New London hotels have to hit certain criteria; architecture like no other, visual appeal, a location within walking distance of the city’s top shopping and attractions, Instagrammable décor, food that is a real taste sensation, and luxurious room that offer a real sense home comfort. Art’otel Battersea Power Station is like no other hotel we’ve experienced in London; more a community than a hotel, it’s one of the city’s new hidden secrets, and for a very good reason.
The newly opened art’otel Battersea Power Station is a stone’s throw from the new Battersea Power Station shopping complex, where you will find a host of new cafes, restaurants, shops and a state-of-the-art cinema. art’otel’s unique rooftop infinity pool certainly pulls in a glamorous crowd offering a 360-degree views of the capital and impressive view of the towers. On entering the extravagant, high-ceilinged lobby, you get a real sense of the spectacular design here, which is down to award-winning Spanish artist and interior designer, Jamie Hayon. The man behind the Standard Bangkok and Barceló Torre de Madrid, he certainly know a thing or two about designing a successful hotel.
The art’otel’s 164 hotel rooms are well-equipped, modern and playful; comfort is key. The interior décor features a striking colour palette of pink, forest green and yellow, with bold pops of terracotta. Attention to detail goes without saying; from statement walls to spectacles-shaped mirrors, along with vibrant art and the highest quality thread count bed linen. The impressive floor-to-ceiling windows is the real showstopper in the rooms, overlooking the city, river, and if you’re an animal fan some rooms even have views of Battersea dogs home and, might we add, some of the best views of London you can get.
Bathrooms are decorated in more of a muted colour palette; stone is the key material, alongside marble touches. Renowned premium beauty brand, Kevin Murphy is the brand you’ll find on the shelves here…we adore.
If you are feeling energetic, there is a fully equipped gym with all the latest Technogym equipment –, we highly recommend testing out the interactive PT HIIT session fuction on the treadmill, which will really put you through your paces. There is also a wellness area with a sauna, relaxation room, steam room and a range of spa treatments on offer – it wouldn’t be a hotel stay without booking a pampering treatment, right?
There are two restaurants on site. The Italian-themed Tozi Grand Cafe in the lobby caters to all taste buds and hunger levels, from small grazing plates to large plates. Highlights include the creamy Burrata, served with black olive caponata and basil to the flavoursome Sirloin Steak and garlic Lobster Linguine, which is a big hit with the locals. Desserts are always worth saving room for and our favourites were the Pistachio Tiramisu and the seriously moreish Whipped Ricotta & Chocolate Cannoli. Breakfast is also served here the next day – we urge you to try the Lobster Benedict, served with spinach and shellfish sauce, which is quite the taste sensation.
The 16th floor is where you’ll find the latest opening, JOIA restaurant, which brings the finest Portuguese and Spanish tapas dishes to South London, headed by award-winning two Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, with a unique and fresh take on traditional tapas dishes. Henrique Sá Pessoa serves up offerings such as Octopus Salad, Beef Pica Pau, Bacalhau à brás -and a caviar-themed Spanish tortilla. There is an extensive Portuguese and Spanish wine list to choose from. On the same floor you will find JOIA bar, which is another must-visit! JOIA bar is the place to be to enjoy cocktails inspired from the Iberuan Peninsula with striking views across Battersea Power Station and the city – the interiors are something to be admired and photographed, designed by the award-winning Russel Sage Studios.
And the experience doesn’t stop there. The open-air bar and terrace on the top floor, JOIA rooftop – think of it like a cool New York rooftop cocktail bar, with a heated infinity pool, hot tub, mood lighting and upbeat music. The JOIA team transforms classic cocktails with a modern edge, bringing together new techniques and ingredients – the perfect pitstop both pre and post dinner, might we add? Cocktail highlights include the Pimenta, a tequila-based cocktail with agave and chilli; alcoholic frozen slushies; plus, the very refreshing Champagne cocktail Perola, with a fruity rhubarb and peach twist.
Art’otel London Battersea Power Station is the whole package, from its ultra-comfortable beds to its outstanding food and drinks to its friendly staff. We can’t think of a better reason to head south of the river.
art’otel London Battersea Power Station, 1 Electric Boulevard SW11 8BJ
