London's Hidden Gem: Unearth the Secrets of Old Street!
London's Hidden Gem: Unearth the Secrets of Old Street!
London's Hidden Gem: Unearthing Old Street's Secrets – And Maybe Your Sanity
Alright, guys, let's be real. Finding a decent hotel in London is like finding a decent pint after 10 PM – a mission fraught with peril. But I just got back from a stay at… well, I'm calling it the "Hidden Gem of Old Street." Officially, they have a more… corporate name, but trust me, that is a lie. This place is a little rough around the edges, a little… delightfully off. And that’s exactly why I loved it. So, here's the messy, honest, and hopefully helpful scoop:
First Impressions – Accessibility & Navigating the Chaos:
Okay, let's rip this band-aid off first: Accessibility. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally test this (thankfully), but they do have an elevator (a huge win in London, let me tell you) and seem generally trying. Check their website SPECIFICALLY for details, and maybe call ahead to confirm. Don't go trusting me on this, I'm just a dude who likes to complain about overpriced coffee. They do have CCTV in common areas and outside the property, always a plus for feeling vaguely safe.
The Big Picture: Navigating the City, Internet, and all that jazz
Getting around? The Old Street tube station is RIGHT there. Perfect! I’m talking practically stumble-out-of-bed-and-onto-the-platform convenience. Airport transfer? They offer it. I blew my budget on a ridiculous hat at Portobello Road Market and took the tube. Less glamorous, but saved me a pretty penny. Car park [on-site]? Yes. Car park [free of charge]? I'm not sure. I didn't even LOOK. Londoners don't do cars. Internet? Essential to my survival (and yours, I bet!). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a must. They have it. They also offer Internet [LAN], if you’re feeling old-school and nostalgic… or really need a secure connection. Wi-Fi in public areas? Also a yes. So, connectivity-wise, they've got you covered.
Rooms: Where the Magic (and Maybe the Dust Bunnies) Happens:
My room? Well… let's just say it wasn't spotless. But hey, it's London. I've stayed in places with actual mould and the Hidden Gem's room was basically pristine compared to that. Air conditioning? Definitely a lifesaver in a London heatwave. Mine worked. Alarm clock? Yep. Blackout curtains? Necessary for sleeping in after a night of pub-crawling. Coffee/tea maker? Hallelujah. Free bottled water? A godsend after a long day of sightseeing. Wi-fi [free]? Again, critical. Bathrobes? Yes! Slippers? No :( In-room safe box? Yep. Hair dryer? I think so? (Can't quite remember, but they usually have these) So, basically everything you need for a comfortable, albeit slightly lived-in, experience. The window that opens was a HUGE bonus for fresh air, especially as it was a bit noisy.
Cleanliness, Safety, and Feeling Semi-Secure:
Okay, let's talk safety in these post-pandemic times. They (claim to) have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I didn't go sticking my head in a bin of bleach, but the room felt clean enough. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciated. Hand sanitizer was readily available. First aid kit? Probably. Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher and Security [24-hour]? All present. I felt mostly safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Fueling the Adventure:
Now for the real fun, and the part that really surprised me. Breakfast? They actually have a decent one. I'm talking Breakfast [buffet] with both Western breakfast and Asian breakfast options. I went for the full English (because, London), and it was surprisingly good. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Naturally. They have a Coffee shop too, but I didn't even try it (I’m a creature of habit). Restaurants? Several. Both a la carte, Buffet and Vegetarian options. There is a Bar too, perfect for unwinding after a day of madness. Room service [24-hour]? Yes! Heaven! I ordered a burger at 3 AM one night. No regrets.
The Spa (Well, Sort Of):
Okay, now this is where things get a little… creative. They claim to have a Spa/Sauna. And yes, they do have a sauna. But it's more… compact than opulent. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to invite a crowd, but it’s a sauna, perfectly fine, and a nice way to try to sweat out the sins of the night before. There's also a Gym/fitness. I looked in, but it seemed… busy. Let’s just say I was more interested in the "desserts in the restaurant" than the treadmill.
