A regular room in London's Ace Hotel is perhaps worth three and a half stars - but such a rating does not cover the more elusive qualities of a hotel. Most importantly, how cool is this? The Ace uses some of Britain's coolest designers, stylists and chefs. It has its own radio station, and - in one of its boldest touches - trusts patrons with a turntable and a small collection of vintage vinyl (sourced through Westminster's legendary Sister Ray record shop).

My own room's collection is ... eclectic: Earth Wind and Fire, Santana, Simply Red. They didn't survey me on my tastes. Next to the bottle of Stolichnaya vodka, and the new hardback edition of Jane Austen's Emma (each room comes with an English literary classic), an acoustic C. F. Martin & Co. guitar stands against the wall, in case I feel like providing my own music. Sadly, it's strung for the right hand. I'm left-handed, like Hendrix. Oh, and I can't play.

Located in the east London region of Shoreditch, the Ace is the sixth hotel of that brand, and the first outside America. (Another was recently opened in Panama.) Shoreditch has transformed into the hip centre of London. The term "hipster" is used commonly with "Shoreditch". The region still reflects its working-class traditions, but the untailored vests and jeans of the local crowd are mostly on credit cards. If they look penniless, it's probably because they spent all their money on that look. The retro clothing shops, which line the streets, are designer boutiques, with new 1970s-style frocks or 1950s-style leather jackets. The area attracts artistic types, with galleries, trendy eateries and cafes.

The Ace patrons, relaxing around a long communal table in the lobby, are notably young and casual - like backpackers on a higher budget. The bellboys are dressed designer casual, the reception desk looks like a hip fashion boutique, with Ace-branded garments lining the back wall.

While my room's vinyl selection is limited, the DJ's library in the lobby bar is a baby boomers' heaven - everything from Blondie to Simon & Garfunkel. Each night, vinyl music is played in the Max Lamb-designed bar.

An underground bar was recently opened, with plans being hatched to make it a live music hotspot.

The food choices of the Ace also reflect Shoreditch's casual chic. The Bulldog Edition, a busy grab-and-go cafe at the Ace, provides excellent barista coffee. The main eatery, Hoi Polloi, looks like a typical east London bistro, but closer inspection reveals designer tables and chairs. Even the menu is deceptively simple - eggs benedict for breakfast, hamburgers for lunch, pork cheeks and date pudding for dinner - but this cuisine is several cuts above the usual bistro fare.

Ace Hotels are always opened in arty, fashionable districts. In Shoreditch, it could not have found a cooler neighbourhood.

The writer stayed at the Ace Hotel with the assistance of Visit Britain.

TRIP NOTES

GETTING THERE

Qantas flies daily from Sydney to London. Phone 13 13 13 or see qantas.com.au.

STAYING THERE

Standard doubles start at $300 a night, with suites from $1000, plus tax. As business clientele are still among its main patrons, weekends are mostly cheaper than staying midweek. Email enquire.ldn@acehotel.com or phone +44 20 7613 9800.

MORE INFORMATION

acehotel.com/London.