Feeling overwhelmed by the endless lists of “best” hotels in London? It’s true, the city brims with fantastic options. But finding the ideal hotel for your unique travel style and interests can be a challenge. This curated guide highlights nine London hotels, each acting as a gateway to a distinct neighborhood, offering an immersive experience and a chance to truly explore the heart of England’s vibrant capital.
Let’s begin our journey!
The Dilly: A Family-Friendly Haven in the Heart of Piccadilly
Imagine waking up to a refreshing swim in a 40-foot indoor pool! The Dilly, a central London rarity, offers this luxurious treat. It’s the perfect start to your day, especially for families with kids who can enjoy a splash before breakfast and even try their hand at the hotel’s pancake machine.
After a hearty breakfast, soak in breathtaking views of Piccadilly while indulging in the hotel’s London-themed afternoon tea, featuring a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache. And don’t forget to ask Rushy, the hotel’s legendary doorman, for insider tips on spotting “Harry Potter” filming locations.
The Dilly’s convenient location places you within walking distance of Hamleys, a seven-story toy store, and Supernova, serving delicious smash burgers. Piccadilly Circus, with its vibrant lights and energy, is just a short stroll away.
Tip: Take your little bibliophiles across the street to Waterstones bookstore, home to the largest children’s section in London.
The Fitzroy: A Mystical Retreat in the Heart of Bloomsbury
The Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, is a stunning example of Parisian grandeur, inspired by a chateau lost during the French Revolution. The hotel exudes a sense of enchantment with its intricate décor, far surpassing what you might expect from its Bloomsbury location.
During renovations in 2018, a zodiac mosaic was unearthed in the lobby, leading up the marble staircase to a bronze dragon, where visitors rub its scales for good luck. The dragon sculpture echoes a similar piece designed by architect Charles Fitzroy Doll for the ill-fated Titanic.
Relax and unwind at Fitz’s, the hotel’s bar, with its dark, velvet décor and a hidden back entrance.
Tip: Take a stroll to nearby Gordon Square, where writers, philosophers, and artists of the Bloomsbury group met in the early 20th century. Virginia Woolf lived at number 46, and the house was later rented by the renowned economist John Maynard Keynes.
The Goring: A Regal Experience in the Heart of Belgravia
The Goring is a five-star hotel steeped in history and elegance. Its Royal Suite was redesigned for Kate Middleton’s wedding entourage, a testament to the hotel’s royal patronage.
Don’t miss the whimsical painting commissioned by CEO Jeremy Goring, depicting a Tudor courtier kissing the hand of Elizabeth I, a playful breach of royal protocol. The royals, frequent guests at this Edwardian property, were in on the joke.
Every room exudes regal charm, draped in Gainsborough silks that match the fabrics used at Buckingham Palace.
Tip: Step outside to enjoy the Goring’s expansive croquet lawn and gardens, rumored to be larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
The Portobello: Bohemian Charm in the Heart of Notting Hill
Kate Moss’s love for vintage shopping and champagne played a crucial role in putting Portobello Road Market and its neighboring Portobello Hotel on the map. The hotel embodies the bohemian spirit of Notting Hill, with a dash of Swinging Sixties and louche ’90s flair.
Rumor has it that Moss and Johnny Depp once enjoyed a champagne bath in Room 16. Even though the beautiful, pillared houses in the neighborhood have skyrocketed in value, the hotel’s atmosphere remains unchanged, radiating a sense of freedom and indulgence. The lush wallpaper, Moroccan tiles, velvet fabrics, and rolltop baths designed for two create a truly immersive experience.
Tip: For a quieter escape from the hustle of Portobello Road, take a leisurely stroll along Golborne Road and visit Rellik, one of Kate Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
CitizenM Bankside: A Sustainable Haven in the Heart of Southwark
CitizenM’s bold choice to establish a hotel in Southwark in 2012 has transformed the area into a thriving creative hub. The hotel’s BREEAM-certified building and its commitment to sustainability are reflected in its in-house app, which minimizes food waste and promotes responsible practices.
CitizenM partners with Too Good To Go, a surplus-food marketplace, ensuring that unsold breakfast items find a new home. Since 2019, the hotel has diverted over 22,683 meals from landfills.
Tip: Enjoy free diversions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path, all within easy reach of the hotel.
The Ned: A Step Back in Time in the Heart of London
In the evening, the art deco Ned transforms into a Gatsby-esque spectacle with nine lively restaurants and bars. Londoners flock to this former bank for the Electric Diner’s lobster roll and the 44-day-aged prime rib at Lutyens Grill, named for the building’s architect, Edwin “Ned” Lutyen.
The Sunday feast, a social media sensation, features a pyramid of lobsters and a lively atmosphere, complete with live jazz and swing dancers, transporting you back to the 1940s.
Tip: Indulge in the dessert du jour, a jelly “fronut” (a donut filled with ice cream) at the hotel’s new in-house ice cream parlor.
The Zetter Clerkenwell: A Cozy Retreat in the Heart of Clerkenwell
Arriving at the cobblestone square outside the Zetter Clerkenwell’s 13-room townhouse, furnished with period Chesterfields, feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel.
The hotel’s cozy and candlelit Parlour is perfect for a night indoors, with its signature Nettle Gimlet, a refreshing cocktail made with East London Gin and foraged herbs. The combination perfectly encapsulates Clerkenwell’s unique character.
Tip: Explore the neighborhood’s beautifully renovated buildings, filled with chic bistros and bars. Visit Sessions Arts Club or head to Exmouth Market for a pint at Mikkeler Brewpub.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch: An Artistic Oasis in the Heart of Shoreditch
The Hoxton’s bold move to transform an abandoned parking lot into an open art house helped solidify Shoreditch’s status as a creative hub. Artists, curators, and musicians found solace in the exposed-brick lounge, sharing treats from the open pantry and enjoying the cozy bedrooms.
The hotel’s commitment to celebrating Shoreditch’s rich artistic heritage is evident in its support of local artists, like Harry Raikes, who recently opened Haricot Gallery in a graffiti-splashed warehouse.
Tip: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Shoreditch’s outdoor art and murals from the Llama Inn, the hotel’s new Peruvian rooftop bar, serving three types of pisco sours.
The Luxury Inn, Dalston: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Dalston
As Shoreditch gained popularity in the 2000s, arty party-goers started venturing north to Dalston, where The Luxury Inn has become a beloved crash pad.
The former printing factory now embraces a vintage aesthetic with moody lighting, making it the perfect base for exploring the area’s diverse offerings. Brilliant Corners, a popular bar, stands out among the neighborhood’s former West Indian haunts, now replaced with community libraries.
Tip: LGBTQ+ guests staying at The Luxury Inn should check out Dalston Superstore, a hub for all things LGBTQ+, featuring a Queer club, café, and community space.
Finding the right London hotel is more than just choosing the “best” option. It’s about discovering a place that truly reflects your unique travel style and interests. We hope this guide helps you uncover your perfect London hotel, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s diverse character and create memories to last a lifetime.
