Overview
First Impressions
Great Eastern 2 by Artsy sits right in the heart of Shoreditch, and honestly, you can’t ask for a better spot to experience London’s creative pulse. The moment you step inside this apartment, you realize this isn’t your typical hotel stay — it’s more like borrowing a friend’s stylish flat in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The space feels authentically London, with high ceilings and those classic period features that make you forget you’re technically staying in a hotel.
The Space Itself
This four-star property really nails the “artsy” part of its name. The room design strikes that perfect balance between Instagram-worthy aesthetics and actual comfort — you know, the kind of place where you’ll want to take photos but can also genuinely relax. The kitchen is surprisingly well-equipped for a hotel apartment, which means you can grab fresh ingredients from nearby Brick Lane Market and actually cook something decent. I mean, when you’re staying in London for more than a couple nights, having that option really makes a difference.
Location Perks
Great Eastern Street puts you right where the action is, but not in an overwhelming touristy way. You’re literally a two-minute walk from some of the best coffee shops in Shoreditch, and the vintage stores along Brick Lane are practically on your doorstep. The Old Street tube station is close enough that getting to central London is easy, but you’re also surrounded by those hidden gems that only locals usually know about — like the weekend food markets and the tiny galleries tucked into converted warehouses.
What Actually Matters
The WiFi works properly (always a relief), and the shower has decent water pressure — honestly, these basics matter more than fancy amenities when you’re exploring London all day. There’s no on-site restaurant, but in this neighborhood, that’s actually a blessing because you’re surrounded by some seriously good food options. The building itself is quiet enough for proper sleep, which isn’t always guaranteed in this part of town. Parking isn’t really a thing here, but that’s expected — you’re in central London, after all.
Why Guests Love It
What really sets Great Eastern 2 by Artsy apart is how it captures the essence of staying in Shoreditch without any of the pretentiousness. You get that authentic East London experience — the street art, the independent shops, the creative energy — but from a comfortable, well-designed base that actually feels like home. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience London like a local rather than just tick off the typical tourist boxes. Plus, the value for money is solid, especially considering you’re getting a proper apartment in one of London’s most sought-after areas.
Guest reviews
"Great value, great location, great communication and quality lodging."
Great location, directly across and less the 500 m from great food, grocery and misc travel needs. There are quality beds, nice kitchenware and the washer and dryer were clutch. Lots of space for a group of people and the apartment was well kept.
What could be improved: The private bathroom is located next to the smallest bedroom and the wifi had to be restarted a couple times over a 5 day stay. Also there might have been a mosquito or flea issue (most of the group had some bites.) Regardless of that I would definitely book again.
3 November 2025
"Good"
The apartment was clean and well equipped. The beds were comfortable and there was plenty of bedding.
What could be improved: My emails were returned as the address was not recognised. I phoned from outside the property as I needed to store luggage, there was no one there to ask.
The shower over the bath is broken and unusable. There are a lot of stairs, the staircase is dirty and not very welcoming.
21 August 2025
"Very good"
What could be improved: In Summer it would be great if more fan’s are provided . And only one bathroom is provided with toiletries.
15 August 2025
"Weekend stay"
Great Location 👍
4 August 2025
"We had a great stay at the apartment, enjoyed every minute. Shoreditch was a revelation."
Everybody loved the area. Vibrant with good transport links in all directions. Great pubs and eateries from the door step.three good sized bedrooms and two fine bathrooms. Clothes washing facilities were very good. Although on a busy main road the noise was minimal in the apartment.
What could be improved: The common areas leading up to the apartment could really do with some upgrading and felt quite dirty.
20 November 2025
"Relaxing"
Lovey place to stay has everything you need and in the heart of Hackney so I couldn’t ask for anymore!
17 April 2025
"Possibly the worst location for an apartment that was really trying to be nice and failing . Shame it couldn’t be picke"
Looks nice in photos…. the owner has made efforts for it to appear as luxury but it really isn’t that at all. It takes more than few nice chairs and photos to be considered that! The shabby dirty unkept building and awful neighbors let this place down. The drainage is an issue and the air circulation and quality is poor. Also
I have never felt so unsafe in a place to feel I should call the police. I did not stay for the length of the stay for my own safety and had no reason to give this place a positive review. My words are fair and sadly my money wasted.
What could be improved: Pretty much everything although the pictures were nice…The entrance and staircase to the apartment were filthy and on arrival looked like the place was derelict. Terrible first impression. Definitely not luxury. Everything felt sticky inside the apartment despite being cleaned.. the bed linen felt and smelt over perfumed and I wondered if it had been washed prior to our arrival. The whole place was stale and smelly. In Drainage was clearly an issue as the place smelt like a swamp.
The walls and floors were so thin it was like being in the apartments above and below. Every noise was heard and neighbors were dreadful. Fighting and running up and down the stairs banging on the doors and shouting. The entrance hall smelt of weed and there were drink bottles left on the floor. At one point the fighting was so loud and banging o the door I felt unsafe and anted to call the police but I did not want to be seen as a troublemaker and end up having further issues as I was alone with my son. There are dents in the front door ( see photos) I had contacted the property but they were non committal and unhelpful with some lip service of being safe and of course to call the police. Yet they really didn’t offer any solution or a refund!
.i checked out a day earlier than planned and was refused a refund from the owner despite booking elsewhere. Booking.com customer service have been equally unhelpful and slow.
I won’t be staying at a private host place again since the standard levels seem to vary a lot. I stay in many places around the world and this is very very below standard. Don’t bother with this place and stay in a cheaper cleaner modern property in canary wharf which is what I did!!!
8 August 2025
"Fantástico"
Muy nuevo y bonito. Cómodo y buena ubicación, a 10 minutos del metro.
What could be improved: Las ventanas había algunas que no cerraban bien o estaban algo rotas y entraba un poco de aire por las ranuras, pero en general, todo muy bien.
21 April 2025
"Große Wohnung mit guter Lage für Gruppen"
Die Lage ist super, viele Essensmöglichkeiten und Pubs in der Umgebung, 10 min zu Fuß zur Liverpool street Station.
Geschirrhandtuch, Spülmaschinen-Tabs, Lappen etc vorhanden.
What could be improved: Es gibt ein großes Doppelbett, ein 1,40er Bett und ein Einzelbett und dann noch Schlafplätze auf der Couch. Ich habe für 6 Personen gebucht und es gab für jedes Bett eine große Decke, sprich 3 Decken. Für die Couch war keine Bettdecke vorhanden, auf Nachfrage bei den Vermietern hieß es, sie kümmern sich drum, es ist allerdings nichts passiert. Die Person auf der Couch hat am ende in einem Laken geschlafen.
Die Fenster zur Straße sind sehr dünn, es ist dementsprechend laut.
27 October 2025
"Very good"
Bella zona e posizione strategica per raggiungere ogni parte della città con i mezzi pubblici.
Disponibilità dei proprietari e la pulizia dell'appartamento sono gli elementi migliori.
What could be improved: Nelle scale del palazzo salta spesso la corrente e non sono ben tenute. Nel complesso l'appartamento è funzionale ma non curato come sembra nelle fotografie.
28 April 2025