Laptop Lifestyle: 7 UK Hotels For A Productive Workcation
Workcation, workoliday, woliday… these are just a few of the terms given to trips with a laptop in tow. A travel trend that used to be reserved for digital nomads, the laptop lifestyle has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for those of us who now work remotely, with people swapping their home office for a spot anywhere in the UK whilst still getting stuff done.
Often, working from a different location is just the change of scenery needed to get the creative juices flowing and promote a healthy work-life balance. But some hotels go the extra mile – with dedicated co-working spaces, free-flowing tea and coffee, and plugs galore. Not to mention gorgeous rooms, a stunning food and drink offering, and in some cases, a whole new city to explore.
Whether you’re looking for a brief weeknight escape, or a full week or two working from a brand new location, these are the UK hotels we’re headed to for the perfect productive mix of work and play.
Eden Locke, Edinburgh
A lesson in the art of thoughtful design, the locally-inspired interiors of Locke’s properties give off boutique hotel vibes in an apartment-style setting. Eden Locke in Edinburgh is the most intimate of their locations, with just 72 apartments to perfectly blend living, working, and sleeping. Leafy plants sit alongside a tropical colour palette, creating a vibrant, modern, yet relaxed haven to work in. Whether you make one of the meticulously designed apartments your base, or the light-flooded shared living space, this city retreat is sure to get your creative flow going.
Historical, beautiful, and inspiring, Edinburgh’s a perfect city to take a workcation in, with green hills on one side, the North Sea on the other, and a wealth of charming cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways to explore in your spare time.
Where: 127 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN
Website: www.lockeliving.com
Artist Residence, Brighton
With original artist murals and eclectic style oozing out of every room, Artist Residence Brighton is a colourful, contemporary place to get creative before kicking back with a cocktail with the Brighton seafront as your backdrop. Created in collaboration with local artists and makers, the beautiful individually-styled rooms are designed to feel like a home away from home, with luxury amenities like a Roberts radio, Nespresso coffee machine, fully stocked mini-bar and organic Bramley bath products.
Meanwhile, downstairs, you’ll find the lively all-day neighbourhood hub which serves up a laid-back brunch and coffee to keep you going while you work. Plus, it’s a two-minute walk to the beach when you’re looking for a much-needed break from the screen.
Where: 33 Regency Square, Brighton BN1 2GG
Website: www.artistresidence.co.uk
BRAMA, Bromley
Aspiring to connection, collaboration, and community, Brama is set up a little like an apart-hotel – there is no reception, instead mobile keys can be used to access the hotel and bedrooms, all via a guest app. Super speedy and wonderfully discreet, this is a spot for coming and going without fuss (although the hotel team is also on hand via a quick call 24 hours a day should you need them).
With contemporary rooms inspired by the Art Deco era of the newly restored Bromley Town Hall where it resides, Brama is like a home away from home and perfect for those who need a spot within commuting distance of Central London for meetings but far enough out for a change of scene. The 23 rooms come complete with Hypnos mattresses and Fine Cotton Company sheets for the ultimate night’s sleep.
Guests can access the flexible workspace within neighbouring Clockwise and dine at the all-day British restaurant Dorothy & Marshall, complete with soaring ceilings and a delicious cocktail menu. For a spot of retail therapy, The Glades shopping centre is a 5-minute walk away and the perfect antidote to West End street shopping – think Flannels, Massimo Dutti, SpaceNK, and Zara all in serenely chilled indoor surrounds.
WHERE: 6 Court St, Bromley BR1 1AN
website: bramahotels.com
The Hoxton, Southwark
The Hoxton hotels have a long-standing history of welcoming remote workers with open arms. But the Southwark location has recently taken things to the next level with Working From, their homely co-working space. There are countless cosy corners to make your own; from stylish library desks with ergonomic chairs, to meeting rooms and daybeds. Help-yourself pantries are also fully stocked with snacks, tea, and coffee.
Among other perks like an open-air terrace and desk-side food delivery from the hotel restaurants, members also receive exclusive rates on The Hoxton’s creatively-designed hotel rooms with comfy beds, concrete ceilings, and marble surfaces. And with the River Thames right on your doorstep, work breaks can be filled with long walks, fresh air, and calm riverside vistas.
Countless cosy corners to make your own.
Where: 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NY
Website: www.thehoxton.com
Hyatt Centric, Cambridge
The stylish Hyatt Centric Cambridge is a hub for work and leisure. Located in the thriving new university district of Eddington, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the famous sights of the local area after work or on your lunch break – think shops, museums, punting, cobbled streets and the university colleges on your doorstep.
Stay the night (or week) and enjoy the comfortable communal space, which has a coffee shop, cocktail bar, restaurant and an inspiring co-working space with free Wi-Fi. Rooms are warm and opulent with soft blends of mustard yellow tones against art deco wooden furnishings. All of them have super king beds too, for the ultimate post-work wind-down.
Where: 37 Eddington Ave, Cambridge CB3 1SE
Website: www.hyatt.com
Home House, Marylebone
A working holiday in one of London’s most exclusive private members’ clubs? Don’t mind if we do… With its fabulous location and sumptuous décor, Home House is one of London’s best locations for turning your workcation into a five-star experience. Room options vary from Club and Feature rooms to Suites, each one uniquely designed and just as luxurious as the next.
The Drawing Rooms are the perfect place to hunker down with your laptop during the day. Grand but cosy, there are sink-in sofas, low tables, and breakfast on offer to keep you fuelled while you work. You’ll also likely catch a glimpse of members going about their business next to champagne on ice (just in case). End the working day with a cocktail at The House Bar before retreating to your room for a sleigh-bed slumber. It’s a central London location, just a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, but the pure indulgence here will make you feel like you’re worlds away.
A working holiday in one of London’s most exclusive private members’ club? Don’t mind if we do…
Where: 20 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW
Website: www.homehouse.co.uk
Native, Manchester
A stay in this home away from home hotel ensures you have everything you need for a productive workcation under one roof – from a cinema and all-day deli counter to an outdoor terrace and fitness classes. Each of the luxury, serviced apartments offers curated comforts, with generous kitchen and living rooms perfect for getting some work done.
In keeping with Manchester’s industrial vibe, some rooms have cosy seating areas; others exposed brick walls or balconies with views over the city. Take a break from your screen with dinner downstairs or a fitness class from BLOK.
Everything you need for a productive workcation.
Where: Warehouse, Ducie St, Manchester M1 2TP
Website: www.nativeplaces.com
