HotelChatter

I arrived from Barcelona on a crisp day and made my way through the massive impressive lobby, after all it actually used to be the Town hall, It is appointed as an old world government building would be (think brass rails and marble everywhere.) The staff knew their stuff and were very helpful.

I booked into a one-bedroom apartment, with a kitchen, and a washer and dryer! Since I was coming to London from Barcelona with a nice-sized stack of luggage it was such a pleasant surprise to be able to wash my clothes…they supply you detergent as well as pods for the espresso machine you’ll find in your kitchen. All in all, they did a great job of stocking the basics you will need across the board.

I had a seating room, and a very lovely bathroom with a soaking tub that made my constant travel companion --the bath flakes from the Costes Hotel--very welcomed. (I stop and buy some every time I am in Paris.)

The bed was set-aside in a cubby near the bathroom and it was a great place to snuggle in after a day pounding the streets of London as well as a good contrast to the openness of the rest of the space. They really paid attention and nailed it when they designed and executed the space both form and function.

The building as a whole is situated smack in the middle of where you would want to be in East London near the park, near the shops, near the good food, galleries, Broadway market etc. You get the chance to become a local upon arrival. That said you aren’t in central London and taxis aren’t something to solely rely on due to time and cost, but there is a tube stop less than 2 blocks away.

Wandering the halls of the building you’ll see art installations from up and coming London artists, it's good art, not “hotel” art. Worth stopping in just to see the works even if you’re not staying at the property. There is a gym & POOL…yes I said POOL. Divine is the only way to describe it. Viajante is the restaurant downstairs; it’s on par with the best in London, foodie for sure, and good. Design and service are great, with an extensive drinks menu as well.

I will be back in residence at the Town Hall ASAP.

[Photos: Geren Lockhart for HotelChatter]

About Geren Ford: It was while working as an advertising production executive in remote corners of the world that Founder and Creative Director of Geren Ford, Geren Lockhart, designed her (now famed) first pair of pants. This initial creative success drove Geren to walk away from advertising in 2002, after studying fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design, and subsequently launch her own brand. With the ongoing inspiration of the boho jet-set urban cultures founded in a childhood split between New York’s infamous SoHo district and California’s Bay Area, the Geren Ford brand consistently creates an aesthetic of classic modernism. Equally at home in 1960’s Paris or 2009’s New York, with day-to-evening practicality for the discerning modern woman.
http://www.gerenford.com