It’s easy to find a list of London’s top hotels, but finding the ideal hotel to match your travel style or interests is trickier. Our curated list of London hotels dives deep into the unique character of each neighborhood, offering immersive experiences for every traveler. Let’s explore some of the city’s most captivating hotels and discover the neighborhoods they call home.
The Dilly: A Family-Friendly Retreat in Piccadilly
Imagine starting your day at the Dilly with a refreshing dip in their 40-foot indoor pool, a rare find in central London. The pool opens early, welcoming families to enjoy a swim before breakfast. Indulge in the hotel’s London-themed afternoon tea, featuring a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache. After teatime, ask the legendary doorman, Rushy, to guide you towards the best “Harry Potter” filming locations. You’re just a short walk from the bustling Piccadilly Circus, a lively hub filled with excitement for kids and adults alike.
For a literary adventure, cross the street to Waterstones bookstore, home to London’s largest children’s section.
The Fitzroy: Parisian Charm in Bloomsbury
The Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, embodies Parisian elegance with its thé au lait terracotta facade, inspired by a Parisian chateau. Inside, the hotel’s designers have created a magical atmosphere, more mystical than its Bloomsbury address suggests. The lobby features a zodiac mosaic, leading to a marble staircase adorned with a bronze dragon, believed to bring good luck. Guests can unwind at the hotel’s bar, Fitz’s, with its intimate, velvet-lined setting.
Bloomsbury is a vibrant neighborhood rich in literary history. Just a stone’s throw from The Fitzroy, Gordon Square was a meeting place for prominent writers, philosophers, and artists in the early 20th century. Virginia Woolf resided at number 46, and the renowned economist John Maynard Keynes later rented the house.
The Goring: Royal Elegance in Belgravia
The Goring is a regal haven in Belgravia, a neighborhood known for its elegant architecture and luxurious charm. This five-star Edwardian hotel’s Royal Suite was redesigned for Kate Middleton’s wedding entourage. The hotel’s CEO, Jeremy Goring, commissioned a playful painting for the suite’s bathroom depicting a Tudor courtier kissing the hand of Elizabeth I, a royal protocol violation.
Despite the cheeky artwork, the hotel’s standard rooms are no less luxurious, adorned with Gainsborough silks, mirroring the fabrics found in Buckingham Palace. Take a stroll through the hotel’s vast croquet lawn and gardens, larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
The Portobello: Bohemian Flair in Notting Hill
The Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill is a testament to the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit, inspired by Kate Moss’s vintage shopping adventures and her love for champagne. Legends abound of Moss and Johnny Depp enjoying a champagne bath in Room 16. While the neighborhood’s pretty houses have increased in value, Notting Hill retains the spirit of the Swinging Sixties and the louche 90s. This energy is reflected in the hotel’s decor, featuring lush wallpaper, Moroccan tiles, velvety textures, and spacious rolltop baths.
For a more serene experience, take a leisurely walk along Golborne Road and discover Rellik, one of Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
CitizenM: Sustainable Style in Bankside
CitizenM’s Bankside location has become a hub for creatives since its debut in 2012. Located in a BREEAM-certified building, the hotel is committed to sustainability. The hotel’s app, developed by Annalise Tyrie, the environmental, social, and governance director, minimizes food waste in the hotel’s cafe and co-working space. CitizenM partners with Too Good To Go, a surplus food marketplace, ensuring that uneaten breakfast meals find a new home, diverting over 22,683 meals from landfills since 2019.
Guests can easily explore nearby attractions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path, all accessible without needing to spend any money.
The Ned: Art Deco Glamour in the City
The Ned, housed in a former bank, offers a glamorous Art Deco experience. In the evenings, this historic building transforms into a Gatsby-esque event space with nine vibrant restaurants and bars. Guests can indulge in lobster rolls at Electric Diner or savor 44-day-aged prime rib at Lutyens Grill, named after the bank’s architect. On Sundays, the hotel hosts a lavish feast featuring a pyramid of lobsters, a perfect photo opportunity for social media. Live jazz and swing dancers complete the 1940s experience.
For a sweet treat, try the hotel’s “fronut,” a donut filled with ice cream.
The Zetter Clerkenwell: Victorian Charm in Clerkenwell
Step back in time at The Zetter Clerkenwell, a charming 13-room townhouse situated in the heart of Clerkenwell. The hotel’s furnishings, featuring period Chesterfields, evoke the ambiance of a Jane Austen novel. Unwind in the cozy, candlelit Parlour, where mixologist Anas El Bahhaj creates signature cocktails. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a Nettle Gimlet, a unique blend of East London Gin and foraged herbs, capturing the essence of Clerkenwell’s distinctive character.
Clerkenwell’s historic buildings have been transformed into chic bistros and bars. Visit Sessions Arts Club or head to bustling Exmouth Market for a pint at Mikkeler Brewpub.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch: Artistic Energy in East London
The Hoxton in Shoreditch has become a hub for creative energy in East London. This former parking lot has evolved into an open art house, attracting artists, curators, and musicians. The hotel’s exposed-brick lounge, open pantry, and cozy bedrooms provide a welcoming atmosphere for creative minds.
Shoreditch’s rich artistic heritage inspires The Hoxton’s community, which extends to the nearby Haricot Gallery, opened by Harry Raikes, who has played a significant role in the neighborhood’s artistic scene. For a unique rooftop experience, visit The Hoxton’s Llama Inn, a Peruvian bar serving three types of pisco sours, offering stunning views of the neighborhood’s outdoor art and murals.
The Luxury Inn, Dalston: Community Spirit in North London
Dalston, once a quiet neighborhood, has become a vibrant destination for artsy types. The Luxury Inn, housed in a former printing factory, offers a cozy retreat with vintage furnishings and moody lighting. This hotel provides easy access to Brilliant Corners, a bar replacing West Indian haunts like the Four Aces, now a community library. The Afro-Caribbean Ridley Road Market Bar, another neighborhood pillar, captures the energy and spirit of the local market, welcoming all with its lively atmosphere.
Dalston Superstore, a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, is just a short distance from The Luxury Inn, offering a vibrant social space with a club, cafe, and community activities.
This curated selection of London hotels goes beyond simply listing the best, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods that make the city so captivating. Each hotel embodies the character of its surrounding community, creating immersive experiences for travelers seeking to connect with the true essence of London.
