It’s easy to find a list of London’s best hotels, but finding the perfect one for your specific travel style can be a challenge. London boasts a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. To help you discover the perfect hotel for your London adventure, we’ve curated a list of nine extraordinary hotels that act as ambassadors to distinctly different neighborhoods, offering immersive experiences and allowing you to explore the heart and soul of England’s capital city.
The Dilly: Where Luxury Meets Family Fun in Piccadilly Circus
Imagine starting your day with a refreshing swim in a 40-foot indoor pool – a rare find in the heart of London! At The Dilly, this is just the beginning. Kids can enjoy a dip before breakfast, followed by a pancake feast at the buffet. Later, take in the spectacular view of Piccadilly Circus while indulging in the hotel’s London-themed afternoon tea, featuring a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache. Don’t forget to ask the legendary doorman, Rushy, for insider tips on the best “Harry Potter” filming locations. The hotel’s prime location puts you within a 10-minute stroll of Hamleys toy store, Supernova for smash burgers, and the vibrant energy of Piccadilly Circus, a must-see for kids and adults alike.
Good to know: For young bookworms, a visit to Waterstones bookstore across the street is a must. It boasts the largest children’s section in London, promising hours of literary adventures.
Fitzroy: A Parisian Chateau in the Heart of Bloomsbury
Step into a realm of pure fantasy at the Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, where a Parisian chateau’s spirit lives on. This luxurious hotel, clad in thé au lait terracotta, boasts a captivating history. Renovations in 2018 unearthed a zodiac mosaic in the lobby, leading up the marble staircase to a bronze dragon that visitors rub for good luck. This dragon is a replica of the one designed by architect Charles Fitzroy Doll for the ill-fated Titanic. Unwind in Fitz’s bar, with its dark, velvet décor and discreet back entrance, offering a cozy retreat from the bustling streets.
Good to know: Bloomsbury, known for its literary and artistic heritage, was once home to the Bloomsbury group, a collection of writers, philosophers, and artists who met in nearby Gordon Square. English writer Virginia Woolf resided at No. 46, and the house was later rented by famous economist John Maynard Keynes.
The Goring: Royalty and Elegance in Belgravia
This hotel’s Royal Suite was redesigned for Kate Middleton’s royal wedding entourage, and its opulent ambiance is evident throughout. The Goring boasts a rich history of royal patronage, with standard rooms adorned in Gainsborough silks, matching those used at Buckingham Palace. One humorous anecdote tells of the hotel’s CEO, Jeremy Goring, commissioning a painting depicting a Tudor courtier kissing the hand of Elizabeth I – a breach of royal protocol – which hangs by the original toilet in the bathroom. The royals, in on the joke, appreciated this cheeky touch.
Good to know: The Goring’s croquet lawn and gardens, said to be larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court, offer a tranquil escape for those seeking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Portobello Hotel: Bohemian Chic in Notting Hill
Kate Moss’s vintage shopping habit put Portobello Road Market on the map, and her taste for champagne helped fuel the bohemian spirit of the nearby Portobello Hotel. This hotel, nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, carries the legacy of the Swinging Sixties and louche ’90s. Legend has it that Kate Moss and Johnny Depp enjoyed a champagne bath in Room 16 – a testament to the hotel’s free-spirited vibe. The lush wallpaper, Moroccan tile, miles of velvet, and rolltop baths, large enough for two, create an ambiance that exudes a sense of effortless cool.
Good to know: For a quieter alternative to Portobello Road, take a stroll along Golborne Road and discover Rellik, one of Kate Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
CitizenM Bankside: Sustainability and Creativity South of the Thames
CitizenM’s arrival in Bankside in 2012 ushered in a wave of creativity to this south-of-Thames location. The hotel has become a hub for local creatives, drawing inspiration from the neighborhood’s burgeoning restaurant and retail scene. This BREEAM-certified building is committed to sustainability, employing an in-house app to minimize food waste in the hotel’s cafe and co-working space. The app has also partnered with Too Good To Go, a surplus-food marketplace, ensuring that uneaten breakfast finds a home.
Good to know: Guests will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to free diversions such as the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path, offering ample opportunities for exploration.
The Ned: Art Deco Glamour and Gastronomic Delights in the City
In the evening, The Ned transforms into a Gatsby-esque extravaganza, with nine lively restaurants and bars. Londoners flock to Electric Diner for its lobster roll and Lutyens Grill, named after the architect of this former bank, Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyen, for its 44-day-aged prime rib. The Sunday feast, a social media darling, features a magnificent pyramid of lobsters. The live jazz and swing dancers create a vibrant atmosphere that transports you back to the 1940s.
Good to know: Indulge in the hotel’s new in-house ice cream parlor, offering a delicious jelly “fronut” – a donut filled with ice cream – the dessert du jour.
The Zetter Clerkenwell: Victorian Charm and a Touch of Alchemy
Arriving at the cobbled square outside of The Zetter Clerkenwell’s 13-room townhouse, furnished with period Chesterfields, is like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. The hotel’s cozy, candlelit Parlour, run by mixologist Anas El Bahhaj, offers a tranquil retreat. An evening spent in a velvet armchair with his signature Nettle Gimlet, made with East London Gin and foraged herbs, is a truly transformative experience. This unique cocktail captures the essence of Clerkenwell’s character.
Good to know: Clerkenwell’s beautiful buildings have been transformed into chic bistros and bars. Try Sessions Arts Club, or head up to busy Exmouth Market for a pint at Mikkeler Brewpub.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A Hub for Creativity and Community
When Shoreditch was a gritty haven for galleries, The Hoxton transformed an abandoned parking lot into a 24/7 art house. Artists, curators, and musicians gathered in the exposed-brick lounge, enjoying treats from the open pantry and crashing in bijou bedrooms. This spirit of creative energy continues to define the hotel, fostering a strong community that celebrates the arts.
Good to know: Head to the Llama Inn, the hotel’s new Peruvian rooftop bar, offering three types of pisco sours and breathtaking views of the neighborhood’s outdoor art and murals.
The Luxury Inn, Dalston: A Cozy Refuge in a Vibrant Neighborhood
Artsy party types migrated northward from Shoreditch and Hoxton, discovering the charm of Dalston, and The Luxury Inn has become a favorite crash pad. The former printing factory, now furnished with vintage finds and moody lighting, offers a cozy retreat. The hotel’s location puts you within easy walking distance of Brilliant Corners, a bar that has replaced West Indian haunts like the Four Aces, now a community library.
The Afro-Caribbean Ridley Road Market Bar is another neighborhood gem, capturing the spirit of the market with its vibrant energy and welcoming atmosphere. This hotel embodies the true essence of Dalston, a neighborhood known for its strong community spirit.
Good to know: For LGBTQ+ guests staying at The Luxury Inn, Dalston Superstore offers a vibrant community space, including a Queer club, café, and a hub for all things LGBTQ+.
Find Your Perfect London Escape
From the family-friendly fun of The Dilly to the bohemian charm of the Portobello Hotel, this list offers a unique perspective on London’s diverse neighborhoods and the hotels that embody their character. Each hotel provides a different type of experience, allowing you to explore the city’s hidden gems and discover the perfect place for you to call home during your London adventure.
