Are you planning a trip to London and seeking a hotel that truly embodies the city’s vibrant character? London’s hotel scene is brimming with options, but finding the perfect fit for your travel style can be a challenge. Forget generic hotel lists! We’ve curated a selection of nine unique hotels, each offering a distinctive experience that will immerse you in the heart of different London neighborhoods. Get ready to discover the hidden gems and vibrant pulse of England’s capital.
Dilly: Where Playful Elegance Meets Piccadilly Circus
Picture this: mornings spent splashing in a 40-foot indoor pool, a rarity in central London. This is the reality at the Dilly, where families can enjoy a refreshing dip before indulging in a pancake-filled breakfast buffet. As the afternoon unfolds, take in the panoramic views of Piccadilly Circus while savoring a London-themed afternoon tea, complete with a chocolate Big Ben filled with raspberry ganache.
The Dilly’s legendary doorman, Rushy, is your guide to discovering iconic “Harry Potter” filming locations. Just a short stroll away, immerse yourself in the magic of Hamleys, the seven-story toy emporium, or grab a smash burger at Supernova. Piccadilly Circus, with its dazzling lights, promises a thrilling evening experience for kids and adults alike.
Insider Tip: For a dose of literary charm, cross the street to Waterstones, renowned for its vast children’s book section.
Fitzroy: A Parisian Dream in the Heart of Bloomsbury
Step into the Fitzroy, an IHG hotel, and be transported to a Parisian chateau, its terracotta façade reminiscent of a bygone era. The hotel’s interior, however, is a realm of pure fantasy, defying the expectations of its Bloomsbury address.
A 2018 renovation uncovered a captivating zodiac mosaic in the lobby, leading up the marble staircase to a bronze dragon, which visitors rub for good luck. This dragon, a creation of architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, is an identical replica of the one that graced the ill-fated Titanic. Unwind in the hotel’s cozy bar, Fitz’s, with its plush velvet décor and discreet back entrance.
Insider Tip: Immerse yourself in the literary history of Bloomsbury by visiting nearby Gordon Square, a meeting place for the renowned Bloomsbury Group. This square was home to English writer Virginia Woolf, who lived at no. 46 before renting the property to the famous economist John Maynard Keynes.
The Goring: A Touch of Royalty in Belgravia
The Goring, an Edwardian five-star hotel, exudes an aura of refined elegance. Its Royal Suite was redesigned for Kate Middleton’s royal wedding entourage, a testament to its connection to the British monarchy. The hotel’s CEO, Jeremy Goring, commissioned a whimsical painting depicting a Tudor courtier kissing the hand of Elizabeth I, a humorous breach of royal protocol.
While the royal family has been a long-time patron of The Goring, the hotel’s standard rooms are equally captivating, adorned with Gainsborough silks that echo the fabrics used in Buckingham Palace, just around the corner.
Insider Tip: Indulge in a leisurely afternoon on The Goring’s expansive croquet lawn and gardens, said to be larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
Portobello Hotel: A Bohemian Haven in Notting Hill
Kate Moss’s vintage shopping excursions put Portobello Road Market on the map, and her love for champagne helped elevate the bohemian spirit of the nearby Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill. Legend has it that Moss and Johnny Depp enjoyed a champagne bath in Room 16, a testament to the hotel’s free-spirited atmosphere.
Despite the soaring property values of Notting Hill’s charming pillared houses, the Portobello Hotel retains a timeless essence, reminiscent of the Swinging Sixties and the louche 1990s. This spirit is reflected in the hotel’s opulent décor: lush wallpaper, Moroccan tiles, miles of velvet, and rolltop baths large enough for two.
Insider Tip: Escape the bustle of Portobello Road by strolling along Golborne Road and stopping at Rellik, one of Moss’s favorite vintage boutiques.
CitizenM: A Sustainable Hub in Bankside
CitizenM, a pioneer in the south-of-Thames hotel scene, has become a creative hub for the Bankside neighborhood, thanks to its proximity to trendy restaurants and shops. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its BREEAM-certified building, which features an in-house app designed to minimize food waste in its bustling cafe and co-working space.
