Latest news with #boutique
Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Virgin Hotel London-Shoreditch review: Branson's bold new pad with a rooftop pool
Number 45 Curtain Road seems to have more lives than the proverbial cat. In the past decade alone it has been the Curtain boutique hotel, then the Mondrian. Now it's Richard Branson's first London hotel, set in a vibey faux-industrial Shoreditch space that wouldn't look out of place in New York's Meatpacking District, with its red brick and Crittall window exterior. Inside, it has had the Virgin treatment: a red carpet entrance in the lobby, Smeg fridges the colour of lipstick and terracotta-toned headboards in the rooms. The social spaces channel the playfulness of the Virgin brand very nicely. Downstairs is the fun Hidden Grooves, a listening bar with plenty of vinyl; on the roof is the London outpost of the Ibiza beach club Blue Marlin and a puny, poseur-y pool. Staff are welcoming, helpful and trendy, ready to dole out intel about the best neighbourhood spots. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Score 8/10'Chambers', as they are known in Virgin speak, all come with postbox-red doors and brass knockers. There are 120 of them, ranging from chamber kings, the smallest rooms at a compact 22 sq m, to the so-called Sir Richard's penthouse flat, the blockbuster option with entertainment space that's a mainstay in all Virgin hotels. In the middle are grand chambers and 13 other suites, some of which occupy the building's corners and therefore have a lovely street aspect. The sixth-floor rooms come with generous terraces for people-watching in this trendiest of postcodes. All rooms have the signature Virgin lounge bed, inspired by Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class plane seats, with a fabric nook at each corner so guests can prop themselves up, plus homely additions such as hand-woven rugs from the Eve Branson Foundation, which supports female Moroccan artisans. Bathrooms in all categories have luxurious steam showers and stylish all-white design; only the suites have a roll-top bath in the bedroom. The one-bedroom suites come with sofa beds for children but, while smaller guests are welcomed, the vibe is firmly adult. Score 7/10Hidden Grooves is part mid-century listening bar — guests can play their own records on the two Technics turntables — and part Virgin memorabilia shrine (spot the picture of a young Branson at a Virgin Megastore). It's a handsome space. The bar counter is snazzy green terrazzo and the bar stools are red velvet. Two giant wooden Westminster speakers are powerful enough to broadcast to actual Westminster, a few miles down the road. DJs — playing vinyl only — soundtrack the evenings, while guests order signature rosé Laurent-Perrier champagne (naturally) or cocktails inspired by bands that signed to the original Virgin records. A punk punch, inspired by the Sex Pistols' God Save the Queen, is a take on a spicy margarita (cocktails from £15). It's delicious small plates here only, ranging from the Korean fried cauliflower to sloppy sliders and tuna tartare, but order enough and you'll feel you've had a good feed. The ostentatious Blue Marlin, a members' club, takes over the seventh-floor restaurant and fairy-lit terrace (cocktails from £14). The rooftop is also where breakfast basics are served, if included in your rate: there's a small menu including a full English, avocado on toast and granola and yoghurt. If the sun's shining, this place overlooking the City's skyscrapers feels more like San Antonio than Shoreditch, particularly if you splash about in the 32C pool. Score 7/10Blue Marlin also runs the basement club space, although there's a separate entrance on nearby Scrutton Street and, as it's an external operation, guests don't automatically get access. Also underground is a decently sized, funky green-and-black-striped gym with cardio equipment and weights plus three treatment rooms — both are available to Blue Marlin members and guests. In the hipster triangle between Shoreditch High Street, Old Street and Liverpool Street. The bars and clubs of Great Eastern Street are on your doorstep, and it's a ten-minute walk to Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street stations. Don't stay here if you want peace and quiet. • Room-only doubles from £300• Restaurant small plates from £4• Accessible Y• Family-friendly N• Dog-friendly Y Cathy Adams was a guest of Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch (
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I visited the sunny Scottish island that feels more like a chic Caribbean beach holiday
I HAD only been awake for an hour and I'd immersed myself in Scandinavia and the Caribbean, with a side helping of haggis. Such is the joyful confusion of taking a holiday on Scotland's sunshine island of Tiree. 4 4 4 Dubbing somewhere the 'sunniest place in Scotland' sounds like faint praise — a bit like awarding a prize for the sandiest part of the Sahara or best-ever episode of Crossroads. But, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Tiree — with its population of barely 600 — really does have more hours of sunshine than anywhere on the UK mainland per year, despite its chilly-looking position in the Inner Hebrides islands. Checking into the Reef Inn after the three-hour ferry crossing from the pretty mainland town of Oban, I felt I'd been transported to a chic boutique bolthole in Helsinki or Stockholm. While so many hotels in the Scottish Highlands and Islands have maintained a traditional decor of wall-to-wall tartan and complimentary shortbread, the Reef Inn does things differently. Pale wood floors, sheepskin throws, a white four-poster bed and funky Scandi-retro furniture fitted in fabulously well with the views out over an unusual landscape. Unusual because Tiree doesn't have the soaring mountains, blind glens and deep forests you would expect from the Hebrides. This island is table-mat flat, giving the views from my window a gorgeously calming air, with the rolling grasslands and the odd cottage being the only distraction from the panoramically large blue skies, dotted with the smallest ice cream scoops of cloud. After a delicious breakfast of potato scones and vegetarian haggis, I drove to explore Tiree's main draw — its quite stupendous beaches. Turquoise waters There are dozens of coves, bays and yawning stretches of sand tucked into the folds of Tiree, but none are more beautiful than Balephetrish. Located on the western edge of this tiny, 12 mile by three mile island, I began strolling along an immense curve of sand the colour of vanilla and milk, and as soft as gossamer, all backed by Mohican tufts of marram grass. Discover the Scenic Arran Coastal Way It's a gorgeous day and yet, as the turquoise waters kiss the shoreline, I'm the only person here barring one man grappling manfully with his surfboard, perhaps in training for the Tiree Wave Classic event which is held every October. I don't even have to scrunch up my eyes to pretend that I'm in one of the quieter, more chic Caribbean islands, like Anguilla or Grand Turk, except there's no sun loungers and nobody trying to get me to buy overpriced cocktails. Tiree offers something far more disorientating than a shot of rum; this is an island that's home to some deeply strange structures known as 'brochs'. Built sometime between the first century BC and the first century AD, it's believed that these circular stone structures were lived in by invaders from England, who ruled over the local population. The broch I clambered around, called Dun Mor Vaul, still has its lower circular stone walls intact. With just a few hardy sheep for company, the view from the summit here is enchanting; a soft, whispering breeze rustles the clusters of thrift sea pink flowers, while skylarks and oystercatchers sing their way out over the silver and tin coloured waves. 4 Back on Balephetrish Bay later that day, I sigh as the sand slips between my toes and the sun casts its beam upon my shoulders. I'm seriously starting to wonder why I ever submitted to an eight-hour flight to Barbados. Tiree is the Caribbean beach holiday destination you can reach without a passport. And it turns out that haggis, heat and the Hebrides make for a surprisingly seductive combination.
