I’m a travel writer who lived in London for 15 years and these are the only hotels I recommend to friends planning a visit

New Road Hotel

Book New Road Hotel

A former textile factory in Whitechapel (East London), this historic building has been converted into a stylish 79-room boutique hotel. The design was inspired by the energy of New York City, evident in the hotel’s hip spaces that range from a chic cocktail bar to the trendy breakfast cafe with rich blue velvet and leather decor that serves cereal cocktails.

Entry-level Pocket rooms are just 130 square feet and upgraded Warehouse rooms are only 150 square feet. However, the rooms are cleverly designed to maximize space by omitting phones (there’s a WhatsApp number for reception) and using a hanging space instead of closets. Exposed brick walls, original factory details, and bold orange and blue pillows add charm. For additional space, larger top floor Loft rooms have private terraces with views of the city, and some come with a spa bathroom or outdoor hot tub, though they cost roughly $150 per night more. 

An on-site English Chophouse by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White will satiate carnivores and there’s also an emphasis on engaging with other guests; the hotel features a game room, a rooftop fitness and yoga space, a library workspace, and a communal ironing station.

The eclectic neighborhood is a hot spot for Indian restaurants, discount fashion boutiques, galleries, and guided Jack the Ripper true crime tours.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London Tower of London

Book DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London Tower of London

Just a five-minute walk from its namesake Tower of London, this well-known chain hotel delivers a solid experience that is also well-positioned to easily explore the city.

Rooms are available for around $100 during slower months, but the cheap price doesn’t sacrifice style or comfort. The hotel is modern and fresh with a glass-roof atrium lobby and a rooftop bar with skyline views.

Standard rooms are clean, but in line with most traditional chains, lack real character. They have a typical business hotel feel with crisp white linens, a work desk, a small sitting chair, a TV, and not much else. But for those who don’t plan to spend much time in their rooms and are driven by budget, the standard amenities are more than satisfactory, and floor-to-ceiling windows allow for good natural light.

There is no spa, but there is a small fitness and business center. In addition to the rooftop bar and small lobby bar, there is a cafe where guests can eat breakfast for an extra cost. Hilton members with access to the Executive Lounge, and those staying in Executive suites, can enjoy complimentary breakfast and evening drinks in the lounge. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Town Hall Hotel

Book Town Hall Hotel

As the name suggests, this hotel is located in an actual former town hall, a grandiose Edwardian building in the increasingly fashionable neighborhood of Bethnal Green in East London. If hitting the capital’s trendiest spots in Shoreditch, Hoxton is on the agenda, then this is an ideal home base.

The lobby is all polished marble and elaborate masonry, evoking a bygone majesty and embellished by quirky artwork and antique televisions. Walking around the cavernous public spaces, guests are transported back in time to the turn of the twentieth century.

The rooms are decidedly modern, though, with hardwood floors, sleek, low-rise beds, and minimalist fixtures. Entry-level double rooms start at 275 square feet but groups and families should look at the one and two-bedroom apartments, which come with large living spaces and fully-equipped kitchenettes for only around $80-100 more per night. All rooms enjoy high ceilings that really add to the sense of space and light.

Amenities include the two Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Da Terra, as well as a less formal eatery, The Corner Room. Alternatively, a great value morning meal ($20 for coffee, juice, toast and cooked English breakfast) can be delivered to your room each morning.

It’s rare for hotels in this area to have pools, yet this one has a lovely indoor heated pool, plus a large exercise room. It’s one of East London’s best-kept secrets.  

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

Book Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

A Radisson property centrally located near the Houses of Parliament (hello Big Ben), the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel is an excellent spot for budget-minded travelers who still want to be in the thick of the action.

Superior rooms come with Twin or Double beds and feature modern, though fairly standard, interiors with sleek black fixtures. For views of Big Ben or the London Eye, upgrade to a Studio Room, Suite, or Penthouse. Children under age 12 stay for free, which is a major plus for families.

There is also a 24-hour gym, a 50-foot swimming pool, and the serene Mandara Spa with sauna and steam rooms for guests’ use. The extra fee to use the Executive Lounge (the cost depends on the room type) is worth it for the best views around, or to grab breakfast or work. For dinner, try the Brasserie Joël or the exceptional sushi restaurant.

