London, a city brimming with history and excitement, is a traveler’s dream. Finding the ideal hotel to suit your specific interests can be challenging, however. We’ve curated a list of nine London hotels, each unique and vibrant, that offer an immersive experience, allowing you to delve into the city’s diverse personality.
The Dilly: Family Fun in Piccadilly
Imagine waking up to the sight of Piccadilly Circus and the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. At The Dilly, family fun takes center stage. The hotel boasts a 40-foot indoor pool, a rare find in central London, perfect for a morning swim before enjoying the pancake machine at the buffet.
After a delightful afternoon tea featuring a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache, you can explore the nearby Harry Potter filming locations, thanks to the helpful guidance of the hotel’s legendary doorman, Rushy. Kids and parents alike will be enthralled by the vibrant energy of Piccadilly Circus at night, just a short walk from the hotel.
Tip: Take your little bookworms across the street to Waterstones bookstore, home to the largest children’s section in London.
The Fitzroy: Bloomsbury’s Mystical Haven
Step into a world of pure fantasy at The Fitzroy, an IHG hotel nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury. Inspired by a Parisian chateau, the hotel’s thé au lait terracotta façade creates an air of mystique. A zodiac mosaic, unearthed during recent renovations, adds to the charm, leading guests up a marble staircase to a bronze dragon, ready to grant good luck.
The Fitzroy is steeped in history, with the Bloomsbury group of writers, philosophers, and artists meeting nearby at Gordon Square. English writer Virginia Woolf once lived at number 46, and the property was later rented by famous economist John Maynard Keynes.
Tip: Escape to the hotel’s Fitz’s bar, adorned with dark velvet and a discreet back entrance, for a relaxing drink.
The Goring: Royal Elegance and Tradition
Step into a world of royal elegance at The Goring, an Edwardian five-star property that has hosted royal families for generations. The hotel’s Royal Suite was redesigned for Kate Middleton’s wedding entourage, and its standard rooms are no less impressive, adorned with Gainsborough silks, reminiscent of those found at Buckingham Palace.
The hotel boasts an intriguing detail: a painting commissioned by CEO Jeremy Goring, featuring a Tudor courtier kissing the hand of Elizabeth I, a breach of royal protocol.
Tip: Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of The Goring’s croquet lawn and gardens, said to be larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
The Portobello: Bohemian Chic in Notting Hill
Embrace the bohemian spirit of Notting Hill at The Portobello, a hotel steeped in vintage charm and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll. Kate Moss’s vintage shopping habit and love for champagne have contributed to the hotel’s unique personality.
The hotel’s décor reflects its vibrant history, with lush wallpaper, Moroccan tiles, miles of velvet, and rolltop baths large enough for two. The spirit of the Swinging Sixties and the louche ’90s still lingers, offering a unique and intimate experience.
Tip: Escape the bustle of Portobello Road and take a stroll along Golborne Road, stopping at Rellik, one of Kate Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
CitizenM Bankside: Sustainable Design and Urban Life
Step into the heart of Bankside at CitizenM, a sustainable and eco-conscious hotel with a focus on modern design. The hotel’s in-house app helps minimize food waste and promotes a sustainable lifestyle. Its central location allows guests to explore nearby attractions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path.
CitizenM embodies the city’s vibrant energy, with its co-working space and busy cafe. The hotel’s partnership with Too Good To Go ensures that surplus food finds a home, divertng over 22,683 meals from the dumpster since 2019.
Tip: Take advantage of the hotel’s proximity to free attractions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path.
The Ned: Art Deco Glamour and Culinary Delights
Step into the glamorous world of The Ned, a hotel housed in a former bank and transformed into a Gatsby-esque wonderland. Nine raucous restaurants and bars offer a diverse culinary experience.
The hotel’s Sunday feast, a highlight for foodies and social media enthusiasts, features a pyramid of lobsters. With its live jazz and swing dancers, The Ned transports guests back to the 1940s.
Tip: Indulge in the hotel’s signature dessert du jour, the jelly ‘fronut’ (a donut with ice cream in the middle).
The Zetter Clerkenwell: Intimate Charm and Local Flavor
Escape to the tranquility of Clerkenwell at The Zetter Clerkenwell, a 13-room townhouse furnished with period Chesterfields. Step into the cozy candlelit Parlour, run by mixologist Anas El Bahhaj, and savor the unique Nettle Gimlet, a blend of East London Gin and foraged herbs.
Clerkenwell’s unique character is beautifully captured in the hotel’s intimate atmosphere and its proximity to the area’s charming bistros and bars.
Tip: Explore the beautiful buildings in the neighborhood, home to chic bistros and bars like Sessions Arts Club and Mikkeler Brewpub on busy Exmouth Market.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch: Creative Energy and Artistic Spirit
Immerse yourself in the creative energy of Shoreditch at The Hoxton, a hotel that transforms an abandoned parking lot into an open art house. Artists, curators, and musicians converge at The Hoxton, finding inspiration in the exposed-brick lounge and the open pantry.
The hotel embodies Shoreditch’s artistic spirit, with its bijou bedrooms and its proximity to Haricot Gallery, a graffiti-splashed warehouse filled with vibrant art.
Tip: Enjoy a stunning view of Shoreditch’s outdoor art and murals from The Hoxton’s new Peruvian rooftop bar, the Llama Inn, which serves three types of pisco sours.
The Luxury Inn, Dalston: Cozy Charm and Community Spirit
Escape the hustle and bustle of Shoreditch and Hoxton at The Luxury Inn, a cozy and intimate hotel in Dalston. This former printing factory, now furnished with vintage finds and moody lighting, captures the essence of Dalston, a neighborhood known for its strong community spirit and diverse nightlife.
The Luxury Inn is a short walk from Brilliant Corners, one of the bars that have replaced West Indian haunts, and the Afro-Caribbean Ridley Road Market Bar, where everyone is welcome.
Tip: For LGBTQ+ guests, Dalston Superstore, a hub for all things LGBTQ+, including a Queer club, cafe, and community space, is a must-visit.
These nine hotels offer a unique glimpse into the diverse personality of London, allowing you to find the perfect haven that aligns with your travel style and interests.
