‘Sexy-tech’ – I’ve coined a new phrase after my absolutely amazing stay at M by Montcalm this weekend. If you like your hotels classic and traditional, then this hotel is not for you! But if you like your cutting-edge technology, flat screen TV’s as wide as the walls, curtains opened and temperature adjusted at the touch of a tablet, then you need to book into this uber-cool hotspot right now!
Even before you get into reception with its stunning bar, lazy white arm chairs and touch-screen tables, M by Montcalm’s exterior, with its futuristic angular facade, cuts into the Shoreditch skyline and demands your attention, like, right now.
Reception is like stepping into the luxurious living area of a designers’ home. Minimalist, contemporary, clean white lines and some absolutely beautiful sparkly ceiling art! In the corner, a real bar in its own right – I’d be happy to come here even if I wasn’t staying in the hotel. They also do a lovely glass of red and their list is pretty extensive. With no expense spared, M by Montcalm oozes glamour without being pretentious or (at the other end of the scale) too blingy. They’ve got the balance just right.
Bedrooms are a breath of fresh air. With 269 rooms across four categories, you an choose from deluxe, club, junior suite or suites. With huge wall-mounted plasma screens, control panel mood-lighting, wonderful rain showers and Hermès products, you’ll instantly feel at home in this hi-tech haven. I’d recommend the junior suite which has everything you’ll need – big and spacious but comfy, cosy and most definitely ‘intelligent’ in every sense of the word. The speakers are Bose so sound quality is second-to-none. The wifi is lightening speed and the TV has every channel imaginable. You can even select your own room aroma, or call the ‘sleep concierge’ for hypo-allergenic or anti-ageing pillows – there’s even a lavender turn down service. Is there anything this hotel hasn’t thought of?!
If you can tear yourself away from the room (believe me, it’s difficult!), you’ll find a Versace tiled swimming pool and spa downstairs, a state-of-the-art gym and two stunning restaurants. There’s even a private members’ bar – M Club for VIP’s and private meetings.
With Searcys overseeing M by Montcalm’s restaurants and bars, this duo are a match made in heaven for providing the ultimate dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying lunch or dinner with a view in their stunning 17th floor Urban Coterie sky bar and kitchen, or at Tonic & Remedy on the first floor, you’re bound to be impressed.
Tonic & Remedy is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal while watching the world go by. Located on the first floor, essentially, it’s a British menu with New York influences. Chef Paul Welburn works his magic in the kitchen, while talented mixologist Jeremy Pascal creates cocktails to die for at the bar. You’re guaranteed to feel fully satisfied by the restaurant’s perfect blend of urban appeal and high end quality food. Truffle and parmesan chips are to die for (whatever you’re ordering, you need these in your life), while the crispy pig crunch with Yorkshire rhubarb is an absolute delight. Mains include creamy cauliflower risotto, roast bream with parmesan, mixed beans and razor clam or there’s also a wide range of steaks and chicken from the josper grill. I loved the lamb tagine – hearty, delicious and a perfect blend of those exotic Moroccan flavours. The dessert must-have is the deconstructed passion fruit cheese cake which looks more like a work of art. Crumbly base sprinkled across dollops of cheesecake froth and ice cream, dotted with passion fruit sauce – the balance was just right.
Post-dinner, it’s impossible to have a bad night’s sleep at M by Montcalm. Huge double beds layered with luxurious bedding and plumped up with fluffy pillows should have you nodding off in no time, but if you’re struggling, the sleep concierge can provide eye masks, aromatherapy oils, night time nibbles and ‘pillow perfection’, while you can also switch your complimentary in-room aroma to something sleep-inducing.
It’s not often I wake up in a hotel feeling fully refreshed, but M by Montcalm seems to have gotten it just right. From their opulent design to their intelligent, hi-tech and practical features, they really have thought of everything! So for a stylish stay coupled with cutting edge technology, it’s the place to stay in the capital.
