Stylish central London hotel is little-known gem with incredible views and free minibar
Despite having living in London for more than 10 years, I'm still always surprised when I find somewhere in such a central, busy area that I've never seen before. Which is exactly what I found when I went to check in to Page8 Hotel near Trafalgar Square.
Round the corner from the popular tourist attraction and next door to a Pret, from the outside Page8 looks like it could be another a city co-working space. Inside, though, you step into Page8 Common Coffeehouse, a 24-hour coffee shop and hang-out space serving their own blend of beans (and some seriously tasty pastries), and effectively the lobby of the hotel. It's undeniably cool yet welcoming, and an excellent base for travellers, whether it's for work or leisure.
The 138 bedrooms at Page8 are simple, understated, urban elegance; sophisticated navy and cream decor, a wall-length window desk for working, Marshall speakers and modern marble bathrooms. They're perfect for a stylish yet busy city stay, for those who plan to fill their days out in the city then come back to a comfy space rather than lounge about in their rooms all day.
One lovely surprise that sets Page8 apart from others in its price bracket is the complimentary minibar and snacks, available in Superior Double Rooms and above. And it's not just a tiny bottle of orange juice and some dry biscuits; the free treats include cans of The Uncommon wine, Torres truffle crisps and craft beer, plus Page Common's own coffee bags. It's perfect for a pre-dinner pick-me-up or, if you're staying on business, something to keep you going while you work.
Kitty Hawk, Page8's rooftop restaurant and bar, is where your central location can best be appreciated; its panoramic views look right out over Trafalgar Square. Deceptively spacious and surprisingly calm given its location, Kitty Hawk serves up contemporary dishes with largely a European twist; think rock oysters and tapas-style dishes to steak tartare and Wagyu burgers.
After starting with one of the restaurant's expertly mixed signature cocktails and a bowl of fat olives and padron peppers, we enjoyed a delicious monkfish and cavolo nero dish and a miso hispi cabbage main which more than held its own against the meatier options on the menu. Dessert was a perfectly cooked chocolate fondant heaped high with coconut chantilly cream.
There isn't a proper restaurant breakfast at Page8, but instead guests get a drink and a tasty sweet or savoury bakery dish down in Page Common Coffeehouse; pull up a chair or get it to go.
One fairly new addition to Page8 is the hotel's Nostalgia Guide to London in the rooms. Captivating for tourists and Londoners alike, it lists plenty of ways to spend your day in the surrounding neighbourhood, from the obvious (Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery) to the perhaps unknown, like Soho record shops or antique bookshops.
Rooms at Page8 start from £250 per night.
Page8 Hotel
A stylish central London hotel with a 24-hour coffee shop, impressive views and tempting snacks in the rooms.
Daily Mirror
