If you’d have told me a week ago that I’d soon be spending the night sleeping on trash bags in a room covered with graffiti, I would have been seriously questioned my life choices. But not to fear – these are just a couple of the quirky details characteristic of the new Trash City Suite at the achingly cool Exhibitionist Hotel in London’s South Kensington.
A five star boutique hotel with 37 distinctively decorated rooms, The Exhibitionist hotel is nothing if not unique. Its ever-changing art installations, endearingly bizarre interiors and wacky abstract bar all make for a pretty unforgettable stay.
When we were invited to stay at the Trash City suite, a piece of conceptual art designed by contemporary graffiti artist Dotmasters, it sounded so intriguing and different that we couldn’t resist. Entering the reception, which is currently decorated in cycling art and memorabilia as a tribute to the Tour de France, we were greeted and asked to choose a scent for our room. It was a lovely detail, and we plumped for “Willow Song”, before being led to our room.
And let me tell you – it was unlike any other hotel room I’ve ever stayed in. Cleverly playing on the concept of a “trashed” hotel room, the room inverted all luxurious preconceptions you might have about a suite (whilst, somehow, still managing to feel luxurious). Graffiti snakes aggressively across the walls and furniture, the brown carpet is scattered with painted on grates and drains, the bed is designed to look like the side of a kerb, complete with a teetering pile of bulging bin bags (they’re actually cushions). The most imposing feature of the room is the Vegas-esque neon sign bulging from the wall, welcoming you to Trash City. The overall effect is novel, interesting and definitely a talking point.
It might not be everyone’s idea of a luxurious stay, but I guess it depends on what you look for in a suite. Despite its appearance, the suite is comfortable, premium-feeling and spacious – and it makes you think all at the same time. It might not be elegant or beautiful, but neither does it want to be. Dotmasters designed this suite to challenge our perceptions of luxury and critique modern consumerism.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to stay on your next trip to London – somewhere with a message as well as a purpose – the Trash City suite at The Exhibitionist Hotel is right up your street.
The Trash City Suite costs £750 per night and is available from May – August. Limited edition pieces from the suite – including the bin bag cushions – are available to purchase upon request.