Arabian Business
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
boutique property
Two years ago, Robert Booth left his role as a senior executive with Emaar to launch his boutique property development company, Ellington Group.
Bloomberg
22-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Chanel Spent €118 Million on Paris Building Near Flagship Store
Chanel Ltd. splurged on a property near its main boutique in Paris last year as luxury brands seek to secure prime locations for their stores. The building, located at 23 rue Cambon — close to Chanel's flagship boutique at No. 31 — was purchased for €118 million ($133 million) in September, according to a property database.
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Wilde Aparthotels expands to Cambridge, Lisbon and Vienna
Wilde Aparthotels expands in 2025 with stylish new properties in Lisbon, Vienna, and Cambridge, blending boutique amenities with apartment-style living. Wilde Aparthotels – one of Europe's fastest growing aparthotel brands, will unveil three new properties this year, bringing its signature blend of contemporary design with home comforts to Lisbon, Vienna and Cambridge. Each property will feature sleek, fully equipped kitchens and bespoke furniture that fuses elegance with functionality, embodying Wilde's commitment to sophisticated interiors, premium amenities, and prime locations, catering to business and leisure travellers alike. The new Wilde locations will each feature an inviting bar and lounge area that serves as a social hub for both guests and locals. With an extended offering of carefully curated wines, premium spirits, craft gins and signature cocktails, Wilde's social spaces are designed to foster community and connection – whether you're starting your day with an artisanal coffee or winding down with a classic cocktail. With these exciting new openings, Wilde Aparthotels continues its rapid European expansion, offering travellers a distinctive stay that marries the freedom of apartment living with the amenities of a boutique hotel. Wilde Aparthotels, Cambridge City Centre Located amongst the city's prestigious university colleges and within walking distance of the River Cam and Cambridge's iconic park, Jesus Green, Wilde Aparthotels, Cambridge City Centre, offers 229 beautifully designed apartments that blend modern aesthetics with nods to the city's rich academic heritage and British charm. Taking cues from the city's esteemed academic heritage, the interiors balance warm textures, refined colour palettes, and carefully curated artwork that celebrate Cambridge's literary and scientific legacy. The aparthotel also boasts a stylish bar with an outdoor terrace, co-working space, and a café serving nourishing breakfasts alongside an all-day menu featuring fresh salads, sandwiches and soups, showcasing the finest local produce Cambridge has to offer. Wilde Aparthotels, Lisbon, Liberdade Set in Lisbon's bustling R. Castilho district, Wilde Aparthotels, Lisbon, Liberdade, embraces the city's storied connection to the Tagus River and its maritime past. The property will feature 95 thoughtfully designed hotel rooms and studio apartments, with interiors influenced by Lisbon's iconic blue and white azulejo tiles, fluid oceanic motifs, and warm, locally inspired textures. The aparthotel will introduce a dynamic social space for guests and locals alike, a hub that transitions from day to night with a bar & lounge, café & deli, courtyard, and a mezzanine co-working space offering contemporary takes on Portuguese cuisine alongside craft coffee and cocktails. Guests can unwind in the serene courtyard or enjoy the convenience of an on-site fitness suite, making it an ideal hub for exploring Lisbon's lively streets and historic charm. Wilde Aparthotels, Vienna, Alte Post Nestled in the historic 'Old Post Office', Wilde Aparthotels, Vienna, Alte Post, boasts 136 uniquely designed hotel rooms, studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments inspired by Viennese modernism, blending bold geometric patterns and luxurious materials. Located a short walk from iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, Fleischmarkt and the Vienna State Opera, guests will be immersed in a space where classic and contemporary influences collide, with carefully curated design elements that reflect Vienna's musical, artistic, and architectural excellence. Taking inspiration from Vienna's unique, UNESCO listed cafe culture, the beating heart of the building will include a restaurant, café, and intimate whiskey bar, surrounded by design that honours the building's renowned historical neighbours.
