A crop of new co-living spaces and aparthotels offer flexibility and design-led accommodation …
Niche Living, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin
I’ve stayed several times at this luxurious co-living development that ticked all of my boxes – stunning design details, sea views, hotel-worthy service and safety. I found the modular studios, designed by John Henry Boyle of 21 Spaces, pleasing with a nod to mid-century modern aesthetics. Reminiscent of a yacht interior, sleek hidden beds fold up against the walls and I marvelled at the ingenious storage space. Expect all mod cons and communal MasterChef-style state-of-the-art kitchens on every floor. The piece de resistance is the beautifully landscaped rooftop garden created by Stephen Diamond, where I’ve enjoyed spectacular sunsets. This is also the setting for social mixers and sunrise yoga sessions, which sets Niche Living apart from similar co-living spaces. You can also enjoy free book clubs, Spanish classes, HIIT classes and cookery sessions as part of the weekly (optional) timetable for residents. There’s also a shared living room, cinema room, plush Eblana event suite, gym, laundry, library, ping pong space and further games rooms. I’d definitely recommend it for a longer stay in South County Dublin, and look forward to checking out their developments in Rathmines and Merrion Row too. @nichecoliving
Staycity Aparthotel, Dublin City Centre
Staycity Group’s new flagship aparthotel is its seventh property in Dublin, located just off Henry Street. I’ve stayed in a spacious one-bed apartment with a fully equipped kitchenette and access to the airy on-site café, which serves an excellent buffet breakfast, light bites and drinks. There’s also a fitness room, 24-hour reception and plenty of work-friendly spaces. While I didn’t whip up dinner during my stay, I liked the flexibility of having this to hand and space to work (at a proper table). It was also interesting to learn more about the original site, where archaeological excavations revealed medieval remains and insights into the Oxmanstown area of Dublin. I loved the Irish art and Eva – one of the housekeeping team – akin to a small Dalek! @staycityaparthotels
Beckett Locke, Dublin 1
This aparthotel behind the 3Arena follows the success of its sister property Zanibar Locke, and features a co-working space, coffee shop and restaurant, in addition to meeting and event space. Designed by the London design firm AvroKO in collaboration with C+W O’Brien Architects, apartments (which range from 23sqm to 53sqm) feature a fully fitted kitchen, and living and dining space suitable for short, medium and long stays. Their design takes its cue from maritime history and Dockland’s industrial heritage. Osgur Ó Ciardha, Country General Manager at Locke wants Beckett Locke to be a creative hub where guests and the local community interact “at one of our events, working alongside each other in the co-working space, or over a cocktail or two.” Order a Sam’s Corner cocktail at The Belis inspired by Beckett Locke’s namesake, playwright Samuel Beckett. @lockehotels
Trinity College Dublin
This must be one of the city’s best kept secrets. Student rooms from heritage singles, twins or doubles, as well as small apartments are available to book during the summer months at Trinity College. Living on campus is a privilege, especially when the tourists vacate the Front Square and residents have the 47-acre site to themselves. I’ve stayed over several summers and have enjoyed experiencing the Rubrics building, the oldest in TCD dating from c1700, which has been renovated. No frills rooms are comfortable with ensuite showers, Field Day amenities and breakfast in The Buttery. Some rooms have access to communal kitchen and living spaces. The proceeds of any stay is invested back into the college, funding development projects. @trinitycollegedublin
Room2 Belfast, Co Antrim
Since opening in 2023, Room2 has become the number one “hometel” in Belfast on TripAdvisor (other UK locations include Chiswick, Southampton and Hammersmith). It offers a café and restaurant, coffee roastery, meeting and co-working spaces, gym, bar and lounge across nine floors. It’s part of the Lammington Group, a family-owned real estate investment and development group led by Robert Godwin, who has made the commitment to only build and operate to whole-life net zero standards. With this commitment to sustainability, it follows WELL building design principles with the sourcing of local materials and solar energy generation. Each bedroom features a kitchenette and living space for a flexible stay, appealing to both corporate and leisure guests. @room2hometels
Native Hyde Park, London
Native by Numa offers design-led aparthotels across London, Manchester and Glasgow. This year, it’s rolling out new properties in London’s Fulham Broadway and Fitzrovia, as well as two in Sccotland – in Leith and the New Town in Edinburgh. Its latest opening is set within a grand stucco-fronted building overlooking Sussex Gardens. Large windows with original period details fill the rooms with light, with Dyson cooling systems especially appreciated in summer. On-site is a 24 hour reception with multiple co-working and lounge areas. Close by are some favourite haunts – Boxcar Bread & Wine for artisan pastries, the beautifully curated Faeger Shop for lifestyle finds, and Heist Bank for relaxed dining and drinks. Paddington Station and Lancaster Gate are both within a five-minute walk, so guests have easy access to the West End’s theatres to Kensington’s museums and galleries. @nativeplacesuk
SLO, Mayfair
This new sustainable aparthotel brand at Claridge House on Davies Street in Mayfair is posh and private, with spacious kitchens, living rooms, cosy reading nooks and, in some cases, a study area. With mid-century inspired furniture by British designers including Robin Myerscough and Nicola Harding, experience a focus on wellness with Hypnos mattresses, Anatomé London scents and amenities, Nuditea teas and coffee from Arro. There’s even a special SLO playlist to help you unwind! A full-time concierge can arrange private chefs, after-hours gallery visits, shopping tours and tickets for cultural events including Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon and Frieze London. Handily, it’s also close to Claridge’s Hotel where you can enjoy its new bakery treats by internationally acclaimed chef and baker Richard Hart. @stayatslo
The Other House, South Kensington
For a long stay in London, this exclusive base blends apartment-style living with hotel-level service. I’ve stayed in one of its Club Flats with kitchenettes complemented by bar and restaurant Owl & Monkey, if you don’t fancy cooking. It definitely gives Soho House vibes – The Club at The Other House is a private members’ club with a buzzy social calendar. There’s also The Other Space, a wellness space with a vitality pool, sauna, steam room, gym and spa treatments. I particularly liked the location near shopping haunts on the Old Brompton Road (check out the new Banksy Limitless exhibition) the Natural History Museum and V&A Museum. @intheotherhouse
Wilde, Cambridge
Inspired by Oscar Wilde‘s style, this cool aparthotel is a short walk to Cambridge’s iconic park Jesus Green as well as the River Cam, Wilde. Interiors designed by acclaimed London design studio Thurstan blend old and new, with a mix of contemporary and mid-century influences. Art is a focus with pieces by local artists including surrealist oil portraits from Cambridgeshire-based Adi Novac, Margaret Souttar’s ’60s cityscapes of Cambridge’s world famous colleges and Cambridge-born photographic artist Sid White-Jones. @wildeaparthotels
