Finding the perfect London hotel can be tricky, especially with so many amazing options to choose from. But what if you could find a hotel that not only provided a luxurious stay but also offered a glimpse into the vibrant soul of a particular neighborhood? That’s exactly what we’re offering you today! We’ve curated a list of nine unique hotels, each serving as a gateway to a different side of London, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse culture and hidden gems.
Where Themed Afternoon Tea Meets Harry Potter Magic: The Dilly
Imagine waking up to a refreshing dip in a 40-foot indoor pool before indulging in a delicious breakfast buffet with pancake-making fun! That’s just the beginning of your experience at The Dilly, a hotel steeped in London charm.
This iconic hotel offers much more than just a comfortable stay. Step into the London-themed afternoon tea, complete with a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache, and soak in the stunning views overlooking Piccadilly. And for the ultimate Harry Potter fan, ask the hotel’s legendary doorman, Rushy, to guide you to the best filming locations.
The Dilly is a haven for families, with nearby attractions like the seven-story Hamleys toy store and Supernova for smash burgers guaranteeing endless entertainment for kids and parents alike. The buzzing energy of Piccadilly Circus at night adds another layer of excitement to your stay.
Good to know: For the little bookworms in your life, take a stroll across the street to Waterstones bookstore, renowned for its massive kids’ section.
A Palace of Fantasy: The Fitzroy
Step into a world of opulent luxury and captivating history at The Fitzroy, an IHG hotel. Inspired by a Parisian chateau, its design evokes a sense of pure fantasy, exceeding even the mystical aura of its Bloomsbury location.
The hotel’s grand lobby boasts a zodiac mosaic unearthed during renovations, leading you up a marble staircase to a bronze dragon that you can rub for good luck.
For a touch of refined sophistication, head to the hotel bar, Fitz’s, with its dark, velvet décor and discreet back entrance.
Good to know: The Fitzroy is nestled near Gordon Square, a place where renowned writers, philosophers, and artists of the Bloomsbury group gathered in the early 20th century. English writer Virginia Woolf lived at no. 46, and later, the house was rented by the famous economist John Maynard Keynes.
Royal Charm Meets Edwardian Elegance: The Goring
Experience the royal grandeur of The Goring, a five-star Edwardian property. This hotel has a rich history, with a royal suite redesigned for Kate Middleton’s wedding entourage and a bathroom adorned with a cheeky painting depicting a Tudor courtier kissing the hand of Elizabeth I, a violation of royal protocol!
Although the hotel boasts a regal atmosphere, it’s not just reserved for royalty. Standard rooms are equally elegant, draped in Gainsborough silks, echoing the fabrics used in Buckingham Palace, just around the corner.
Good to know: Step out onto the Goring’s spacious croquet lawn and gardens, even larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
Bohemian Chic and Vintage Glamour: The Portobello Hotel
Inspired by the vintage shopping paradise of Portobello Road Market, The Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill exudes a bohemian spirit that blends stylish décor with a laid-back atmosphere.
This hotel is steeped in celebrity lore, most famously known for the champagne bath reportedly taken by Kate Moss and Johnny Depp in Room 16. The hotel’s luscious wallpaper, Moroccan tiles, miles of velvet, and rolltop baths perfectly capture the free-spirited essence of the Swinging Sixties and louche ’90s.
Good to know: For a calmer experience, stroll along Golborne Road and explore Rellik, one of Kate Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
Sustainable Style Meets Urban Hub: CitizenM
CitizenM has boldly embraced a south-of-Thames location since its debut in 2012, becoming a creative hub for Bankside’s vibrant community. This hotel embodies sustainable design and responsible practices, utilizing an in-house app to minimize food waste and partnering with Too Good To Go to combat food waste.
The hotel’s location near the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path offers guests a treasure trove of free attractions, making it an ideal choice for art enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Good to know: The hotel’s app is a game-changer, allowing you to manage your stay, order room service, and explore the neighborhood, all at your fingertips.
A Time Machine to the Roaring Twenties: The Ned
Step into a Gatsby-esque world at The Ned, a former bank transformed into a raucous haven of nine restaurants and bars. From the Electric Diner’s lobster roll to the Lutyens Grill’s 44-day-aged prime rib, this hotel offers a gastronomic journey.
The hotel’s live jazz and swing dancers transport you back to the 1940s, making it a perfect spot for a time-traveling adventure.
Good to know: Indulge in the hotel’s new ice cream parlor, where you can try the jelly “fronut,” a decadent donut with a scoop of ice cream in the middle.
A Romantic Retreat in the Heart of Clerkenwell: The Zetter Clerkenwell
Escape to a picturesque haven at The Zetter Clerkenwell, a charming 13-room townhouse with a vintage-inspired design. Imagine yourself stepping into a Jane Austen novel as you enter the cobbled square outside.
The hotel’s cozy, candlelit Parlour offers a sanctuary from the outside world, where you can unwind with a signature Nettle Gimlet, crafted with East London Gin and foraged herbs.
Good to know: The neighborhood is teeming with trendy bistros and bars, including the stylish Sessions Arts Club and the bustling Exmouth Market, home to the popular Mikkeler Brewpub.
Where Creativity Blooms: The Hoxton, Shoreditch
The Hoxton, Shoreditch, transformed a derelict parking lot into a dynamic art house that has become a magnet for artists, curators, and musicians. This hotel fosters a community-driven spirit, offering guests an open pantry, unique bedrooms, and a constant stream of artistic events.
Good to know: For a breath of fresh air, head to the Llama Inn, the hotel’s Peruvian rooftop bar, where you can enjoy three types of pisco sours and breathtaking views of the neighborhood’s vibrant street art.
The Dalston Vibe: The Luxury Inn
As Shoreditch and Hoxton gained popularity, a new artistic movement emerged in Dalston. The Luxury Inn, a cozy and stylish hotel in a former printing factory, became a hotspot for creatives and artists. Its vintage furnishings and moody lighting set the stage for a unique and inspiring stay.
Good to know: For a taste of Dalston’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, visit the Dalston Superstore, a multi-faceted hub with a Queer club, café, and community space.
