Bed down at the best hotels in London. Chic and stylish stays for the perfect London city break.
Let’s be honest: choosing the perfect hotel can make or break your London experience – particularly when you consider that staying in London isn’t exactly cheap, however you cut it. The last thing you want is to end up in a lacklustre hotel that isn’t in a well-connected part of the city and that sets the scene for a disappointing trip.
Luckily for you, I’m something of a pro when it comes to London hotels – having written almost endless hotel reviews of the city’s chicest places to stay – and I’m going to share that knowledge with you.
From budget-friendly to high-end and everything in between, let’s discover your temporary abode in old Londontown. Let’s navigate the best hotels this vibrant city has to offer.
Best Hotels in London: At a Glance
| Best Hotels in London – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Hotel in London | Artist Residence |
| Best Hotel in Central London | Hotel Saint |
| Best Budget Hotel in London | The Sanctuary House Hotel |
| Best Luxurious Hotel in London | Treehouse Hotel |
Best Hotels to Stay in London
The Henrietta Hotel
££
Covent Garden
The classic The Henrietta Hotel offers a cosy sanctuary near Covent Garden, Savoy Theatre, and Royal Opera House. In other words, it’s the perfect location for both first-timers and frequent visitors to the city.
Now onto the rooms. They’re vintage… but done lavishly. Every corner and furniture placement seems carefully thought out, with plush beds, eclectic headboards, and a beautiful blend of vivid pastel colours. Wake up to city views, then pop out for a cuppa at a nearby cafe before exploring the city.
I’d be remiss if I also didn’t mention that staff at The Henrietta Hotel are some of the friendliest and most accommodating you’ll find in the city.
K West
£££
Shepherd’s Bush
K West Hotel & Spa is as elegant as they come, featuring an award-winning spa centre and chic restaurant.
I could totally forgive you if, once checked-in, you never wanted to leave this four-star boutique hotel featuring a herbal steam room, foot baths, and a hydrotherapy pool. After all the pampering, you’ll plop down onto handmade mattresses with luxury linen.
The rooms also have smart TVs, designer toiletries, and in-room tablets to ensure you feel spoilt. Dine in the stylish studio kitchen or indulge in innovative concoctions and snacks at the Studio Bar. Don’t fret; there’s a fitness area to work off all the holiday calories if you so wish.
Flemings Mayfair
£££
Mayfair
There’s little chance that the five-star Flemings Mayfair boutique hotel won’t sweep you off your feet. Sitting amidst the many fashionable Mayfair hotels in London, Flemings stands out for its superb services and magazine-worthy decor. Blending rich Victorian with classic elegance, you’ll feel like royalty.
Each breathtaking room is uniquely decorated with plush beds and soft furnishings – no cookie-cutter decor here. Oh, and wait until you see the modish and spacious bathrooms.
Wine and dine at their highly-rated Rosettes Ormer Mayfair Restaurant, top 10 for Fine Dining in London by TripAdvisor, or unwind and have your afternoon tea in the Indian-inspired Drawing Room after an eventful day.
Artist Residence
£££
Pimlico
The Artist Residence takes its place as one of the most exceptional hotels in London and really, they couldn’t have chosen a better name for this quirky, stylish accommodation.
Don’t believe me? Just look at the fun, earthy interior with a medley of retro, antique, and eclectic styles.
The rooms are full of character, sporting cool artwork and one-of-a-kind furniture with rustic, spa-like bathrooms. Everything blends so well, offering you a unique experience.
Boasting an Olde English style speak-easy cocktail bar and a chic all-day café, the Clubhouse serves signature cocktails and fresh seasonal meals.
Claridge’s
£££
Mayfair
Sophistication has no limits at the luxurious Claridge’s Hotel. One of London’s classic hotels, this fabulous abode doles out five-star services and facilities with panache.
Boasting an opulent Victorian exterior and interior, this accommodation takes you back to an era of days gone by.
Don’t think it’s all fuddy-duddy though – when it comes to amenities, Claridge’s is as modern as them all: with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a modern gym.
