Tired of scrolling through endless hotel lists? Finding the ideal London hotel can be a daunting task, especially when you’re looking for a place that aligns with your specific travel style and interests. Let’s delve into the diverse tapestry of London neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience and a charming hotel that reflects its character.
London’s Heart: Piccadilly Circus
The Dilly, a central London gem, is a haven for families and those who love a grand, classic experience. Start your day with a refreshing swim in their 40-foot indoor pool, a rarity in the heart of the city. Enjoy a London-themed afternoon tea, featuring a chocolate Big Ben, while admiring the stunning views overlooking Piccadilly. After tea, seek out the legendary doorman, Rushy, who can guide you to the famous “Harry Potter” filming locations. With nearby attractions like Hamleys toy store and Supernova for burgers, the thrill of Piccadilly Circus will keep you entertained day and night.
Insider Tip: Immerse yourself in the literary world by crossing the street to Waterstones, home to London’s largest children’s book section.
Bloomsbury’s Literary Charm
Step into the Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, and be transported to a Parisian chateau, with its opulent terracotta facade and whimsical interior design. The hotel boasts a mysterious past, with a zodiac mosaic unearthed during renovations and a bronze dragon, a replica of the one designed for the doomed Titanic, that visitors rub for good luck. Relax at Fitz’s, the hotel bar, with its dark velvet decor and discreet back entrance.
Insider Tip: Explore Gordon Square, a historic meeting place for the Bloomsbury group, including Virginia Woolf and John Maynard Keynes.
The Regal Goring Hotel: London Royalty
The Goring Hotel, a five-star Edwardian property, exudes royal elegance. The hotel’s Royal Suite was redesigned for Kate Middleton’s wedding entourage, and its rooms are adorned with luxurious Gainsborough silks, matching those used at Buckingham Palace.
Insider Tip: Take a stroll through the Goring’s sprawling croquet lawn and gardens, which are larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
Portobello Hotel: Bohemian Charm and Vintage Flair
The Portobello Hotel, nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, embodies the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit. Kate Moss’s legendary champagne bath in Room 16 is just one of the many stories that have made this hotel a favorite among the creative and free-spirited. The hotel’s lush wallpaper, Moroccan tile, and rolltop baths create a unique and luxurious atmosphere that reflects the neighborhood’s vibrant past.
Insider Tip: Escape the bustle of Portobello Road and explore Golborne Road, home to Rellik, one of Kate Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
CitizenM Bankside: Sustainability and Modernity
The CitizenM Bankside, a sustainable hotel located south of the Thames, boasts a creative and environmentally conscious approach. Their in-house app streamlines operations, minimizes food waste, and partners with Too Good To Go, a surplus-food marketplace, to ensure that uneaten breakfasts find new homes.
Insider Tip: Enjoy easy access to free attractions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path.
The Ned: A Step Back in Time
The Ned, an art deco gem housed in a former bank, takes you on a time-traveling journey to the 1940s. Nine vibrant restaurants and bars, including the legendary Electric Diner and the Lutyens Grill, offer a culinary experience unlike any other. The Sunday feast, with its pyramid of lobsters and live jazz is a scene straight out of a Gatsby-esque party.
Insider Tip: Indulge in the dessert du jour: a jelly “fronut,” a donut filled with ice cream, at the hotel’s new ice cream parlor.
Zetter Clerkenwell: A Hidden Gem in London’s Creative Hub
The Zetter Clerkenwell offers a cozy and intimate experience in its 13-room townhouse, furnished with period Chesterfields. The hotel’s candlelit Parlour, with its signature Nettle Gimlet, is a haven for relaxation and contemplation. The hotel is a stone’s throw from Clerkenwell’s bustling creative scene, offering a unique blend of history and modern artistry.
Insider Tip: Explore Clerkenwell’s vibrant culinary scene, with chic bistros, bars, and the lively Exmouth Market.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A Hub for Art and Creativity
The Hoxton, a trailblazing hotel in Shoreditch, embodies the neighborhood’s gritty, artistic spirit. Since its inception, the hotel has fostered a vibrant community of artists, curators, and musicians, offering an open art house atmosphere with an exposed-brick lounge and an open pantry.
Insider Tip: Enjoy stunning views and three types of pisco sours at the Llama Inn, the hotel’s Peruvian rooftop bar.
The Luxury Inn, Dalston: A Unique Blend of History and Community
The Luxury Inn, a cozy and intimate hotel in Dalston, captures the neighborhood’s diverse and eclectic charm. Housed in a former printing factory, the hotel offers a unique blend of vintage finds and moody lighting. Dalston’s vibrant community spirit is reflected in the hotel’s proximity to the Afro-Caribbean Ridley Road Market Bar and the LGBTQ+ hub, Dalston Superstore.
Insider Tip: Experience the unique atmosphere of Brilliant Corners, a bar that has replaced one of Dalston’s historic West Indian haunts.
