The hype
Travelers love the modern design, the spa facilities, and the location for Shoreditch nightlife, but often find the room tech confusing.
Montcalm East, Autograph Collection
$180-300/ night
Book this if You want a high-tech, visually striking base in the heart of London's tech and creative district, and you prioritize a cool pool over a quiet location.
Why People Love It
- Futuristic 'optical illusion' architecture that stands out on the skyline
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with epic city views in 'Sky High' rooms
- The Bokeh Spa with its large indoor pool (a rarity for Shoreditch)
Quick Take: A sharp, Instagram-ready glass wedge that feels more like a tech headquarters than a cozy hotel, sitting right on one of London's busiest roundabouts.
Reviewed by @Laurahtrav: I felt like I was living in the future here. The optical illusion building is wild, but the spa was my favorite part—it's huge and actually included in the stay. If you love modern design and want to be in the heart of Shoreditch, this is the spot.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'high-tech' room controls (touch panels for lights/blinds) are a major pain point — guests report struggling to turn off lights or dealing with glowing blue standby lights that ruin sleep.
- You're a tech worker visiting 'Silicon Roundabout'
- You want a hotel with a proper swimming pool in East London
- You appreciate modern, minimalist design over classic British coziness
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good daily service, though some reports of late-in-the-day cleaning.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but occasional reports of hair in drains or water spots on chrome.
- Maintenance: The building is aging slightly; expect some scuffs on the high-tech panels or worn carpet edges.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and high quality. Robes are plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of a signature 'woody' scent; rooms are generally neutral but can smell stale if AC filters aren't fresh.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy traffic from Old Street Roundabout
- Ambulance sirens (City Road is a main artery)
- Internal noise from hallway doors slamming
Before you book
Good to know
- A discretionary 12.5% service charge is added to all food and drink bills.
- A £50/night incidental deposit is taken at check-in.
- The 'Photo Lab' allows you to print photos from your phone or develop film — a cool, underused perk.
What to pack
- Eye mask (to block the glowing blue LEDs on the wall panels)
- Swim cap (sometimes enforced in the pool)
- Earplugs (essential for lower floors)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sky High Double/King (Floors 16-17) for the best soundproofing and views
- Rear-facing rooms on any floor to minimize roundabout noise
Rooms to avoid
- Low-floor rooms facing City Road (traffic noise)
- Rooms near the elevator (noise bleed)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a 'Sky High' room on the highest possible floor (16th or 17th), specifically facing away from the Old Street roundabout for a quieter stay. Please ensure the room's blackout blinds are fully functional.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a rooftop bar?
No. The 'Sky Bar' mentioned in old reviews is a myth or confusion. The main bar is 'Marlowe' on the ground/mezzanine level.
Is the pool heated?
Technically yes, but a frequent complaint is that it feels cold (often described as 'freezing').
Can I open the windows?
No, the windows are sealed shut due to the building's climate control and high-rise nature.
How close is the tube?
Old Street station (Northern Line) is a 3-minute walk away.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not. It costs around £24-25 per person if purchased separately.
Are kids allowed in the spa?
Only during restricted hours (typically 7-9am and 3-5pm) and must be supervised.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a room *away* from the elevators; the layout funnels noise into those areas.
- ✨
The 'Marlowe' restaurant has a decent happy hour, but nearby Shoreditch bars are far better.
- ✨
You can use the 'Photo Lab' to print smartphone photos as retro-style polaroids for free/cheap.
5 things to know before you go
💡The building's diamond shape creates some oddly shaped corners in standard rooms.
💡The 'high-tech' blinds can be glitchy and sometimes open randomly if the system resets.
💡There is a optical illusion on the façade that makes the building look like it's moving when you walk past it.
💡The walk to the spa involves a slightly confusing maze of corridors.
💡Room service tray pickup can be slow, leaving hallways cluttered.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Montcalm East, Autograph Collection is located and what's nearby.