Citadines Islington London

BACKGROUND The Ascott Limited’s aparthotel brand, Citadines is a hybrid hotel and serviced apartment concept offering larger rooms than standard hotels, with fully equipped kitchens, but without restaurants and aimed at longer-stay guests. Open since September, this new Islington property is the fifth in the capital for the brand, and is due to be followed next year by Citadines Wembley London.

- Tom Otley

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The building has an Edwardian red-brick façade and was once a Royal Mail sorting office. Reception is bright and modern with art referencing its previous life, plus hand sanitisers, screens and social distancing signs.

WHERE IS IT? On Islington Square, a new development just off Upper Street that is based around the Grade II-listed former sorting office and yards. There are private apartments, shops, offices, a cinema, and a Third Space gym. The traffic-free Esther Anne Place runs through it, between Theberton and Almeida streets. Angel Tube station is about a ten-minute walk.