From old-world classics to their sophisticated contemporaries, London’s hotel landscape is endlessly varied. There are, overwhelmingly, over 1,500 of them in the capital. Stay central and you’ll find yourself within walking distance of the city’s food-first powerhouses in Soho and Mayfair, or Covent Garden for the late-night shows. Otherwise, consider the more posh neighborhoods of Chelsea and Kensington—ideal for leisurely days spent browsing boutiques and art galleries or strolling over to Notting Hill for coffee and craft bakeries. While the grande dames in this space come with equally grand price tags, a crop of independent, design-forward hotels that offer elegant interiors and high-end amenities at approachable price points have emerged. Here, a curated list of London’s most striking hotels, ones which embody the city’s cosmopolitan charm and classically English hospitality.
Perks: Art Deco style, two restaurants, full-service spa, 24-hour butler service
When most people think of London, tea, the queen, and rain surely come to mind—but more often than not Claridge’s does too. A long-standing Mayfair staple that’s been on the scene since 1812, it’s the blueprint for considered, quintessentially English service. Regulars return for the smoke-filled fumoirs, polished salons, and head-turning Christmas trees (past collaborators include Jimmy Choo and Dior). But it’s the rooms upstairs that make this place the stuff of legends: shiny chinoiserie, grand English glitz, and 24-hour butler service included. Fresh from a major renovation, Claridge’s is sharper now than ever, with additions like a five-story basement spa and a rooftop pool suite. Still iconic, still discreet, and still pulling in well-heeled travelers of both the local and international variety. From $1,259 per night.
Perks: Cocktail bar, fitness studio, nearby Paddington square
It was a bold move to open something as elevated as the Grand Hotel Bellevue in Paddington, a leafy corner of the city better known for its train station than stylish overnight crowds. That’s exactly what Italian architect and interior designer Fabrizio Casiraghi set out to change—drawing in a quieter, cooler demographic to this side of town. Housed inside a Victorian town house, the interiors lean into his signature palette of deep greens, burnt oranges, and dark woods, where rooms can range from petite and cabin-like to light-filled and lofty. For design enthusiasts who can’t resist a quilted Bode garment, you might be enchanted by the fact that the lobby was curated by the beloved designer herself, Emily Adams Bode Aujla. To enter here, you’ll need to ring the bell: a low-key and completely intentional way to invite yourself in. From $203 per night.
Perks: Bar with resident DJs, top floor restaurant, across the street from a Tube stop
This classic town house turned boutique hotel was a welcome addition to Chelsea’s much-loved Sloane Square when it opened in 2023. In this prime west London redbrick building, At Sloane manages to stay subtly in-the-know—evading hotel traditions with it’s one part members club, one part speakeasy business model (don’t miss the buzzy basement bar) and decidedly private residence look and feel. It makes sense that it’s the sister space to Paris’s ever-popular Hotel Costes, as the French influence is palpable from the Atelier Mériguet-Carrère–designed interiors flush with sumptuous fabrics, period wallpapers, candles galore, and antique decor. Upstairs, wildly patterned curtains and black-and-white tiles offset the peaceful atmosphere of the quiet, soundproofed bedrooms. From $812 per night.
Perks: Italian gastronomy restaurant, rooftop bar, walking distance to the West End
Martin Brudnizki—a color connoisseur and master of pattern—brings his signature mashups to this 57-room Soho bolt-hole. Smack dab in the middle of London’s best neighborhood for eating and drinking, it’s an ode to the eccentric: part town house maximalism, part Studio 54 disco fever. Expect Murano chandeliers, mirrors by Sogni di Cristallo, custom Pierre Frey fabrics, and minibars disguised as brass elephants shipped over from Jaipur. Two giant elephants (there’s a theme) in top hats greet you on arrival, while upstairs shimmering wallpapers and whimsical prints continue the more-is-more extravagance. The rooftop bar Flute is a destination in itself, while Dear Jackie serves Sicilian classics by candlelight. Bold, joyful, and full of Soho soul, this one’s all about letting the good times roll. From $711 per night.
