiletries, and the welcome luxury of underfloor heating, a lovely thoughtful touch.
Exemplary Service and Standout Wellness Facilities
Staff members are consistently warm and helpful from the outset, offering easy smiles and a no-fuss attitude where nothing seems too much trouble. As a five-star establishment, a turndown service is provided, leaving guests with earplugs, eye masks, and sea salt chocolates upon returning from dinner or evening drinks. The undeniable highlight, however, is the Yatra spa. Located underground and inspired by the Sanskrit word for 'journey', it boasts a decent-sized swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a sauna, a steam room, and relaxing daybeds. A range of treatments is available. While I can personally vouch only for the signature facial, that experience alone justifies a visit. Having recently paid €250 for a disappointingly lacklustre facial at a Dublin clinic, Mikaela, with her butter-soft hands, vividly reminded me of what every excellent facial should deliver: deep relaxation, intense hydration, and skilfully integrated massage techniques. The treatment lasts one hour and is priced at £165.
Dining Experience at Marlowe Restaurant
Marlowe, the hotel's restaurant, spans the ground and first floors, also serving as the breakfast venue. The morning offering includes a comprehensive hot and cold buffet featuring fried eggs, sausages, pastries, yoghurt, fruit, and cereals, alongside a small à la carte menu with options like avocado on toast and blueberry pancakes. The breakfast is tasty, plentiful, and typically populated by business professionals fuelling up for a busy day ahead.
Dinner is where Marlowe Restaurant truly excels. Despite encountering mixed online reviews beforehand, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy every dish ordered. The king prawns were remarkably succulent, and the anchovy toast delivered a delightful zing. I also appreciated the alcohol-free sparkling English white wine, served with evident care and a smile.
Pricing and Practical Details
For a five-star hotel in London, the Montcalm East offers relatively reasonable rates. Room prices begin from £177 per night. Breakfast is an additional £24.50. Key practical information includes a 3pm check-in time and a 12pm check-out. The hotel provides step-free access, with the main entrance and all hotel outlets being fully accessible for guests with disabilities.
The standout features are undoubtedly the exceptional Yatra spa, the highly convenient location, and the consistently excellent staff. This hotel is perfect for professionals on work trips and visitors enjoying a city break. It may be less suited for families, couples specifically seeking a romantic retreat, or anyone looking to completely escape the urban environment.