The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, The London Dungeon, and more are all nearby, and both Waterloo and Westminster stations are five minutes away, making the rest of London easily accessible.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

The Hoxton Southwark

Book Hoxton Southwark

Opened in 2019, this buzzy hotel has many of the same elements as other hip Hoxton properties, such as an emphasis on open-plan communal spaces and an elevated but laid-back vibe. There are other Hoxton hotels in London, but this one is conveniently located right by the Thames and near some of South Bank’s top galleries and markets.

The rooms come in five sizes: Shoebox, Snug, Cosy, Roomy, and Biggy. As you might guess from the names, they run small, but details like curated bookshelves, free breakfast bags, brick walls, and handmade glassware still make for a comfortable stay.

The lobby features a leather-clad bar and cozy armchairs surrounded by oversized plants. A casual dining spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner is found at Albie, the Italian-style restaurant. But the best option is the rooftop seafood restaurant, which serves London’s longest oyster list alongside city views.    

The hotel is within walking distance of favorite attractions such as the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Blakes London

Book Blakes London

A small, boutique property, Blakes London was designed by world-renowned Anouska Hempel. Found in the residential area of South Kensington, it’s an excellent spot for a quiet retreat hidden behind a dark Victorian facade.

The vibe varies wildly from room to room, though the overarching theme might be best described as dark bohemian luxury. Petite Doubles start at 194 square feet, but Signature Doubles are a more traditional size and range from 269-376 square feet. A bohemian-themed room is loaded with frenetic black and orange energy, the Provence room features soft lavender hues and gold detailing. The two premium and spacious Hempel suites have similar contrasting energies, with one decked out in deep reds and the other with a light, dreamy cream-colored palette.

The hotel has an elegant black-and-gold themed restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian influence. The basement bar is a favorite among upmarket locals and a good spot for people-watching. Meanwhile, the courtyard continues the trend of strange but wonderful details with a seating area inside a glass birdcage-like dome.

Instead of an on-site gym or spa, the hotel has a partnership with the exclusive South Kensington Club, which has a bathhouse, fitness center, hammam treatment rooms, and more.  

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Artist Residence London

Book Artist Residence London

With just 10 bedrooms, the Artist Residence brings offbeat, stylish whimsy to the area between Westminster and Chelsea. The hotel is filled with joyful, modern art and quirky furnishings.

As the name implies, rooms feel more like home than hotel and are individually decorated for a curated retro feel. Velvet couches and contemporary beds join with exposed brick, vintage but vibrant decor, and limited-edition prints on the walls.

Even the entry-level Small rooms come with King-size beds, small desks, and rainfall showers. Small Plus rooms have rooftop views and Medium rooms offer slightly more space, while the Loft and Suites feature elegant, deep soaking tubs.

The on-site restaurant, Cambridge Street, plays the parts of a breakfast cafe, trendy cocktail cellar, seasonally-inspired lunch and dinner spot, and afternoon tea spot — which is best enjoyed on the terrace.      

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

The Gore

Book The Gore

The Gore first opened its doors in 1892, and the Rolling Stones once held an album launch party here, giving this hotel a posh, historical feel, but with more edge than other high-end spots in the city.

One block from Hyde Park, rooms are graciously furnished with curated period pieces such as elegant framed pictures and majestic bed frames. While every room is different, many are marked by bright, regal colors and tapestries. Rooms start at small singles and classic doubles with simple, but chic decor, and go up to premium suites like the one with a peacock bedspread on the original bed Judy Garland once slept on.

190 Queens Gate is more than just an address, it’s also the name of the on-site restaurant that serves elevated takes on British classics under crystal chandeliers. Best known as the aforementioned spot of the Rolling Stones party, Bar 190 features velvet chairs, gold detailing, and curtained off seating areas, but still capitalizes on that rock ‘n’ roll feel to keep it from ever being too stuffy.   

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

The Laslett

Book The Laslett

Live out your rom-com movie fantasies by booking The Laslett in charming Notting Hill. The 51-room boutique hotel is an ideal spot for solo travelers since there’s an option to book a small, Spare Room Single. But couples will still find a quaint getaway in the larger Double Bedrooms and Master Doubles (don’t worry, the name does not mean you’ll have to scrunch together in small beds — they all come with King-size beds). 

Rooms aren’t huge but include bespoke furniture, scattered vintage trinkets, handmade lighting fixtures, and a writing desk. The walls are filled with curated original artwork from local British artists and bathrooms come with either a soaking tub and shower or a larger rainfall shower.

