Travel review: The Courthouse Hotel

DIVA enjoys a night at this criminally cool hotel in Shoreditch

WORDS CARRIE LYELL, IMAGES JAREK KLOCINSKI

I’m a bit broken, emotionally and physically, when I arrive at the opulent Courthouse Hotel, a five-star beauty situated slap-bang in the middle of Shoreditch. It’s been a really tiring week, so a smooth check-in process and someone to carry my bag really makes a difference.

Opening the door to my sixth floor room, I’m entranced by the view. London’s skyline, all mean and moody on this March afternoon, is a sight for sore eyes.

A little nosy around the room and a few mirror selfies later, I kick off my shoes and sink into an armchair, and can’t resist snapping a few pictures. All the excitement has tuckered me out, so it’s not long before climbing into (frankly giant) bed with a cup of earl grey for a much-needed nap.

An hour later, all refreshed post-shower (where I make the most of those Crabtree and Evelyn and Guilty toiletries) I decide to go and explore.

The Courthouse might be set within a Grade II Baroque building (fancy pants), but this former magistrates court and police station is anything but stuffy. Everything here – from the rooftop bar to the bowling alley (yes, really) – oozes character, and it all feels very cool indeed.  

Had a week like mine? Then make a beeline for the pool and spa, where your worries will melt away in the 10m heated pool or in one of its three treatment rooms. Alternatively, check out the private cinema, or have a little fun in the playroom, complete with ping pong tables, table football and two ten pin bowling alleys.

If you’d rather get out and stretch your legs, you’re in the perfect place, with the best of London right on your doorstep. Hungry? Get yo’ ass to Homeslice, which is literally across the road, or On The Bab, a Korean street food kitchen two minutes away. Making a night of it? You’re not far from queer fave The Glory. Or follow the bright lights of Old Street and you can’t go wrong.

Me? After a (giant) pizza and a couple of beers with a pal, I’m all done in, so it’s an early night for me. It might be boring, but there’s nothing I want more than a cosy one with the boys from Queer Eye.

Despite being in amongst all the hustle and bustle on a Saturday, I sleep like a baby, and the next morning feel like a brand new human as I head downstairs for breakfast. It’s a proper feast, and it takes all my strength to walk away from those hash browns…

Verdict? Criminally cool. I’ll be back.  

Visiting London? Book your stay now at shoreditch.courthouse-hotel.com.