“Fashionable Clerkenwell is home to this intimate, period charm City bolthole which prides itself on homely atmosphere across three 18th Century houses. Rooms are full of character, classic antiques, open fires and roll top baths. Breakfast in bed or in the garden is the perfect way to start the day.”

Hotel review

Only a short distance from St Paul’s Cathedral and a short walk from Farringdon station this period city escape is full of character and pretty bedrooms that have antique beds, open fires and rolltop baths with original brass and copper plumbing. Rook’s Nest is the fabulous two-storey Penthouse Suite with views over St Paul’s and the Old Bailey. The bedroom is dominated by a hand-painted, four poster bed and there’s a huge Victorian bathing machine in one corner of the room. Plenty of fluffy towels, flannels, crisp bed linen and fluffy dressing gowns really make you feel at home. A staircase leads you upstairs to a sitting room under the 40ft spire complete with desk and honesty bar. There’s no restaurant but there are plenty in the area. Choose your breakfast the night before - breakfast at The Rookery is one of the best breakfasts I have had in a London hotel - perfect pastries, delicious granola, fresh juicy berries, soft, chewy bagels, mild smoked salmon and tasty hams and cheese, oh and the cappuccino was the perfect temperature.

If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s more private club than hotel The Rookery is the perfect choice.

Lulu Townsend
Lulu Townsend Review published: 21/10/2024

Recommended for

  • Learning

    • Head to the Museum of London for some interesting and fantastically curated exhibits.
  • Sights nearby

    • Barbican is a cultural hub worth checking out for performances, screenings and more.
  • Close to nightlife

    • The City is home to many bars which are popular with the city slickers of London.
  • Other Activities

    • Enjoy the daily newspaper in the comfort of the homely drawing room.
  • Groups

    • Old-London charm meets comfort and history.
  • Cycling

    • Exo-Friendly and fun way to see the city.
  • Quiet

  • Conference facilities

  • No restaurant

  • Full of character

  • Lively area

  • Disabled access

  • Townhouse

  • Artworks

  • Boutique

  • Historic

  • Antiques

  • Quirky

  • Free wifi

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    33 rooms in this hotel
  • In room DVD

  • No pets

  • Airport transfer

  • Fireplace

  • Bar

  • Bath robes

  • Safe

  • Conference facilities

  • Business Centre

  • Internet

  • Meeting Room

  • Cots available

  • Wifi

  • No restaurant

  • Disabled access

  • Garden

  • Sitting Room

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Free wifi

  • Suites

  • Concierge

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • In room music system

  • Four poster beds

  • Air conditioning

Activities

  • Learning

    • Head to the Museum of London for some interesting and fantastically curated exhibits.
  • Sights nearby

    • Barbican is a cultural hub worth checking out for performances, screenings and more.
  • Close to nightlife

    • The City is home to many bars which are popular with the city slickers of London.
  • Other Activities

    • Enjoy the daily newspaper in the comfort of the homely drawing room.
  • Cycling

    • Exo-Friendly and fun way to see the city.

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Unique and quirky, a welcome departure from the plethora of cookie cutter style hotels across London.

What is there to do in the area or on site? Discover the many hidden London City Churches, explore Spitalfields market at the weekend, visit many of the up and coming art galleries of Shoreditch and Hoxton.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Bakers Basket - selection of freshly baked croissants, warm rolls and Danish pastries. Fruit Crunch – a generous serving of natural yoghurt layered with fruit of the day and topped with crunchy granola, served with pastries. Bacon Sandwich – Warm Ciabatta filled with Richard Woodall’s finest smoked back bacon. All priced at £11.95 per person inclusive of choice of juice and a hot drink.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer a room service menu (albeit a limited selection)– 24 hours. Anything from soups and baguettes to risotto & ravioli. Too many restaurants in the vicinity to mention; there is something for everyone from upmarket burger bars to celebrated celebrity chef restaurants - all within walking distance. Our front desk is happy to provide details and make reservations.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? The Rooks Nest – split level suite: Don’t want to give too much away!!

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Rookery is a haven of calm in heart of the City.

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Ultimate 100 British Hotels

You ring a bell to get into this collection of Georgian houses in Clerkenwell...

Originally published by Sunday Times

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