Rookery
Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, London, United Kingdom, EC1M 6DS
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#11 of 80
expert-rated hotels in London- Recommended for:
- Couples, Culture vultures, Foodies, Honeymooners, Mature travellers, Romance
Expert review of Rookery
This charming historic hotel is an absolute one-off - with a great foodie location.
For sheer character and historic charm, this small hotel is the best stay in this part of the City. I love places where every room is individual. Here they’re stuffed with antique furniture and works of art, themed around former residents or local historical characters. But don’t worry - you’re not expected to do without modern amenities like TV and internet.
Location:
Close to Farringdon tube/rail station, the Rookery is well connected but feels like it’s in another world down a little passageway between thoroughfares. This is one of London’s best areas for food-lovers, with half a dozen fine restaurants to suit all pockets in the vicinity, as well as fine traditional pubs.
Bedrooms:
The rooms I’ve seen are a bit darker than the public areas of the hotel, but jammed full of character - flamboyantly engraved four-poster and half-tester beds, wood-panelled walls, genuine old brass shower and bath fittings, drapes and frills and furbelows everywhere. If you ever dreamt of living like a jolly Old English squire or his dam, this will fit the bill. Flatscreen TVs with DVD and free Wi-Fi are there, but generally tucked into cupboards so as to maintain the fantasy of stepping into history. Because the house is so old, the 30-odd rooms are all very different in size, shape and furnishings - each room is named after a former resident of the house or a local character, with their story elaborated in the handbook (just as at sister hotel Hazlitt's Hotel). You can see St Paul’s Cathedral from the split-level Rook’s Suite at the top of the house, but I like the smaller ‘Susan Gilyard’ room too. Light sleepers should watch out for the front rooms at weekends... there’s sometimes noise from nearby superclub Fabric.
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Public areas:
The reception area lies behind the Georgian shopfronts looking on to Cowcross Street. Otherwise, there’s a lovely bright lounge at the back, painted peppermint green, with plump armchairs, an honesty bar, fireplace, internet station - and a beautiful grey cat who was far too dignified to play with me. There’s also a sweet little patio area outside that feels thoroughly removed from the bustling district all around.
Eating and drinking:
This part of the City, Clerkenwell, is one of London’s best areas for eating and drinking, so you’ve numerous options - including the pioneering St John, barely five minutes’ walk away from the front door. A short range of simple breakfasts are served in your room or the downstairs lounge, where the honesty bar supplies a good but pricey range of wine and spirits.
Leisure facilities:
Not much beyond the lounge and patio. But you don't come to a hotel like this to work out.
Service:
Helpful, friendly.
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Who stays there:
Romantics and lovers of London past.
Pros:
Unique atmosphere
Rooms full of antiques and quirky fittings
Cons:
Not for lovers of sleek modernity
Some bedrooms dimly lit
More information on Rookery:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, London, United Kingdom, EC1M 6DS
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet, Room Service
- Neighbourhood:
- City