Refresh in your luxury marble bathroom before tantalising your tastebuds with intoxicating sips at the 1930s-themed Fumoir bar. For dinner, the art-deco-themed Reading Room serves contemporary dishes.
The Ritz Hotel
£££
Mayfair
Remember that historic charm I mentioned before? The Ritz Hotel has bucketloads of it thanks to its stunning Neoclassical appearance and first-class service. The entire place exudes luxury, with bedrooms fit for kings and queens.
The air-conditioned rooms are a medley of antique furniture, period architecture, and contemporary amenities. With highly decorated ceilings, magnificent arches, chandeliers, and luxe bathrooms, you’ll never want to leave this dreamy accommodation.
Stroll through the lovely gardens, indulge at the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, or relax at the art-deco-styled Rivoli Bar. The hotel provides a fitness centre, complimentary Wi-Fi, and designer toiletries.
The Dilly
£££
Mayfair
Located on Piccadilly Road, The Dilly is an up-scale hotel that’s in the heart of London’s theatreland – and one of few luxury hotels in the city to offer pet-friendly rooms.
Staying here affords you trips to attractions such as Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden in no time. Boasting a state-of-the-art gym, a dance studio, and squash courts, the hotel lets you stay active even on holiday.
If you aim to destress instead, you can rejuvenate at the Health Club featuring a steam room. Slip on your bathrobe and slippers and take advantage of 24-hour room service.
Grab a bite at Terrace at The Dilly with splendid Piccadilly sweeps, or try Madhu’s restaurant if you’re craving India’s vibrant flavours.
NYX Hotel Holborn
£££
Holborn
Holborn might not be the first place that visitors think of staying in, which is a shame – there’s lots of cool stuff in the neighbourhood (Sir John Soane’s Museum anyone) and it’s only a short hop into Oxford Circus.
NYX Hotel Holborn might be one of the top ways to experience this buzzing neighbourhood. Adorned with vibrancy and artsy features, this well-designed accommodation is the perfect base for your London trip.
It’s impossible not to appreciate the oh-so-chic hand-carved furniture in your spacious room, which overdelivers on its promise of a “hip urban experience” via striking art and all the mod-cons you could ever want.
Mondrian Shoreditch
£££
Shoreditch
It’s no secret that Shoreditch is one of London’s coolest areas, so it feels quite fitting that the Mondrian Shoreditch is also one of the city’s trendiest hotels.
Brimming with young creatives and trendsetting hangouts, Mondrian Shoreditch offers a high-end stay with luxury amenities and open, airy spaces. Each room has a unique aesthetic filled with comforts like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV.
Some rooms come with a snug balcony providing sweet cityscapes. This pet-friendly abode boasts an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a restaurant for you to enjoy. Keep up your gym routine at the onsite fitness area, or treat your body at the spa and wellness centre.
Beaverbrook Town House
££
Kensington
Beaverbrook Town House is more quirky with delicate, vintage decor and bright, eclectic furniture. Some rooms are pastel and soft, while others feel retro and chic. It’s too adorable, with interesting choices in colours and fabrics, giving it that personal feel.
Have a drink in the quaint bar adorned in a kaleidoscope of colours, or enjoy a full English breakfast at the onsite restaurant.
This five-star hotel provides Wi-Fi throughout, room service, and 24-hour front desk support. You can quickly access points of interest like Buckingham Palace, V&A Museum, and Harrods.
Sea Containers London
££
South Bank
If you plan to stay on the South Bank, I highly recommend the exceptional Sea Containers Hotel.
With unmissable panoramas of the River Thames, nothing beats the serene ambience of this hotel’s surroundings.
Ideal location and a fashionable interior, what could make this place stand out even more? Perhaps the riverside restaurant, rooftop bar, and the much-lauded Agua Spa.
The luxury continues in the designer rooms dressed in bespoke furniture, marble bathrooms, and a minibar. Refresh in a rain shower after wandering through the city using Malin+Goetz toiletries.
Hotel Saint
£££
City of London
Stay at one of the most visually appealing hotels in London’s city centre. This stunning four-star hotel doles out nothing but excellence. The air-conditioned rooms are sleek yet minimalist, with added touches of gold, making it feel more high-end.