Beyond the Room: Services, Conveniences, and the Little Things:
Concierge? Yes (although I think they are really, really busy). Daily housekeeping? Yep. Laundry service? Thank heavens. Cash withdrawal? Probably – it’s London, there’s a cash machine on every corner. Elevator? Yes, and it's a lifesaver! Facilities for disabled guests? As mentioned before, "they claim to,” but I am not sure. Luggage storage? Definitely. Doorman? I don’t think so. (Probably no doorman, let's be honest). But the team is always there and it's a relaxed atmosphere. Contactless check-in/out? Yes, so you don't have to interact too much (if you don't want to).
Things to Do (Or Not), Ways to Relax (Or Not):
This is central. Old Street is an amazing area. You are right in the middle of the action. Just outside the door are endless places to go. There are bars, restaurants, and shops all around. The are local tours leaving from the door!
So, Should You Book This "Hidden Gem"?
Okay, here’s the bottom line. This isn't the Ritz. It's not perfect. But it's got charm. It's got a great location. It’s got a decent breakfast. And it’s got… well, it's got something. It’s got a certain je ne sais quoi. If you're looking for a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience, run. But if you're looking for something a little different, a little more… real, somewhere that feels like you’re truly experiencing London, book it.
My final verdict: I loved it. I'd go back in a heartbeat. And I might just book a flight right now.
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- Convenience at Your Fingertips: Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, easy access to Internet and essential amenities. Wake-up with Coffee/tea in restaurant with a Breakfast [buffet], and fuel up before discovering the area.
- Relax and Recharge: Unwind in our Sauna and energizing with a Gym/fitness.
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- Unforgettable Dining: Indulge in delicious meals, with both a Western breakfast and Asian breakfast options, a Bar and 24-hour Room service.
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Unbelievable Waikabubak Getaway! RedDoorz @ Tanakatto Homestay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously messy, wonderfully chaotic heart of the Old Street Collection in London. Forget the pristine, perfectly-planned itineraries you've seen. This is the real deal. This is me, wrestling with jet lag, existential dread, and a sudden craving for questionable street food, all while trying to actually, you know, see stuff.
The Old Street Collection Pilgrimage: A Soul-Searching (and Stomach-Churning) Adventure
(Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in Shoreditch – aka “Where Did I Park My Sanity?”)
10:00 AM (ish): Landed at Heathrow. Smooth(ish) flight, until I realized I left my noise-canceling headphones on the plane. First minor crisis of the trip. Immediately followed by the grand, triumphant, and ultimately disastrous quest for the Tube. Turns out, navigating the London Underground with a suitcase bigger than my ego is a contact sport.
- An Aside: Pro tip from a seasoned (read: perpetually lost) traveler: download Citymapper BEFORE you even leave your bed. It’s a lifesaver. Otherwise, you'll end up on a wild goose chase in search of a non-existent platform, like yours truly did.
12:00 PM: Arrive (finally!) at the Old Street Collection. I'm staying in a "boutique" hotel, which, judging by the size of the room, translates to "cosy and slightly claustrophobic". But hey, it has a quirky design, exposed brick walls, and a view of…a brick wall. Progress!
1:00 PM: Lunch at Beigel Bake, the legendary 24-hour bagel shop on Brick Lane. Okay, okay, the line was stretching halfway down the street. But the salt beef bagel? Worth every second. My god, the salt beef… I may or may not have ordered a second. And a third. Don’t judge me. Food coma incoming.
- Rambling Thoughts: *Brick Lane is a sensory overload. The street art! The smells! The sheer *energy! It's beautiful chaos. Also, I am pretty sure I just saw a mime trying to sell me an imaginary sandwich. London, never change.
3:00 PM: Wander lost through the art galleries around Shoreditch High Street. I stumble into a small gallery full of the most bizarre modern art. The first piece is a red dot. That's it. Just a dot. Did I “get it?” Nope. Am I pretending to understand it because I’m suddenly surrounded by people who look like they’re in touch with their “inner artist”? Absolutely.
5:00 PM: Attempt to find a decent coffee without ending up with a drink that costs more than my daily budget. It takes ages and I’m sure I’m getting judged for being the tourist with the backpack. Finally, gave in to a chain coffee shop, but at least they have good cake.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a pub - I think it was the Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen. The food was fine, the beer was cold, and the atmosphere was buzzing with the hum of conversation. I almost accidentally join a trivia night which the locals seem very passionate about.