The lobby doubles as a library with British art and design books and has a small shop showcasing work by partner artists and designers. Grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, or drinks at The Henderson Bar. On sunny days, opt for the small, but pleasant terrace.       

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

11 Cadogan Gardens

Book 11 Cadogan Gardens

Nestled amid the exquisite opulence of nearby Sloane Square and King’s Road, this lovely property is made up of four red-brick Georgian townhouses with some rooms overlooking the eponymous gardens.

The buildings formerly housed an exclusive private members’ club and the decor is all polished wood and shiny metallic embellishments that gleam against brooding dark tones for an overall dramatic, evocative atmosphere.

There’s a huge breadth of design styles across the 56 rooms, with some offering an explosion of antiques and plush four-poster beds, while others are more modern, and deliver a light and airy look. Luxurious touches and additions such as Nespresso coffee machines and designer toiletries can be found across the board, and the apartments come with plenty of space for families with high-end fitted kitchens.

Hans’ Bar and Grill has an outdoor terrace and serves a hearty a la carte breakfast and modern international classics all day, while the Chelsea Bar has classic and innovative cocktails and a great selection of champagne. Further options include the library and, of course, the gardens.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

The Hari Hotel

Book The Hari Hotel

Part of the Preferred Hotels & Resort group, this hotel features accessible luxury by way of modern interiors curated by renowned designer Tara Bernard. Her work is found in other recognizable luxury properties across the globe, but here, shines with velvet and marble details, elegant fireplaces, and chrome finishes alongside cozy blankets strewn across beds and couches.

The hotel is ideally situated in the shopper’s paradise of Knightsbridge, just down the street from Harrods Department Store and chic boutiques along Sloane street. The Hari is also within walking distance of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and several museums. Guests can also tour the neighborhood by bike for free.

There’s a small, but suitable gym, and while there’s no spa, guests can take advantage of discounted rates at nearby salons. Enjoy dinner at Il Pampero, the hotel’s excellent Italian restaurant with a vintage vibe serving homemade pastas. The best place to grab a cocktail isn’t at the Hari Bar, but instead, upstairs at the Garden Terrace, which feels like a hidden jungle with ivy-clad walls. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Number Sixteen

Book Number Sixteen Hotel

The white, Victorian exterior of Number Sixteen in South Kensington masks the playful, colorful interiors found inside. Boldly patterned walls, furniture in rainbow hues, and butterfly canvases set the tone in drawing rooms, while bedrooms follow suit with high ceilings, rich red and blue hues, and patterned curtains and headboards.

Designed by Kit Kemp, rooms are elaborate and dramatic, and some overlook the hotel’s exquisite private garden filled with leafy greenery and water features like a reflecting pool and tranquil fountain. Tea is served all day, surrounded by the garden’s blooms starting at just $32 per person, which is significantly cheaper than many other spots in London.

The restaurant also serves continental breakfast, included in room rates, as well as lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a children’s menu, and kids receive welcome gifts at check-in, along with milk and cookies at bedtime. Bathrobes for adults and mini bathrobes for kids ensure everyone finds relaxation. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

The Mayfair Townhouse

Book The Mayfair Townhouse

This striking property is set across 15 Georgian townhouses and typifies the luxe environs of Mayfair, one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. The property is surrounded by exclusive shops, designer names, and the royal airs of Buckingham Palace and Green Park.

The design celebrates a flamboyant but very British style, mixing bold color schemes with decorative bookcases that nod to the street’s literary connections, particularly with Oscar Wilde. Cheeky portraits subvert expectations with modern additions to classical-style paintings.

The buildings house some 172 rooms of varying sizes and styles, with the entry-level Cabin Rooms offering a cozy retreat for solo travelers. Despite their size, they retain a high-end feel, with plush fabrics and a rich teal and gold color palate.

Couples should plump for Classic Rooms, which come with a small living area and decadent marble bathrooms. The food and beverage offering is split between the Lower Ground, where breakfast can be taken, and the destination cocktail spot The Dandy Bar, which has a supper menu overseen by much-vaunted chef Adam Simmonds.

It’s one of the quirkier top-end properties in this part of the world, but all the more memorable for it, and the levels of service are second to none.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

The Mandrake

Book The Mandrake

The Mandrake is where fashionable travelers looking for luxurious, modern interiors stay. Opened in the West End in 2017, it has wowed everyone from the British Vogue editor-in-chief to Johnny Depp.

