Not gonna lie, London is a city full of originality and quirkiness, and there is an unmistakable touch of English eccentricity that makes it feel like home to me. Maybe I am a bit biased, but I genuinely believe the hotels here can be spectacular. I have stayed in places that are striking and modern, close to famous landmarks, as well as intimate boutique gems that became my favorite stylish stays.
One thing I loved was how some of these places capture the city’s flair in ways that feel extraordinary, and I just love seeing that impeccable design come alive in every corner. If you’re anything like me, you’ll spot details that make you pause, smile, and maybe even want to stay a little longer.
Treehouse Hotel, Marylebone
I was honestly blown away when I first walked into the Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone. I felt head over heels for its playful and eco-conscious vibe. This boutique hotel was a unique place with a nostalgic charm and nature-meets-urban design. Inside, the eclectic and nature-inspired decor stood out with reclaimed wood, vintage furnishings, leafy accents, and whimsical childhood nods like tree-branch lighting, cute little teddy bears. It felt fun, cozy, and imaginative.
My guest room, a Superior Queen Room, was a good size and featured a comfy queen-size bed, wooden accents, a cosy window nook where I gazed at city views, a lush rainfall shower, air con, a Nespresso machine, and a flat-screen TV. I particularly loved the quirky vintage stuffed toys.
I also enjoyed The Nest rooftop bar with superb city views, the romantic upscale Madera Mexican restaurant, and the excellent upscale location. I was walking a short distance to fine restaurants, Oxford Circus, the West End theatres, and popular central attractions.
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My personal highlights
- Sipping on a potent Homemade Blue Raspberry Tequila while gazing at the London Eye and the Shard from The Nest Rooftop Bar.
nHow Hotel, Shoreditch
This place just hit different – I enjoyed staying at the nHow Hotel in Shoreditch, a bold 4-star lifestyle hotel with a funky style and vibrant fusion of edgy British pop culture and street art. The playful design touches like the punk-themed lobby, graffiti walls, and a DJ booth brought a sense of fun, creative energy to London. Inside, I noticed bold industrial interiors with bright pops of color, punk-inspired graphics, and quirky references. The vibe was youthful and rebellious – perfect for design lovers, digital nomads, and trendsetters hanging abou the place.
My Superior Room was spacious and full of personality, with graphic wall murals, pop-art touches, a plush king-size bed, rainfall shower, air con, flat-screen TV, and a Nespresso machine. I loved the large windows and immersive art vibe.
The highlights for me included the open-plan lobby with a live DJ booth, stylish co-working areas, a 24-hour gym, peaceful zen-like garden, and pet-friendly services. The Guilty restaurant was serving indulgent comfort food with meat-free options. The location was ideal, just a short walk from Old Street Station, cool street art, indie boutiques, trendy bars, and eclectic dining spots.
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My favourite highlights
- Trying the Tea Time cocktail, an incredible blend of Earl Grey-infused gin and botanical flavors at the Bell Whistle Bar and Restaurant.
Mama Shelter, Shoreditch
I couldn’t get enough of the Mama Shelter in Shoreditch. I stayed at this Insta-worthy, design-led 4-star hotel in East London that truly deserved its spot on my list. It felt like a creative clubhouse rather than a typical hotel – irresistibly fun, quirky, and full of bold personality. Inside, the eclectic urban-chic decor featured playful graffiti, industrial accents, vintage furnishings, and offbeat touches like metal dog sculptures and bejewelled Darth Vader masks. The vibe was youthful, cool, and rebellious, with a laid-back artist hangout energy and serious style.
My Large Mama Double Room was spacious and filled with character. It had a super-comfy king-size bed, quirky bold-colored decor, smart TV, free movies, mood lighting, a desk, and an en-suite rainfall shower with organic bath products. I loved the ceiling-mounted chalkboard covered in handwritten messages and doodles – it felt personal and creative.