9:00 PM: Collapse into bed, feeling a potent mix of jet lag, over-stimulation, and slight fear of the London pigeons. I have no idea what I want to do tomorrow, but I’m optimistic I’ll stumble upon something great.
(Day 2: Street Art, Spitalfields, and the Search for the Perfect Pint - aka “Chasing Rainbows (and Maybe a Cheeseburger)”
9:00AM: Wake up later than planned. The hotel is too comfortable! Breakfast at the hotel is very average and not that filling.
10:00 AM: Embark on a street art hunt around Shoreditch. The art is incredible, constantly changing, and utterly unpredictable. I am particularly captivated by a Banksy which I've seen a thousand times before. However, in London, these things are as common as a rainy sky.
- Quirky Observation: There are so many Instagrammers posing in front of art. I feel a sudden responsibility to be as authentic as possible. And by authentic, I mean, slightly awkward, probably getting in the way, and taking blurry photos.
12:00 PM: Lunch at the Spitalfields Market. I was expecting a quirky, hidden gem and a place full of trendy goods. I ended up eating a delicious arepa, drinking a terrible coffee, and losing myself in the wonderful buzz.
2:00 PM: A detour: I find myself on a random tour of the old streets of the city by accident, with someone with a booming voice. I was really tempted to find out more about the history of the city, but I have a feeling I won’t remember a thing.
4:00 PM: The quest for the perfect pint. It is a serious business. I hit at least three different pubs on my search, each with varying levels of charm and slightly-too-warm beer. I find one that hits the spot and end up chatting with some locals about football, the weather, and the eternal struggle to find a decent grocery store.
7:00 PM: Dinner - finally. I go back to the Brick Lane and I try to eat curry. The spice is delicious at first, then slowly it creeps up on you, and the next thing I know my whole head is on fire.
9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Sleep will be a blessing after everything I've been through.
(Day 3: The Old Street Collection Finale: Acceptance and (Possibly) Another Bagel - aka “Finding My Feet (and My Way Back to the Airport)”
9:00 AM: A gentle start. Perhaps a slower breakfast.
10:00 AM: I have come to realize that I still haven’t quite seen everything I wanted to, but I should be happy with what I have. I re-explore the streets of Shoreditch. I have found an exhibition of abstract art, and I'm strangely drawn to it. I think it makes sense, I understand it. I buy a tiny piece.
12:00 PM: One last salt beef bagel. You can’t leave London without it. I am ready to move on.
2:00 PM: Shopping for souvenirs. I bought a few postcards and a Banksy's painting. I spend more than expected.
4:00 PM: Transport to the airport. Goodbye, Old Street. Goodbye, London. I have enjoyed the trip.
8:00 PM: Plane leaves. I am exhausted, slightly broke, and utterly exhilarated. This has been an adventure. Until next time!
Old Street: More Than Just a Roundabout – Seriously, It's Weird and Wonderful!
Okay, so everyone *says* Old Street is cool. But, like, *why*? What's the big deal?
Alright, alright, settle down. Yeah, yeah, everyone's banging on about Old Street. Look, it's not *all* hype. Forget the Silicon Roundabout, for a start, unless you're into staring at shiny start-up logos and feeling inadequate. The 'why' is… complex. It’s a hodgepodge, a glorious mess. It’s the kind of place where you stumble upon a vintage clothing shop run by a woman who *insists* on telling you about her cat's anxiety issues (true story!). It’s the art, the street food that changes every week (I tried something with fermented… something… and I'm still not sure what happened), and the feeling that *anything* is possible. Honestly? It's the sheer unpredictability of it all that gets me. You can literally be walking down a street one minute, bored out of your mind, and the next you're knee-deep in a pop-up exhibition dedicated to interpretive dance about… pigeons. (That actually happened. I think. After a few beers, everything blurs... )
Is it actually *hidden* at all, or just a well-known spot pretending to be edgy?
