Pros

  • Hip and trendy hotel with a boutique vibe in up-and-coming Hackney
  • Lots of room configurations -- perfect for families and groups
  • All rooms feature flat-screen Smart TVs and air-conditioning
  • Budget-conscious travelers can opt for bunk rooms or shared bathrooms
  • Upscale hand-crafted furnishings and cool art throughout
  • Limited selection of local pastries on-sale at the reception
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
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Cons

  • Top London attractions take around 30 minutes by train
  • Hostel-like vibe won't appeal to everyone (despite upmarket decor)
  • Can be a little noisy on the weekends especially
  • Rooms are generally on the small side and some lack windows
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Bottom Line

Opened in 2016, the 105-room Kip Hotel is a budget-friendly mid-range hotel in Hackney with bags of style. It’s immediate location, close to the station and high street, is a little rough around the edges, but the hotel embraces this urbane, slightly gritty, feel. Rooms are done up in cool monochrome, with large potted plants and eye-catching artwork adding some interest. The owners have a hostel in Edinburgh and the Kip Hotel borrows some of that space-saving design, with bunk rooms and shared bathroom options. There’s no restaurant or bar, but the reception does sell some local pastries and coffee in the morning. Rates are reasonable, but rooms are small and the location is a little out of the way, so expect plenty of train journeys. For a more central stay, consider Flemings Hotel, Mayfair instead.

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Amenities

Oyster Hotel Review

Kip Hotel

Scene

Stylish budget hotel with elevated hostel style that's perfect for groups and the budget-conscious

Kip Hotel is situated moments from Hackney Central Overground Station, in a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood. It’s tucked away off the main street, with the hotel’s signature minimalist signage blending with the surrounding streetscape. Sharing an entrance with a Travelodge, guests have to use an elevator to get to the hotel’s second-floor lobby. Expect a fittingly informal and cool style once you enter, where reception doubles as a tiny cafe and you'll spot hotel-branded hoodies, caps, and bikes proudly displayed in black-and-white tones. Seating is limited, and communal areas are non-existent, so guests head straight up to their rooms. Each floor has a couple of hallway seats and pretty fairy lights, which all feels youthful and fun. The monochromatic hues ensure widespread appeal, while the large potted plants dotted about bring some welcome color and a homey atmosphere to the otherwise stripped-back style. Guests tend to be predominantly leisure travelers and the hotel is particularly popular with groups and families because of its bunk beds. Understandably, the low rates and shared rooms attract a party crowd on weekends or when there’s a festival, and some guests have complained about the noise levels. 

See More Scene

Location

Kip Hotel is surrounded by cafes, pubs, and vintage stores in Hackney, but far from top London sights

First-time visitors to London may not have heard of Hackney, and the area has something of a checkered past. It is, however, going through a renewal and the signs of gentrification are everywhere. Just a short stroll away are shabby-chic pubs like The Old Ship Inn and The Cock Tavern, plus there’s the Breaking Bad-themed ABQ cocktail bar just down the road. Step out of the hotel’s shared entrance and you’ll be able to see Hackney Central Station, a mere one-minute walk away. Hackney Empire, a famous restored theatre with incredibly original interiors, is just four minutes away on foot. Hackney also has a great market scene. It takes 12 minutes on foot to reach Mentmore Terrace, a quirky stretch of road with cafes, breweries, and vintage shops. It takes 12 minutes by bus to reach the fashionable Broadway Market, which takes place on Saturdays. While there’s lots of discover locally, more famous sights and attractions take over 30 minutes to reach. Buckingham Palace requires two trains and just over 30 minutes to reach, whereas the Houses of Parliament require two trains and around 40 minutes. Tourist favorite Hyde Park is also between 30 and 40 minutes away. Budget just over an hour to reach Luton and Gatwick Airports by taxi or train, while Heathrow takes an hour and fifteen minutes to get to, depending on the traffic. Heathrow takes about the same amount of time -- 75 minutes -- to reach via train and tube connections from the Kip Hotel as well.

See More Location

Rooms

Modern and sleek, with some cool amenities, plus budget-friendly bunks and shared bathroom units

Rooms at the Kip Hotel range from minuscule pod-inspired cabins to a decadent penthouse suite, and everything in between. All are styled in the same cool contemporary way. Expect black pillowcases, white linens, and dark flooring, plus large green plants. Pops of personality comes in the form of Vice magazine, which is in every room, as well as slightly irreverent artwork – but nothing too overbearing. Guests tend to appreciate the modern and sleek look, and it’s reflective of this hip area. 

There are 13 room categories in total, which gives you some idea as to how flexible the sleeping arrangements are. Stand-out categories include Family Rooms, which have a double bed plus two cute bunk beds, and the Friend's Room, which have three double bunks stacked next to each other. Other categories include windowless rooms and five rooms which share the use of one bathroom. The latter are especially appealing for the budget conscious. If you have specific requirements, it's well worth calling the hotel, as the multiple categories have led to disappointment for some guests who confused what they were booking. 

Rooms don’t come with wardrobes, instead, most have a few hangers and peg hooks. If you’re only staying one night it won’t be too much of an issue, but it’s worth keeping in mind for longer stays. There are flat-screen Smart TVs in all rooms plus air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and multiple outlets. Bathrooms are simple, but clean, with showers throughout the hotel and Kip branded toiletries. In the Studios, there are Russell Hobbs kettles and microwaves, plus electric cookers, and utensils. A few of the rooms have attractive terraces too. All categories have similar amenities, so upgrading won’t merit any extras, just more spacious floor plans.

