Our insider’s guide to London best boutique hotels.
London has no shortage of boutique hotels. You’re guaranteed to find the perfect stay… if you know where to look.
Are you dreaming of an Instagrammable interior with top notch service? In need of a spa break in the city? A Michelin-starred dining experience? Or do you just want somewhere stylish and comfortable to lay your head at the end of a day exploring London.
There are many small hotels hidden across London that offer you a unique experience in a stunning setting and – get this – without the crowds.
So sit back and relax, as we walk you through the best boutique hotels for your London stay.
Best Boutique Hotels in London: At a Glance
| Best Boutique Hotels in London – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Boutique Hotel in London | Artist Residence |
| Best Regal Boutique Hotel in London | The Goring |
| Best Hip and Trendy Boutique Hotel in London | The Hoxton Holborn |
| Best Affordable Boutique Hotel in London | The Bloomsbury Hotel |
The Best Boutique Hotels in London
Artist Residence London
Pimlico
If you’re looking for independent hotels in London, look no further than Artist Residence.
Located within the more residential streets of prim Pimlico, the hotel offers a home away from home.
The name comes from the fact that it’s been decorated by a number of talented artists, each one decorating a room in their signature style. The end result is cool, stylish and very eclectic.
More than just a bunch of rooms, Artist Residence is an ideal all-day neighbourhood hangout; with a club room, a dining room and a moody cocktail cellar, you can see yourself here from day to night, before ending up in a comfortable bed. The perfect place for a celebratory weekend.
Price Range: ££
Area: A short walk from the buzz of Victoria and on the corner of Westminster, near to The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
The Mandrake
Fitzrovia
Located a short walk from Oxford Street, The Mandrake is an eccentrically stylish hotel that’s perfect if you’re even remotely style conscious.
They have really upped the design factor here: so much so that it straddles the line between a super-swish club and not feeling like London at all. It figures – the hotel is named after and inspired by a hallucinogenic Mediterranean plant.
This chic and cultured aura is carried through to the 30 bedrooms too. Bringing in lots of natural light, with high ceilings, and hammam-style marble bathrooms, they offer a more intimate luxury in the heart of London. It’s one of the best small hotels in London we’ve stayed in in recent years.
Price Range: ££
Area: Nearby to the West End and Oxford Circus, it’s on the doorstep to London’s best restaurants, pubs and clubs.
The Goring
Belgravia
Feeling a little regal? Stay at The Goring.
This small, luxury boutique hotel in London is renowned as one of our Queenie’s favourite spots. So don’t be startled if you happen to bump into one of the members of the Royal Family here.
A family affair, this boutique hotel has been managed by the Gorings since 1910 and has everything you need for a high-end getaway.
The spacious bedrooms radiate this fine-English style, with bespoke furniture and large marble bathrooms. It also boasts the largest garden out of all of London’s hotels, making it the perfect place for an English summer retreat.
Price Range: £££
Area: In Belgravia, moments’ walk from Victoria Station and almost adjacent to Buckingham Palace, this is the place for the Royal-adoring peeps among you.
One Aldwych
Aldwych
One Aldwych has maintained its reputation as one of the best luxury boutique hotels in London for some time and it’s not hard to see why.
Last year’s refurbishment saw it take on a simple and sophisticated style that pairs pastel hues with light and airy rooms and no expense spared comforts.
But if you had to pick one thing to brag about at One Aldwych, it would be the Health Club. The extravagant spa is the perfect place to pamper yourself for the weekend (hello spa break). There’s even a beautiful swimming pool with underwater music for some ultimate chill time.
Price Range: £££
Area: Nestled within the heart of Covent Garden, on the doorstep to Somerset House as well as the best theatres in the city.
South Place
The City of London
Owned by luxury restaurateurs D&D, South Place is renowned as the location for wining and dining… before ending up in a comfortable bed.
With its Chop House, British brasserie-style restaurant on its ground floor and with the elegant Michelin-starred Angler, serving delicious fish dishes on its 7th floor, this hotel is perfect for true foodies.
Back in the bedrooms there is a different story to tell. Promoting itself as a ‘naughty night away’ the interiors are sleek and sexy, with large marble bathrooms. The bath tubs (available in most categories) are so deep that you can even fit two people in them…So how about that for your next romantic weekend away?
