LOCATED in Holborn London, the NYX Hotel can best be described as an elegant and oh so sexy funhouse for adults. Forget beige walls and hardwood floors – the NYX Hotel offers a boutique experience filled with quirky decorative details and a whole lot of fun.
Immediately upon stepping into the lobby of the NYX hotel, I am greeted by a kaleidoscope of colourful decor, including a statue of a panther and pop art wallpaper. The attentive staff warmly welcomes my boyfriend and I, making check-in a breeze.
It becomes clear very quickly that this was not your average hotel. The interior is eclectic and playful with retro touches, including old fashioned arcade game machines. Admittedly, my boyfriend and I have too much fun playing vintage Pacman – if there is such a thing.
The bar at NYX Hotel
As we make our way to our room, we take delight in the unusual yet amusing design of the hotel. The lift boasts bright blue marble walls, and the hallways are embellished with maximalist, paint-spattered portraits.
A comfy king-sized bed greets us in our spacious “Heaven” junior suite, complete with a sitting area and workspace. Abstract black and white printed wallpaper adorns the walls of the large room in addition to the textured and glittering fashion photography framed throughout the suite.
The mini bar is stocked with a complimentary bottle of prosecco and a Smeg fridge is full of luxury snacks. My coffee and tea-loving boyfriend particularly enjoys the Nespresso machine and tea refreshment dock.
Bedroom at the NYX Hotel
We catch that last few moments of a gorgeous orange sunset falling behind central London from our large window. Our bathroom contains a large walk-in shower with complimentary to use but not to take Guild products.
As part of NYX’S effort to reduce their negative environmental impact, they offer generously sized, and refillable pump dispensers filled with Guild soap, shampoo, and body wash instead of travel size bottles for guests to take home.
Room at the NYX Hotel
Eventually, we work up quite an appetite from lounging around in our deluxe suite, so we make our way down to the hotel’s restaurant and bar, where we are promptly seated by the friendly host. The menu offers vegan and vegetarian options, so whether you are interested in a juicy sirloin steak or gooey mac n cheese like me, there is something scrumptious for everyone.
We devour three-course meals complete with a fantastic sticky date pudding cloaked in salted caramel ice cream. Despite it being a Tuesday evening, the atmosphere is lively as the sounds of chatting guests mixes with the ambient music.
Restaurant at the NYX Hotel
The highlight of our evening is our cocktail mixologist Alex who graciously explains the different ingredients in our cocktails. He talks about the red basil leaves and fresh lavender that decorate our Leonardo di Vinci Garden cocktails as if he were reciting his poetry. He is insightful and passionate, a true delight.
The following morning, we enjoy the continental breakfast buffet furnished with a vast selection of fresh fruit, warm pastries, a yoghurt parfait bar and all the trimmings of a traditional English breakfast. After one too many blueberry muffins, we pull ourselves away from the restaurant and suit up for the 13m Greco-Roman pool.
The water is a cosy temperature, perfect for leisurely swimming laps. For those inclined, the hotel offers a variety of specialised treatments at Spa FYX and access to their state of the art gym. So if you are looking to treat yourself, I recommend one of the Caudalie facials.
The pool at the NYX hotel
After a soak in the sauna, it is time to check out of the NYX hotel. We wish our cloud-like bed farewell and thank the excellent staff who made our stay effortless. If you are looking for a lively place to enjoy a staycation or celebrate over cocktails, may I recommend NYX Hotel in London? You might even be able to beat my Pac-man high score.
by Jamison Kent
The NYX hotel, 50-60 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AR, London, UK.
Room starts at £279 a night.
You can book your stay here or
call +44 20 7242 1800.
You can book spa treatments here
You can reserve a table at the restaurant or bar here