Where to Stay in London - The Corner Hotel - London’s Greenest Boutique Hotel
Originally posted March 14, 2019
Last November, Andrew and I set off on a four week, seven country adventure to visit and capture Europe’s Christmas markets with Urban Adventures. London was our last stop, and, for a couple of reasons, it was the destination I was most excited about.
My mom is from England, so, I’ve visited London a couple of times before with family, but, on both occasions, I was barely a teenager. I was old enough to like the city… but I wasn’t really old enough to appreciate it.
This time around, things were really different. I was excited about revisiting London, but was also looking forward to visiting my family there. It was the first time in my life I’d be visiting them by myself, and also the first time I’d be entering the UK on a British passport!
I was also pumped for our London trip because we were going to be staying a couple of nights in one of the coolest areas… at the city’s most eco-friendly (and cutest) boutique hotel - The Corner Hotel, East London (previously Qbic Hotel London).
About The Corner Hotel
The Vibe + Mission
In one word, this hotel is COZY. Picture your typical, stuffy, corporate chain hotel… and then think the exact opposite. I was a big fan of their trendy decor, art filled walls, and the staff’s laid back and welcoming attitude.
They are dedicated to reducing their environmental impact and support eco-friendly charities in the local community. One of these is Cafe Art, London based initiative that aims to reconnect people affected by homelessness with society through Art. They showcase some of the artists work in their hotel and has even given Cafe Art a space to run the charity in the hotel’s basement.
From the solar panels on the roof to their use of chemical free cleaning products, at The Corner Hotel, being “green” is more than just empty words or a marketing slogan.
They provide guests with organic toiletries and natural, organic beds made from sustainable and renewable resources. They also offer free bike rental and encourage guests staying two or more nights to conserve water and energy, by skipping room cleaning (in exchange for a free drink at the bar). The Corner Hotel believes this incentive will encourage guests to make greener decisions.
Though their aren’t in-room coffee makers, each floor is equipped with a free coffee and tea area. You won’t find any plastic water bottles here. Instead, guests are provided with free filtered water in their room’s refillable glass bottle. They also offer guests sustainable, re-usable metal straws instead of single-use plastic straws.
The Rooms
Compared to other hotels, the rooms here are a bit smaller. We didn’t have all of the bells and whistles you might find in other hotel rooms, but, we found that we did have everything we needed. I was pleasantly surprised by the sleek, modern, clutter free design of the room, and impressed by the rooms defining wall art and highly efficient reusable pod that stood center-stage.
The pod designs of each room are sustainably built, aluminium pods that contain everything you need in a fully functioning hotel room… and I mean everything from the bed, tv, lights, outlets, and USB ports to the toilet, sink, and waterfall shower. It’s such a genius and innovative concept.
Guests have the choice of a smart room, cosy room, or a fun room. So, what’s the difference?
If you’re looking for a crashpad where you can get a solid nights sleep, go for a window-less smart room. If you want a bit of daylight, go for a cosy room like we did. If you’re travelling with two or three people and want a bit more space, go for one of their larger fun rooms (complete with a couch).
Bar + Kitchen
The Corner’s in-house restaurant and bar, is popular amongst travellers and locals alike.
They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner throughout that week and several delicious options for sharing (…or keeping to yourself). Their menu has lots of healthy, vegetarian friendly dishes made from seasonal, sustainable, and locally sourced produce.
The restaurant and bar was always pretty quiet during lunch (and at 5am when I took the photos below), but it got really busy after working hours. We stayed here during the week, so it was a great spot to grab a bite to eat and get some work done, but it’s probably much busier for brunches on the weekend!
Booking
To check current rates or to book your room at The Corner Hotel London visit their website!
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