Being in the district gave me access to fun extras like retro arcade games, Japanese-style private karaoke rooms, and a buzzing restaurant serving hearty comfort food with a twist. There was also a show-stopping greenhouse-style bar, craft-brewed blond ale, and hot espelette pepper grown on-site.
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My personal highlights
- Entertainment was endless – arcade games, foosball tables, retro board games like Connect Four, and the joy of belting a slightly off tone version of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift in a private karaoke room.
The Exhibitionist
One thing I loved was how The Exhibitionist felt more like a stylish boutique 5-star art-hotel in South Kensington than just another place to sleep. It had a communal art gallery vibe, filled with rotating installations and permanent pieces. There were bold contemporary artworks, exhibitions, and wildly creative themed suites. I was greeted by maximalist decor, striking contemporary art, vibrant color palettes, avant-garde furnishings, and playful gallery-like interiors. I particularly loved the gigantic marble bull standing guard at the entrance and the striking mannequin-lamp in the bar. The vibe felt artistic, edgy, and fashion-forward, and it attracted creative souls and design lovers.
My guest room featured a plush bed with high-thread-count linens, mood lighting, bold contemporary art, a sleek en-suite bathroom, and luxury amenities for a chic gallery-style retreat. I really loved the statement free-standing bathtub.
My favourite highlights included hosting rotating contemporary art exhibitions, the trendy cocktail bar, and curated collaborations with up-and-coming artists that made the entire stay a creative experience. The upscale posh central location put me a short strolling distance from the Natural History Museum, V&A Museum, and Hyde Park.
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My highlights
- High end touches like underfloor heating, Kit&Kin eco-friendly designer toiletries, and exceptionally silky Egyptian cotton sheets.
Yotel, Clerkenwell
Trust me, I’ve always had a real soft spot for Yotel in Clerkenwell. This sleek, tech-savvy 4-star hotel had a unique selling point – a futuristic, space-saving design with smart features that made my high-tech, streamlined stay in the heart of London feel effortless. Inside, the minimalist decor with clean lines, glossy surfaces, and neon accents created a futuristic vibe inspired by airline cabins and smart urban living. It felt modern, efficient, and geared towards digital nomads, solo travelers, and city explorers.
My standard guest room had an adjustable SmartBed™, smart TV, mood lighting, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, a compact en-suite with a rainfall shower, and clever storage solutions. The crisp white design felt fresh, and I loved playing with the bed as it transformed from a sofa with a touch of a button.
The self-check-in kiosks, 24/7 gym, funky co-working spaces, and Komyuniti stylish bar and restaurant served creative street food-inspired dishes, cocktails, and craft beers. Breakfast was great with a full buffet. The location was a short walk to Farringdon Station, the City, Exmouth Market, the Barbican, trendy restaurants, and historic pubs.
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My personal highlights
- The futuristic Mission Control station at reception with glowing purple lights, touchscreen kiosks, and instant key card pickup – it felt super quick and a bit sci-fi.
The Standard Hotel, King’s Cross
I had a moment there when I stepped into The Standard Hotel in King’s Cross – this hip, design-driven boutique hotel felt dream-like, a little trippy, and absolutely ultra-Insta-worthy. They had boldly reinvented a 1970s brutalist building into a playful, retro-futuristic space packed with surprises in the heart of London. Some of the coolest, design-forward rooms I’ve seen had interiors that were a creative mash-up of nostalgia and futuristic flair, with bold colours, curved lines, velvet upholstery, statement furniture, space-age lighting, and custom artwork. The vibe was effortlessly cool, imaginative, and a bit rebellious, attracting a stylish crowd of artists, trendsetters, and creatives.
My guest room had a plush bed with retro-style bedding, Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers, a sleek rain shower, mood lighting, and a retro control panel to adjust the vibe. I loved the private outdoor bathtub on the balcony, plus the mini-fridge stocked with vegan protein balls and truffle crisps.