Enjoy the Wi-Fi throughout, a fridge, a coffee machine, and complimentary toiletries in every unit. Of all the properties, Hotel Saint probably has the best cityscapes, offering Instagrammable moments from its lavish rooftop terrace.
Appreciate London’s skyline as you indulge in a drink or two at the Jin Bo Law Sky bar. There are also two restaurants and a 24-hour gym.
Blakes Hotel
£££
South Kensington
Currently closed for reservation, you do not want to miss staying at this glamorous hotel the moment it reopens on 31st July 2023 (dates subject to change). Blakes Hotel is a match made in heaven for those who prefer the finer things in life. Boasting the title of the world’s first luxury boutique hotel — you understand why I’m recommending it to you.
The elegantly-designed rooms feature rich fabrics, antique furniture, and plush four-poster beds. Enjoy superb amenities such as air conditioning, complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station. Comfort creatures aside, there’s a chic bar to cosy up in, offering cocktails and fine wines, or settle for the stylish Asian-style restaurant.
Holiday Inn Express Southwark
££
Southwark
This Holiday Inn Express Hotel offers a calm retreat near the bustling city. Surrounded by top London landmarks, you’ll reach London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tate Modern within minutes. Stellar location aside, the vibrant and modern rooms boast coffee makers, a flat-screen TV, and luxurious bathrooms.
Before exploring nearby attractions, you can enjoy a continental breakfast in the Great Room. Then after a long day, you’ll have a pint and a wide-screen TV waiting for you at the Lobby Bar, where you can catch a local football match. You’ll have access to Wi-Fi, private parking (at a cost), and luggage storage.
The Sanctuary House Hotel
£
Westminster
Find sanctuary at one of the most lavish and elegant affordable hotels in London. The Sanctuary House Hotel has a grand Victorian facade, minutes away from the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. This hotel boasts an onsite restaurant, a bar, room service, and Wi-Fi throughout, making it a no-brainer option.
Grab a seat at The Fuller’s traditional pub for home-cooked meals and classic dishes like fish and chips. The cosy pub even serves award-winning ales and fine wines, so you don’t have to leave. Each room features a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker, fashionable furniture, and modern en-suites.
Sloane Place
££
Chelsea
Stay at a gorgeous hotel in Central London that doles out four-star services for your comfort. Sloane Place has a charming boutique feel and a stellar location.
The hotel boasts a swanky bar where you can socialise with other guests and a chic restaurant.
You can ask the staff to help organise tours for you after enjoying a sumptuous full English breakfast. The air-conditioned rooms appear effortless with an air of vintage while still providing all the modern comforts like Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Enjoy getting ready for a night out in the spacious and stylish bathrooms.
Treehouse Hotel
£££
Fitzrovia
This has got to be one of the coolest hotels in London, and if its name didn’t give it away — this place is a glammed-up treehouse. Treehouse Hotel has a fairytale-like rustic and earthy aesthetic.
The dining areas and terrace overflow with whimsical light fixtures, verdant greenery, and hanging plants — truly magical.
Almost every nook and cranny belongs on Pinterest, including the dreamy, grey-toned rooms featuring massive windows overlooking the city skyline.
This four-star hotel offers room service, a bar, and a Mexican-inspired restaurant.
Best Hotels in London, UK: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Area to Stay in London?
Covent Garden, Mayfair, and the South Bank are excellent areas, but here’s an in-depth guide to where to stay in London.
What are the Best Hotels in London for Tourists?
The Ritz, Claridge’s, Treehouse Hotel, and Artists Residence are some of London’s best hotels for tourists.
What Months Are Hotels Cheapest in London?
January and November are the cheapest months to book accommodation in London.
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your London Hotel
- Book your hotel two to three months in advance, giving you enough time to plan all your things to do in London.
- Consider a hotel near convenient transport like a tube station if you’re not renting a car.
- It’s more expensive to book with most chain hotels on Sundays in the UK, while you can usually save money on Fridays.
Best Hotels in London: Read Next
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