Andy Mossack transforms into a digital nomad to join Selina Camden Hotel’s global hotel community.
The spacious outdoor terrace of my lofty fourth-floor suite at Selina Camden Hotel offers up an impressive front-row seat to Camden Town, one of London’s hippest hot spots. It is the perfect position for watching the fluid tapestry of Camden’s colourful boho community. With the Roundhouse theatre on one side and Chalk Farm tube on the other, Selina Camden Hotel’s digital nomadic vibe slots into the neighbourhood as smoothly as a USB drive.
The brainchild of two very switched-on Israeli property developers, Daniel Rudasveski and Rafael Musen, their Selina Hotels property portfolio has expanded rapidly to 162 properties across 25 countries. All of them around the concept of blending beautiful places to stay and the culture of each neighbourhood, with coWorking, recreation, and wellness. In other words, places made to measure for today’s digital nomads.
The perfect example of this genius at work is Selina Camden Hotel. A formerly distressed property is now an urbanely hip haven for lovers of bohemian art and design. Plenty of exposed brickwork on show, potted plants, hanging lightbulbs and vintage nick knacks. Camden’s alternative music scene is highlighted by vintage radios and record players and a basement area for live events.
The ground floor restaurant Powerplant is both eatery and workspace with plenty of tables amongst the greenery for free Wi-Fi and nomadic laptop working, no doubt fuelled by the organic coffee and fresh leaf teas from Powerplant’s all-day menu. And, in keeping with Camden’s bourgeoning vegan vibe, it’s one hundred percent plant-based with an excellent all-day menu and just as impressive breakfast.
I’m not vegan or vegetarian, but the quality of Powerplant’s dishes leaves me in no doubt that beautifully produced plant-based food can be just as appealing to carnivores. Particularly as the restaurant has partnered with Israeli plant-based pioneer Redefine Meat to offer ‘new meat’ to anyone yearning for a meaty taste on their palate. Honestly, it tastes like the real thing to me.
Upstairs, the Selina Camden hotel has equally hipster-inspired accommodation with 30 guestrooms made up of two 8-bed community dorms with shared bathrooms, entry-level standard rooms with shared bathroom and a range of impressive private rooms and suites each with ensuite bathrooms. There’s also a fully equipped communal kitchen with free tea and coffee.
My terrace suite wouldn’t be out of place at an Ace Hotel, minus the guitar of course. A queen bed, high-thread cotton sheets, flat screen TV, black velvet headboard with a neon piece of art stationed above it, curiously alternative rabbit and monkey-inspired lamps, a vintage radio and a roomy bathroom/wet room with fluffy towels and vegan toiletries. The standout for me though was the spacious outdoor terrace area accessed directly from the room, with tables and chairs and great views down to Camden Lock.
Everything about Selina Camden Hotel is digital, from booking and check-in to wristband room access. There’s also a daily menu of morning exercise sessions from yoga to meditation. It’s like being in a global village for well-to-do travellers. You can join the digital Selina community, share experiences, and even buy various forms of annual passes to access Selina’s global properties if you’re a frequent traveller.
I think the Selina concept is pure genius, and with a Margate hotel soon to join existing UK properties at Brighton, Camden, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester, Selina’s nomadic future is looking assured.
All photos (C) Photobenphoto
Tell Me More About Selina Camden Hotel
Selina Hotel, 89 Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AR
T: 0203 966 0765
Rates: From £61 – £250+ depending on room and time of year.
