and stylish boutique spots in the Big Smoke. These are the best places to bed down.
There’s a time and a place for a luxury hotel in London but, more often than not, I find myself swaying towards staying in boutique hotels.
Why? I love that they seem to be bursting with character. And, of all the places I’ve travelled, London’s boutique hotel scene is undoubtedly one of the best.
Don’t believe me? Check out these fabulous boutique hotels for yourself…
Boutique Hotels in London: At a Glance
| Best Boutique Hotels in London – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Boutique Hotel in London | The Soho Hotel |
| Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in London | The Hari |
| Best Design Hotel in London | The Henrietta |
| Best Affordable Boutique Hotel in London | CitizenM London |
Boutique Hotels in London
The Soho Hotel
£££
Soho
From the very strange (and very hench) cat sculpture to the garish floral headboards, The Soho Hotel knows no equal in terms of character. Is it the best boutique hotel in London? I think so.
With bespoke beds and linens, print-heavy designs and floor-to-ceiling warehouse-style windows, each of its 96 rooms boast an eclectic vibe.
Wedged down an alleyway that gives it an intriguing hidden-gem quality, it’s an urban chic experience from the lobby to your room. It represents a taste of London’s entire cultural scene in both design and style, thanks to the visionary designer Kit Kemp.
Hazlitt’s
£££
Soho
Step back in time Hazlitt’s. Just off leafy Soho Square, here you’ll find a harkening back to 19th-century Georgian opulence.
It’s a living part of London’s history and an embodiment of the city’s literary heritage – as the place where literary legends have, quite literally, rested their heads. Aged corridors and creaky steps lead throughout the property to 30 distinct rooms that all present a traditional style with eclectic touches.
Hazlitt defies what you think a boutique London hotel should be with its antique furniture, thick and regal curtains, roll-top baths and sloping walls.
Ham Yard Hotel
£££
Soho
Hidden away in a green courtyard just behind the always bustling Piccadilly, the Ham Yard Hotel is another offering from Kit Kemp. Eluding to its on-site culinary heritage, you’re in for a tantalising stay if you’re after a property with a delectable foodie repertoire.
Individually designed rooms and suites in Kemp’s signature styling present a visual treat bursting with colours and patterns. Housed in an “urban village”, the entire property lights up with neon lights and furnishings, creating a distinct atmosphere.
The Orangery — an extension of the on-site restaurant, offers a sandstone fireplace and comfy sofas, the ideal morning coffee spot. Paired with the heated terrace, guest-only roof terrace and 1950s bowling alley, what more could you want?
The Beaumont
£££
Mayfair
A landmark property in Mayfair that undeniably put its mark on the design world with its debut in a former parking garage, The Beaumont offers luxury redefined. If you’re after an opulent stay with an Art Deco edge, this one’s for you.
Although its statement piece, a cuboid structure, the Sir Anthony Gormley’s suite, does come with a high price tag. the other 73 guest rooms offer stunning alternatives.
Aside from inviting room designs, another standout addition – this time courtesy of designer Thierry Despont – is Le Magritte Bar, ideal for grabbing a cocktail in a retro setting.
Of course, on-site dining here goes above and beyond at The Colony Grill with its transatlantic menu offerings served with old-world glamour.
The Ampersand Hotel
£££
South Kensington
It’s no surprise that one of the best luxury boutique hotels in London sits in the posh South Kensington neighbourhood. Although, The Ampersand blends in so smoothly with its Edwardian styling. It’s a match made in heaven.
This hotel is unabashedly itself, but has plenty of charming details such as heron print armchairs and floral-covered pillowcases.
Every inch of the Ampersand pays homage to the many nearby landmarks that personify British history. But, it’s in the finer details where boutique luxury shines, such as silk curtains and a jewel-toned velvet headboard that add some glamour to your stay.
The Hari
££
Belgravia
With its jungle-esque exterior, The Hari is a welcome addition of vibrant greens to the otherwise cream streets of Belgravia. Modern luxury takes centre stage here, and it is so strikingly evident that a distinct stay sits just beyond its threshold.
For proof of this, you won’t need to look very far. You’ll find velvet furnishings next to bespoke wooden furniture leading into marble bathrooms.
Art from the likes of Tracey Emin adorns the walls of room interiors and common areas for a touch of slick styling paired with exquisite furnishings. Its standout, however, is the in-house il Pampero restaurant, where traditional Italian cuisine meets a long list of Italian wines perfect for a night in.
The Mandrake
£££
Fitzrovia
If there was an award for the coolest boutique hotel in London, The Mandrake would be the clear winner. This hotel, with its leaf-draped terrace cascading over three floors, is as sensational as it comes.
You might fool yourself into thinking you’ve stumbled into a Balinese jungle. Its interiors consist of dimly lit corridors, while the rooms boast bold and grand features. Expect to find chandeliers, quirky prints and even Venetian-style masks in your room or suite.
The Henrietta
££
Covent Garden
Showcasing French chic in the heart of Covent Garden, The Henrietta is part of the Experimental Group, famous for its nightclubs and speakeasies. Why is this bit of info important?
Well, any property from the minds of a friend group that loves fine food, wine, cocktails and design, is bound to steal your heart. Its 40 bedrooms and suites from the design guru Dorothee Melichzon melds Art Deco with historical touches and is a visual treat.
