​M by Montcalm Shoreditch

This was not the hotel I booked — I booked the Montcalm at the Brewery location on Chiswell but upon arrival there, was informed my reservation had been moved here. After a long day in the air I was not ready for that and as I had never been to London before and had mapped out what ‘tubes’ to take from the Brewery location I was less than enthused about the new hotel. When I finally arrived to the new hotel the desk clerk /​greeter had obviously been made aware of my displeasure as she was all over me giving me vouchers for free food and drinks. She escorted me to my room and demonstrated how the touchpads worked for all electronics, etc. she explained this is a new hotel — opened April ’15 and everything is hi tech.
The room was nicely appointed with comfortable bed, a desk and chair with footstool. Large walk-​in shower with a rainfall showerhead was a bonus! The room was very clean and had many amenities. There was a small box of chocolates and fresh fruit on the table.
Now the rest of the story… if after a long day sightseeing or at the office you had planned to unwind with mindless tv, good luck. I do not know if its a UK thing or just this hotel but TV reception is entirely hit or miss and the touchpad control the same. If the TV did turn on and a station came in you have to turn off all the other lights in the room to see it — its a big screen but the recessed lights above it create a glare so that you cannot see what is going on onscreen. The pillows in such a nice hotel were terrible if you need any sort of neck support. Its just a pile of feathers. I even had housekeeping provide extra firm pillows — I was stuffing two in a case just to make a single. note to self — pack your own pillow for these long stays.
Housekeeping was great when they showed up. That too was hit and miss. I found myself asking for clean towels about ¹⁄₃ of my 2 week stay. There are coffee pots and hot water pots with complimentary instant coffee in the room along with take out cups and lids. After the first use, you have to request new cups, nearly daily.
I must add, to be fair, one call to the front desk had housekeeping up to the room and remedying whatever wasn’t ok almost immedidiately. They were trying, I would have preferred they just cleaned, fresh towels, fresh cups etc the first time through and not need to call.
Room service food was not good. I’ll just leave it at that. The restaurant in the hotel was very good. I don’t know where the disconnect is as I would think similar quality but not so.
Nearby pubs were very good — I’ll get those in a separate review but check out The Old Fountain and Three Crowns !