Not so long ago the Barbican/Clerkenwell/Shoreditch area was something of a hotel desert. Hotels in the area were few and far between and most (not all) of what was on offer was pretty basic. But over the past few years this has all changed. What has prompted this short item was a recent visit to the Citadines aparthotel in Goswell Road, almost opposite the Barbican Estate’s new Blake Tower. The aparthotel has undergone a serious makeover, with now superbly equipped rooms at very reasonable prices for the London hotel scene. The Barbican Life editor and a colleague were suitably impressed with room space, décor and equipment. It has also been enhanced for visitors with the opening of the Sourced Market café/restaurant/food outlet adjacent to the hotel’s reception area which offers licensed eating options for guests throughout the day from breakfast time on.
Studio de luxe room at Citadines Barbican
Most rooms at the Citadines hotel are equipped with a with a double or king-sized bed, and most are studios and one bedroom suites with big modern walk-in shower room, kitchenette with a two ring ceramic hob, microwave, decent sized fridge – some have washing machines – so ideal for people who wish to do some limited self catering to keep costs down, or looking at an extended stay, but still, of course, close to the Clerkenwell restaurant scene too. At only a stone’s throw from the Barbican centre, a couple of minutes walk from Barbican underground station (which will have direct Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) access when that opens next year), and a short walk from St Paul’s and the Thames, it is also well located to take advantage of some of London’s most visited tourist attractions. It is certainly now also a not-too costly option for people visiting Barbican residents who may not be able to offer accommodation in their own flats.
The Citadines hotel is at 7-21 Goswell Rd, London EC1M 7AH, tel: +44 (0)20 7566 8000
