Travel

NYX Hotel London Holborn review: an urban retreat in the heart of the capital

Inside NYX Hotel London Holborn

Based conveniently between the glamour of London’s West End and the buzz of Farringdon, NYX Hotel London Holborn offers an urban retreat that’s perfect after a long day spent exploring the capital.

For a Londoner like me, it’s also just the tonic for everyday life. In fact, I don’t leave the hotel during my entire stay!

The accommodation

I stay in the ‘Suite Heaven’ suite. A handwritten message on the mirror makes me smile as I enter the room, with complimentary treats (including chocolate-dipped strawberries and a bottle of Prosecco) adding a thoughtful touch.

This bright suite feels spacious, with a separate seating area complete with a SMEG mini fridge that’s teeming with more treats. I opt for a cocktail before exploring the rest of the hotel.

Inside the RENA Spa, Health and Leisure

Tucked away in the basement is the hotel’s spa. And it’s something of a hidden sanctuary.

Here, an impressive 13m Greco-Roman pool offers ample opportunity for winding down after a long day in the city. I couldn’t quite believe the vast size of it. It feels spacious, even with other guests enjoying the facilities too.

A sauna and steam room sit alongside the pool, and there’s also a number of spa treatments to try. From facials and body wraps to invigorating massages, many of the treatments utilise skincare by ishga (made with Scottish seaweed and a Liz Earle Wellbeing favourite).

I’m taken to a calming cave-like room to enjoy a 30-minute back massage. This express treatment is all I need to switch off and get me into full relaxation mode. I can imagine how soothing it would be after a long day on your feet.

There’s also a well-equipped gym next door to the pool, with all the usual suspects including running machines, bikes and free weights.

There are also resistance bands, a Smith machine (for weight training) and a lat pulldown. Plenty for getting a decent workout in.

The food

After a quick freshen up, I head to the hotel’s Midtown Bar & Dining for dinner. As I sit watching the busy Holborn streets through the window, I order a drink – the NYX Lady Gaga signature cocktail. Made with vodka, Prosecco, Chambord, hibiscus, lime juice and fresh strawberries, it’s something a little more special than your average glass of fizz.

The food menu is inspired by American and Middle Eastern cuisine and I have a lamb patty with rose harissa yogurt, ras el hanout, mint and coriander salad. I also order a feta and watermelon salad on the side, which is delicious. The atmosphere here is great too. They have a live DJ on weekends and I’d recommend having a go on the retro arcade games between drinks!

After a few more drinks, I make my way back up to my room and easily drift off into a comfortable slumber. The black-out curtains help to create a dark, cosy cocoon.

All in all I have a peaceful night’s sleep, but a London bus horn does wake me up pretty early. While it’s a familiar sound for me, I’d suggest bringing some ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper.

Breakfast

Before I start, I should say breakfast food is my favourite type of cuisine. I’ll happily have omelettes or poached eggs on toast for lunch or dinner at home. So, walking into NYX’s breakfast restaurant is heaven.

There’s an omelette station, waffle and pancake station, continental meats and cheeses, yoghurt and granola pots, pastries, fruit… and of course all the ingredients for a trusty Full English. With an active day of training clients ahead, I opt for a Full English followed by a croissant and some watermelon. The food here is constantly replenished and to a very high standard.

Additional extras

The only thing I don’t get a chance to explore is the Glasshouse bar on the roof as it’s shut on Sundays. But it looks like the perfect spot for a girls’ day out – the 10th floor views of London look great from the photos and I’m already planning a return visit with some friends to check it out!

Rooms start at £269 per night, spa days from £105 per person

Find out more about NYX Hotel London Holborn

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