James Clark checks out The Gate Hotel Aldgate East in the heart of the East End and discovers his new home.
The Gate Hotel consisting of 189 luxury and urban style apartments launched back in 2021. I’d been hearing good things about the hotel for a while so decided to book a studio apartment to coincide with a meeting in London after a long-haul flight. The meeting was arranged to go ahead at Maple & Co downstairs in the hotel, just a two minutes’ walk from Aldgate East station.
Members Lounge, The Gate Hotel
As so often with flight arrival times I arrived at The Gate Hotel before my room had been serviced. The friendliness that I was greeted with put me instantly at ease as we spoke about the hotel as I was taken to the Members Lounge exclusively for guests on the fifth floor while my room was being sorted. I was more than happy to grab a coffee and peek around the giant Manhattan Loft apartment type space. With just a couple of small groups having quiet business meetings, a very well-behaved jack russell – The Gate Hotel is pet friendly, and a wonderful view of the city below. As I sunk deeper into my amazingly comfortable chair, I reflected warmly on the service provided on arrival. I had a feeling I was going to like The Gate.
The Gate’s Studios
Within the hour I was standing in one of The Gate’s Studios which had been remarkably designed with both business and leisure visitors in mind. If I had to put a figure on it, I’d guess that the interiors in just this room must have cost around £20,000. I jumped on the extra comfortable bed and wrestled with the idea of cancelling my meeting. At that moment I was having fantasies about living in the hotel, and plenty of guests do. Both long- and short-term guests are welcome.
The Gate’s Studios have been carefully designed to provide the ideal space to relax, work and eat in the comfort of your own room. With well-equipped kitchenettes, a good-sized bathroom, a workspace, relaxing armchair and unique artwork, the studios are far more than just a bedroom. The rooms also feature a flat screen TV with soundbar and fast free Wi-Fi.
After a powerful and awakening shower which I enjoyed with Le Labo bathroom products (you can buy them at Harrods) I was ready to head down to the ground floor for a light lunch at Maple & Co before my meeting. I was given the option of eating in my room or the Members Lounge, but as a curious man I was keen to see where the action happens.
Maple & Co offers fresh and flavour-packed food using nutritious ingredients. Cooked up with the philosophy of ‘eating happy’ in mind, Maple & Co offers a vibrant range of feel-good, healthy options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with choices to cater for all dietary requirements.
I opted for the Chop Chop salad with avocado, feta, cherry tomatoes, signature maple greens (kale, broccoli and mange tout), leafy greens, herb mayonnaise, crunchy seeds and green dressing. I also had chicken mixed into the salad as I was looking for an extra protein boost. Not only was it presented beautifully, but it was also much bigger than I’d anticipated and tasted incredible. I’m not sure how salads can taste that good, but 10 out of 10. It was amazing.
Not long after lunch, my meeting came and went over a pint of Camden Pale Ale before heading to the gym to spend an hour on one of the many indoor Peloton bikes.
By this point the jetlag was beginning to set in so I decided it was time to lay on my bed and watch the flat screen TV until I was ready to sleep which I did until it was time to grab a coffee, thank the staff and head out into the warm London sunshine.
It’s impossible to fault anything. Perfect location, and a stunning and spacious hotel. Every member of the team I met went above and beyond and seemed happy in their work. I think I may have found my London home. I will be returning on my next visit to the capital.
The Gate Hotel London
41 White Church Ln, London, E1 7QR.
W: The Gate Hotel London | Luxury Aparthotel in London (thegate-london.com)