There are SO MANY hotels in London that you've be forgiven for getting overwhelmed at the amount of choice. Admittedly it's not the cheapest city to stay in, and I can't really help with 16 person dorm-style budget options (I live in London, so switching my double bed and en suite for a bunk in a hostel has funnily enough never appealed!), but if you're looking for a little luxury there are plenty of options. From classically British traditional establishments, to hip new hotspots and design-led boutiques, there's a bit of everything for the discerning traveller, and you're sure to find somewhere to rest your head that's exactly your speed.
In this post I've rounded up eight of my favourite hotels in London, organised by location. I'll try to add to this post whenever I review somewhere new so make sure to check back for more options, and feel free to drop me an Instagram DM or leave a comment if you're looking for further advice!
Hotels in North London
St Pancras Renaissance
Starting off with a BANG, my favourite hotel in London, St Pancras Renaissance. Admittedly, I've not stayed at them all yet so this isn't a 100% informed decision, but it's my favourite until another usurps the title.
Why so good, you ask? First off, the location. You'll find St Pancras Renaissance in the buzzy neighbourhood of Kings Cross, which hosts one of the busiest and best connected London Underground stations, and right slap bang on top of the Eurostar terminal (pretty convenient if you're coming in by train from Europe!). I know what you're thinking, a hotel in a train station? You'd be forgiven for assuming it's a cardboard cutout basic convenience chain, but trust me, it's far more special.
There's the exterior, which gives Hogwarts a run for it's money with turrets and a Big Ben-esque clocktower. Then there's the staircase, an over the top (but in a good way) visual feast decked out with floral carpeting, rich red fleur de lis wallpaper, and a starry ceiling. The rooms themselves are more pared back, but still elegant - book into the Eurostar view rooms to watch the world go by.
St Pancras Renaissance is by no means a budget hotel option, with prices ranging from £250 upwards. However, if you're looking for a really unique London stay, you can't beat it.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Euston Rd
Kings Cross
NW1 2AR
The Gyle
A Scottish/Victorian inspired converted Townhouse with a dog theme? You'd might think I'm barking (gettit?), but the somewhat surprising premise of King's Cross hotel The Gyle comes together better than you might expect. Set on Argyle Square just minutes from King's Cross Station, The Gyle is a cosy spot that feels more like a home than a hotel, with just 33 rooms done up with oak flooring, vintage mirrors, faux green grass ceilings bedecking the bar, and plenty of Archie the Scottish Terrier plastered over the soft furnishings. Again, sounds like it shouldn't work, but somehow it does.
The dimly lit, almost bachelor pad-esque green tinted bar is the place to mull over a whisky (Scotch, of course). On my visit I took part in a whisky tasting here, so I can attest to the fact that whisky connoisseurs will find themselves very much at home. But it's not just for whisky loving bachelors - the comfy (but spacious!) rooms, friendly service, and prime location make it a great base for pretty much anyone.
Rooms will set you back roughly £150-£250 depending on time of year and availability. There's plenty of things to do in the vicinity, with the British Library and British Museum within walking distance, as well as great restaurants, shopping and bars nearby (check out my King's Cross guide for ideas!).
The Gyle
16-18 Argyle Square
Kings Cross
WC1H 8AS
Hotels in West London
Artist Residence
I'll admit I've never stayed overnight in the Artist Residence, however I have utilised their beautiful Grand Suite for shooting before so can confidently recommend it based on how darn nice the place is. An intimate design-centric boutique hotel with only 10 rooms, the Artist Residence is definitely for those looking for something far removed from the usual cookie cutter chain hotel. Each room is individually designed with retro touches (and plenty of art), with prices ranging from around £250 to £450+ for the Suites.
Located in Belgravia the hotel is conveniently placed for Victoria Station (great if you're travelling in by coach, from Gatwick, or from other parts of the UK into Victoria). There's the Tate Britain nearby, Chelsea and Sloane Square within walking distance, as well as many an Instagrammable spot including Peggy Porschen and Dominique Ansel Bakery.
Artist Residence
52 Cambridge St
Chelsea
SW1V 4QQ
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel by Millennium Hotels is a West London haven away from the buzz of the city, for those looking for a retreat from the sometimes overwhelming busyness of London. Sat on Chelsea Harbour (funnily enough!), the hotel overlooks a peaceful view of boats in the marina, within walking distance of the King's Road. It's not the most accessible location (the nearest tube is a bus ride away), but it has it's own charm thanks to the unique London views.
The hotel is also unique in solely providing suites, which are luxurious, modern and spacious. There's also a spa and wellness centre, swimming pool and business centre - this 5 star hotel is equipped with everything you could need, including top notch service. There's also a restaurant on-site, which serves contemporary European cuisine.
