Finding the perfect hotel in London isn’t just about checking off a list of amenities. It’s about finding a place that resonates with your personality and travel style. London’s diverse neighborhoods offer a kaleidoscope of experiences, and the right hotel can be your key to unlocking the city’s hidden gems. We’ve curated a collection of nine hotels, each acting as a portal to a unique London experience.
Immerse Yourself in London’s Famed Neighborhoods
Each of these hotels is more than just a place to rest your head – they’re a gateway to the soul of their neighborhood, offering a taste of London’s rich history, vibrant culture, and eclectic spirit.
The Dilly stands proudly in Piccadilly, a vibrant intersection of culture and entertainment. This hotel embodies the energy of the bustling heart of London. Imagine mornings starting with a refreshing swim in the 40-foot indoor pool, a rare treat in central London, followed by a delicious breakfast spread featuring a tempting pancake machine. The afternoon brings London’s charm to life with a London-themed afternoon tea, complete with a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache. After indulging in this delightful treat, be sure to ask the hotel’s legendary doorman, Rushy, for insider tips on finding the best “Harry Potter” filming locations. Kids and parents alike will be captivated by the thrill of Piccadilly Circus at night.
Good to Know: Just across the street, the Waterstones bookstore awaits with the largest children’s section in London, perfect for indulging your pint-sized bibliophiles.
The Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, is a haven of Parisian elegance nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury, a district known for its literary and artistic heritage. Step inside this palatial retreat, inspired by a Parisian chateau, and be transported to a realm of pure fantasy. The hotel’s design is a testament to its location, with a mystical aura that belies its Bloomsbury address. Renovations in 2018 unveiled a zodiac mosaic in the lobby, leading to a marble staircase adorned with 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 at the hotel’s bar, Fitz’s, with its dark velvet décor and discreet back entrance.
Good to Know: In the early 20th century, the Bloomsbury group, a collection of writers, philosophers, and artists, gathered in nearby Gordon Square. English writer Virginia Woolf resided at No. 46, and later, the renowned economist John Maynard Keynes rented the space.
The Goring, a five-star Edwardian gem, boasts a royal pedigree and a rich history interwoven with London’s elite. The hotel’s Royal Suite was redesigned for Kate Middleton’s royal wedding entourage, and during this time, CEO Jeremy Goring commissioned a playful painting to hang above the original toilet in the bathroom. The painting depicts a Tudor courtier kissing the hand of Elizabeth I, a playful breach of royal protocol. The royals, longtime patrons of this esteemed hotel, found the humor in this cheeky artistic touch. Even the standard rooms exude regal charm, draped in Gainsborough silks, echoing the fabrics found in Buckingham Palace.
Good to Know: Escape to the Goring’s sprawling croquet lawn and gardens, which are said to be larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
The Portobello, a bohemian oasis nestled in Notting Hill, reflects the neighborhood’s eclectic spirit and vibrant history. Kate Moss’s love for vintage shopping helped put Portobello Road Market on the map, and her penchant for champagne fueled the bohemian pedigree of this nearby hotel. Legend has it that Moss and Johnny Depp enjoyed a champagne bath in Room 16, adding to the hotel’s mystique. While the charming pillared houses surrounding the hotel have soared in value, the spirit of the Swinging Sixties and the louche ’90s still lingers. This free-spirited energy is evident in the hotel’s décor, featuring lush wallpaper, Moroccan tile, miles of velvet, and rolltop baths large enough for two.
Good to Know: For a quieter escape from the bustling Portobello Road, take a stroll along Golborne Road and visit Rellik, one of Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
Embracing Modernity and Sustainability
London is a city constantly evolving, and these hotels reflect the city’s forward-thinking approach to hospitality and sustainability.
CitizenM, a bold and modern hotel in the Bankside district, embraces innovative design and a commitment to sustainability. This hotel, which debuted in 2012, has become a creative hub for the Bankside neighborhood, thanks to its proximity to new restaurants and retail. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its BREEAM certification and its in-house app designed to minimize food waste. The app has partnered with Too Good To Go, a surplus-food marketplace, ensuring that uneaten breakfast items find a new 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.
The Ned, a vibrant Art Deco masterpiece housed in a former bank, transports guests to a bygone era of glamour and extravagance. The evening transforms this elegant space into a Gatsby-esque event, with nine buzzing restaurants and bars. Londoners flock to Electric Diner for its legendary lobster roll, and to Lutyens Grill, named for the architect of this former bank, Edwin “Ned” Lutyen, for its 44-day-aged prime rib. The hotel’s Sunday feast, a culinary spectacle perfect for capturing on TikTok, features a majestic pyramid of lobsters. With live jazz and swing dancers, The Ned takes guests on a journey back to the vibrant 1940s.
Good to Know: Indulge in the dessert du jour, a jelly “fronut” (a donut with ice cream in the middle) at the hotel’s new in-house ice cream parlor.
Escaping into Literary and Artistic Enclaves
London is a city steeped in literary and artistic history, and these hotels offer a glimpse into the creative spirit that pulses through these vibrant neighborhoods.
The Zetter Clerkenwell, a charming 13-room townhouse tucked away in a cobbled square, evokes the charm of a Jane Austen novel. Guests who prefer an intimate evening can cozy up in the hotel’s candlelit Parlour, where mixologist Anas El Bahhaj concocts exquisite cocktails. An evening spent in a velvet armchair with his signature Nettle Gimlet, crafted with East London Gin and foraged herbs, is a truly transformative experience. The cocktail captures the essence of Clerkenwell’s unique character.
Good to Know: The most beautiful buildings in the neighborhood have been transformed into chic bistros and bars. Try Sessions Arts Club or head to the bustling Exmouth Market for a pint at Mikkeler Brewpub.
The Hoxton, a pioneering hotel in Shoreditch, has become an integral part of the neighborhood’s artistic landscape. When Shoreditch was still a gritty haven for galleries, The Hoxton transformed an abandoned parking lot into a round-the-clock open art house. Artists, curators, and musicians converged in the exposed-brick lounge, enjoying treats from the open pantry or resting in the hotel’s bijou bedrooms. The hotel’s influence has inspired a wave of creative energy in the neighborhood.
Good to Know: Head to the Llama Inn, the hotel’s new Peruvian rooftop bar, which serves three types of pisco sours and offers stunning views of the neighborhood’s outdoor art and murals.
Embracing the Bohemian Soul
London’s bohemian spirit thrives in neighborhoods like Dalston, where the quiet, cozy Luxury Inn has become a haven for those seeking a unique and authentic experience.
The Luxury Inn is housed in a former printing factory, now furnished with vintage finds and moody lighting. Just a short walk away lies Brilliant Corners, a popular bar that has taken the place of West Indian haunts like the Four Aces, which now serves as a community library. Another neighborhood fixture is the Afro-Caribbean Ridley Road Market Bar, which captures the vibrant energy of the market and evokes the feeling of a holiday bar, where everyone is welcome and the drinks are fun. This bar embodies the true essence of Dalston, its strong community spirit.
Good to Know: LGBTQ+ guests staying at The Luxury Inn may want to consider visiting Dalston Superstore, a hub for all things LGBTQ+, including a Queer club, café, and community space.