Price Range:££
Area: A short walk from Liverpool Street station, this hotel is in the centre of the City, nearby to the renowned St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Mondrian
Shoreditch
Who needs Soho House when you’ve got The Mondrian? One of the coolest boutique hotels in East London, you don’t have to be a hipster to stay at The Mondrian but let’s just say it helps if you are.
It practically oozes cool. The bedrooms come with bespoke artwork hanging on the walls, sleek-technology, in-room steam showers and – ahead of your night out in town – the best mini bar around.
But head on up to its rooftop and you’ll be greeted to views of its cool East London streets. With a plunge pool and bathing area; it’s the destination for a jazzy sundown cocktail.
Price Range: ££
Area: Located in Shoreditch, East London, with exposed brick walls and cool industrial-inspired interiors, it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for somewhere with a little personality.
Ham Yard Hotel
Piccadilly Circus
You’ll find Ham Yard Hotel a moment’s walk from the vivid lights of Piccadilly Circus. With colourful interiors and a super stylish setting, it brings the thrill of Soho indoors.
Led by the renowned hotelier and interior designer Kit Kemp, each room provides unique décor and is adorned in quirky wallpaper and ornaments inspired by her travels across the world.
The hotel also offers numerous facilities, with a cool cinema and bowling alley in the basement. There is also a rooftop bar with views looking out over the centre of London – a great spot for a hot cocktail come winter.
Price Range: £££
Area: Adjacent to the buzzing Piccadilly Circus and in the heart of Soho, this is a prime location for London’s sights.
The Standard
King’s Cross
Known for being a little bit naughty, The Standard is definitely one of the hotels for all the cool kids in town.
First there’s the location – a short hop across from King’s Cross and St Pancras in a striking Brutalist building that you have zero chance of missing.
The bedrooms strike the right balance between fun and quirky, mixing old and new. So much so that it’s fast become one of the go-to places to stay in town (if you happen to time your trip in line with London Fashion Week, then you’ll be sure to bump into a few celebs).
Head up to the Decimo restaurant on its 10th floor by taking the red lift that flies up the exterior of the building and treats you to dramatic views of London – where you can watch the night sky light up in front of your eyes.
Price Range: ££
Area: Next door to King’s Cross Station, this is an ideal location for being connected to both London, the UK and the rest of Europe.
The Treehouse
Marylebone
Sustainability and skyline views are just two of the draws at The Treehouse, one of London’s newest independent hotels.
This playful property is all about the quirky touches: think fortune-telling magic eight balls, to vinyl turntables and stuffed Paddington Bears – it’s a blast from the past… in the best way.
Decor-wise, it’s all about rough luxe: exposed concrete walls with egyptian thread bedlinen. Rooms feature big bay windows with gorgeous views of London’s most famous landmarks.
That’s all before you get to the hotel’s 360-degree bar (perfectly named The Nest), where you’re greeted by some of the best views across the capital you can find anywhere.
Price Range: ££
Area: Found in central Fitzrovia, on the edge of buzzy Soho but nearby to the smart streets of Marylebone.
The Hari
Knightsbridge
The Hari is a stylish, boutique hotel offering laid back luxury with chic furnishings and designer touches, including art from popular artists, such as Tracey Emin.
Sleek in style, the 85 bedrooms offer wooden panelings and floorings, alongside elegant furnishing, including cowhide rugs, leather chairs and velvet cushions.
Whilst here, its famous Italian restaurant, Il Pampero, is the destination to dine in. With a selection of home-made Italian dishes, such as pasta gnocchi topped with truffle shavings, it really offers la dolce vita.
Price Range: ££
Area: Amidst the residential streets of Belgravia, roll around in the most affluent area of the city.
Hazlitt’s
Soho Hazlitt’s is one of our favourite small hotels in London. It’s nestled in the heart of theatreland and in the former home of the Victorian writer and essayist, William Hazlitt.
The building dates back to 1713, the hotel is reminiscent of this era – and still retains its squeaky floorboards and antique charm.
It’s the place to be truly, utterly British. So after a busy night in the streets of Soho, snuggle up in the library, pour yourself a cup of tea and treat yourself to a relaxing day – with (in line with its heritage) a huge selection of books to choose from!
Price Range: ££
Area: Hidden within the energetic streets of Soho, you will have not only all the theatres, but also the nightlife and shopping districts on your doorstep.