My favourite amenities included the chic rooftop bar, a hidden recording studio, a moody deep listening room, live DJ sets, a 24-hour gym, and dining venues like Decimo, the buzzy restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. The location was buzzy, a huge bonus, right across from St Pancras Station, with easy access to major tube lines, dining spots, galleries, and nightlife.
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My highlights
- Ride the Insta-worthy iconic exterior red capsule elevator that transported me up to the cool rooftop bar.
Sunborn Yacht Hotel
Hands down, the best feeling was stepping onto the Sunborn Yacht Hotel – a floating 4-star superyacht that offered a unique, elegant experience. Moored on the Thames, it was a one-of-a-kind stay with luxury yacht-style interiors and peaceful riverside views, far from a typical London hotel. I was genuinely wowed by the classic, yacht-inspired decor with a hint of Art Deco flair – gleaming brass railings, polished teak finishes, a dramatic spiral staircase, and sparkling chandeliers. The atmosphere felt refined, tranquil, and indulgent, drawing guests seeking a serene waterfront escape.
My cabin-style room had a plush queen-size bed, polished wood furnishings, a marble-accented en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, minibar, Wi-Fi, touchpad room controls, and air con. I particularly loved the round nautical portholes where I could gaze at the Thames from bed.
I enjoyed the stylish riverside bar and restaurant with panoramic dock views, the onboard Elemis spa with indulgent treatments, and the peaceful Royal Victoria Dock location. A bit off the beaten path, it was only steps from the ExCeL Centre and a short DLR ride to Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena.
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My favorite highlights
- Mushroom arancini and spring vegetable risotto at The Lands End Restaurant, gazing at the Thames as the gentle movements of lapping waves made the dining on a yacht experience
Sea Containers
If you’re anything like me, Sea Containers on the South Bank will catch your eye right away. This stylish 5-star large design hotel felt like an Instagrammer’s dream with its glamorous, ocean-liner-inspired design and sought-after riverside setting. It was truly one of a kind, with interiors that were wow-inducing, sleek, and sophisticated, featuring art deco touches, brass accents, curved walls, velvet furnishings, and nautical elements blended with vintage glamour, modern flair. I loved the vibe – effortlessly chic and cosmopolitan, attracting a well-dressed mix of creatives, influencers, and design lovers.
My guest room had custom-designed furnishings, a plush queen-size bed, large rainfall shower, smart TV, mood lighting, bespoke artwork, a Nespresso machine, and partial river views. The ship-style porthole mirrors and metallic curved walls gave it a distinct personality.
Beyond the room, I enjoyed the glamorous spa, 24-hour high-tech gym, boutique Curzon cinema, buzzing cocktail bar, award-winning restaurant, and rooftop lounge with spectacular river views. Evenings were lively with live DJ sets on weekends. The location offered direct access to the Thames Path and a short stroll to the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the unmatched energy of London’s South Bank.
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My personal highlights
- Indulging in their innovative signature Reparative Facial treatment using the patented skin-care complex NAC Y2 formula at the cocoon-like Luxury Spa by Agua.
The Hoxton, Shoreditch
This place just hit different for me – I’ve always been a big fan of The Hoxton in Shoreditch. This trendy, design-forward boutique hotel effortlessly blended industrial-chic interiors with creative energy and a lively lobby culture, making it feel like a stylish local hangout rather than a typical hotel. The industrial-chic decor had open fireplaces, leather armchairs, squashy sofas, exposed brick walls, retro lighting, and mid-century furnishings. The vibe felt relaxed, creative, and social, and it attracted a fun mix of trend-savvy guests, freelancers, and locals who treated the lobby like their living room.
My guest room was comfy with a bed dressed in high-thread-count linens, a walk-in rainfall shower, industrial-style finishes, a retro rotary phone, smart TV, and a mini fridge stocked with local treats. I loved the Shoreditch-inspired artwork on the walls.
