Overview
First Impressions
Walking up to D8 – Hoxton Square Penthouse feels like you’re about to visit someone’s incredibly cool friend rather than checking into a hotel. You know what I mean? It’s this three-star spot right on Hoxton Square — and honestly, the location is what first grabbed my attention. The building itself isn’t flashy, but there’s something understated about it that works perfectly with the whole Hackney vibe.
The Neighborhood Scene
Here’s the thing about London — Hoxton Square is where you want to be if you’re into that creative, slightly edgy scene without the touristy crowds. I mean, you’ve got the White Cube gallery literally around the corner, and some of the best street art I’ve seen anywhere. The square gets busy during lunch when office workers from the surrounding tech companies grab sandwiches, but evenings have this perfect energy. There are pubs that actually feel authentic (not like those awful theme places), and you can walk to Shoreditch High Street in maybe five minutes.
Inside the Penthouse
The apartment itself — well, calling it a penthouse might sound grand, but it’s more like a really well-designed loft space. The room has these big windows that look out over the square, and you get proper light throughout the day. What I really appreciated was the kitchen setup — it’s compact but actually functional, with a decent-sized fridge and everything you need if you want to grab groceries from the Tesco Metro down the street. The bed’s comfortable enough, and there’s good storage space, which matters when you’re staying more than a couple nights.
Practical Bits
Look, this isn’t the kind of place with a fancy restaurant downstairs or room service — but that’s sort of the point. You’re staying in one of London’s food hotspots, so why would you want to eat hotel food anyway? The nearest tube is Old Street, which is about a seven-minute walk, and from there you can get pretty much anywhere in central London without too much hassle. Parking around here is typical London nightmare stuff, so if you’re driving, be prepared to pay for nearby spots or use an app to find something reasonable.
Why Guests Love It
What makes this place work is that it gives you a proper taste of living in this part of London rather than just visiting it. The 8.2 rating makes sense — it’s not perfect, but it delivers on what it promises. You’re staying in an actual neighborhood where people live and work, not some sanitized hotel district. I’d definitely come back, especially if I wanted to explore more of East London’s gallery scene or just hang out somewhere that feels genuinely connected to the city’s creative energy.
Guest reviews
"Lovely stay, very nice apartment"
I had quite an issue getting the keys. I contacted the property a number of times with regards to an earlier check in but didn't get a response. By the time I got to the property I was tired and stressed after a long journey. This lack of communication and issues with getting the key was the last thing I needed and made me very stressed. Fortunately, the woman that greeted me was very nice and very helpful.
What could be improved: Only the issues with check in, everything else was great
9 September 2024
"Superb"
Flat in an excellent area for cafes etc and walking to central London locations.
Balcony a bonus to enjoy tye summer sunshine
What could be improved: Couldn't fault the facilities
20 July 2024
"Nice penthouse to stay in London"
We spent New Year's eve here because we want to see the fireworks in London. We were very happy that we were able to see it through the balcony. The penthouse was also complete with all the necessarily cooking utensils in the kitchen. I appreciate that they also have an airfryer and coffee maker. Everything is clean and so far I think we had a great stay. The staff was very responsive even if I raised several concerns at the start, but she kept checking on how was our stay which was very much appreciated. The staff that gave the key also offered to help on the luggage that needs to be brought several flights up the stairs which is also appreciated.
What could be improved: At first I was disappointed upon seeing the reviews that it doesn't have a tub as shown in the picture. I was informed that it was taken down eventually when I raised it to avoid misrepresenting the property. Another is the transparency that there is no Elevator. For those who might not be willing to go up the stairs of several flights up to the penthouse especially those who have big luggages, etc. I suggest this should be put in your descrption of the property or something important to note before someone can book it. I also find the £500 deposit too much but I found that it just remained floating in my bank and did not really debited it, so I think it is fine and let it go. Just the minor comments that I saw already in the reviews but has not been fixed yet like the Cabinets/drawers doesn't have handles.
8 January 2024
"Superb"
Location of the appartment is perfect in the heart of Shoreditch while being in a quiet area which is great
Appartement is really big & nicely decorated (the D8 touch)
The bed was very comfortable
The view from the balcony is really awesome especially by night
What could be improved: N/A
16 December 2023
"Nice airy apartment"
Good location near Old Street tube.
Nice and light.
But the apartment is nice and spacious. Staff very communicative.
What could be improved: I’d say the apartment is much better just for a couple. Our son slept on the sofa bed which was uncomfortable when folded out (it has a big fold down it). It could do with a mattress topper. Also the white blinds let all the light in in the mornings.
It’s 4 floors up, no lift. Bear in mind if you have heavy suitcase.
27 November 2023
"Superb"
Nice flat and clean. Carolina and Stephania were very kind and helpful
6 October 2023
"Had a awesome time and loved our choice of apartment"
Coffee tea milk everything we needed.place was really nice bed was amazing.
What could be improved: Shower wasn’t too hot or powerful,tv lacked channels due too no internet connection.
22 July 2023
"Amazing views in a well equipped apartment."
Amazing view, very clean and great value for money! The kitchen is greatly equipped! The shower is really big and the location is great :)
What could be improved: Some blinds couldn‘t be put up unfortunately and the light switches didn‘t always work the first time.
8 February 2023
"Very good"
What could be improved: Entrance key was super difficult to get in with but not the hosts fault
12 November 2025
"Cute 1-Bd/1-Bath Apartment/Flat. Not a penthouse - NO LIFT"
The space was nice. We didn't use the full kitchen facilities - only the electric kettle, coffee maker and put a few drinks in the refrigerator.
Had a good view of some of the skyline. especially at night. Bed was comfortable.
Lots of fluffy towels and a great pillowtop mattress cover for the futon/pull out sofa bed.
What could be improved: No lift. Really should be noted in the property discription. People with bad knèes or limited mobility would have issues. Four stories with luggage can be a bear. Krys (who met us to let us in) did help us move the luggage up. Of course I noticed others mentioned this in reviews AFTER (my bad) but it should be noted.
I also noticed the handles on drawers and closet doors hasn't been addressed yet. As I mentioned, we didn't use the kitchen facilities - but it was weird to have to open the refrigerator if you wanted to open the drawer for flatware - no handles, so I had to open the refrigerator to get a fingertip in the drawer top to open.
Balcony didn't have pergola (cover) or cushions as in the photos. Cobwebs and debris on the balcony, but it's outdoors and still early in the spring so maybe that's why no cushions and it wasn't very tidy.
It looked like a new television was delivered, but was leaning against the wall still in the box. My husband was going to hook it up and put the smaller one in the bedroom, but we just left it as it was and thought it was peculiar.
No plugs in bathroom... Also not a washcloth to be found. I used a hand towel the first night, then ended up buying a wash cloth at M & S the next day. Using a hand towel as a wash cloth was a bit heavy and comical.
Shower seemed unsafe. Very slick and gloss tile with no grab bars. I nearly fell through the shared window with the living room. Just wacked my noodle on the window frame and my left knee on the tile floor. (Not great when you have to go down and up 4 flights of stairs). The shower would be better if there was a seat or grab bar... maybe a removable rubber bath mat with grip. if the detachable head didn't leak. It's not a fitting issue, but the head itself that leaks... likely from someone grabbing it like a grab bar.
19 May 2025
