If London excels at anything, it’s lodgings with soul—from the silver-service glamour of Claridge’s to the shiny new scenes of At Sloane. But these days, it’s the city’s next generation of stays—creative, design-led rentals that might include a sweet stay tucked into a mews, a contemporary warehouse with exposed brick, or a period town house on a leafy street—that capture the true spirit of living like a local. In a place where nightly rates can soar well into four figures, claiming your own corner of the city feels more like the move. Here are the London Airbnbs where you can carry on like a local—homes that are made for sinking back into after a morning finding the best coffee or after a late night in Soho.
Perks: Underfloor heating, gallery-like, architecturally designed
Once a studio, now an elegant hideout, this one-bedroom space was designed by award-winning architect Julius Taminiau, balancing raw structure with comfort. The lounge, dining, and kitchen mix beneath beautiful ceilings; the bedroom offers privacy plus underfloor heating, a private courtyard, and a thoughtful material palette—from soft linens to crisp masonry—that combines to give this warehouse more of an artist’s studio feel. Its location in Deptford also lends it a bit of an edge: south east London character, but also home to the much-loved market for weekend perusing. Price from £842 for three nights, with a three-night minimum.
Perks: Private roof terrace, kitchen pantry, playroom/yoga studio, across from Hyde Park
Spread across four beautiful Georgian floors, this charming town house is perfect for families needing extra space to spread out. Inside, interiors marry beauty and coziness—think a charming living room for long evenings in front of the fire, a sophisticated kitchen for big breakfast spreads and shared cooking, and a deep soaking tub for relaxing in. Upstairs, a playroom easily converts into a yoga space, while the roof terrace offers a sweet slice of quiet in the city. You’re just steps from Hyde Park (catch conversations at Speaker’s Corner), Mayfair, and Bond Street. Price from £7,783 for five nights, with a five-night minimum.
Perks: Natural light, near Ladbroke Grove station, garden-facing bedroom
This one-bed flat is only a four-minute walk to Portobello Road and just a three-minute walk to the nearest tube station. Ideal for living out a Richard Curtis film, Notting Hill is one of London’s most beautiful corners. Inside, there’s a large bedroom towards the back of the building, which keeps things quiet, but all the natural light will make sitting in the living room the place to be, plus it shines a shadow on the warm woods and textured accents. The table sits six as well, so it’s ideal for hosting. Price from £772 for two nights, with a two-night minimum.
Perks: Air-conditioning, original panelling, two bathrooms
Step out the front door of this Georgian home and one way you’ll find the busy scenes of Seven Dials Market, but head the other way and you’ll end up in Covent Garden’s Theatreland, where some of the city’s best sites (including the Royal Opera House) and restaurants have found their footing. Back at base, you’ll find original wood-paneled walls, vaulted living areas, and colorful decorative touches inside. The three bedrooms are fitted with AC and lovely linens, and the open-plan top-floor kitchen meets living room is the perfect place to rest the legs after a day out on the feet. Price from £3154 for three nights, with a three-night minimum.
Perks: Original 1960s design details, outdoor space, light-filled interiors
This midcentury mews house is a rare design find in London—beautifully renovated and at the same time celebrating the best of its 1964 soul. Expect sculptural lines, retro ceilings (original ’70s cladding, in fact), and bathrooms fitted with Italian marble. The living room slips through sliding glass doors to a terrace, and the bedrooms and bathrooms carry subtle vintage nods but are reimagined in a contemporary palette. A perfect base for those who want residential calm with character and proximity to Camden, Primrose Hill, and Regent’s Park. Price from £1402 for two nights, with a two-night minimum.
Perks: Fully staffed, period property
Jane Austen fans will be thrilled to hear that Henry’s Town House was the former home of the author’s brother in the 18th century. A six-bedroom Regency town house in the middle of Marylebone, the space consists of six decked-out bedrooms designed by Russel Sage Studio (four posters, lots of silks, velvets and patterns), plus, if you’re after a total takeover, you can add on a full team to support, including a private chef and staff who will be there for any need or drink creation. It’s wonderfully spacious, discreet, and, despite its age, it’s got plenty of modern touches. Price from £5900 per night.
Perks: Industrial features, local East London energy, open-plan living
Situated between London Fields and Victoria Park, this loft is totally cool and fitting of its east London location. Exposed brick, white-washed floors, and generous glazing allow light to flood in. And the furnishings lean eclectic—midcentury, vintage, art-forward—with a living-meets-dining-room layout that accommodates group gatherings and lounging. When you head outside, Mare Street’s best wine bars and bakeries are just a quick walk away, so it’s ideal for guests who want to experience what this part of the city is really all about. Price from £298 per night.
Perks: High ceilings, two en suite bedrooms, Sonos sound system, concierge services by Stay & Escape
Right in the heart of charming Clerkenwell, this open-plan loft offers a dose of London cool behind the gates of a private courtyard. Inside, exposed brick walls lined with art, designer furniture, and 22-foot vaulted ceilings keep things spacious. There’s warmth here too—soft Egyptian cotton sheets, fluffy robes, and all the perks of a hotel without actually being one. Every detail feels considered, from the sleek kitchen to the built-in Sonos system. Managed by Stay & Escape, it’s a home that blends high-level polish with soulful, lived-in comfort. We also love how near it is to Exmouth Market, one of London’s best food-lined streets. Price from £5,511 for three nights, with a three-night minimum.
Craving an escape? From colorful carry-ons to cleverly designed packing cubes (how did we ever travel without them?), shop everything you need to make the journey in style—and as streamlined and stress-free as possible.