The hotel is named for the fabled, hallucinogenic plant and there’s certainly a trippy air within its walls. A strange animal that’s part kangaroo, part peacock, part deer hangs above one of the bars, and the Mandrake Suite looks like a fortune teller’s bedroom. There’s even an in-room spiritual concierge service.

Entry-level rooms aren’t nearly as over the top, but still feature details like beak-nosed masks on shelves and unique artwork. All have spa-like bathrooms with rain showers and rooms that face the street have more light and less noise than those that face the interior courtyard.

The aforementioned central area, however, is lined with palm trees, and the lush Jurema Bar is draped in hanging passionflower and jasmine plants with bamboo-style seating. The on-site restaurant, YOPO, draws inspiration from South America and serves perfectly plated dishes like prawn ceviche and roast pork loin with blood orange.

For a meal that feels straight out of “Eyes Wide Shut,” book a group meal in the red lacquered private dining room. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Great Scotland Yard Hotel

Book Great Scotland Yard Hotel

This hotel’s name comes from the fact that the historic building was home to an office of London’s Metropolitan Police Force until the late 19th century. Now a luxury boutique hotel, the property is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, with 168 rooms and a five-story townhouse housing the impressively huge Presidential Suite.

The crime-fighting motif looms large with specially commissioned artworks that pay homage to famous true crime and the building’s past. It may sound jarring, but it really works as a cohesive design choice and bolsters the hotel’s sense of place.

The theme continues into rooms, albeit in a less obvious way. A cream and teal color palette reflects a more modern aesthetic alongside futuristic toilets and other high-end fixtures.

The hotel’s food and beverage offerings are all top-notch, with Ekstedt at The Yard as the flagship dining room, bringing a Scandinavian menu. The 40 Elephants (named for a notorious gang of female thieves) is the main cocktail bar, and The Parlour and Sibin are equally comfortable lounges for drinks and snacks, the latter boasting an excellent whiskey menu.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

The Milestone Hotel & Residences

Book The Milestone Hotel & Residences

The Milestone Hotel & Residences offers the quintessential London experience with UK flags flying outside the stately brick building and men in long green coats, ties, and top hats greet guests at the entrance. There’s an elegant tea room set in a library with velvet, blush-colored couches and chairs, and Kensington Palace is across the street.

Each guest room is entirely unique with its own color palette, antique furnishings, and artwork. Suites have names like Hermes (emerald green velvet interiors with a gold four-poster bed), Venetian (soft blue and white color palette), and Meghan (leopard print carpet and enviable views of the palace). Two- and three-bedroom Residences feel like living in a sleek London flat and give large groups and families more space to spread out.

There are five places to eat, including the aforementioned tea room, the stylish black and white Conservatory, a cozy equestrian-themed bar, and the stately Cheneston Restaurant. Even the upscale restaurants offer a children’s menu, and the tea menu has a Little Prince and Princess option for younger guests.

The hotel also has an exercise studio, a small but lovely spa with a resistance plunge pool, a sauna, and one treatment room.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

The Goring Hotel

Book The Goring Hotel

You can’t get much closer to British royalty than The Goring. Not only is it across the street from Buckingham Palace, but the famed property is a favorite among lords and duchesses, and Kate Middleton stayed here the night before her wedding.

The Goring exudes refinement with silk-lined walls, sumptuous furniture, and fine Italian linens, though each room is uniquely decorated with intricate details. The hotel has an enchanting private garden and lawn, and some rooms and suites have garden views.

Several interconnecting rooms are available and the hotel goes above and beyond to accommodate families. New parents can expect welcome amenities such as baby lotions, changing mats, and bath toys, while young guests will delight in making use of costumes found in the Dressing Up Box, cuddly stuffed animals, or coloring books.

Foodies will appreciate eating at The Dining Room, a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant, and the seafood-heavy menu found at Siren. The lively cocktail bar is the place to be on Sunday nights when there’s a roaring ’20s theme, and the terrace overlooking the gardens is an excellent place to sit and enjoy a drink or small bite.         