Partnering with the surplus-food marketplace Too Good To Go, CitizenM ensures that uneaten breakfast items find a loving home. Since 2019, over 22,683 meals have been diverted from landfills, showcasing the hotel’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
Insider Tip: Guests can explore the nearby Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the Thames Path for free entertainment.
The Ned: A Gatsby-Esque Extravaganza in the City
In the evening, the art deco Ned transforms into a Gatsby-esque wonderland, with nine vibrant restaurants and bars attracting Londoners from across the city. Indulge in the decadent lobster roll at Electric Diner or savor the 44-day-aged prime rib at Lutyens Grill, named for the renowned architect, Edwin “Ned” Lutyen.
The Sunday feast, a social media sensation, features a captivating pyramid of lobsters. Live jazz and swing dancers transport guests back to the roaring 1940s, creating an unforgettable ambiance.
Insider Tip: Indulge your sweet tooth with a jelly “fronut” (a donut filled with ice cream) at the hotel’s new ice cream parlor. This delightful treat is the dessert of the moment.
The Zetter Clerkenwell: A Romantic Retreat in Clerkenwell
Arriving at the cobblestone square outside the Zetter Clerkenwell’s 13-room townhouse, furnished with period Chesterfields, is like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. For those seeking a cozy retreat, the hotel’s candlelit Parlour, managed by mixologist Anas El Bahhaj, offers an intimate setting.
Relax in a velvet armchair and savor El Bahhaj’s signature Nettle Gimlet, a delightful blend of East London Gin and foraged herbs. This unique cocktail captures the essence of Clerkenwell’s distinctive character.
Insider Tip: Explore Clerkenwell’s chic bistros and bars, including Sessions Arts Club and Mikkeler Brewpub on bustling Exmouth Market.
The Hoxton: A Creative Oasis in Shoreditch
The Hoxton transformed an abandoned parking lot in Shoreditch into a 24/7 open art house, attracting artists, curators, and musicians. This haven of creativity features an exposed-brick lounge, an open pantry, and charming bijou bedrooms.
“Being part of the rich artistic heritage and continuing to celebrate that was really important to us,” says Harry Raikes, who recently opened Haricot Gallery in a nearby graffiti-covered warehouse. “It has an energy we’re able to feed off, and a really strong community that cares for the arts – we didn’t know it would be that strong, but we’re really grateful for it.”
Insider Tip: Head to the Llama Inn, the hotel’s Peruvian rooftop bar, offering three types of pisco sours and breathtaking views of Shoreditch’s street art.
The Luxury Inn: A Bohemian Hideaway in Dalston
As Shoreditch and Hoxton gained popularity in the 2000s, artsy party-goers migrated northward to Dalston. The Luxury Inn, a cozy haven in this burgeoning neighborhood, has become a favorite crash pad.
This former printing factory, now furnished with vintage finds and moody lighting, is within easy walking distance of Brilliant Corners, a bar that has replaced West Indian haunts like the Four Aces, which now operates as a community library.
The Afro-Caribbean Ridley Road Market Bar is another local gem. “We’ve tried to capture the beautiful chaos of the market and the feeling of a holiday bar, where everyone is welcome and the drinks are fun,” says owner Kerry Maisey. “The true essence of Dalston lies in its strong community spirit.”
Insider Tip: LGBTQ+ guests staying at The Luxury Inn will appreciate the nearby Dalston Superstore, a hub for all things LGBTQ+, featuring a Queer club, cafe, and community space.
Beyond the City: Embrace London’s Neighborhoods
These nine hotels are more than just places to rest your head. They offer a unique window into the soul of London, each one reflecting the distinctive character of its neighborhood. So, embark on an adventure and let these hotels be your guide to exploring the vibrant tapestry of England’s capital city. From artistic havens to royal retreats, there’s a perfect London hotel waiting to welcome you.
