8 of the Best Hotels in London
London is a fun-filled city to explore. It’s a maze of streets and a melting pot of cultures, with something new to discover around every corner. The artistic side of the city is a gem, where buildings have stood for centuries and are more than worth exploring. But, where are you going to sleep after all of that exploration?
In this article, I’m going to be sharing eight of the best hotels in London with you. Hopefully they fill you with inspiration for your own trip.
Learn More: 10 of the Best Things to Do in London
Choosing the Best Hotels in London
When choosing my favourite hotels in London, I landed on quite the mixed bag. They’re in slightly different areas, as I would recommend choosing a hotel based on what you’re looking to do in the city.
It is worth noting that, as much as I love London, it can be expensive. Previously, I would have been happy to recommend Airbnbs too. Until more information is released regarding the current hush money situation with Airbnb, I’ve made the decision not to recommend them. Your safety is the most important thing to me.
1. Leman Locke
It’s safe to say that some of the hotels on this list are going to be expensive, which is why I wanted to start with Leman Locke. This is where I stay in London when I’m just looking for a relaxing stay, a great location for getting around the city and an affordable price.
Just a stone’s throw away from Aldgate East Underground station, Leman Locke is easily accessible. This area of London can be a little bit gritty, but it’s full of creatives, galleries and amazing food.
I love the rooms here and I hope that some of you do too. Each one looks like a miniature apartment. The pastel hues dotted with mid-century modern touches look wonderful and each space is complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows. Affordable comfort in a nutshell.
Learn More: Leman Locke (Official Website) | Leman Locke (Booking.com)
2. Mandarin Oriental
Offering views over Hyde Park, this Mandarin Oriental is one of my favourite hotels in London. It is incredibly expensive when compared to some of the capital’s other hotels, but it’s also a notoriously easy hotel to fall head over heels for.
Upon crossing the road from the hotel, you’ll be in Hyde Park. That’s how great of a location this Mandarin Oriental offers. The hotel is just a short journey away from the Natural History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace.
When you enter your room, you’ll find that no stone has been left unturned to create a home away from home. Spacious, airy and fuelled by natural colours, it’s easy to settle down for the night and enjoy views of Hyde Park from the balcony.
Learn More: Mandarin Oriental (Official Website) | Mandarin Oriental (Booking.com)
3. Native Bankside
Shakespeare’s Globe is one of my favourite places in London to catch a performance and one I would happily recommend to all of you. Native Bankside just happens to be right around the corner from it. This affordable option is a charming aparthotel in a central location, tucked away down a quieter road.
Follow the river and you’ll find that London Bridge is just a short walk away. The Southbank area itself is a cultural haven. From Native Bankside, go for a stroll and see if you can spot the medieval ruins of Winchester Palace or head up The Shard for an incredible view of the city.
One thing I love about Native Bankside is the industrial exterior, as the building is a fully-converted tea warehouse. The interior is homely and hones in on the overall aesthetic of the building. Rooms range from small Crash Pads to large Two Bedrooms that are incredibly spacious when compared to others across the capital.
Learn More: Native Bankside (Official Website) | Native Bankside (Booking.com)
4. The Lost Poet
Ready for a stay in Notting Hill? The Lost Poet is a relatively new addition to London’s illustrious hotel scene. The townhouse fits in perfectly with the area, just a stroll away from the colourful buildings Notting Hill is synonymous with.
Located on Portobello Road, you couldn’t ask for a better location. Portobello Market might have you humming songs in your head if you’ve recently watched Bedknobs & Broomsticks and the pastel houses surrounding are delightful. This is a great area to wander.
There are just four rooms in this Notting Hill townhouse, each of which comes with a unique colour scheme. The Muse is gorgeous (and my personal favourite), with dark wooden floors, a private roof terrace and enough space to really stretch your legs. Did I mention the freestanding bath?
Learn More: The Lost Poet (Official Website)
5. Shangri-La, The Shard
If you’re looking for a bird’s-eye view of London, I would love to let you know about Shangri-La, The Shard. One of London’s primary architectural icons, The Shard offers one of the best views in the city. That is, as long as you’re not afraid of heights.
When you stay in The Shard, you’re staying in the tallest building in the United Kingdom. London looks miniature below, as it isn’t quite as high-rise fuelled as other cities. You can find London Bridge just a short walk away and the neighbouring station makes getting around the capital easy.
One thing to pay attention to is the fact that rooms in The Shard are categorised by view. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of your surroundings, but the rooms themselves are also spacious and comfy. For a real splurge, the London Suite is ideal, with a bath right by the window.
Learn More: Shangri-La, The Shard (Official Website) | Shangri-La, The Shard (Booking.com)
6. Chiltern Firehouse
There are plenty of reasons why Chiltern Firehouse attracts all sorts of people. Housed in an old fire station, it’s a charming place. What was once the engine house has been transformed into Nuno Mendes, a magnetic restaurant, and the bedrooms are situated just above.
Right in the heart of Marylebone, Chiltern Firehouse is just off of Baker Street, home to the quaint Sherlock Holmes Museum. The Wallace Collection is just down the road and some of London’s most picturesque green spaces are within walking distance.
Inside, all of the retro-infused rooms are comfortable, homely and original. You can find glimpses of the elegance of times long since passed, alongside special features like fireplaces.
Learn More: Chiltern Firehouse (Official Website)
7. The Savoy
In an ever-changing world of London hotels, there’s something homelike about The Savoy. With predictable high standards, the legendary American Bar and numerous beautifully-decorated rooms, it’s a hotel unlike any other in the capital.
The Savoy can be found in Covent Garden, a short walk away from The National Gallery. Here, the theatres of the West End are easy to reach and public transport is accessible for getting around the capital.
The rooms at The Savoy are all light, airy and elegant, with Art Deco and Edwardian motifs playing a primary role. My favourites are the ones that overlook the River Thames, especially as the sun sets on an evening.
Learn More: The Savoy (Official Website) | The Savoy (Booking.com)
Special Pick: ZSL London Zoo Lodges
In each of these articles, I like to include a special pick. This is always somewhere unique and somewhere I would happily go back to. As lovely as hotels can be, sometimes we all just need a little bit more. For London, that would have to be ZSL London Lodges. If you’re fond of animals and trips to the zoo, these might be for you.
It is worth noting that the lodges are quite basic, but you’re not really coming here for the accommodation. You’re coming for the experience of up-close-and-personal tours of the zoo. Each guest gets to enjoy three tours, all happening when the zoo is closed to visitors.
During the tours, you’ll get to visit animals during either their feeding or enrichment time, learning about their lives, species and conservation. It can be incredible visiting some of the nocturnal species at night.
Learn More: ZSL London Zoo Lodges (Official Website)
Staying in the Best Hotels in London
There are so many beautiful hotels in London to choose from. I would always recommend considering what you’re going to be doing, public transport links and what you really need to be present in a hotel to be happy. London is a huge place and basing yourself in a good location can be useful.
I hope that my picks for the best hotels in London have helped to fill you with inspiration.
Do you have a favourite place to stay in London or a hotel that you would love to share? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