Ugh, good question. The 'hidden' thing is a serious exaggeration. It's practically a main artery! If you mean "hidden" like, you'll find some secret, underground speakeasy that only *certain* people know about... probably not. Especially now that the hype is well and truly out there. But listen. Even if it's not *literally* hidden anymore, the character of Old Street still has some of that "discovered" magic. It's like, the *vibe* is hidden, ya know? The feeling that anything can spring up, out of nowhere. The little art galleries, the tiny cafes tucked away on side streets… those are arguably the hidden gems *within* the well-known spot. It's a bit like peeling an onion, the edginess, the real heart of the place, gets layered away the closer to the centre of the roundabout you get.
What's the best way to get there? (Assuming I’m not a local with a private jet, of course…)
Honestly? The tube. It’s called *Old Street* station for a reason. It’s pretty much *right* there. You can try the bus, but you’ll probably end up stuck in traffic, which is never fun. Cycling? Risky. Seriously risky. Those roads are a free-for-all. I *tried* cycling there once. Never again. (And don’t even get me started on the pedestrian crossings… they’re a gamble. One time, I swear, I almost got run over by a guy on a scooter who was wearing a unicorn horn. You can't make this stuff up.) Just take the tube. Trust me. Your sanity will thank you.
Food, glorious food! Where do I eat in Old Street? (And please say it involves something messy and delicious.)
Oh, food. This is where it gets *serious*. Okay, first, **Borough Market**. It's a short walk, I know, but do it, *do it*. It's a feast for the senses. Second, I swear by the street food. Look for the pop-ups. They change constantly. Embrace the unknown. Don't be afraid of the chilli sauces (unless you are, in which case, maybe... avoid them). **Eat Your Heart Out:** I remember one time, I found this taco place near the roundabout, run by a guy from Oaxaca - the taste was AMAZING but the amount of salsa that ended up down my shirt? Let's just say, it wasn't pretty. But it was worth it. And for the record? Don't trust anyone who says "it's not *that* spicy". They're probably lying. Also, look for the Vietnamese place on Shoreditch High Street – the pho is ridiculously good and the prices are kinda alright.
Beyond food, what else is there to *do* in Old Street? And please don't say "stare at your phone".
Okay, staring at your phone is definitely not the answer. Unless you're using it to, you know, find some cool stuff. Check out the street art! It's ever-changing. You could spend hours wandering around, just looking up at the murals. Then there's the bars! Plenty of quirky places to grab a pint. I'm a fan of The Book Club – cool atmosphere, decent drinks, and they often have events. Then there's the Barbican is a short hop away, and that is seriously worth a visit. Galleries galore – and, sometimes, *free* exhibitions! Also, embrace the serendipity of it all. Just *walk*. Get lost. Seriously. You're bound to stumble upon something interesting. One time I got completely lost, ended up in some tiny backstreet… and discovered a tiny, independent record store that was playing the best obscure electronica I'd ever heard. It was AMAZING. It's those moments that make it worthwhile - even if you end up wandering around for *hours* (which, let's be honest, I often do).
Is it actually *safe* at night? I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat.
Okay, let's be real. Generally, yes, it's safe. London is a generally safe city. But, like anywhere, be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night, and particularly around certain areas - Shoreditch can get a bit… rambunctious on a Saturday. Don't flash expensive stuff. Walk with purpose. If you feel uncomfortable, get a taxi or walk towards the busier areas. I'm not going to lie... I *have* felt a little uneasy wandering around late at night a few times, especially after one too many pints. Just be sensible. Stick to well-lit streets. And if you see a group of lads shouting and staggering around, maybe cross the road. You’ll probably be fine, but it’s always better to be cautious than sorry. And carry a bottle of pepper spray. Just kidding! (Maybe…)
Any absolute "must-dos" or "must-avoids" in Old Street?
Okay, absolute MUST-DOS: **Explore the street art**. Seriously. **Eat the street food** (but with caution, as I mentioned! And maybe bring some wet wipes...). **Wander off the main roads.** Get yourself into the side streets and alleys. You WILL find something interesting. Must-avoids: The Silicon Roundabout crowd – unless you *love* the smell of ambition and overpriced coffee. Also, avoid wearing super-expensive clothes and flashing cash... not the best look. And... I'd say, for the love of all that is holy, **avoid the "theme" bars**. You know the ones – the ones that are aggressively trendy and where the cocktails cost more than a small mortgage down payment. They're soul-crHotel Search Tips
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