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remaining then-derelict antique houses in Clerkenwell, a neighborhood midway
between the West End and the City. The result is an oasis of crooked floors, labyrin-
thine hallways, and antique accessories and furnishings that manage to mix the fun
with the functional. Bedrooms are charming and quirky, furnished with carved 18th-
and 19th-century bed frames, and lace or silk draperies.
Peter's Lane, Cowcross St., London EC1M 6DS. www.rookeryhotel.com. &   020/7336-0931. Fax
020/7336-0932. 33 units. £126-£185 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Tube: Farringdon. Amenities: Concierge;
room service. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
MODERATE
The Fox & Anchor The traditional English pub just got hip. Entering from
the Smithfield meat market, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was just a great little
inn—brass fitting, etched glass, and acres of mahogany—but upstairs houses six
classy rooms. Wood-floored and modern, and kitted out with high-end flatscreen TVs,
sound systems, and huge free-standing baths, they're more glamorous than your usual
room above a pub. The meat market location has its pros and cons. Con: it can get a
little noisy. Pro: the breakfast is a carnivore's dream.
115 Charterhouse St., London EC1M 6AA. www.foxandanchor.com. &  020/7550-1000. Fax 020/7250-
1300. 6 units. £112-£280 double. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Tube: Barbican or Farringdon.
Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room: TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
INEXPENSIVE
The Hoxton The appeal of The Hoxton is straightforward—reasonable
prices and quality service in a district best known for hotels with prices out of the
range of those of us without an expense account. It's not just room rates that are
competitive: 5p-a-minute calls to North America and supermarket prices for the
minibar food are proof that budget airline tactics can work in a hotel. Of course there
are downsides; the price means bedrooms are utilitarian and none too roomy, and
booking in advance is vital. The Hoxton's popularity as a Shoreditch post-club crash-
pad also means it can be noisy at the weekends; but for a reasonably priced stay at
the heart of the Shoreditch scene, there's no better option.
81 Great Eastern St., London EC2A 3HU. www.hoxtonhotels.com. &   020/7550-1000. Fax 020/7550-
1090. 205 units. £49-£199 double. Rates include light breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Tube: Old St. Amenities:
Grill; bar; access to nearby gym (£7). In room: TV, fridge, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
East London
EXPENSIVE
The Boundary With Terence Conran—founder of interior design store
Habitat—at the helm you'd expect something rather special from this converted
East End warehouse, and you wouldn't be disappointed. The 17 rooms are a design
junkie's dream, many boasting pieces specially created for the hotel, alongside
chunky, reclaimed bathroom suites. And we were pleasantly surprised to see that,
unlike in many new boutique hotels, rooms are spacious and airy. Plus there's
enough going on downstairs (and up) to make this somewhere you won't want to
leave. There's a rococo French restaurant in the basement, a roof terrace for bar-
becues and East London views in the summer, and a wonderful little bakery/cafe
for lazy weekend breakfasts.
2-4 Boundary St., London E2 7DD. www.theboundary.co.uk. &   020/7729-1051. Fax 020/7729-3061.
17 units. £140-£280 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Tube: Liverpool St. or Old St. Amenities: 3 restaurants,
including Albion (see review, p. 144); bar; room service. In room: TV, iPad, minibar, Wi-Fi (free).
4
 
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