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

Shangri-La Hotel The Shard, London

Book Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

This hotel features some of the best views in all of London thanks to its location in one of the tallest, most iconic buildings in Europe — The Shard. Panoramic cityscapes can be enjoyed from all rooms, over cocktails and light bites at the Sky Lounge, or at the TĪNG Restaurant and Lounge. But the most enviable way to gaze upon London is from the dreamy infinity Skypool located 52 stories above the city.

Entry-level Superior rooms start at 322 square feet, but if you’re lucky, you might snag one that comes with over 500 square feet since they range in size. They also feature floor-to-ceiling windows, bathrooms with rainfall showers and soaking tubs, and luxe perks like bedside controls for lights and curtains. All suites come with separate living areas and personal butlers.

While there isn’t a full spa, you can book in-room treatments with the hotel’s independent partners, and a wellness program offers classes like yoga in the clouds and IV vitamin injections for an extra fee. 

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

FAQ: London hotels

What is the best time of year to visit London?

London has much to offer year-round with festivals, cultural events, and an endless stream of activities and attractions that cater to guests across all seasons.

Winter can be grey and wet, though outside of Christmas, this is when you’ll find the best room rates. The festive season is busy with shoppers and tourists to see Christmas shows and the lights on the main shopping streets such as Oxford Street.

Summer is delightful with warm weather and parks full of life, but hotel prices are generally higher. Spring and Autumn make for good compromises in terms of crowds and prices, and again, there are events happening all the time.

Which is the best area to stay in London?

Look to stay in Zone 1, the central area of the city and the region with by far the most attractions. All of the most famous landmarks are here, from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye, to all of the great parks such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. The theater district (West End) and Oxford Street (for shopping) are also in this zone. The west of Zone 1 has more upscale neighborhoods such as Chelsea and Mayfair, while the east has up-and-coming, trendy spots such as Shoreditch and Bethnal Green. 

Is it safe to stay in hotels?

Hotels have been implementing new cleaning policies to help guests rest easier. We’ve linked to the most up-to-date policies for each of the hotels so you can assess your risk level. However, because the pandemic situation continues to evolve, it’s wise to read up on hotel cancellation policies and consider purchasing trip insurance to safeguard your travel investments, especially for overseas travels. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and their ability to change, it’s best to check ahead of time before booking if a hotel’s particular amenity, like a spa, restaurant, or fitness center, will be open during your visit.

What is the average cost of a hotel room in London?

According to first-party search data provided by Statista, the average cost for an overnight stay in a double room in London, UK in February 2021 was around $180, up from the previous year’s average of 165 euros. In 2019, the average cost for overnight accommodation in London was particularly higher during the warm months of June to August.

However, as a result of the travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the cost of overnight accommodations in London significantly increased in 2020 compared to the previous year, reaching its peak in August and December. In general, expect to pay more when the weather is sunny and the schools are on holiday.

What are the current COVID restrictions for visiting the UK from the US?

As of publishing, the UK was accepting US vaccination cards and a negative test within three days of arrival at the border. The US is on the “Amber” list, meaning visitors just have to test out on day two of their visit before being free to travel. Visitors must complete a Passenger Locator Form listing where they will be staying. The vaccination card announcement coincides with a broader reopening of the country’s restaurants and cafes, theaters, museums, concert venues, and non-essential shops, not to mention increased limits on attendance for events.

As the entry requirements or restrictions could change depending on the UK’s COVID-19 levels, it’s best to keep an eye on the situation. Visitors must also present a negative COVID-19 test, regardless of vaccination status, to return to the United States, which means you’ll need to find a reliable testing location in London or test at the airport prior to departure.

How we selected the best hotels in London

1. Hotels are located in London’s most desirable neighborhoods, within walking distance of top attractions, and convenient to a robust network of underground/tube stations or other transit. 
2. All hotels have a very British appeal, whether through traditional architecture, historic features, or contemporary design, in order to appeal to a wide range of travelers seeking an ideal London experience.
3. Hotels are four-, or five stars, for an elevated experience that represents a range of budgets, typically priced to start between $75 to $590 per night, depending on the time of year.
4. Each hotel in London holds a Trip Advisor rating of four or above with significant, honest, recent reviews.
5. All properties met our high standard for value through on-site amenities, sleep quality, room size, and location. Bear in mind that entry-level hotel rooms in London are typically smaller than their American equivalents. We’ll always be honest on where hotels have room to improve.
6. All London hotels have stringent COVID-19 policies to prioritize the health and safety of guests, which we’ve linked below.

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