To say 2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year might be the mother of all understatements. Instead of dwelling on the lows, the lockdown woes, and the things we missed out on, here’s why a London staycation away from your home is what you need right now and the best way to make it happen.  

Together but Apart(hotel) – Whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, the type of accommodation that you choose can define the vibe of your stay. In a year of uncertainty, it’s good to stay where you know exactly what to expect. Aparthotels combine the reassuring comfort of hotel services like fresh sheets and luxury bathroom amenities with the simple pleasure of a private amenity-equipped apartment space allowing you to come and go as you please.

No (Destination) Surprises – So, you know London pretty well. Your Oyster card still has some credit from your last daytrip to the Big Smoke, you’ve visited all the tourist favourites and Oxford Street feels as familiar as your home high street. But you don’t know real London until you’ve explored boroughs beyond the obvious. Welcome to Shoreditch, Hoxton, and Hackney. London’s most vibrant and creative districts intersect with the rich and cosmopolitan history of the East End at the gateway to the City of London. 

Comfort Food – Don’t underestimate the power of the palate and make sure you choose a location that’s food famous. Whether your tastes are adventurous or you like-what-you-like, the area extending from Brick Lane into Shoreditch and the surrounds is home to award-winning contemporary fine dining restaurants, famous curry houses, innovative global street food and historic pubs serving proper London dishes. And for those evenings when you’d rather stay in and let someone else do the cooking (and the delivering) then if you’re staying at The Gate you can order using all the popular food-delivery apps and make the most of your apartment’s kitchenette.    

Swap Tired for Inspired – 2020’s 24-hour news-cycle can stifle even the most inspired thinker. Take a break from work-from-home and sate some of your wanderlust with a visit to the street art of Shoreditch, the old masters at the National Portrait Gallery, and the contemporary creativity on display at Whitechapel Gallery. The Gate Hotel is just across the road from Brick Lane, which not only puts you close to the best of London’s art, it’s an art destination in its own right. From a Banksy in the hotel lobby to a carefully curated collection by London’s famous Maddox Gallery throughout the building, there’s no shortage of inspiration. 

Staycation at The Gate – Yes, we might be biased, but our aparthotel was created from the ground up to combine the best of home-comfort, hotel-service, and design-inspiration. We’ve chosen amazing amenities like Peloton bikes, Le Labo toiletries and Hypnos beds to ensure that whether you’re visiting from outside of London or you live nearby, it’s a place to rest, restore and refresh.