See More Rooms

Features

Limited to a membership program and free coffee 

Kip Hotel doesn’t have a restaurant or breakfast area -- in fact, there aren’t really any communal areas at all. The hotel’s features are limited to a members program, which entitles you to room discounts and the use of bikes during your stay. Kip also has some local partnerships, which change frequently, and give guests discounts at various local stores. You can snag some local pastries and fresh coffee in the lobby, but that's about it for features aside from free Wi-Fi. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Kip Hotel

Scene

Stylish budget hotel with elevated hostel style that's perfect for groups and the budget-conscious

Kip Hotel is situated moments from Hackney Central Overground Station, in a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood. It’s tucked away off the main street, with the hotel’s signature minimalist signage blending with the surrounding streetscape. Sharing an entrance with a Travelodge, guests have to use an elevator to get to the hotel’s second-floor lobby. Expect a fittingly informal and cool style once you enter, where reception doubles as a tiny cafe and you'll spot hotel-branded hoodies, caps, and bikes proudly displayed in black-and-white tones. Seating is limited, and communal areas are non-existent, so guests head straight up to their rooms. Each floor has a couple of hallway seats and pretty fairy lights, which all feels youthful and fun. The monochromatic hues ensure widespread appeal, while the large potted plants dotted about bring some welcome color and a homey atmosphere to the otherwise stripped-back style. Guests tend to be predominantly leisure travelers and the hotel is particularly popular with groups and families because of its bunk beds. Understandably, the low rates and shared rooms attract a party crowd on weekends or when there’s a festival, and some guests have complained about the noise levels. 

See More Scene

Location

Kip Hotel is surrounded by cafes, pubs, and vintage stores in Hackney, but far from top London sights

First-time visitors to London may not have heard of Hackney, and the area has something of a checkered past. It is, however, going through a renewal and the signs of gentrification are everywhere. Just a short stroll away are shabby-chic pubs like The Old Ship Inn and The Cock Tavern, plus there’s the Breaking Bad-themed ABQ cocktail bar just down the road. Step out of the hotel’s shared entrance and you’ll be able to see Hackney Central Station, a mere one-minute walk away. Hackney Empire, a famous restored theatre with incredibly original interiors, is just four minutes away on foot. Hackney also has a great market scene. It takes 12 minutes on foot to reach Mentmore Terrace, a quirky stretch of road with cafes, breweries, and vintage shops. It takes 12 minutes by bus to reach the fashionable Broadway Market, which takes place on Saturdays. While there’s lots of discover locally, more famous sights and attractions take over 30 minutes to reach. Buckingham Palace requires two trains and just over 30 minutes to reach, whereas the Houses of Parliament require two trains and around 40 minutes. Tourist favorite Hyde Park is also between 30 and 40 minutes away. Budget just over an hour to reach Luton and Gatwick Airports by taxi or train, while Heathrow takes an hour and fifteen minutes to get to, depending on the traffic. Heathrow takes about the same amount of time -- 75 minutes -- to reach via train and tube connections from the Kip Hotel as well.

See More Location

Rooms

Modern and sleek, with some cool amenities, plus budget-friendly bunks and shared bathroom units

Rooms at the Kip Hotel range from minuscule pod-inspired cabins to a decadent penthouse suite, and everything in between. All are styled in the same cool contemporary way. Expect black pillowcases, white linens, and dark flooring, plus large green plants. Pops of personality comes in the form of Vice magazine, which is in every room, as well as slightly irreverent artwork – but nothing too overbearing. Guests tend to appreciate the modern and sleek look, and it’s reflective of this hip area. 

There are 13 room categories in total, which gives you some idea as to how flexible the sleeping arrangements are. Stand-out categories include Family Rooms, which have a double bed plus two cute bunk beds, and the Friend's Room, which have three double bunks stacked next to each other. Other categories include windowless rooms and five rooms which share the use of one bathroom. The latter are especially appealing for the budget conscious. If you have specific requirements, it's well worth calling the hotel, as the multiple categories have led to disappointment for some guests who confused what they were booking. 

Rooms don’t come with wardrobes, instead, most have a few hangers and peg hooks. If you’re only staying one night it won’t be too much of an issue, but it’s worth keeping in mind for longer stays. There are flat-screen Smart TVs in all rooms plus air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and multiple outlets. Bathrooms are simple, but clean, with showers throughout the hotel and Kip branded toiletries. In the Studios, there are Russell Hobbs kettles and microwaves, plus electric cookers, and utensils. A few of the rooms have attractive terraces too. All categories have similar amenities, so upgrading won’t merit any extras, just more spacious floor plans.

See More Rooms

Features

Limited to a membership program and free coffee 

Kip Hotel doesn’t have a restaurant or breakfast area -- in fact, there aren’t really any communal areas at all. The hotel’s features are limited to a members program, which entitles you to room discounts and the use of bikes during your stay. Kip also has some local partnerships, which change frequently, and give guests discounts at various local stores. You can snag some local pastries and fresh coffee in the lobby, but that's about it for features aside from free Wi-Fi. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Cable

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.