The buzzing all-day lobby had a bar-meets-workspace atmosphere, rotating art installations, complimentary daily breakfast bags, and an onsite restaurant serving modern comfort food with East London flair. Being in one of my favorite areas of London, based on Great Eastern Street, meant I was just steps from buzzing bars, indie boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and eye-catching street art.
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My highlights
- Complimentary Lite Breakfast Bag with granola, fruit, and orange juice delivered to my room in the morning – a great personal touch.
NYX Hotel Holborn by Leonardo
I was honestly blown away when I arrived at the NYX Hotel Holborn by Leonardo. This sleek, artfully designed 4-star lifestyle hotel had bold, street art-inspired interiors and a party-style vibe in one of the most central locations in London. Inside, the trendy nightlife-meets-gallery feel came alive with decor that was a riot of colour, pop art, neon lighting, rainbow glass panels, quirky sculptures, and retro-modern furniture. The youthful, creative, high-energy mood attracted a style-conscious crowd.
My funky guest room had a comfy bed with high-thread-count linens, wooden parquet flooring, trendy retro decor, a Smeg fridge, floor-to-ceiling windows, eco-friendly toiletries, a Nespresso machine, mood lighting, and soundproofing. The rainfall shower felt refreshing, but I loved the neon slogan sign above the bed and the in-room arcade gaming console.
The vibrant rooftop bar offered city views and live DJ sets. Other perks included a large, art-covered indoor pool and spa with a Romanesque twist, a relaxed lounge for afternoon tea, and a modern gym. The location was unbeatable, nestled between Covent Garden and the West End, within easy walking distance of theatres, shops, museums, and nightlife, with quick access to the Central and Piccadilly lines.
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My personal highlights
- Indulging in a fragrant Aromatherapy Massage using sweet almond, jojoba, and thistle oil at the Insta-worthy Rena Spa.
Zedwell, Piccadilly Circus
It totally felt like stepping into another world when I stayed at Zedwell, Piccadilly Circus. This budget-conscious, sleep-focused hotel in the iconic Trocadero building offered a zen-like experience with a unique selling point – minimalist, tech-free cocoon rooms designed for deep rest and relaxation. Inside, the calming, clutter-free interiors featured natural wood finishes, soft lighting, and an atmosphere centered on wellness and sleep, which felt unusual these days. I loved how it was peaceful, grounded, and had an eco-friendly focus.
My standard guest room had a comfy futon-style bed, blackout curtains, purified air, soundproofing, and minimalist furnishings. There was zero tech – no TV, no phone, no distractions. The bed frame wrapped around the mattress, creating a quiet, nest-like sleeping pod that felt incredibly soothing.
The highlights included a holistic wellness studio with yoga and meditation classes, a modern gym, and a minimalist lounge serving affordable, health-focused food and drinks. The central location in the heart of the buzzy West End was ideal.
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My highlights
- Wellness features like hypoallergenic bedding, soundproofing, blackout curtains, an ergonomic mattress, and a dedicated air purification system.
Ruby Lucy, South Bank
I was honestly blown away by Ruby Lucy on the South Bank. This vibrant 4-star boutique hotel just steps from Waterloo Station felt cool, unique, and playful, with carnival-themed interiors and a relaxed, lean luxury concept. The fun in-room details made the stay special. I loved the carnival-inspired interiors with playful pops of rich colour, vintage fairground lighting, circus drums, juggling pins, mismatched velvet chairs, and musical elements like guitars. The atmosphere felt artistic and effortlessly cool.
My guest room had a luxe queen-size bed with crisp white linens, retro furniture, a large rainfall shower, mood lighting, a flatscreen TV, and an in-room tablet. Quirky extras like the Marshall amp I could plug into made my stay memorable.
The lively 24/7 bar served locally sourced drinks, and there was a vintage-style co-working space plus fun curated in-room playlists and guitars for guests. The vibe was amazing, and the location was a bonus, near attractions like the London Eye, National Theatre, and riverside walks along the Thames.
