The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell
"How did it strike you on arrival?You’d barely know this is a hotel—it’s part of a two-house block behind the Zetter Hotel and has the feel of an in-the-know, secret annex. What’s the crowd like?Those who don’t have anything to prove—Clerkenwell is very much a locals’ area, and it’s a place for after-work Londoners as much as guests. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.You couldn’t be anywhere but the U.K. with these rooms (in keeping with the annex feel, there are only 13 of them). Expect Union Jack flags flying from the beds, over the headboards, and (somewhat more discreetly) in the colors chosen for the throws. It’s very "public school" (what the English call private school) with a jolly upper crust vibe. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?They’ve thought hard about your sleep—Hypnos beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton and there are even hot water bottles for cold feet. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The most covetable thing is definitely the superbly English hand-knitted hot water bottle covers. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Showers are rainfall, towels are fluffy and the fantastic toiletries are by REN. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free, fast Wi-Fi. Room service: Worth it?The Zetter burger with “cave-aged cheddar,” triple-cooked chips (fat fries), onion rings and pickles ($18). Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Whoever does the in-house events programming—every month there’s something on, whether it’s a flapper-style dance performance, a bartender pop-up or a jazz band. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The ZTL Cocktail Lounge is a fabulous country-house-style living room with antique furniture, art on the walls and a superb drinks menu. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The under-the-radar vibe. Bottom line: worth it, and why?A lovely, under-the-radar hotel that’s for real London lovers." - Julia Buckley
