The NYX Hotel London Holborn

WHERE AND WHY

The 213-room hotel is on London’s Southampton Row between the vibrant

West End and ultra-cool Farringdon, an area rebranded as Midtown by local businesses to ramp-up tourist appeal and highlight its closeness to the capital’s attractions.

With plenty of competition from chain hotels nearby, the NYX stands out with the capital’s tallest mural, London Colours, by street artist Dan Kitchener, emblazoned on the facade. The flamboyant theme continues inside with urban-style graffiti, hexagon mirrored-tiles, pink neon and comic book pop art bouncing off the walls in the open-plan reception, bar and restaurant.

Think modern art gallery meets disco meets youth club.

Heading upstairs, the vibe turns sophisticated with dark walls panelled with artwork and mood lighting.

Our double room felt luxurious with a king-sized bed plus feather and down duvet. The ultra-cool bathroom came with designer toiletries, robes and NYX fluffy flip-flops. Air-con, a laptop safe and free wi-fi were welcome, practical features.

Special additions included a Nespresso machine, a red Smeg mini fridge loaded with cocktail cans as well as NYX-branded M&Ms.

ON THE MENU

NYX Eat Drink & Play is a good social space for drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner inspired by the Americas and the Middle East.

Named after the Greek goddess of the night, the NYX comes alive after dark with DJs hitting the decks until 3am at weekends.

All-day dining options include Filipino adobo chicken and vegan jackfruit burgers, along with favourites like mac ‘n’ cheese and steaks. Afternoon tea features burritos, dark chocolate brownies and a punchy margarita.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Visit the Rena Spa and Leisure with a 43ft Greco-Roman pool, sauna, steam room, gym and exercise classes. Opening soon on the 10th floor, the Glasshouse, which has a retractable roof, will be a skyline venue for drinks and DJ sets. Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Soho, the British Museum and

Theatreland are all in walking distance.

WAKE UP CALL

Rooms from £200 per night.

nyx-hotels.com/londonholborn