Canopy by Hilton: A Gem of A London Hotel

I was on a business trip in London for ten days and had to stay somewhere in the Shoreditch area where my meetings took place. A friend of mine suggested a hotel just a stone’s throw away from the Aldgate tube station. When I checked the hotel website, calculated the time it would take me to the meeting venue, and was convinced that it would likely be the best place to stay, I booked it.

I did not regret.

The first plus factor is the location. It’s a three-minute walk to Aldgate station, which has both the Circle and the District lines. It’s also a ten-minute walk from Liverpool Street, where rail services are available if you fancy an out-of-London trip during one of your stays. The bus station is just right outside the hotel, and buses to Piccadilly Circus stop by every 10 minutes or so.

Second plus factor is the staff. I have lived in this city for almost two years in 2006 and have come back several times since then, and sometimes the cold weather conditions people’s attitudes. But the hotel’s people are warm and friendly, very considerate as a matter of fact, that they made it possible for me to get a room at 930 in the morning when standard check-in time could have been 3 pm. It was such a welcoming gesture after a 16-hour plane ride.

Third, the hotel’s design is modern, clean, and chic. I love the minimalist furniture and the overall room design that exudes elegance and good taste. My room has full windows on one side with black-out curtains and a good-sized toilet and bath. See pictures below:

Fourth, the breakfast spread is quite generous—with my favourite La Ferme des Peupliers yoghurt, freshly baked French and English bread, fresh fruit and juices, cold cuts, and traditional hot English breakfast. Coffee machines are handy for hot drinks for in-room dining and on-the-go (with recyclable cups to match if you prefer to drink them as you head off for work).

Finally, service is just very thoughtful. On my first day, after taking a walk to the nearby Tower of London, I received a note from the Front Desk thanking me for a long stay, plus complimentary mini-bar drinks (including my favourite organic Karma Cola—how good is that?).