Each room boasts light, whimsical and often irreverently French inserts, along with playful colours. The in-house Da Henrietta restaurant dishes up delectable cuisine, while your in-room minibar paired with a cocktail recipe book is a lovely touch.
The Charlotte Street Hotel
£££
Fitzrovia
Few boutique London hotels come close to The Charlotte Street Hotel. From its weekly film club evenings to the divine people-watching pavement tables perfect for afternoon cocktails, there’s always an enticing reason to book a stay.
It won’t take long to notice the styling influence from, yet again, Kit Kemp as you enter the lobby through to your room, but she has done something a little bit different here.
For some pampering, Charlotte Street offers in-room Temple Spa treatments that pair so well with afternoon tea it’s almost sinful. The only choice you have to make is whether to sacrifice people-watching for pamper sessions. How terrible.
The Pilgrm
££
Westminster
When you’re in the Greater London area, you can’t skip out on a stay at The Pilgrm. The classic combination of calm style and vibrant British design give it that extra bit of boutique flair.
Rooms come in various shapes and sizes, but an overarching theme of soft white tones and dark brown wooden furnishings adds to the welcoming aesthetic. Touches such as vintage radios and bedside lamps create a more homely feel that sometimes gets lost in a boutique property.
Then again, its ground-floor cafe, first-floor lounge and dining terrace are there to ensure you never have a dull, hungry, or thirsty moment during your stay. With sensational staff and attention to detail, The Pilgrm knows what it’s doing and does it well.
Egerton House Hotel
££
Knightsbridge
Set within the heart of Knightsbridge and offering an out-of-this-world experience, the Egerton House Hotel is an exceptional 5-star boutique hotel in London. It’s indulgent in how it delivers classic British living, and its promise of a memorable stay is easy to notice.
Interiors teleport you back in time with plush velvet finishings, delicately crafted curtains and bespoke vintage decor pieces. While its attention to standout service and hospitality will undoubtedly steal your heart.
Round all of this off with opulent flairs such as Penhaligon’s toiletries, daily fresh fruit baskets and fresh flowers. Clearly, the complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival is only a taste of the luxury that awaits.
The Hoxton
££
Shoreditch
As a firm fixture of the London boutique hotel scene since 2006, it’s unsurprising that The Hoxton remains a favourite. Although the brand has branched out, the Shoreditch outpost delivers the most when it comes to individuality and design.
You’ll find a variety of room types, from “Shoebox” to “Roomy”, each dictating room size, but staple decor and style dominate throughout. From the parquet wooden floors to its industrial-inspired detailing, and monochrome bathrooms, this hotel is as eclectic as you’d expect.
Blakes
£££
Chelsea
Sometimes a hotel’s need to stand out from the rest dominates its actual ability to do that, but at Blakes London, that’s definitely not the case. Pair that with its claim as the world’s first luxury boutique hotel, and you’ll find inspirational design second to none.
Make no mistake, there’s a clear theme at Blakes, and it’s one of the paradoxes. Providing every traveller something to fancy, there’s a blend of free-spirited living and absolute serenity inside.
From the soft beige colours of its Hempel Suite or the dark greys and blacks of its Signature Suite, Blakes is a stellar option if you’re wondering where to bed down in London.
Boundary London
££
Shoreditch
If there were a design-driven hotel where style and expression meet harmoniously, it would be here at the Boundary London. A cool hotel housed within a converted Victorian warehouse, it’s easily one of the best design hotels in London.
A testimony to authenticity and individuality, you’ll find each of its 12 rooms and five suites a playground of unique design. Handmade beds and original room artwork aside, each boasts furniture that gives every room and suite a personality of its own.
Its ground-floor all-day British cafe, Albion, is only a prelude to the exciting rooftop bar and grill providing excellent East London skyline views and decadent cocktails.
Inhabit
££
Paddington
Inhabit London is the hotel for you if you’re looking for a boutique property that blends stellar design with modern wellness.
The hotel’s 88 rooms showcase individual styles and designs, meaning you can stay here multiple times and experience something new with each. Warm Scandinavian influences merge with British elements that emanate a homely atmosphere regardless of your chosen room.
As for wellness, there’s a wide range of yoga and meditation classes available daily to guests and a plethora of in-house workshops during your stay. And the kitchen delivers on-site dining with a focus on juice and plant-centric dining options.
CitizenM London
££
Shoreditch
I’ll cut to the chase: CitizenM London is ideal if you’re in town to shop and party. This hotel is a standout within stumbling distance from the vibrant restaurants, bars and clubs of Shoreditch.
Here, you’ll find non-fussy, affordable luxury that translates into snappy decor and sleek design, with splashes of jovial colours.
It’s chic and dependably youthful with modern touches such as self-check-in and a slick cafe-bar right off reception ensuring a lively stay. In-room, you’ll find gift items galore in the form of films and everything (yes, everything) in your minibar.
Best Boutique Hotels in London: Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your London Boutique Hotel
- Although prices for boutique hotels often rival the high-end luxury hotels in London, you can snag some deals if you use a site like Booking.com.
- If you’re booking a summer getaway (or anywhere near Christmas, for that matter) you’ll want to book your hotel well in advance to secure the best rates.
