London - Loulla-Mae Eleftheriou-Smith goes in search of hotels around the globe that take hipster to another level.
Green Rooms, London
Green Rooms is set in the distinctly unglamorous postcode of N22, London’s Wood Green, and this new “social enterprise” hotel is focused helping people working in the arts. It has creative working spaces, studio spaces and rehearsal spaces, has partnered with artistic institutions the Royal Court and Somerset House and is offering discounted prices to anyone who calls themselves an artist (with the cheapest rate available being £18/R300 – a steal even for zone three). Part of its space doubles up as a gallery and its restaurant runs six-month residencies with chefs who are mentored by the Clove Club’s Johnny Smith. A veritable hipster home from home.
Dorm beds from £24, private doubles from £84, room only, non-artist rates (greenrooms.london)
Coq, Paris
Standing for Community of Quality, Coq is a new members’ club-inspired hotel in Paris’s up-and-coming 13th arrondissement. Expect to spot salvaged oil paintings, bold colours and brass fittings; and be open to contributing to the “community’s’ collaborative city guide via Instagram. You could also time your visit to coincide with one of the regular events with local artists.
A photo posted by C.O.Q Hotel Paris (@coqhotelparis) on Nov 9, 2016 at 7:32am PST
Doubles from €167 (about R2 300), B&B (coqhotelparis.com)
QT Melbourne
When you arrive at QT’s latest Aussie outpost in Melbourne, you’ll be welcomed by one of the “Directors of Chaos” – staff dressed in outfits by costume designer Janet Hime (who is responsible for Dame Edna’s looks, among others). They’re essentially concierges, but with a much more dramatic look. Inside, the hotel takes inspiration from the city’s stylish connections by playing old fashion videos on the walls, and a stylish industrial-meets-mid-century vibe to the decor. The hotel also has its own cake shop and rooftop bar.
Doubles from A$290 (about R3 000), room only (qthotelsandresorts.com/melbourne)
Casa Bonay, Barcelona
This Eixample address is housed within a building that’s also home to a craft coffee shop, cold-pressed-juice company and Vietnamese café – perhaps the hipster triumvirate of the food and beverage industry. The retro-inspired rooms are a collaboration between the hotel’s owner and Brooklyn-based Studio Tack – think original mosaic tiles and minimalist furniture. There’s also a rooftop bar for sundowners, and yoga kits are provided for those after a more wholesome experience.
Doubles from €113 (£100), room only (casabonay.com)
Bklyn House, New York City
Bushwick in Brooklyn today is what Williamsburg was five years ago. Bright and vibrant, this artsy section of New York is home to the Bklyn House, a “Bushwick inspired hotel” where local artists’ custom-made works (think high-level street art) adorns the walls and its windows look on to a huge public housing project. The rooms’ bathrooms are filled with beauty products made by Brooklyn native Issac Mizrahi, while furniture in the bedrooms is simple and industrial-style, with touches of welded metal.
Doubles from $173 (about R2 200), room only (bklynhousehotel.com)
The Independent