K West
Shepherds Bush
Built in the former BBC recording studios, the K West hotel rings true to its musical heritage. With famous musicians including David Bowie frequenting here, it plays homage to these stars with brightly coloured murals across the walls.
If you’re more into the relaxing than the music, then K Spa is also the destination for rejuvenation. Named as one of the best spas in London, it has numerous facilities to freshen you up.
K West pips the other small boutique hotels London has to offer to the post.
Price Range: £
Area: Located in Shepherd’s Bush, this is a cool boutique hotel in west London – nearby to the fabulous Westfield shopping facilities and only 15 minutes by tube to Oxford Circus.
The Pilgrm
Paddington
Curated to reflect the building’s time and place, low-key boutique hotel The Pilgrm is hidden in plain sight.
Difficult as it is to find cheap boutique hotels in London, this is a brilliant option that not many know about.
The price comes from the fact that you sacrifice a few bells and whistles – there’s no flashy reception and rooms are on the snug side. In exchange you get well-designed and contemporary rooms in a well-connected Paddington location.
Price Range: £
Area: In the heart of Paddington, in between the pretty streets of nearby Notting Hill but only a short distance from the West End.
The Hoxton Holborn
Holborn
The Hoxton hotels are known for being hip and trendy, which is hard to imagine for a boutique hotel in central London – but that’s exactly what you find at The Hoxton Holborn.
Housed in a Grade-II listed building (it was once a factory you know) the industrial-chic theme is carried throughout the rest of the hotel.
The four-star hotel doesn’t skimp on the home comforts – bedlinen is 280-thread-count and each room comes with tea and coffee making facilities plus fridges loaded with fresh milk.
Price Range: £
Area: Despite being known as a more commercial area, Holborn sits right on the edge of Covent Garden and theatreland.
The Henrietta
Covent Garden
The Henrietta is not only a boutique hotel in central London but it’s one of the most beautiful to boot. With only 18 rooms spread across two Victorian townhouses and a location slap bang in the middle of Covent Garden, it’s no wonder it’s become a real favourite on the city’s hospitality scene.
Inspired by the streets of Covent Garden with a nod to Italian design, each of the 18 bedrooms of this small London hotel are unique in style and offer understated luxury.
Its first floor is dedicated to its dining, which cooks up food inspired by France and the Basque country. The dishes fit the bill for any occasion; from a casual lunch to a more sophisticated dinner out with friends and family.
Price Range: ££
Area: In the middle of Covent Garden, this hotel sits right in the centre of London’s theatre scene.
The Stafford
Mayfair
The Stafford – a former carriage house is a luxury boutique hotel in London that still manages to be filled with character.
After being the American and Canadian Officers Club during World War II and with a 380-year-old wine cellar which provided refuge for the troops during the air raids, it has an incredible history!
The bedroom interiors reflect the grandeur of the early 19th century. With sumptuous fabrics and some rooms offering large, four-poster beds – there is a magnificent sense of style here.
Inside there is also the Game Bird restaurant, which offers elegantly British dishes, as well as its notorious American Bar; a destination for sophisticated cocktails.
Price Range: ££
Area: Adjacent to Green Park and within Mayfair, The Stafford is found within one of the most elegant areas of London town.
Town Hall & Apartments
Bethnal Green
Despite being slightly further out of town, it’s worth staying in Town Hall Hotel & Apartments for the space you get alone.
It doesn’t hurt that some of London’s trendiest areas – including Shoreditch and Spitalfields are on your doorstep either.
Originally the old Bethnal Green Town Hall, it has now been converted into a more luxurious hotel with interiors that combine its Edwardian heritage with modern style.
Offering large bedrooms, it has everything you’ll need for a chilled-back weekend in London. This includes a spa in the basement, as well as the Instagrammable Corner Room restaurant; the perfect spot for a traditional breakfast.
Price Range: £
Area: In Bethnal Green nearby to Shoreditch and only minutes to central London by tube.
The London Edition
Soho
Built within a stunning Georgian building, this glamorously, cool hotel mixes elegant old-school with the 21st century.
The London Edition’s bedrooms may fall on the minimalist side of things, but the wow factor goes to its renowned restaurant; Berners Tavern, overseen by the Michelin-starred, Jason Atherton.
An ode to the hotel’s historic past; Berners Tavern is graced with 18-ft high ceilings, adorned with artwork across the walls and a fabulously British menu: it is without a doubt one of London’s hottest restaurants.
