London, with its neon-lit markets, double-decker bustle, and endless creative pockets, also happens to be my home. I might be a little biased, but I genuinely think some of the hotels here are spectacular! From striking modern landmarks to intimate boutique gems, these are my favourite stylish stays that capture the city’s love for the extraordinary, the eccentric, and the impeccably designed…
1. Treehouse Hotel, Marylebone
I was head over heels for this seriously Insta-worthy, eco-conscious, Marylebone boutique hotel — its nostalgic, nature-meets-urban design felt very imaginative – think reclaimed rustic timber, trailing greenery threaded through chunky ceiling beams, colourful kilim rugs, and whimsical childhood nods like tree-branch lighting and little teddy bears!
My medium-sized Superior Queen Room featured a raw concrete ceiling, and the cosy window ledge where I sat people-watching. I especially loved the quirky vintage-style stuffed toys and the cute little birdhouse on the windowsill — they gave the room a very playful, homey feel!
I dined on Wild Mushroom Enchiladas Verde at the romantic Madera Mexican restaurant and then headed out to explore all the gorgeous boutiques in the upscale location!
- To book, check prices or dates for Treehouse Hotel
My personal highlights…
-
Sipping a neon-bright Homemade Blue Raspberry Tequila as the London Eye and The Shard shimmered beneath me at the trendy Nest Rooftop Bar!
2. nHow Hotel, Shoreditch
I loved this bold 4-star lifestyle hotel in funky Shoreditch — it was a very unique mash-up of edgy British pop culture, street art, and a striking punk-tinged design. Inside, the industrial interiors were adorned with bright neon signs, graffiti murals, and witty British touches including a retro rotary phone and London-bus miniatures. The whole place had a youthful, rebellious energy, and buzzed with creatives and digital nomads!
My spacious Deluxe Superior Room had a striking London-meets-industrial look — with a raw concrete ceiling, a Union Jack–inspired rug, a neon-green skyline feature wall, and quirky touches like the “London Calling” art, the whole space was very photogenic!
I feasted on Peruvian cazuelas at their Guilty Restaurant and hung out in the lively open-plan lobby, where the DJ was spinning laid-back house beside a zen-like garden! It’s lively, so not the best choice if you’re after complete quiet.
- To book, check prices or dates for nHow Hotel
My favourite highlights…
- Trying their “Tea Time” cocktail which was an incredible blend of Earl Grey-infused gin and botanical flavors in their trendy Bell & Whistle Bar and Restaurant!
3. Mama Shelter, Shoreditch
This design-led 4-star stay felt more like a creative clubhouse than a hotel — fun, quirky, with lashings of personality. Inside, the décor was a heady mix of eclectic urban-chic touches including peacock pillows, life-sized bronze dogs, and fringed “jellyfish” lampshades, that all came together to create a youthful, slightly rebellious artist-hangout vibe in a hip Shoreditch location!
My Large Double Room followed the characterful theme, with cartoon character masks, funky monochrome tables, and a chalkboard covered in doodles (my favourite feature)!
I wandered through vanilla-and-musk–scented corridors and then relaxed in the greenhouse-style bar with a fiery Espelette Sunset cocktail made with their home-grown hot pepper! I would just say its whimsical style wouldn’t suit traditional travellers.
- To book, check prices or dates for Mama Shelter
My personal highlights…
-
All the entertainment — I played Pac-Man, challenged guests to foosball and Connect Four, and even belted out a slightly out of tune “Shake It Off” in the private karaoke room!
4. The Exhibitionist
This stylish 5-star art hotel in upscale South Kensington felt like a living gallery, filled with rotating installations, striking contemporary sculptures, and uniquely themed suites.
Inside, I gazed upon avant-garde furnishings, and whimsical gallery-like touches — I especially loved the giant marble bull at the entrance and the mannequin-lamp in the bar. The whole vibe was artistic, edgy, and fashion-forward!
My Trash City Suite actually felt like an immersive art installation, with exposed brick walls lit by a glowing “Welcome to Fabulous Trash City” Dotmasters neon sign, a bed set on a faux asphalt street floor, and stencil-style street art. I caught their rotating art exhibition “Urban Fragments”, savoured a zesty Cucumber Basil Smash in the trendy cocktail bar, and discovered the hotel’s collaborations with up-and-coming artists!
- To book, check prices or dates for The Exhibitionist Hotel
My highlights…
- All the high-end touches such as the underfloor heating, the Kit&Kin eco-friendly designer toiletries, and the exceptionally silky high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets!
