London, a city brimming with history, culture, and unique character, offers a hotel for every taste. Finding the perfect hotel in such a vast metropolis can feel daunting, but our list of hotels, each with a distinct personality, will help you find your ideal London experience. These hotels act as gateways to different neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant pulse.
The Dilly: A Family-Friendly Oasis in Piccadilly
Imagine starting your day with a refreshing swim in a 40-foot indoor pool, a rare treat in central London. The Dilly, a beacon of family-friendly fun, welcomes guests with open arms and a pancake machine at the breakfast buffet. Enjoy panoramic views of Piccadilly while indulging in an afternoon tea fit for a queen, featuring a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache. Afterwards, let the hotel’s legendary doorman, Rushy, guide you to the iconic “Harry Potter” filming locations. Kids and adults alike will be captivated by the electrifying energy of Piccadilly Circus, just a short stroll away.
Good to know: For bookworms, the Waterstones bookstore, boasting the largest children’s section in London, is conveniently located across the street.
The Fitzroy: Parisian Charm in the Heart of Bloomsbury
The Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, embodies Parisian elegance with its thé au lait terracotta façade, reminiscent of a chateau from the French Revolution. Step inside and discover a world of pure fantasy, more enchanting than Bloomsbury’s literary legacy. Renovations unearthed a zodiac mosaic in the lobby, leading up the marble staircase to a bronze dragon, a symbol of good luck for visitors. The Fitz’s bar, with its plush velvet décor and discreet back entrance, offers a cozy respite.
Good to know: Bloomsbury Square, a stone’s throw away, was a gathering place for writers, philosophers, and artists in the early 20th century. Virginia Woolf resided at number 46, and later, the renowned economist John Maynard Keynes rented the property.
The Goring: Regal Splendor in Belgravia
Experience the epitome of luxury at The Goring, an Edwardian five-star gem in Belgravia. The hotel’s Royal Suite, redesigned for Kate Middleton’s royal wedding entourage, boasts a whimsical touch: a painting depicting a Tudor courtier kissing the hand of Elizabeth I, a playful breach of royal protocol. The standard rooms are equally opulent, draped in Gainsborough silks, reminiscent of those found at Buckingham Palace, just around the corner.
Good to know: Escape to the Goring’s expansive croquet lawn and gardens, said to be larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
The Portobello: Bohemian Chic in Notting Hill
Kate Moss’s vintage shopping sprees put Portobello Road Market on the map, and her fondness for champagne fueled the bohemian spirit of the nearby Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill. Room 16, where Moss and Johnny Depp are said to have taken a champagne bath, whispers tales of the Swinging Sixties and the louche ’90s. The hotel’s décor reflects this free-spirited era, with lush wallpaper, Moroccan tiles, and miles of velvet, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
Good to know: For a calmer alternative to bustling Portobello Road, wander down Golborne Road and discover Rellik, one of Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
CitizenM: Sustainable Style in Bankside
CitizenM, a pioneer in sustainable hospitality, embraces the vibrant energy of Bankside. Their innovative approach to eco-consciousness includes an in-house app to minimize food waste and a partnership with Too Good To Go, rescuing uneaten breakfasts from the dumpster. The hotel’s strategic location puts you within easy reach of the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path.
Good to know: Embrace the hotel’s commitment to responsible travel and enjoy the free attractions just steps away.
The Ned: A Roaring Twenties Revival in the City
Step into The Ned, a former bank transformed into a roaring twenties haven with nine lively restaurants and bars. The hotel’s Gatsby-esque atmosphere draws Londoners from all corners of the city, eager to sample the Electric Diner’s lobster roll or the 44-day-aged prime rib at Lutyens Grill. Sundays feature a lavish feast, a perfect opportunity to capture a TikTok-worthy moment. The live jazz and swing dancers transport you back to the 1940s, creating a nostalgic and vibrant experience.
Good to know: Indulge in the “fronut”, the dessert du jour, a donut filled with ice cream, at the hotel’s new in-house ice cream parlor.
The Zetter Clerkenwell: A Touch of Jane Austen in Clerkenwell
The Zetter Clerkenwell, a 13-room townhouse adorned with period Chesterfields, evokes a sense of Jane Austen romance. Escape to the cozy, candlelit Parlour, where mixologist Anas El Bahhaj crafts unique cocktails. His signature Nettle Gimlet, made with East London Gin and foraged herbs, captures the essence of Clerkenwell’s distinctive character.
Good to know: The neighborhood is home to charming bistros and bars housed in beautifully renovated buildings. Sample the fare at Sessions Arts Club or head to lively Exmouth Market for a pint at Mikkeler Brewpub.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch: An Artistic Hub in East London
The Hoxton, a beacon of artistic expression in Shoreditch, transforms an abandoned parking lot into an open art house, welcoming artists, curators, and musicians. The exposed-brick lounge pulsates with creativity, fueled by the open pantry and cozy bedrooms. The neighborhood’s vibrant artistic heritage is celebrated at Haricot Gallery, a graffiti-splashed warehouse around the corner.
Good to know: Enjoy a rooftop experience at the Llama Inn, the hotel’s Peruvian bar, serving three types of pisco sours and offering breathtaking views of the neighborhood’s vibrant street art.
The Luxury Inn: A Cool Retreat in Dalston
Once a gritty haven for artists, Dalston has blossomed into a trendy neighborhood, and The Luxury Inn, a former printing factory, has become a popular base for exploring this eclectic area. The hotel’s vintage furnishings and moody lighting create a stylish and welcoming atmosphere. Venture out to Brilliant Corners, one of the bars that have replaced West Indian haunts, or experience the vibrant energy of the Ridley Road Market Bar.
Good to know: For LGBTQ+ travelers, Dalston Superstore, a hub for all things LGBTQ+, offers a Queer club, café, and community space.