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My highlights
- Trying the innovative sleep-inducing Lucy’s Lullaby cocktail infused with chamomile and agave to unwind before bed.
CitizenM, Tower Bridge
Not gonna lie, I’ve been a long-time fan of CitizenM, Tower Bridge. This sleek, tech-forward boutique hotel in Tower Hill stands out with its ultra-modern smart rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and direct views of the Tower of London. The striking decor blends modern, minimalist style with bold pops of colour, designer Vitra furniture, wall-to-wall art, and sleek wood finishes. The atmosphere draws an energetic, tech-savvy crowd of solo city explorers and digital nomads.
My funky, compact guest room was comfy with a modern bed, mood lighting, blackout blinds, a powerful rain shower, smart tablet controls, and streaming TV. The awesome views of the Tower of London from the floor-to-ceiling window positioned right behind the bed were unforgettable.
I loved the trendy cloudM rooftop bar with panoramic skyline views, and the stylish 24/7 canteenM offering food and drinks. There were also co-working spaces, ultra-fast free Wi-Fi, and a location as close to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge as you can get – a real bonus.
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My personal highlights
- Sipping a light, elegant, floral gin cocktail called the London Rose in the rooftop bar, gazing at views of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and Trinity Square.
The Good Hotel
This place just hit different – The Good Hotel is a socially conscious floating 4-star hotel moored at the Royal Victoria Dock. True to its good name and nature, I admired its stylish, industrial-chic design paired with waterfront views and a powerful social mission of reinvesting profits into education projects and training unemployed locals. It stood out as different from the bland chain hotels nearby.
Inside, the minimalist, industrial-inspired interiors had raw concrete walls, exposed pipes, reclaimed wood accents, and cozy, functional furnishings. The vibe was laid-back, community-driven, and quietly cool, and it attracted a mix of remote workers, creatives, and socially aware travellers.
My guest room was comfy with a bed dressed in crisp white linens, minimalist furnishings, a private en-suite shower, free Wi-Fi, and a square porthole-style window with views of the dock. It felt like a cozy cabin on a stylish urban ship. I loved the open-plan communal spaces where locals and guests mingled, the relaxed bar serving local drinks, the rooftop terrace with deck chairs and dockside views, and the buzzing communal lounge – ideal for working or unwinding.
The peaceful Royal Victoria Dock highlight was being just minutes from the ExCeL Centre and a quick DLR ride to Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena, and the Emirates Cable Car across the Thames.
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My personal highlights
- Learning that the friendly staff at the desk were former unemployed locals, trained as part of the hotel’s commitment to hire 15 new people every three months.
The Pilgrm
I couldn’t get enough of The Pilgrm in Paddington, a stylish boutique hotel set in beautifully restored Victorian townhouses. It had elegant heritage features, minimalist design, and a cozy, character-filled atmosphere – the perfect antidote to large, impersonal city hotels. The warm, creative space mixed original Victorian details like mosaic floors and cast iron radiators with modern minimalist touches, vintage furniture, and curated artwork. It felt welcoming and lived-in, ideal for design lovers, solo travellers, and anyone wanting a personal stay.
My pet-friendly guest room was compact but thoughtfully designed, with crisp white linens, hardwood parquet floors, exposed brick walls, original windows, a rainfall shower, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. A genuine plug Marshall Bluetooth speakers added a personal touch I loved.
I enjoyed the cozy café with exposed stone walls and artisan coffee, the stylish lounge bar serving craft cocktails and fresh juices, plus thoughtful extras like free loaner bikes. The location was easy walking distance to Hyde Park, Marylebone, and other central London attractions.
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My highlights
- The warm, social vibe made it easy to start a conversation with friendly staff and fellow guests. The breakfast was fantastic, especially the French toast drenched in Nutella and orange blossom honey.