Suite rates vary from £150-£220 depending on season and availability.
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel
Chelsea Harbour Dr
Fulham
SW10 0XG
Hotels in East London
Montcalm Royal London House
A former Royal Mail Head Office, the Montcalm Royal London House is now a chic, lively hotel perfectly placed between the sleek buildings of The City, and the creative hub of Shoreditch. It's got plenty to recommend it - stylish rooms, several bars (that serve up a mean cocktail!) and a rooftop restaurant. But what I loved the most was The Aviary, a collection of igloos perched atop the roof, decked out in alpine style, where you can enjoy drinks high above the city.
I stayed at The Montcalm on a Friday night, and it was positively buzzing. The downstairs bar was packed out, the restaurant even more so. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're right in the centre of everything, largely thanks to its prime location in happening East London, a stone's throw from Liverpool Street Station, and all the bars, restaurants and nightlife of Shoreditch and Hoxton. Even if you're not looking to party, the area is fascinating to explore by day. There's the markets of Brick Lane and Spitalfields, hot new restaurants, street food, independent boutiques jostling with vintage stores, and more besides.
There are many different types of room, therefore the rates differ - pay anything from £160 for a basic room to £500+ for the more luxury options.
Montcalm Royal London House
22-25 Finsbury Square
Liverpool Street
EC2A 1DX
Nobu Hotel
Another cool Shoreditch spot, the Nobu Hotel (yup, that Nobu) is a minimally designed Asian inspired hotel in Shoreditch, not far from both Liverpool Street and Old Street stations. The exterior is a dramatic sight, with exposed beams, diagonal walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside is, for lack of a better word, a bit sexy, all dim light and and dark fittings with a distinctly Japanese feel. The rooms are simple, comfortable, and do the trick - because after all, you'll probably be out all night partying in Shoreditch anyway!
Of course, Nobu is all about the food, with a cafe and restaurant on site. Sadly I didn't get a chance to try the cuisine, so you'll have to do it for me and report back! We did pop out to the terrace for some snaps, which at time of visiting was decked out in a beautiful faux sakura installation.
Room start from £180 a night, though I booked via Hotel Tonight's app and got it considerably cheaper, so make sure to check for deals.
Nobu Hotel
10-50 Willow St
Shoreditch
EC2A 4BH
Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square
The Four Seasons is a reliable name, and with good reason. You can expect top quality facilities, comfort, and to be taken care of, and Four Seasons Ten Trinity is no exception. On my visit, I was lucky enough to stay in one of the residences, which was honestly bigger than my flat, decked out with a dining room, supersized flat screen tv, kitchen and two en-suite rooms. Total luxury, and yes I would like to move in please. I also peeked in to a couple of the suites (above right), which were slightly smaller (just bed and bath), but even more decadent in design, with regal four poster beds, sweeping curtains, marble bathrooms and roll top tubs.
There are two restaurants on site - Asian fusion Mei Ume, and Michelin-starred Le Dame de Pic. I tried both and was not disappointed. There's also the Rotunda, an elegant circular bar space in the foyer, and the private members club, where we enjoyed a one-on-one wine tasting. Unsurprisingly, the service is top notch, and made even easier with the Four Seasons app, which allows you to make bookings and chat directly with the concierge.
Room rates vary from standard rooms to the suites and residences depending on time and availability.
Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square
10 Trinity Square
Tower Hill
EC3N 4AJ
Hotels in South London
Sea Containers London
Another one I've never actually stayed overnight at, however I've visited Sea Containers on so many occasions for events and to shoot that I feel I can comfortably recommend it. Based right on the South Bank (okay it's barely South London, but anything South of the river counts!) with views over the Thames, it's brilliantly positioned for exploring major areas of London without needing to hop on the bus or tube. Head across the bridge to Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and all the other major Central London tourist spots, or wander down the river to Tower Bridge and Borough Market. Within the Southbank vicinity you're close to the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery, and constant markets and events that make it such a vibrant place to stay.
The hotel itself is decorated with quirky maritime touches and chic design details, from the outdoor seasonal terrace to the colourful 12th Knot rooftop bar, host to some of the best London views. I've also heard good things about cocktail bar Lyaness, which is considered one of the world's top bars (high praise indeed!) though sadly I have yet to visit.
Rooms start from around £200 a night, but expect to pay slightly more for Thames views and the suites and apartments.
Sea Containers London
20 Upper Ground
South Bank
SE1 9PD
Some of these hotel stays were gifted press stays, however this has in no way affected my review. If I don't like it, I don't include it! Do let me know if you end up staying at any of these, or if you have any other London hotels you'd recommend!
Artist Residence is such a vibe!! Looove the interior of it
http://www.petitelliee.com
Ellie xx
Author
Yess me too, I wish I could move in! So good for shoots as well