Price Range: ££
Area: Next door to Oxford Street in the centre of Fitzrovia, this hotel has theatreland right on its doorstep.
Brown’s Hotel
Mayfair
Owned by the fabulous hoteliers, The Rocco Forte Family, Brown’s is known for being exceptionally British.
This boutique hotel merges contemporary with traditional style. Offering an eclectic selection of artwork by leading artists adorning the bedroom walls, it feels like the most glamorous boutique hotel in the city.
Whilst here, indulge in a truly British afternoon tea in the Drawing Room.
Price Range: £££
Area: Near to Green Park, Brown’s is surrounded by the crème de la crème of jewellery, fashion and restaurants.
Number Sixteen
Kensington
Despite being one of the highest rated hotels in the capital, it feels like Number Sixteen is somewhat of a little treasure.
Tucked away in Kensington, this London boutique hotel offers complete luxury in each of its rooms. Contemporary features are balanced out perfectly with more vintage touches, and the large French windows ensure that the rooms are light and airy.
The drawing room and library are cosy spots to chill out in throughout the day – but make sure to head to the garden terrace for a spot of afternoon tea in the dreamiest of locations.
Price Range: £££
Area: Located in leafy South Kensington – the nearby tube station provides excellent transport connections to the rest of the capital.
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Bloomsbury
Offering impeccable value for money, The Bloomsbury Hotel should be right on your radar when looking for boutique hotels in London.
Dive right into a duck-down duvet and 300-thread-count Lissadell linen – some much-welcomed comfort after a day exploring the capital on foot. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water are another extra homely touch that The Bloomsbury do so well.
Hungry? If heading out for dinner sounds too strenuous, the onsite Dining Room serves up delicious dishes in an art deco style restaurant. Or, head up to the Dalloway terrace for a more secluded affair.
Price Range: ££
Area: Bloomsbury is an incredible location – just moments away from all the top museums, shopping areas, and theatres the capital has to offer.
Boundary London
Shoreditch
Just around the corner from the ultra-cool Brick Lane, Boundary London is a boutique Shoreditch gem not to be overlooked.
With a cracking restaurant and beautiful terrace, you’ve got everything you could pretty much want in a luxury London hotel, but for half the price. Rooms teeter on the line between sleek and minimal, but without lacking character (unlike some stuffy London hotels).
The huge family rooms ensure the whole family can stay in one room – making it one of the best boutique hotels in London if you’re travelling with kids.
Price Range: £
Area: This Shoreditch beauty is nestled right next to some of the capital’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Mama Shelter London Shoreditch
Shoreditch
Mama Shelter London Shoreditch is a great option for boutique east London hotels. It’s one of the newer brands on the scene but it’s already got its business down to a fine art. The hotel is always super active with creative types that use it as a base when flying in and out of London.
As such you can walk into the public spaces of Mama Shelter on anygiven night and find them the stage for emerging musical talent, a canvas for new art exhibitions and many more very exciting things.
As for the stay itself, rooms here are super stylish, each one unique and full of quirk. All the amenities you’d expect from a hotel of this price range are included, and because of the international standing, five languages are spoken by hotel staff.
Price Range: ££Area: This Shoreditch beauty is nestled right next to some of the capital’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Bedford Corner Hotel
Bloomsbury
The Bedford Corner Hotel is a solid options for a central London boutique hotel that won’t break the bank. Your stay here may not be as luxurious as it would in some of the other spots in this guide, but that doesn’t mean it won’t still be very comfortable and your rooms very stylish.
Expect tastefully pared-back quarters that soak up a lot of natural light. The standard offerings are small but look great, and with the best bits of London a short walk away in pretty much every direction, you probably won’t be sticking around in your room too much anyway.
Price Range: £
Area: Bloomsbury is a charming part of London that strikes a nice balance between being quiet and leafy green, and still being close to some of London’s main attractions and train stations. It’s also got a very literary past – Virginia Woolf, among others, used to live here.
London Boutique Hotel Guide: Practical Tips and FAQ for Your Trip
- The London Underground (also known as The Tube), is a very quick and efficient way to get around London. So if you’re on a budget, choosing the less central boutique hotels may be a great way to ensure you have some extra spending money for your trip.
- Not all boutique hotels in London will include breakfast in their bedroom rates, so make you check what’s included before you incur a larger sum.
