Finding the perfect London hotel can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. But what if you could immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and discover hidden gems unique to each area? This guide explores nine hotels that serve as gateways to distinct London communities, each offering a captivating experience for travelers looking to go beyond the typical tourist trail.
The Dilly: Piccadilly Circus Glamour
Picture this: a morning dip in a 40-foot indoor pool in the heart of London. At the Dilly, this is your reality! The hotel’s expansive pool, a rarity in central London, sets the stage for an unforgettable stay. Families will adore the kid-friendly atmosphere, with a pancake machine at the breakfast buffet and a location just steps away from the iconic Hamleys toy store and Piccadilly Circus.
Afternoon tea with a view awaits, featuring a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache overlooking the bustling streets below. For a true taste of London, seek out the hotel’s legendary doorman, Rushy, who can guide you to the best “Harry Potter” filming locations. The Dilly is a perfect blend of family fun and London charm.
Good to Know: Bookworms will delight in the nearby Waterstones bookstore, boasting the largest children’s section in London.
The Fitzroy: Bloomsbury’s Mystical Retreat
Step into the Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, and be transported to a Parisian chateau. This architectural marvel, inspired by a French palace lost to time, exudes an air of fantasy and mystique. Renovations revealed a hidden zodiac mosaic in the lobby, leading to a marble staircase adorned with a bronze dragon, which visitors rub for good luck.
The Fitzroy boasts a rich history connected to the Bloomsbury Group, a renowned collective of writers, philosophers, and artists who frequented nearby Gordon Square. The hotel’s bar, Fitz’s, offers a cozy retreat with dark velvet décor and a discreet entrance. This is the perfect hotel for those who appreciate history, art, and a touch of magic.
Good to Know: Virginia Woolf, a celebrated English writer, resided at no. 46 Gordon Square and later rented the space to renowned economist John Maynard Keynes.
The Goring: Royal Elegance in Belgravia
This Edwardian five-star hotel, a favorite among royals, has a history steeped in elegance and grandeur. The Royal Suite was meticulously redesigned for Kate Middleton’s royal wedding entourage, showcasing the hotel’s commitment to luxurious detail. Expect rooms draped in Gainsborough silks, echoing the fabrics found in Buckingham Palace, just around the corner.
A whimsical touch of humor is found in the hotel’s bathroom, where a painting depicts a Tudor courtier kissing Elizabeth I’s hand—a clear breach of royal protocol. This playful wink at history adds a touch of charm to the hotel’s regal atmosphere.
Good to Know: Relax on the Goring’s expansive croquet lawn and gardens, said to be larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
Portobello Hotel: Bohemian Glamour in Notting Hill
Known for its association with iconic figures like Kate Moss and Johnny Depp, the Portobello Hotel embodies the free-spirited energy of Notting Hill. Legend has it that Moss and Depp enjoyed a champagne bath in Room 16. The hotel’s décor reflects this vibrant history with lush wallpaper, Moroccan tiles, velvet accents, and spacious rolltop baths.
Wander through the nearby Portobello Road Market, where Kate Moss’s love for vintage shopping helped put the area on the map. Embrace the bohemian spirit of this charming neighborhood, with its colorful houses and a lingering scent of the Swinging Sixties.
Good to Know: For a quieter alternative to the bustling Portobello Road, explore Golborne Road and discover Rellik, one of Kate Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
CitizenM London Bankside: Sustainable Style
CitizenM made a bold move by opening in Bankside, south of the Thames, in 2012. The hotel has become a hub for creative professionals, attracted by the area’s burgeoning restaurant and retail scene. CitizenM is a leader in sustainable practices, with an in-house app that minimizes food waste and a partnership with Too Good To Go, a surplus-food marketplace. This forward-thinking hotel offers a unique blend of eco-consciousness and modern style.
Good to Know: Enjoy free diversions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path, all within easy reach of the hotel.
The Ned: Art Deco Glamour in the City
The Ned, housed in a former bank, takes you back to the Roaring Twenties with its art deco design and lively atmosphere. Nine restaurants and bars, including the acclaimed Electric Diner and Lutyens Grill, draw Londoners from across the city.
Prepare for a Gatsby-esque experience with live jazz, swing dancers, and a lavish Sunday feast, featuring a towering pyramid of lobsters. The Ned offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern indulgence.
Good to Know: Indulge in a jelly “fronut,” a donut with ice cream in the middle, at the hotel’s new in-house ice cream parlor.
Zetter Clerkenwell: Victorian Charm in a Hidden Gem
Step into a Jane Austen novel at the Zetter Clerkenwell, a 13-room townhouse nestled in a charming cobbled square. Enjoy the cozy, candlelit Parlour, where mixologist Anas El Bahhaj creates transformative cocktails, like the Nettle Gimlet, made with East London Gin and foraged herbs. The Zetter Clerkenwell offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quiet escape from the city’s bustle.
Good to Know: Explore the neighborhood’s chic bistros and bars, including Sessions Arts Club and Mikkeler Brewpub on bustling Exmouth Market.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A Hub for Creative Spirits
The Hoxton, Shoreditch, redefined the neighborhood in the 2000s, transforming a deserted parking lot into a dynamic art house. Artists, curators, and musicians found a home in this creative haven, with its exposed-brick lounge, open pantry, and stylish bedrooms.
The hotel continues to celebrate the area’s artistic heritage, attracting a vibrant community of creative individuals. The Hoxton embodies the spirit of Shoreditch, a neighborhood known for its edgy art scene and independent spirit.
Good to Know: Escape to the Llama Inn, the hotel’s Peruvian rooftop bar, serving three types of pisco sours and offering a breathtaking view of the neighborhood’s vibrant street art.
The Luxury Inn, Dalston: A Cozy Oasis in a Thriving Neighborhood
As Shoreditch and Hoxton gained popularity, artsy party types began migrating northward to Dalston, a neighborhood that has embraced its unique character. The Luxury Inn, a former printing factory transformed into a cozy oasis, has become a favorite among those seeking a laid-back escape.
Dalston’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture is reflected in the neighborhood’s bustling markets, like the Ridley Road Market Bar, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Luxury Inn embraces this spirit, offering a welcoming atmosphere with vintage furnishings, moody lighting, and a warm sense of community.
Good to Know: LGBTQ+ guests will find a welcoming space at Dalston Superstore, a hub for all things LGBTQ+, featuring a Queer club, café, and community space.