5. Yotel, Clerkenwell
I really enjoyed my stay at this tech-savvy 4-star stay with its futuristic, space-saving design and glossy, neon-accented interiors inspired by airline cabins! The communal spaces mixed brass and metal-mesh details with a striking seven-storey glass atrium that flooded the lounge with cool morning light, creating a modern, efficient base in trendy Clerkenwell!
My cabin-style room had a sleek, space-saving layout with a SmartBed built into dark wood panelling and clever hidden storage. The spacious bathroom was stocked with YOTEL’s lavender toiletries, and I really liked how the bed switched from sofa to bed at the touch of a button!
I worked from the funky co-working spaces, sampled a cold Camden Hells in their bar, eatery, bar and social hub “Komyuniti”, and enjoyed a spinach frittata at the breakfast buffet!
- To book, check prices or dates for Yotel Clerkenwell
My personal highlights…
- Their futuristic “Mission Control” station (aka the reception!) which had glowing purple lights, touchscreen kiosks, and instant key card pickup – it was both super quick and very sci-fi!
6. The Standard Hotel, King’s Cross
I found this hip King’s Cross boutique hotel was wonderfully dream-like — a creative and eye-catching remake of a 1970s Brutalist building. Inside, retro-futuristic interiors mixed 70s colour pops, curved lines, and velvet seating, with cool touches such as the bright red external lift and a Library Lounge stacked with curated vinyl and art books. The vibe felt imaginative and a little rebellious and attracted a very fashionable crowd!
My Deluxe King Room felt like a retro-futuristic hideaway, with curved windows overlooking St Pancras, and a cobalt-blue carpet. I especially loved the walnut minibar stocked truffle crisps, and the retro control panel that let me set the whole room’s vibe!
I checked out the hidden recording studio before heading to their Decimo restaurant for a charred hispi cabbage coated in smoked paprika then ended up listening to a dreamy ambient DJ set!
- To book, check prices or dates for The Standard Hotel
My highlights…
-
Taking the Insta-worthy pillar-box red capsule elevator up to the rooftop bar was a real thrill — and I celebrated with their signature St. Pancras Spritz!
7. Sunborn Yacht Hotel
Staying on this floating 4-star “superyacht” was a very unique experience—moored on the Thames, it offered luxury yacht-style interiors that felt very far from a typical London stay.
I was wowed by the nautical-meets–Art Deco design which featured gleaming brass railings, polished teak, a dramatic spiral staircase, and large sparkling chandeliers. The whole atmosphere felt refined, tranquil, and a touch indulgent too!
My Executive King Room had a classic super-yacht feel with teak panelling, brass accents, touchpad controls, a marble-accented en-suite, and a balcony overlooking the Royal Docks. My favourite feature was the round nautical portholes! I enjoyed a Chapel Down Brut in the glam bar and restaurant and an Elemis Thousand Flower Detox Wrap in the spa! It was a little off beaten path, but I was only a short DLR ride from Canary Wharf.
- To book, check prices or dates for Sunborn Yacht Hotel
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying a mushroom arancini and spring vegetable risotto in their The Lands End Restaurant while gazing the Thames – the gentle movements of the lapping waves added to the whole dining on a yacht experience!
8. Sea Containers
My short video of outside the SeaContainers Hotel…
I thought this stylish 5-star superbly located South Bank hotel was an Instagrammer’s dream — a glamorous and creative, ocean-liner-inspired retreat right on the river. Inside, the décor felt like stepping onto a modern cruise liner — a copper-hull reception desk, curved ship-like walls, walnut panelling, rope-inspired lighting and a gold-leaf bar ceiling echoed 1920s transatlantic glamour!
Even my River View Balcony Suite felt like a yacht-inspired cabin with slate-grey panelled walls, oak floors, and magenta velvet accents. I really liked the burgundy wingback chair, and the sleek brass console that added a touch of nautical glamour!
I caught a Curzon screening of La La Land, ordered a gourmet Forest Mushroom Orecchiette in their very popular restaurant, sipped a Smoked Negroni on the rooftop listening to live house-and-disco DJ sets! Not the cheapest option, but an amazing choice for a splurge!
- To book, check prices or dates for Sea Containers Hotel
My personal highlights…
- Indulging in their innovative signature Reparative Facial treatment which used the patented skin-care complex the NAC Y2 formula at their cocoon-like Luxury Spa by Agua!
9. The Hoxton, Shoreditch
My short video of inside the Hoxton Hotel…
I was a big fan of this design-forward boutique hotel because it combined industrial-chic interiors with creative Shoreditch energy. The communal areas had exposed brick walls, wire shelves brimming with books, squashy mid-century sofas, and I loved how the rows of artisan spirits were lit from below! The atmosphere felt relaxed, creative, and social, attracting a fun mix of trend-savvy guests, freelancers, and locals who treated the lobby like their living room!
