Hotel
The Savoy
A landmark luxury hotel on the Strand, open since 1889, with Thames views, the American Bar and the Gordon Ramsay Savoy Grill.
The Rookery
A Georgian-style boutique hotel tucked down a narrow lane by Smithfield, with period furniture, open fires and roll-top baths.
At a glance
- Type
- Georgian boutique hotel
- Area
- Clerkenwell, London, United Kingdom
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- rookeryhotel.com
Good to know
- Room service
- Open fires
- Roll-top baths
- Meeting space
Why we recommend it
The Rookery is a boutique hotel formed from a row of 18th-century houses on Peter's Lane, a narrow street off Cowcross Street in Clerkenwell, close to Smithfield Market. The only remaining early houses on the lane were repaired and extended to create the hotel, and it is a sister hotel to Hazlitt's in Soho and Batty Langley's in Spitalfields, and shares their love of period detail.
Inside, the hotel feels like a historic townhouse, with polished wood panelling, flagstone floors, open fires and antique furniture. The bedrooms are individually decorated with period furniture, and many have roll-top baths. Room service is available, but there is no restaurant, so guests make use of the many restaurants and pubs of Clerkenwell and Smithfield nearby.
The Rookery suits couples, solo travellers, business visitors to the City and anyone who wants a characterful alternative to a modern hotel. The location is excellent for exploring the City of London, Clerkenwell and Farringdon, with St Paul's Cathedral, the Barbican and Smithfield within walking distance. As with many historic buildings, there are stairs and narrow corridors, so mention any mobility needs when booking.
Reservations can be made through the official website, by phone or by email, and there is a WhatsApp and SMS line for enquiries. The hotel also hosts meetings and events and is used for filming and photo shoots. Because the hotel is on a quiet lane rather than a main road, it can be easy to walk past, so follow the directions from Farringdon station on your first arrival. The neighbourhood guide on the official website recommends nearby sights, including the Charterhouse, founded in 1371, where guided tours are led by its resident Brothers, and the Barbican, with its arts programme and estate gardens.
The nearest Underground station is Farringdon, a short walk away and served by the Elizabeth line, Thameslink and Underground, which makes it easy to reach Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports. Barbican station is also close, and the City's offices are a short walk south, which makes the hotel practical for business trips. St John's Gate, Smithfield Market, the Museum of the Order of St John and the restaurants of St John Street and Exmouth Market are all within a few minutes' walk.
The Rookery FAQs
Where is The Rookery?
On Peter's Lane off Cowcross Street in Clerkenwell, near Smithfield Market and Farringdon station.
Does it have room service?
Yes, room service is available.
Is there a restaurant?
No, but Clerkenwell and Smithfield have many restaurants and pubs nearby.
What are the rooms like?
Individually decorated with period furniture, open fires in public rooms and roll-top baths.
Which station is nearest?
Farringdon, a short walk away, with direct trains to Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton.
Are there sister hotels?
Yes, Hazlitt's in Soho and Batty Langley's in Spitalfields.
Is it suitable for guests with limited mobility?
The historic building has stairs and narrow corridors, so mention any needs when booking.
What is nearby?
The Charterhouse, Smithfield Market, St John's Gate and the Barbican.