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Wednesday 24 August 2011

Avo Hotel, Dalston










The adorable Avo Hotel is tucked away amongst the shops in Dalston, an ideal choice for London visitors wishing to stay in this cool area of the city. With nearby places including the lovely Arcola Theatre, WAH Nails, and numerous quirky eateries, Hackney is a hub of exciting activity. While visiting Avo a few nights ago I began thinking I would like to live in this up and coming district. If only Acton could show a bit of initiative like this area, perhaps my local vicinity could be trendy too!


Despite getting caught up in the elaborate one way system we managed to park directly outside the hotel, for free. Inside, this boutique hotel has a very welcoming atmosphere, with big wooden table and chairs and a small reception desk and an understated but pleasant decor. Appropriately the word ‘avo’ actually means ‘welcome’ in many languages, I immediately felt very welcomed by the small family that run this hotel.


We were shown up to the very top of the hotel and to the luxurious suite, which we were lucky to be upgraded to. A small and cosy room, with an adjoining space that had a plush sofa and desk. Every necessity was catered for: coffee and tea facilities, complimentary filtered water, Sony docking station, unlimited free high speed Wifi, amazingly soft dressing gowns to use and luxurious toiletries by ELEMIS. The bathroom was swish and modern with black marble tiling and a refreshing and ultra clean big shower.


The main feature in the room was the giant bed, with flat screen tv infront, ideal for lazy evenings in. And with the choice of 150 dvds to rent it’s difficult to drag yourself out of your Avo room (but we did for a quick Indian curry down the road). The memory foam mattresses were my favourite thing about the room, conducive to a good night’s sleep, as you sink into the bed the mattress moulds around your body. My only negative point would be the noise pollution, but as Avo is located on the main road I guess this problem is unavoidable. When we stayed the weather was particularly humid and so it was necessary to open as many windows as possible, but this let in unwanted heat -perhaps the only solution is air conditioning.


An organic and locally source continental breakfast is complimentary for all guests, and is offered downstairs in the main lounge area. For those extra special treats the Avo staff are happy to help organise in room head massage (£10 for 15 minutes), daily fresh flowers (£15 per arrangement) and fruit basket on arrival (£10).


Just a short distance from Liverpool St, Canary Wharf and Bank the Avo hotel is an ideal refuge for tourists needing a relaxing bedroom to stay in while exploring the city, but it is also a cosy location for anyone wanting a night in with a film, curled up on a very comfortable bed.


Avo hotel, 82 Dalston LaneHackney, London E8 3AH 020 3490 5061, see website and book here.

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