My Cosy Double had a retro–meets–industrial look, with pale sage wall panelling and a huge circular mirror that made the space feel very bright. I loved the mid-century touches — the tan-leather desk chair, the powder blue vintage-style radio, and the cone pendant lights overhead.
It was unfussy and compact but yet still very well-designed! I dined on rigatoni smothered in basil and then hung out by the open lobby fire, cradling a Vespa Primo!
- To book, check prices or dates for The Hoxton Hotel
My highlights…
-
I thought the complimentary ‘Lite Breakfast Bag’—granola, fresh fruit, and orange juice delivered to my room each morning—was such a lovely personal touch!
10. NYX Hotel Holborn by Leonardo
NYX Hotel Holborn had a photogenic, urban-glam aesthetic with neon lighting, pop-art murals, gold accents, and teal and magenta velvet furnishings that made it feel like a boutique nightclub meets art gallery. I loved the statement features—especially the rainbow-lit bottle wall, gold crackle-effect tables, and graffiti-inspired artwork—which gave the whole place a high-energy vibe!
My Superior Double Room had a glossy, cosmopolitan-cool look with its inky abstract feature wall and deep plum blackout curtains. It was all about the details here though and the “It Was All a Dream” light, cherry-red SMEG minibar and the arcade gaming console gave the whole space a fun feel!
I enjoyed a live DJ house set in the rooftop bar, swam in the art-adorned indoor pool, and gorged on pistachio macarons and smoked-apple scones in their afternoon tea!
- To book, check prices or dates for NYX Hotel Holborn by Leonardo
My personal highlights…
- Indulging in a fragrant Aromatherapy Massage which used a mix of sweet almond, jojoba and thistle oil in their Insta-worthy Rena Spa!
11. Zedwell, Piccadilly Circus
Staying at this budget-friendly, sleep-focused hotel in the old Trocadero felt surprisingly zen — softly lit tunnel-like corridors, minimalist lounges, pale birch-style timber, and warm amber lighting created a tranquil retreat just steps from all the craziness of Piccadilly Circus!
My minimalist “Cocoon 2” featured a comfy futon-style bed tucked inside an oak alcove so it felt like nest-like sleep pod! The purified air, blackout setup, soundproofing, and purposely zero-tech layout — no TV, no phone, no visual clutter — really helped me switch off!
I also joined a Morning Flow yoga class in the holistic wellness studio and then relaxed in the minimalist lounge with a quinoa–avocado bowl and a soothing turmeric tea!
- To book, check prices or dates for Zedwell Piccadilly
My highlights…
-
The wellness-focused details — the hypoallergenic Egyptian-cotton bedding and the supportive Hypnos mattress (designed to follow the contours of the body and alleviate pressure points) helped me drift into a very deep, blissfully uninterrupted sleep!
12. Ruby Lucy, South Bank
I was genuinely impressed by this unique 4-star boutique hotel just steps from Waterloo Station. Its mischievous carnival theme and relaxed “lean luxury” vibe made it feel refreshingly unique — with splashes of pillar-box red, vintage fairground lighting, circus props, jewel-tone velvet chairs, and even guitars just hanging around!
My “Wow Room” mixed bright minimalism with fun retro touches — floor-to-ceiling sheers, a floating white-linen bed, a weathered-leather armchair, and a bicycle-wheel wall sculpture.
I loved the mood lighting, in-room tablet, and the Marshall amp I actually plugged into with its curated playlists! There was no restaurant but the 24/7 bar was lively and I plugged into the retro-style co-working space!
- To book, check prices or dates for Ruby Lucy Hotel
My highlights…
- Trying their innovative sleep-inducing “Lucy’s Lullaby” cocktail which was infused with chamomile and agave and helped me unwind before bed!
13. CitizenM, Tower Bridge
I’ve been a long-time fan of this tech-forward boutique hotel in Tower Hill, especially its smart rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Tower of London. I found bright, crazy colours, Vitra designer furniture, curated bookshelves, and contemporary art everywhere I looked! The long communal tables added to the social vibe that drew in solo travellers and digital nomads from all over the globe!
My compact King Room had a bright, design-forward look with a huge wall-to-wall window framing the Shard and the city skyline. The oversized king bed filled the width of the room, and I loved the playful touches — especially the red balloon-dog sculpture and the MoodPad tablet that controlled the blinds, lighting, temperature, and TV in one tap!
I dined on a Roasted Veggie & Quinoa bowl in the 24/7 canteenM, curled up with a Taschen London architecture book in their Living Room and really appreciated their ultra-fast free Wi-Fi!
