Let’s get real: I write about travel, and while I don’t always pay for my hotel stays, I’ve experienced countless London hotels in various roles, so I know my way around a room. From luxury suites to budget-friendly stays, I’ve explored the city’s diverse hotel scene as a reviewer, a paying guest, a new mom, a bridesmaid, and even a competition winner. My love for London and hotels is deep, and I’m here to share some of my most memorable experiences.
Flop Houses: London’s Hotel Disasters
Not every stay is a dream. Some London hotels left a lasting impression, but not for the right reasons. Rough Luxe, now closed, was a converted Georgian townhouse in King’s Cross with a unique design philosophy: “beauty being subjective” and “material being irrelevant.” This meant peeling wallpaper, chipped paint, and poorly soundproofed windows. My stay felt more like a horror film than a relaxing getaway.
The Rookery in Clerkenwell, a historic five-star residence, was another major disappointment. Our room was directly across from a noisy nightclub, and the cobblestone street outside became a haven for clubgoers. We barely slept a wink. Our honeymoon started with a sleep-deprived flight to Heathrow and an encounter with partygoers on a chemical comedown. It felt like a scene from a zombie movie.
The Hempel near Bayswater, a meticulously curated five-star boutique hotel, was another unusual experience. While the minimalist design was impressive, the staff seemed to have forgotten basic hospitality protocols, leaving dirty room service trays untouched. When I politely pointed this out to a porter, he instead chose to share that “this breakfast here is Chelsea Clinton’s” – a security breach considering her father was the former president of the United States. It seems even high-end hotels can have their flaws. Sadly, this hotel has also since closed.
London Hotel Triumphs: From Family Fun to Classic Elegance
But amidst the duds, there are true gems. If you’re traveling to London with children, the Haymarket Hotel is a must-stay. This family-friendly haven boasts a subterranean swimming pool with a cinema screen, a snack bar, and inflatable doughnuts. Imagine bedtime treats, a TV by your bathtub, and a complimentary teddy bear on arrival. And all this within easy reach of the vibrant entertainment of Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
For budget-conscious families, the Park Plaza Riverbank is a fantastic option. Enjoy stunning Thames views from rooms starting under £200, family suites with bunk beds, chalkboard walls, and tepees for a truly memorable family experience.
If classic London atmosphere is your style, Claridge’s is the ultimate indulgence. While its steep price tag of over £800 per night may seem daunting, Claridge’s offers unparalleled luxury and service. Having stayed at other London grand dames like The Dorchester, The Lanesborough, The Savoy, The Berkeley, and Brown’s, I can confidently say that Claridge’s is the crème de la crème.
Unique London Hotel Gems: From Retro Glamour to Modern Chic
Beyond the established favorites, London offers a diverse range of unique hotel experiences. The Hotel Café Royal wins my design award, especially for its gilt-and-mirror Grill Room, where Princess Diana and Oscar Wilde once frequented. For a pre-holiday treat, Sofitel London Heathrow is the perfect choice. It offers a luxurious airport experience that feels like your holiday has already begun.
Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green takes the hip-factor award. This Insta-worthy hotel manages to be stylish without feeling pretentious. And for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience, head to One Aldwych, where the Willy Wonka-inspired extravaganza with candy floss and “fizzy-lifting drink” champagne will leave you feeling like a VIP, even if you’re not checking in.
My Favourite London Hotel: Shangri-La The Shard
And my ultimate favorite? Drumroll, please… Shangri-La The Shard! This luxury hotel occupies the top floors of the tallest building in the UK. It’s not cool, it’s not understated, and it’s not an A-list celebrity hangout. But it’s as close to magical as a London hotel can get.
What makes Shangri-La The Shard so special? I love swimming in the pool, high above the city, with clouds swirling below. The hotel often upgrades guests to rooms with even better views, and every view is spectacular. Imagine waking up in one of London’s most iconic landmarks, having already completed your sightseeing and ready to indulge in a relaxing bath with breathtaking views. From the 52nd-floor Gong bar, you can watch red double-decker buses from a height that allows you to see only the identity code numbers on their roofs.
I love that afternoon tea guests aren’t treated as second-class citizens, but welcomed with open arms. I witnessed a waiter shed a tear with a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on my last visit. The views are simply breathtaking, encompassing everything from the Wembley Stadium arch to commuters crossing London Bridge.
The hotel also demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity by employing staff from various backgrounds, including disability and homeless charities, local schools, and disadvantaged London communities. Every new employee is even invited to stay overnight with a guest to experience the Shard phenomenon firsthand.
Ultimately, Shangri-La The Shard is a hotel that could only exist in London.
So, what are your favorite and least favorite London hotels? Share your stories in the comments below!
