London hotel tips
Whether luxury or budget, trendy or traditional, east or west—here’s our guide.
Boutique
Historic opulence
The Rookery
Staying at The Rookery is like traveling back in time to historic London. At this beautiful and opulent retreat, carved wood headboards (or four-poster beds), ornate mirrors, embroidered bed linens and stone busts set the mood. But step outside and you’re in modern Clerkenwell, a stone’s throw from Smithfield Market. The Rookery has an intimate, almost secretive ambiance—perfect for going all in on traditional Britishness.
Just like home
Artist Residence London
If boutique means bespoke, then Artist Residence really does take this concept all the way. This hotel feels as close to home as you can possibly get—if your home is exquisitely decorated and comes with around-the-clock service. While each of the ten rooms is independently decorated, what they have in common is that they feel both personal and creative. Close to Chelsea and Tate Britain, you’ll find yourself nestled in the heart of West London. The hotel also has a lovely bar and restaurant where you can socialize with other guests in a cozy atmosphere.
Made for romance
The Portobello Hotel
Beautiful Notting Hill has long been a place where a bohemian attitude meets a sense of luxury, and The Portobello Hotel fits this bill perfectly. The hotel is perfect for romantic weekend getaways with your significant other—legend has it that Johnny Depp and Kate Moss filled a bathtub with champagne when they stayed here. It also has strong links to show business and fashion (see Depp and Moss), so don’t be surprised if you bump into a face you recognize here.
For design lovers
Henrietta Hotel
Just off Covent Garden, the French hotel chain Experimental Group has opened its first hotel in London. With 40 guest rooms, the Henrietta Hotel combines a touch of British heritage with tasteful Italian design to create a calm and cozy haven in hectic central London. At the hotel’s Da Henrietta restaurant, you can enjoy fresh pasta dishes made with the finest ingredients before heading out into the vibrant London night.
Luxury
East meets west
The Prince Akatoki
Japanese hospitality is the guiding principle at The Prince Akatoki, while mindfulness and inner peace are also important hallmarks of the entire hotel experience. “Akatoki” is an ancient Japanese expression meaning “dawn,” which perfectly encapsulates the serenity of the hotel’s elegant, minimalist rooms. When you feel like making your way out into the big city, you’re just a short walk from Oxford Street and luxury shopping in Mayfair. And of course, a selection of Japanese whiskies awaits you at the hotel bar.
Sophisticated hangout
The London EDITION
When The London EDITION first opened, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, Berners Tavern, quickly became London’s hottest hangout. Since then, the hotel has cemented its position as one of the best places to stay in London. The rooms feature sophisticated decoration in neutral tones with wood paneling and floors. With an address in Fitzrovia, near Soho, The London EDITION is the perfect base for those seeking culture, shopping, nightlife and luxury dining.
Luxury with a view
Shangri-La The Shard
London has a multitude of luxury hotels, but only one can offer the spectacular views of Shangri-La The Shard. The hotel is located inside London’s tallest skyscraper—it starts on the 34th floor and occupies 18 more. Here, you can wake up to the sunrise, have a hotel breakfast, take a dip in the hotel’s sky pool on the 52nd floor or enjoy a five-course meal at the restaurant TĪNG with glorious views of the capital city far below.
London’s first luxury hotel
The Savoy
When Guccio Gucci was working at The Savoy, he was inspired to start making luxury leather products for the aristocracy of the time and went on to found the Italian luxury brand Gucci. The hotel, which opened in 1889, was London’s first luxury hotel. After a full renovation, completed in 2010, the hotel was updated to meet today’s standards. The rooms are decorated in a traditional British style with a modern touch, and many offer views of the Thames. Clearly, the hotel enjoys one of the best locations in the city. After a long day, you can relax at the American Bar, the oldest cocktail bar in the city.
Budget
Tasteful and central
The Judd Hotel
The charming Judd Hotel is located in Bloomsbury on a side street full of Georgian architecture, just a stone’s throw from both King’s Cross St. Pancras and Euston stations. The decor is fresh and tasteful, and the hotel overlooks tennis courts and a garden, which are also available to guests. With its central location, the Judd Hotel is perfect for attending a musical at a theater in the West End or visiting the nearby British Museum.
100 percent London
citizenM Tower of London
Perhaps more affordable than budget, the citizenM chain focuses on a spectacular hotel experience with a high-end design factor—but without the price tag. The recently opened citizenM Tower of London hotel is no exception. As its name suggests, it is located right beside one of London’s main tourist attractions. The decor is playfully British, mixing paintings by Julian Opie with images of Queen Elizabeth II and cushions depicting the Scottish and British flags. Your smartly decorated room offers views of both the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Does it get any more London than that?
Trendy mix
The Pilgrm Hotel
Right by Paddington station, in the classic Bayswater hotel district, you’ll find this cute hotel. The decor is a trendy mix of exposed brick walls, retro signage and industrial details, while the rooms are decorated simply and tastefully with wood panels with neutral shades. You’ll be close to both Marble Arch and Hyde Park. If you’d like to do some shopping at Portobello Market, Notting Hill is just a short hop away. The Pilgrm Hotel also features a small, sunny outdoor terrace where you can relax with a cup of coffee.
Text by Daniel Björk