Perks: 18th-century France-inspired maximalist interiors, members’ club, BXR Marylebone gym access
The Twenty Two turned heads with its opening in swanky Mayfair in 2022. But it fit right in, drawing in fashion week crowds and an international clientele who appreciate the exclusive members club feel and decadent interiors. In an Edwardian manor near Grosvenor Square—where sprawling shopping destinations Regents Street and New Bond Street are there for window gawking—the 31 rooms prove to be a welcome respite from city noise. Cherry red four posters, delicate wallpaper, and frilly tasseled furniture lean into French design mores. Despite the somewhat snooty atmosphere, the team go above and beyond to make sure you feel welcome, whether you need a shirt pressed, a reservation made at the hottest table in the city, or to sneak down for a Sunday Roast in the blue-hued dining room. From $880 per night.
Perks: Two restaurants, cocktail bar, walking distance to the West End
There’s been a steady stream of American arrivals on the London hospitality scene, but NoMad London made one of the more dramatic entrances. Set in the former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court—once home to the trials of Oscar Wilde and the Krays—it opened with much fanfare in 2021 with Roman and Williams at the helm. The design studio went with a dark and moody theme for the interiors—paneled walls, peach satin curtains, marble fireplaces, and over 1,600 pieces of art that include floor-leaning abstracts—with the exception of the sceney atrium, with its soaring glass roof and lime green banquettes that see lots of sunlight during the daytime. The rooms themselves also feature deep tubs and custom details (a John Derian pen pot here, a mohair accent there). You’re never short of food options here, either, between Side Hustle for Latin-inspired cocktails and large plates or the new Twenty8 NoMad brasserie that just opened downstairs. Price from $670 per night.
Perks: Restaurant by Michelin-starred chef, disco and cocktail bar, across the street from King’s Cross Station
Opened in 2019 as the brand’s first UK outpost, The Standard brings a fresh, offbeat energy to King’s Cross. Housed in a restored Brutalist building, it strikes a balance between retro styling and modern comforts: think curved lines, velvet textures, savvy speaker systems, and deep soaking tubs, with some rooms claiming some pretty special views of St. Pancras. Double Standard, the ground-floor bar, is a go-to for late-night drinks and a hip crowd, while the rooftop draws a steady stream of creatives with its panoramic cityscapes and lighthearted cocktails (in keeping with its stateside locations). It’s a stay that feels considered, casual, and clever, with just enough sexiness to stand out in one of London’s most dynamic neighborhoods. From $271 per night.
Perks: Rooftop bar, full-service spa, rooftop pool
The more low-key, fun, and quietly cool sister hotel to Claridge’s, The Berkeley shares its smart service and “everything’s taken care of” energy. Five designers, including André Fu and Joyce Wang, have left their mark on the neutral-toned rooms, where monogrammed robes, Frette towels, and premixed cocktails chill in the fridge. Heritage runs deep—it opened in the late 19th century—but there’s nothing stuffy about this place. Regulars return for the rooftop pool (imagine an early 1900s ocean liner), the Knightsbridge zip code, and its prime location across the street from Hyde Park. There’s a Cedric Grolet patisserie for next-level sweets, and a watering hole called The Berkeley Bar & Terrace that keeps things jazzy, especially after a martini or two. All in all, it’s a classic stay with a contemporary, playful soul. From $1,219 per night.
Perks: Cocktail bar, in-room spa services, near several museums, central location
Ideally located by the V&A and Natural History Museum, The Kensington is a quiet place to hole up near some of London’s most celebrated sights. Spread across seven white stucco Victorian buildings, The Kensington Hotel gets the English townhouse aesthetic just right—traditional, approachable, and elegant, but never over-the-top. Bold headboards and textured bedding accents ensure that even the more compact rooms have a distinct style, while other airier spaces offer tall ceilings, big windows, and chinoiserie prints wrapping the walls. The hotel is a sleeper hit with the old-school crowd who come for the team’s warmth and understated cleverness. After a day spent getting your steps in at Regent’s Park or boutique hopping in South Ken, there’s nothing better than a long soak in a roll top tub and a fireside nightcap in the lounge. From $496 per night.
