Ruby Hotels to open second London property in Clerkenwell

German-based Ruby Hotels has announced plans for a second site in London with the launch of a 154-bedroom property in Clerkenwell.

Ruby Stella will open in the first quarter of 2021, joining Ruby Lucy which will launch on the Southbank near Waterloo Station in January 2020.

The hotel is being developed on Eyre Street Hill in collaboration with Geneva Management Group and UDevelopments.

Michael Struck, founder and chief executive of Ruby Hotels, has described the philosophy behind the brand as one of "lean luxury", with laid-back comfort replacing informal service.

Bedrooms are generally small, with those at Ruby Stella ranging in size from 13-15sq m for a Nest room to 23-38sq m for a Loft room. A communal space will serve a healthy breakfast, with no kitchen or chef, while galley kitchens, vending machines and ironing stations will be available for guests.

Quirky touches include a Marshall guitar amp in each room, which guests can use both with their own guitar or one borrowed from reception, and the group's own internet radio station Ruby Radio.

Launched in 2014, Ruby Hotels currently has seven properties open and intends to open a further 12 by 2022.