We review Aethos London Shoreditch and discover a design story that makes us feel like we’re in the Mediterranean
Vibey spaces in trendy East London.
Shoreditch is the perfect part of London to set up camp when you’re in town. This neighbourhood in the east of the city is brimming with some of the trendiest restaurants, shops, and cafes. It’s also home to plenty of design-focused hotels, and we recently checked into the newest opening in the neighbourhood: Aethos London Shoreditch, to see how this hotel straddles its existence as both a chic stay and a welcoming Members Club.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Aethos London Shoreditch review
With hotels across Europe in hotspots like Sardinia, Lisbon and Milan, Aethos London Shoreditch is the first UK outpost for this Swiss-based hospitality group. The property takes over the space of the former Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch, and is set within a striking building designed by Ben Adams Architects. The exterior looks something like a spaceship, with glass balconies and protruding structures that cut through the neighbouring surroundings, and on setting sight on it, I was curious to discover what lay inside.
“The best kind of hospitality doesn’t just serve people – it brings them together,” says Benjamin Habbel, Aethos Co-Founder and CEO. “With Aethos in Shoreditch, we’re creating a space that feels alive, local, and deeply personal.”
Located just a 10-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station and Shoreditch High Street, the interior design for the hotel is the vision of Barcelona-based Astet Studio. The firm took Shoreditch’s industrial and artisanal past as its inspiration for the makeover, layering materials such as brushed metals, terracotta, and a selection of woods to create spaces that made us feel like we were on vacay in the Med, albeit with drizzly London on the doorstep.
Checking in
The welcome experience is straight ahead when you walk through the main doors, and features a striking design (main image) that sets the scene for the stay. We were greeted by a friendly team member who ensured our baggage made it up to the room before us and gave us the lowdown on where everything is located across the property.
We were then whisked upstairs with a different team member who showed us to our room and went over how everything worked. These warm staff interactions continued across every touchpoint of our stay, which we were really impressed by.
The rooms and suites
Home to 164 rooms, we were staying in a Junior Suite, located on the third floor of six. Like the rest of the property, there was repeated dark wood panelling throughout. The hotel cleverly hides spaces such as wardrobes and even the bathroom behind this design detail. In the latter, an inbuilt bathtub provides the perfect spot for relaxing with Woods Copenhagen amenities and a good book. The addition of oversized bath sheets and very comfy robes makes bathing here a delight, though it would be great if they had some bath salts on offer too to level up the soaking experience.
I really appreciated the addition of the in-room pillow menu, which included memory foam and C-shaped varieties alongside what I opted for, an aromatherapy option filled with lavender and thyme that smelled absolutely divine. There’s even a selection of duvets at different weights, which is quite the game-changer for couples with varying internal body temperatures.
Circular pendant lights hang from cords in natural tones, giving the feeling of being in Greece, while a textured, textile headboard adds a flourish of arts and crafts. A circular table with a stylish single chair is the spot to take meals or to get some work done.
The minibar, in a striking credenza, not only includes standards like crisps, booze, and soft drinks, but also holds a few different gift boxes that I was curious to discover more about. One was handily filled with chargers and adapters, while the other was for fun times with a lover and packed full of condoms, lube, and even a vibe, which I thought was genius. Coffee is by Lisbon-based brand Simpli, a sustainable brand specialising in fair-trade coffee that comes in fully compostable packaging and tastes sublime.
Eat & drink
Breakfast can be enjoyed downstairs in the restaurant, where a buffet of delights such as smoked salmon, cheeses, fresh berries, focaccia, and a range of muesli awaits. Some of the highlights for me included a sensational homemade strawberry jam, the addition of coconut yoghurt for non-dairy eaters, a daily smoothie selection, and fresh Honeycomb from the London Honey Company.
But it doesn’t end there. Guests also have a choice of a la carte options. I’d definitely recommend the Hen of the Woods Mushrooms on Toast, which comes with cheddar and a fried egg. The barista-made coffees, served in handmade ceramic vessels, were perfectly executed too, making for a blissful start to the morning. I recommend grabbing one of the cosy booths for maximum breakfast enjoyment.
Aethos Cafe, just to the left of reception, is open daily, serving the same great coffee along with a selection of baked goods and vegan treats such as brownies. It also serves a fully cooked breakfast menu, along with an all-day offering of small and large plates.
Set to open in February 2026, Mitsu will bring Izakaya-style dining to Shoreditch in an upscale setting. Guests can expect DJ sets served up alongside grilled specialities crafted from local, seasonal ingredients.
The Members Club
Aethos is all about offering a Members Club without the pretence. Members have access to the Aethos App, where they can see different events, connect with other members, and enjoy preferred rates at hotels. Being a member gives you access to gyms and wellness spaces, coworking, plus access to more than 50 other like-minded clubs across the globe.
But it’s the events and experiences that the team curates where the membership really comes to life. Themed around four pillars: The Table, The Mix,
Wellness Rituals, and Off Grid, members can expect a roster of inspiring talks, epic dinners, art tours, and even karaoke nights where they can let loose and expand their friendship groups.
There are three different tiers for membership. With Unlimited, guests have access to all the clubs worldwide, including wellness spaces and events. One means you can select your nearest club for complete access, or start with Connect, the option that includes six visits per year.
For members in London, access to Powdermills, a countryside retreat on 78 acres of woodland, is definitely one of the highlights.
What else?
A well-equipped gym is on-site, offering guests access to a range of cardio machines, free weights, and spaces for stretching. Guests can book in-room spa treatments, including a selection of massages and facials. Pilates classes, yoga classes, and sound healing sessions can also be arranged for an additional charge.
Downstairs, across from the reception area, a small shop sells the amenities from the rooms alongside Aethos merch and other stylish souvenirs.
Find out more about Aethos London Shoreditch or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
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