From properties that draw inspiration from days gone by to royal faves and modern wellness haunts, these designer hotels all have one thing in common, and that's that we love them.
From heritage hotels in Singapore to the world’s most sustainable properties, we make it our mission to find glorious places to lay your head across the globe. Filled with countless accommodations, England’s capital is a hub when it comes to hotels who really care about great interiors and story-telling, so much so, that it can be hard to choose. We’ve gone ahead and made life easier by curating a list of stunning boutique hotels in London that get a right royal thumbs up from us. P.S. if you have kids, don’t miss our picks for family-friendly hotels in London too.
Take a listen to our fave tunes by artists from across the UK as you explore the capital.
For hotel lovers looking for an authentic British boutique stay, The Gore (main image) is the place to be. Offering 50 rooms and suites in the heart of Kensington (and just around the corner from Royal Albert Hall), each room is individually designed and infused with its own unique atmosphere.
We love the stunning antiques and period photos on display here, not to mention the ornately designed beds and luxe fabrics. Sample contemporary classic dishes at 190 Queen’s Gate or revel in the rock ‘n’ roll vibes at Bar 190, best known as the location for the photoshoot for The Rolling Stones’ 1968 album Beggars Banquet.
Find out more about The Gore
The Hari is all about modern luxury, and the interiors by Tara Bernerd & Partners give off this feeling from the moment you step inside. Velvet furnishings sit next to bespoke wooden furniture and marble bathrooms can be found throughout. A selection of art from the likes of Tracey Emin can be seen in both the rooms and public areas.
Enjoy an alfresco lunch or dinner at The Garden Terrace or opt for authentic homemade Italian cuisine from Il Pampero. Hidden away in beautiful Belgravia, The Hari is the perfect base from which to discover the capital.
Read more about The Hari
Although The Rookery’s name refers to Smithfield’s time as a criminal neighbourhood, this gorgeous Georgian-styled hotel, with opulent furnishings, antique furniture and regal interiors, is anything but. Located in Smithfield, the hotel has original Georgian features, is decked out in wooden beams and furniture, and has plenty of silk, gold, and rich patterns.
There are 33 historically-inspired rooms, each unique but all with four poster beds, living areas, vintage writing desks, and free-standing baths. There’s a library, conservatory and drawing room, all lavishly decorated in period style, where you can enjoy a warm drink each day or curl up with a book. This is also where you can opt to enjoy a delicious continental breakfast, and although there are few other amenities onsite, you can order cocktails or room service, and East London is on the doorstep.
Find out more about The Rookery
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in London with impeccable service and a fabulous location, then COMO the Halkin is for you. This gorgeous property is staffed by some of the world’s best, and it’s discrete locale in Belgravia makes it the perfect spot to escape the crowds.
The Georgian-style brickwork on the exterior gives a very British welcome to guests, while inside, the 41 rooms infuse modern design with Asian sentiment. Be sure to enjoy a drink or afternoon tea at The Halkin Bar or experience a signature COMO Shambhala massage in the comfort of your room.
Read our full review on COMO the Halkin
Discover more about COMO The Halkin
If clashing patterns and bold colours are your thing, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy a stay at Sun Street Hotel. Housed in six former Georgian townhouses, the design for this boutique property is inspired by the 1913 publication: The Google Book. You’ll find odes to the quirky children’s book from the cocktails to the wallpaper here, which makes for a delightful stay in the heart of trendy Shoreditch.
Read our full review of Sun Street Hotel.
Find out more about Sun Street Hotel
Glamorous hotels abound in Fitzrovia, and The Mandrake has added itself to the list, featuring an over-the-top design that offers an eclectic mix of bright jewel tones, marbles, velvet, silk, and unusual artwork from the multi-millionaire owner all mixed together.
The rooms, suites and penthouse are more than spacious, with comfy beds, clawfoot tubs, and living areas. Each includes Italian linens, Grown Alchemist toiletries, a minibar and concierge services.
In contrast to the dimly lit, intimate interiors, there is also Jurema, a three-storey indoor terrace made of light wood and plenty of greenery, where you can enjoy light bites or drinks. Elsewhere on the food and drink front is YOPO, which serves English-South American fusion, and Waeska Bar, which mixes unusual botanical cocktails.
Not forgetting the extras, The Mandrake focuses on ‘spiritual wellbeing’ with the world’s first spiritual concierge who can arrange crystalline sound baths, sound therapy, Shamanic healing, or a cosmic gong bath.
Discover more about The Mandrake
If you’re looking for a rejuvenating space that blends great design with the most up-to-date wellness offerings, then one of the two Inhabit properties is where you need to be. Both nestled in historic Paddington, these boutique hotels pride themselves on creating thoughtful spaces that are much more than just a place for you to lay your head.
Each of the rooms have been individually designed, so you can experiment with multiple stays. Warm Scandinavian design is married with British elements to create a homely feel in the rooms which are filled with local artwork, and a selection of books and magazines.
A range of yoga and meditation classes are available daily, alongside a range of events and workshops.
Read our review of Inhabit, Queen’s Gardens.
Find out more about Inhabit
The Japanese excel at everything from minimalist design to wellness, and Prince Akatoki fuses all of this with Western comforts and amenities. Its prime Marble Arch location hides sleek, simple design overflowing with Japanese elements – from the shoji screens and light wooden furniture to the glass of sake on arrival.
The rooms are simple and ryokan-inspired, but you won’t be sleeping on the floor; instead, comfortable beds, contemporary furniture and a beautifully decorated painted screen feature in all rooms, along with Japanese tea sets, Malin + Goetz toiletries, yoga mats and a traditional yukata robe.