- To book, check prices or dates for CitizenM, Tower Bridge
My personal highlights…
- Sipping on the light, elegant, and floral gin cocktail the London Rose in their rooftop bar while gazing at views of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard, and Trinity Square.
14. The Good Hotel
A short video of my trip to the Good Hotel…
This socially-conscious floating 4-star hotel on Royal Victoria Dock combined industrial-chic style with calming waterfront views and a meaningful mission.
I stepped inside to find raw concrete walls, exposed metal beams, lashings of reclaimed oak and pine, pendant lighting, and large warehouse-style windows overlooking the water. It was all sleek and box-like but very cool in a laid back, community focused way and attracted remote workers, creatives, and socially aware travellers!
My minimalist Double Room felt like a cozy cabin on a ship and even slightly wobbled as the waves lapped! It also featured reclaimed wood, a porthole-style window overlooking the Royal Victoria Dock, open metal-frame shelving, and soft grey curtains — simple and compact, but still hipster-approved! I grabbed a Hackney Brewery pale ale at the relaxed bar and lounged on the rooftop deck chairs overlooking the dock!
- To book, check prices or dates for Good Hotel
My personal highlights…
- Learning that the friendly staff at the desk were actually former unemployed locals, trained as part of the hotel’s commitment to hire 15 new people every three months!
15. The Pilgrm
I absolutely adored this 4-star stylish boutique hotel in Paddington, set across beautifully-restored Victorian townhouses. Inside, original mosaic floors, exposed brickwork, and a restored Victorian staircase were paired with mid-century furniture, woven blankets, vintage travel photography, and vinyl records. It felt welcoming, characterful, and wonderfully personal — the perfect homey alternative to large and sterile city hotels!
My pet-friendly Large Double Room was thoughtfully designed and combined traditional Victorian elegance with modern simplicity with a bespoke wooden bed adorned with pure white bedlinen, walnut parquet floors, ornate ceiling cornices, and tall sash windows.
I especially loved the genuine plug-in Marshall Bluetooth speakers! I grabbed a vanilla bean cappuccino from the cozy cafe, checked out the stylish bar and whizzed to nearby Hyde Park on one of their loaner bikes!
- To book, check prices or dates for The Pilgrm Hotel
My highlights…
- The social vibe – I found it was very easy to strike up a conversation with the friendly staff and fellow guests. My breakfast was also fantastic, especially the French toast which came drenched in Nutella and orange blossom honey!
Author’s Note:
I’m based in London (when I’m not travelling) and have personally stayed in every hotel on this list and I took local photos and videos. All impressions, and details come from my own visits — nothing is sponsored!
Wow, I love the look of all these hotels especially the nHow hotel!
Love this post, some of the designs of these hotels are seriously beautiful! I love 3 and 6 best!
Wow some of these hotels are seriously stunning, I love the look of the Hoxton and nHow hotel!
What a beautiful collection of hotels. Thanks Becky for the article.I would like the Urban country Lodge. 🙂
The Hoxton is fantastic, good choice Marc we loved our stay there and such a cool area too!
I’d like to visit soho hotel because it looks more comfortable, includes more services and of course is more modern.
These hotels have really touched on everything that I would expect from a hotel in London. They are very sleek, yet have an air of romance and of course many of them also feature Victorian architecture. When people go to London, I am sure many of them (especially tourists) want to feel like a king or queen; and of course they can get that if they choose the right place to stay. I myself really like the Rough Luxe. It just seems sort of grungy, but also Victorian in many respects.
Good choice – it’s a very unique hotel!
An impressive list of places-have stayed at Hoxton and even if you can’t grab one of their £1 hotel offers you can get rooms for £29 or £59 booking in advance.
Zetter is the other place I have stayed and reviewed-beautiful hotel with lots of nice features especially their own bottled water, bit of a miracle given how poor water quality is in London…..
Have to bookmark your site and have a gander later…
Hello from Kash aka @budgettraveller
Great thanks!
interesting collection of hotels I’ll hopefully try one of them out when I visit London next.:))
Wow Becky, what a fantastic post!
I love the Hoxton Hotel and have been lucky enough to snag a £1 room again this round. Looking so forward to my stay!
Thanks for great ideas from all around town!
Kathryn @Travelfusion
Hey thanks Kathryn glad you like it! I’m impressed you managed to get a room in the Hoxton room sale. I’ve signed up now and hoping for the best!
Good luck to you! Our stay was this past Saturday and couldn’t have been better. It’s a great spot and it doesn’t hurt that the prices are so reasonable and the rooms so nicely decorated!
Fingers crossed you get a room in the next round!
Kathryn @Travelfusion
Thanks Kathryn I’m going to keep trying!