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This playful London hotel puts you in the heart of Shoreditch 

Big rooms, buzzy bars and a rooftop scene that captures Shoreditch at its most fun. 

There are plenty of stylish hotels in London, but few lean into personality quite like Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch. This is a stay designed to feel social, playful and a little indulgent, where the energy of Shoreditch flows straight through the lobby and up to the rooftop.  

It’s the kind of place where your day might start with breakfast overlooking the skyline, drift into an afternoon unwind in your own steam rain shower and end with cocktails in a bar that feels more like a destination than a hotel amenity. If you want a London base that feels lively rather than low-key, this one delivers. 

Where is Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch? 

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch
Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch has a convenient location. (Credit: Supplied)

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch sits right in the middle of one of the city’s most creative and energetic neighbourhoods. Shoreditch is known for its street art, independent fashion, vintage markets and ever-changing dining scene, and staying here places you right in the thick of it all. 

The hotel is just a short walk from Shoreditch High Street station, making it easy to reach central London, the West End and major attractions. But the real appeal is being able to step outside and immediately feel immersed in London’s buzz.  

What is the style and character of Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch?

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch mirror
The hotel has a confident, playful aesthetic. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

True to the Virgin brand, the hotel has a confident, playful aesthetic. Interiors lean towards moody lighting, bold colours and statement design elements that give the space personality without feeling over-the-top. 

There’s a strong social atmosphere throughout, particularly in the lobby and bar areas, which feel designed for lingering rather than simply passing through. It’s stylish but approachable, with an energy that mirrors Shoreditch itself. You won’t find anything stuffy here. Instead, the vibe is lively, creative and just a little bit cheeky. 

What facilities does Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch have? 

Virgin Hotel's interior
The hotel has a rooftop pool perfect for relaxed afternoons. (Credit: Supplied)

The rooftop is the star attraction. With a pool overlooking the London skyline, it offers a unique way to experience the city, whether you’re swimming, relaxing on a lounger or enjoying a drink above the rooftops. 

Even in winter, the rooftop remains active. Seeing someone brave enough to swim in December says everything about the hotel’s spirited atmosphere. There’s also a fitness centre onsite, as well as multiple bars and dining spaces that create a sense of movement throughout the property. 

Service is friendly and attentive without feeling formal, adding to the overall relaxed feel of the stay. 

What are the rooms like at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch?

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch bed in Grand Chamber King room
Unwind in your stylish room. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Rooms are impressively spacious by London standards, particularly my Grand Chamber King. The layout feels thoughtfully designed, with distinct areas for relaxing, sleeping and getting ready. 

One of the standout features is the enormous balcony, which offers plenty of outdoor space to take in the city. While London weather doesn’t always cooperate, it’s still a rare and luxurious addition. 

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch balcony in Grand Chamber King room
The enormous balcony is uncommon in London. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Inside, the bathroom is a highlight thanks to the marble and a steam rain shower. This feature essentially turns your shower into a personal steam room, making it an ideal way to unwind after a long day of exploring. It’s a fun, indulgent touch that elevates the entire stay. 

Overall, the rooms feel comfortable, modern and designed for relaxation, while still maintaining the hotel’s signature sense of style. 

What dining facilities does Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch have? 

Virgin Hotels Hidden Groove
A quirky spot for cocktails and succulent bites. (Credit: Supplied)

Dining at the hotel reflects its lively personality. Hidden Grooves stands out as a particularly memorable experience, offering a high-energy atmosphere paired with excellent cocktails and well-executed food. 

It’s the kind of space where you can easily spend an entire evening, whether you’re socialising with friends or simply relaxing with a drink and a book while soaking up the buzz. The staff behind the bar are welcoming and attentive, helping to create a genuinely enjoyable atmosphere. 

Breakfast takes place on the rooftop at 45th & 7th, which provides a calm contrast to the nightlife energy of the evening. Starting the day above the city with skyline views is a lovely way to ease into the morning. 

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Does Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch have access for guests with disabilities? 

Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels has accessible facilities for persons with disabilities (Credit: Supplied)

Yes, the hotel offers accessible rooms and facilities. Step-free access is available throughout the property, and guests with mobility needs can book the Chamber King Accessible, Grand Chamber King Accessible or Grand Chamber Junior Suite Accessible. 

Is Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch family-friendly? 

Penthouse flat
The Penthouse flat is perfect for a large group or families. (Credit: Supplied)

While the hotel’s social atmosphere and nightlife focus make it particularly appealing to adults, families are still welcome. Larger room configurations and connecting rooms provide flexibility, and the rooftop pool can be a draw for older children. The Grand Chamber Junior Suite, Grand Chamber Junior Suite Terrace, Deluxe Chamber One-Bedroom Suite and Richards Penthouse Flat are the family-friendly options. 

That said, the overall vibe leans more towards couples, solo travellers and groups of friends looking for a lively city stay. 

The verdict 

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch shower in Grand Chamber King room
The steam shower is a luxurious addition. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch successfully captures the spirit of its neighbourhood. It’s stylish without being intimidating, social without feeling overwhelming and indulgent without losing its sense of fun. 

The oversized rooms, rooftop pool and standout steam showers add genuine appeal, while the dining and bar scene ensures there’s always something happening onsite. For travellers seeking a London hotel that feels vibrant, modern and unmistakably Shoreditch, this is an easy choice. 

Details 

Best for: Couples, solo travellers and friends who want a lively London base.
Address: 45 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3PT, United Kingdom
Cost: From approximately $600 per night, depending on season and room type. 

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is International Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company, through various roles, she has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore the world. Her previous job was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing – equipping her with a diverse skill set that enhances her storytelling and audience engagement. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring under-the-radar destinations. Next on her travel wish list? Mexico and an African safari.
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5 things every hotel needs for a more restorative stay

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

    The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

    1. Easy access to good food

    meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
    Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

    One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

    In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

    In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

    Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

    At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

    While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

    It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

    2. Better sleep options

    Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room
    Sleep deeply with Novotel.

    There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

    For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

    The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

    3. More ways to move

    woman hiking around queenstown new zealand
    Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

    Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

    At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

    Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

    4. Better connections

    Novotel Sharm El Sheikh
    Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

    One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

    Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

    A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

    5. Location is everything

    Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld
    Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

    Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

    All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

    Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.