Art’otel, London’s New Boutique Hotel Opens In Battersea Power Station

Art’otel Battersea Power Station, officially launched last month, is the first UK opening for the art’otel brand, that was originally created by a collection of avid art collectors and entrepreneurs in the early nineties. The London opening joins hotels in Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest and Cologne, each of which is associated with one artist, some well-known. For example, the Berlin property features 300 works by renowned German contemporary artist Georg Baselitz.

The art-filled interiors at the London hotel have been designed by award-winning Spanish artist Jaime Hayon. His bold, colorful and playful aesthetic style shines throughout the hotel. For the lobby, Hayon commissioned a series of photographic works by Dutch artist duo Klunderbie, surrealist portraits that play with British iconography while Tozi restaurant has large striking tapestries made in The Netherlands, using recycled yarn.

The original art and objects complement the Battersea Power Station’s history and heritage, as well as its future at the center of a new cultural district and neighborhood for London. The new area adjacent to the Thames river has shops, restaurants, cafes and more. As well as a lively new location and art-filled interiors, the hotel has plenty more to appeal, from a stunning rooftop infinity pool and jacuzzi to excellent food and drink venues.

The 164-bedroom hotel is located within Battersea Roof Gardens, a new building designed by Foster + Partners, that forms a key part of the new Electric Boulevard: a collection of buildings comprising homes, offices and a new pedestrianised high street which sits to the south of the iconic Power Station. The colorful palette used by Jaime Hayon continues into the generously sized guest rooms and suites. In a pleasing departure from neutral colored hotel rooms, here the attractive modern furnishings and walls are in pink, yellow, orange, green and blue. Some of the rooms have views of the river and power station. And, crucial for any hotel stay, are the excellent beds and high thread count linens. The top Masterpiece suite feels like a chic, hip apartment rather than a hotel room. Located on the 14th floor, overlooking the famous Power Station and river, this vast suite has all the views. A dining area, gorgeous contemporary furnishings, a record player and fully stocked bar are among the other delights.

Coupled with 360-degree views of London, Art’otel’s 16th-floor rooftop bar with its heated infinity pool and hot tub is the crowning glory, offering astonishing closeup views of the Power Station chimneys and beyond. Swim right up to the edge to sit face to face with this restored London icon, or relax on a lounger. It will be a great spot to watch the sunrise over the city, soak up the rays or sip on a cocktail this summer.

One floor below, the skyline restaurant JOIA is already a big draw. Headed up by Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa of two Michelin-starred Alma in Lisbon, the restaurant shows off Henrique’s vibrant, unique and fresh take on traditional plates, using the best of British and Iberian produce. Dishes include his La Bomba de Lisbon – a signature croquette made with potato and traditional Portuguese Alheira sausage, served with tomato and sofrito sauce; Bacalhau à brás – salted cod with shoestring potatoes, parsley, black olive served with an raw egg yolk and mixed tableside; and Grilled carabineiro with orzo bisque and coriander. There’s also a great cocktail menu that can be enjoyed at the dinner table or in the adjacent bar. On the main floor, Tozi Grand Cafe offers a very good Italian menu, specialising in pasta and Venetian cicchetti. Breakfast is also served here for hotel and outside guests.

There’s plenty to do in the area as the hotel is right across from the new Battersea Power Station shopping complex. You could actually arrive by boat as the hotel is a few minutes away from the Thames Clippers pier. Also, inside the former power station is a unique experience, Lift 109. It’s now possible to take a thrilling ride up one of the chimneys of Grade II listed power Station, a unique chimney lift experience. Lift 109 ascends 109 metres to the top of the north-west chimney where 360 degree panoramic views of London’s skyline are on show from a glass viewing chamber. The Lift 109 experience begins in the Power Station’s magnificent Art Deco Turbine Hall A where visitors can see original records and media displays, detailing the building’s rich history. The second stage is an express lift to the base of the north-west chimney from where you’ll board London’s brand-new glass elevator: Lift 109. Once at the top, you’ll have one of London’s best views of world-famous landmarks that make up the city’s skyline, as well as a unique bird’s eye view of the Power Station itself.

art’otel london battersea power station, 1 Electric Boulevard SW11 8BJ London United Kingdom +44 333 400 6152 Rooms start from £400 per night.