Finding the ideal hotel in a city as vast and diverse as London can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. While online lists offer a plethora of options, they rarely capture the essence of a hotel’s unique character and the neighborhood it calls home. This curated selection of nine London hotels goes beyond the typical tourist traps, offering immersive experiences that truly reflect the city’s vibrant tapestry.
Piccadilly: The Dilly – Where London Comes to Life
The Dilly is a family-friendly haven in the heart of Piccadilly, renowned for its lively atmosphere and iconic London charm. Imagine starting your day with a refreshing swim in the hotel’s impressive 40-foot indoor pool, a rarity in central London. Afterwards, indulge in a delectable pancake breakfast, or savor a quintessential London afternoon tea featuring a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache. The hotel’s legendary doorman, Rushy, will gladly point you towards the nearby Harry Potter filming locations. For a dose of pure fun, head to the seven-story Hamleys toy store or enjoy a juicy burger at Supernova. And, of course, no trip to Piccadilly is complete without a stroll through the vibrant Piccadilly Circus, a spectacle that never fails to amaze both young and old.
Good to know: Across the street lies Waterstones bookstore, boasting the largest children’s section in London – a must-visit for pint-sized bookworms.
Bloomsbury: The Fitzroy – A Palace of Fantasy
Step into The Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, and be transported to a Parisian chateau, albeit one with a mystical twist. This Bloomsbury gem, clad in warm terracotta hues, embodies a world of enchantment. The 2018 renovations unearthed a stunning zodiac mosaic in the lobby, a prelude to the grand marble staircase adorned with a bronze dragon, believed to bring good luck to those who touch it. The hotel’s bar, Fitz’s, exudes an air of sophisticated mystery with its dark, velvet décor and hidden back entrance.
Good to know: Bloomsbury is steeped in literary and intellectual history. Just a short walk away, Gordon Square was a hub for the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of writers, philosophers, and artists in the early 20th century. Virginia Woolf, a renowned English writer, resided at no. 46 and later rented the property to the esteemed economist, John Maynard Keynes.
Belgravia: The Goring – Timeless Elegance and Royal Charm
The Goring, a beloved Edwardian five-star hotel, is a haven of sophisticated elegance and royal heritage. This iconic property has a storied past, with its Royal Suite famously redesigned for Kate Middleton’s wedding entourage. The hotel’s CEO, Jeremy Goring, commissioned a painting to grace the bathroom, depicting a Tudor courtier’s daring breach of royal protocol by kissing the hand of Elizabeth I. The hotel’s standard rooms exude an air of regal grandeur, adorned with Gainsborough silks that echo the opulence found in Buckingham Palace, just around the corner.
Good to know: Step outside and immerse yourself in the hotel’s expansive croquet lawn and gardens, a haven of serenity that rivals the famed Wimbledon Centre Court.
Notting Hill: The Portobello Hotel – Bohemian Chic and Vintage Charm
The Portobello Hotel, nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, is a bohemian haven that embodies the neighborhood’s free-spirited essence. Kate Moss’s vintage shopping sprees and penchant for champagne have helped shape this hotel’s unique identity. Legend has it that she and Johnny Depp enjoyed a champagne bath in Room 16, showcasing the hotel’s unabashed embrace of the unconventional. Despite the neighborhood’s skyrocketing property values, the Portobello Hotel maintains a distinctly retro vibe, harking back to the Swinging Sixties and the louche ’90s. The hotel’s décor reflects this vibrant heritage, with lush wallpaper, Moroccan tiles, plush velvet furnishings, and spacious rolltop baths fit for two.
Good to know: For a quieter alternative to the bustling Portobello Road, wander along Golborne Road and discover Rellik, one of Kate Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
Bankside: CitizenM – Sustainable Style and Urban Cool
CitizenM, a forward-thinking hotel in Bankside, embraces sustainability and innovation with a touch of urban cool. Since its debut in 2012, the hotel has become a creative hub, thanks to its proximity to new restaurants and retail spaces. Annalise Tyrie, the hotel’s ESG director, championed the implementation of an in-house app designed to minimize food waste and streamline operations. The hotel’s app also partners with Too Good To Go, a surplus-food marketplace, ensuring that unsold breakfast items find a new home.
Good to know: Guests will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to free attractions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the picturesque Thames Path.
The City: The Ned – Gatsby Glamour and Culinary Delights
The Ned, a captivating art deco hotel in The City, transforms into a Gatsby-esque extravaganza in the evening, with nine lively restaurants and bars. Londoners flock here to savor Electric Diner’s lobster roll or indulge in the 44-day-aged prime rib at Lutyens Grill, named after the iconic architect, Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyen. The hotel’s Sunday feast, a culinary masterpiece fit for a TikTok post, features a breathtaking pyramid of lobsters. With live jazz, swing dancers, and a vibrant atmosphere, The Ned whisks you back to the glamorous 1940s.
Good to know: Savor the unique dessert du jour, a jelly “fronut” (a donut filled with ice cream), at the hotel’s new in-house ice cream parlor.
Clerkenwell: The Zetter Clerkenwell – Literary Charm and Exquisite Cocktails
Arriving at The Zetter Clerkenwell, a 13-room townhouse nestled in a cobblestone square, feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. This intimate hotel invites guests to indulge in a tranquil escape. The hotel’s cozy, candlelit Parlour, run by the skilled mixologist Anas El Bahhaj, is a sanctuary for relaxation. Savor his signature Nettle Gimlet, a harmonious blend of East London Gin and foraged herbs, which encapsulates the unique character of Clerkenwell.
Good to know: The neighborhood is home to charming bistros and bars housed in beautifully restored buildings. Try Sessions Arts Club or venture to the bustling Exmouth Market for a pint at Mikkeler Brewpub.
Shoreditch: The Hoxton – Artistic Vibe and Creative Energy
The Hoxton, a Shoreditch institution, transformed a neglected parking lot into an artistic haven, attracting artists, curators, and musicians. This vibrant hotel, with its exposed-brick lounge, open pantry, and stylish bedrooms, embodies the neighborhood’s creative spirit. The Hoxton’s legacy has inspired others to follow suit, contributing to Shoreditch’s thriving arts scene.
Good to know: Head to the hotel’s new Peruvian rooftop bar, Llama Inn, where you can sip on three types of pisco sours and enjoy panoramic views of the neighborhood’s vibrant street art and murals.
Dalston: The Luxury Inn – Vintage Charm and Community Spirit
Dalston, once a quiet haven, has transformed into a hub of artistic energy, attracting those seeking a more alternative vibe. The Luxury Inn, a former printing factory, has become a popular crash pad for those drawn to Dalston’s unique allure. This cozy hotel, furnished with vintage finds and moody lighting, is a stone’s throw from Brilliant Corners, a bar that reflects the neighborhood’s evolving scene.
Good to know: LGBTQ+ guests will find a welcoming haven at Dalston Superstore, a hub for all things LGBTQ+, featuring a Queer club, café, and community space.
From the bustling streets of Piccadilly to the artistic havens of Shoreditch, these nine hotels offer a window into the diverse and captivating soul of London. Each hotel provides a distinct experience, allowing you to discover the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and immerse yourself in its rich cultural tapestry. So, whether you seek a touch of royal charm, a bohemian escape, or a dose of urban cool, London has a hotel waiting to welcome you.