The hotel’s TOKii restaurant is the place to be, especially if you opt for the five-course omakase experience, which we suggest following up with a sake flight at the Malt Lounge & Bar.
Check out more about The Prince Akatoki London
Self-proclaimed as the world’s first “super boutique hotel”, The Londoner promises an urban retreat in the south west corner of famed Leicester Square. Spread across 16 storeys, this recently opened West End property was designed by international hospitality design darlings Yabu Pushelberg.
The interiors are both modern and timeless, with each room and suite individually designed and featuring objets d’art alongside magnificent views. Guests also get exclusive access to The Y Bar, The Drawing Room, and The Whisky Room, three gorgeous spaces just for hotel residents.
Choose from the hotel’s selection of luxe restaurants and bars and be sure to book in for a treatment at the spa during your stay for a little relaxation.
Find out more about The Londoner
Having recently been refreshed by designer Thierry Despont, The Beaumont is a must-stay for travellers looking for a luxe London stay with an Art Deco edge. Rooms here are generously proportioned, include exquisite marble bathrooms, and make ‘staying in’ something you’ll aspire to. But it’s the exceptional service here that takes things to another level. Whether you’re dining at The Colony Grill, enjoying a cocktail at Le Magritte Bar, or looking to entertain the kids, the seasoned team at The Beaumont will make it a stay you won’t soon forget.
Read our full review on The Beaumont Hotel.
Discover more about The Beaumont Hotel
Known to be London’s last family-owned luxury hotel, The Goring has been drawing back guests for over a hundred years. With exceptional service as a key pillar for the property, guests here can expect nothing short of impeccable hospitality with lashings of personality and fun to boot.
If you’re into all things royal, you’ll be glad to know that this boutique hotel is the closest to Buckingham Palace and has had numerous royals from across the globe grace it’s halls over its years, plus in 2013 the hotel was the first ever to receive the Royal Warrant for hospitality services.
Every single room here has unique interior design with silk-lined walls, marble bathrooms, and crisp Italian linens featuring across the property. Dine in the beautiful garden (with or without the pony in residence!) or enjoy an exceptional meal at The Dining Room, where a range of the finest British produce is used to create stunning delights.
Find out more about The Goring
Batty Langley lived in the 1700s and published books on how to decorate Georgian houses. It’s safe to say today’s hotel has kept this plush, period design to a tee, with gilded portraits lining the walls, thick carpets, tapestries, statues, and well-stocked dark wood bookshelves covering entire walls.
The rooms continue the theme with fireplaces, silk-draped canopy beds, and antique furniture decorated with heraldic crests. The suites are the best choice, some covering two floors with a terrace, Tuscan marble bath, and an Apple hub for all your tech needs. There aren’t extensive amenities here, but it’s designed to feel homely, with places to relax like the Tapestry Room or the Library, which has thousands of books to choose from. The hotel’s city location means you won’t find a restaurant, but the breakfast served in-room is superb, whether you opt for smoked salmon, fresh fruit, or porridge.
Learn more about Batty Langley’s
The Portobello Hotel makes it easy to picture yourself living a life of luxury in the leafy neighbourhood of Notting Hill. Decorated with light, airy interiors featuring weird and wonderful bold patterns and bright colours, the hotel feels modern yet uses many original neo-classical features, such as gilded mirrors, thick silk curtains, and rustic bookshelves.
The rooms, ranging from Good to Marvellous and Outstanding, are spacious, with four posters, fun furnishings, free-standing Victorian bathtubs and shelves lined with hardbacks. You’ll also get Green & Spring toiletries, fluffy robes, and a minibar.
Amenities aren’t the focus at The Portobello Hotel, but they’ve combatted this by pairing with Cloud Twelve Spa nearby, which has pools, saunas, and a Himalayan salt room. There’s no restaurant outside of breakfast service, but that doesn’t mean staff won’t arrange bookings; plus, there’s an honesty bar with a selection of spirits or room service for a light snack.
Read more about The Portobello Hotel
Designed by renowned French interiors guru Dorothee Meilichzon, The Henrietta is perfectly located in the heart of Covent Garden. Inspired by the neighbourhood’s rich history and infused with elements of Italian design, this 18-bedroom haven is a must-stay for anyone who appreciates playful colours.
We love the Grand London Eye Junior Suite that has views of its namesake along with a gorgeous freestanding bath. Da Henrietta by Italian Supper Club is the restaurant onsite and allows guests to enjoy a taste of the Italian West Coast.
Read our interview with Dorothée Meilichzon.
Find out more about The Henrietta
All design lovers know the EDITION brand, and The London EDITION, set in Fitzrovia on the edge of Soho, is a great place to set up camp if you’re visiting the capital. Formerly known as The Berners Hotel and a Grade II Historic Building, across the property, you’ll find oak floors, custom furnishings, and photography from Hendrik Kerstens that blend together to create a cabin-like interior (think yacht vibes, but on land.)
We love the warm service here and you can’t miss dining at Berners tavern, with a menu devised by the sublime Jason Atherton. Punch Room is the place if you’re on the hunt for cocktails, while The Lobby Bar is a great place to meet for drinks prior to a night on the town.
Read more about The London EDITION
Wonderfully located in the buzzing heart of London, just a stone throw away from Soho and Covent Garden, Treehouse Hotel is designer location with sustainability at its heart. Get ready to relax in well-appointed rooms, each complete with large bay windows overlooking some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Expect playful interiors with spaces decked out in a selection of colours and patterns.
Hungry travellers will want for nothing. Sample Mexican delights at Madera, tasty Italian at Pizzeria Mozza, or head up to The Nest for rooftop views and a cheeky cocktail.
Learn more about Treehouse Hotel, London
But wait, there’s more…
