nhow London
The Madrid-based NH Hotel Group's nhow brand offers a new, unique breed of accommodations in multiple locations across Europe, with some of the most extraordinary designs in the industry.
Nhow doesn't shy away from eccentricity, to put it mildly. The hipster brand goes against typical hotel conventions like unimaginative communal spaces, dull color schemes, and outdated furniture.
So, if you have PTSD from bland hotels, then this wild Project Orange-designed place is meant for you.
Nhow's Berlin location demonstrated how to break physics with its cantilevered metal box structure seemingly levitating 118 feet (36 meters) above the Spree River.
While their Brussels property's hand-painted murals showcased how a hotel can double as an art gallery.
Nhow London luckily fits the pattern and delivers on the unconventionally extraordinary promise. The hotel's design takes inspiration from the district's industrial past and blends it with new-wave artsiness.
The lobby's ("open house" - as nhow calls it) ceilings have exposed pipes painted in black, mixed with large industrial lamps, and there are metal-framed shelves for a mini art exhibition and board games.
The hotel's walls host an array of murals, pop art, and graffiti paintings, looking like a wild mix between Banksy and Andy Warhol.
And if all the colorful contemporary furniture and wall paints don't make your head spin, turn your attention to the Big Ben space rocket installation stretching from the floor to the ceiling.
In the lounge, a cozy corner provides fireplace-side designer sofas to enjoy a cold drink from the bar, socialize, or finish a quick work on your laptop.
You will spend half of your time at nhow's boldly designed hotel searching for easter eggs and taking photos of them - from Space Invaders in your shower to the pixelated private parts of royalties.
The funky, centrally located bar is fully stocked with quality wines, beer, and ciders, and they can make your favorite cocktails with or without alcohol.
The in-house restaurant serves classic comfort foods inspired by traditional Mexican, Italian, and American recipes with an added spice of craziness.
The menu includes dishes like the 6 cheeses pizza or the comforting mac & cheese pasta. Both will make any Italian's blood boil, yet they are so satisfying that you end up ignoring the angry noises of imaginary nonnas.
The theatrical hallways are decorated with heavy curtains and serve a function, too - these velvet drapes mute any unwanted sounds.
Superior Room
When Henry VIII looks down at you with his mesmerizing gaze from the bathroom walls, you know everything will be alright!
Deluxe Superior Room
The hotel provides a matching set of his and her flip-flop slippers and bathrobes dedicated to the Queen and King of the room. If you forget to change to your urban wear when you go out, don't worry, as it's central London, and you may become the hippest person on the streets in this outfit.
Suite
Penthouse
Nhow's most expensive suite is the Penthouse, which, with an overdose of gold décor, balances on the edge of elegance/kitsch.
The marble-laden bathroom features a freestanding bathtub fully revealed from the bedroom when you open its curtain.
Henry, the robot butler
Monochrome metro tiles, yellow stripes, and two giant mirrors turn this compact gym into a perfect selfie spot - if working out is not your thing.