The Libertines Open the Albion Rooms Hotel
They aren’t the first rock stars to venture into the hotel industry; however, English outfit the Libertines are making a significant impact with their latest project, the Albion Rooms. This distinctive five-storey hotel on the southeast coast offers a coffee shop, two bars, and a recording studio, providing a unique experience for guests.
About the Albion Rooms
Situated in a beautifully restored Victorian building in Margate, overlooking the sea, the hotel is set to welcome visitors on September 25, following three years of meticulous restoration and building work. The band describes the Albion Rooms as a boutique residence, focusing on “comfort, functionality, and Great British aesthetic pleasure.”
A Unique Experience
With breathtaking views across the Thanet coastline, the seven-room hotel subtly incorporates elements of the band’s lyrics in its design. Notable features include:
- A bar named the Waste Land, paying homage to T.S. Eliot’s poem crafted just two doors down, offering a signature IPA and the in-house “Gunga Gin.”
- The Arcady Coffee House, serving espresso, fresh smoothies, and artisan cheese boards.
- An on-site recording studio, complete with an in-house engineer and a backline of instruments provided by the band, enabling artists to create their own music.
- A restaurant featuring breakfast, brunch, and fine dining experiences.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
Furthermore, the hotel has partnered with Apple Beats, equipping each room with a high-quality sound system. The Albion Rooms also intends to serve as an installation art space and studio, featuring a collection of artworks by local artists. Pete Doherty characterizes the hotel as “a fine Arcadian bolthole, a perfect place for prophets new-inspired, to recline, write, record, with rejoicing and knees up a-plenty.”
Future Aspirations
Carl Barât notes, “It might be a while before we challenge the Savoy or the Grand Budapest in the hotel stakes, but we’ve poured a lot of love into this endeavor. Meanwhile, it’s a colorful and inspiring home for the Libertines, and I look forward to the Albion Rooms evolving into our very own Warholian Factory.”
Pricing Information
Rooms at the Albion Rooms start at £114 (US$147) per night. For more details, feel free to visit the official website.
