Hotels in London: Your Guide to the City’s Luxurious and Quirky Accommodations
London, the land of the Queen, Big Ben, and a jolly good cup of tea. But it’s not just the iconic landmarks and the quintessential British charm that draw millions of visitors each year. It’s also the hotels. Yes, the hotels in London are as varied, vibrant, and downright quirky as the city itself. But with so many options, how do you choose? Well, dear reader, that’s where we come in. We’ll take you on a virtual tour of some of the best hotels in London, from the luxurious to the unusual, and everything in-between. So, buckle up, and get ready for a ride on the London Eye of hotels (trust us, it’s a thing).
The Cream of the Crop: London’s Luxury Hotels
Let’s start with the crème de la crème, the diamonds in the royal crown of London’s hotel scene. These places are not just hotels, they’re experiences. They’re the places where you can live out your Downton Abbey fantasies (minus the drama, hopefully). So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
The Ritz London
First stop on our luxury tour is none other than the world-renowned Ritz London. This isn’t just a hotel, it’s a national treasure. With its neoclassical architecture, opulent Louis XVI-style guest rooms, and the world-famous afternoon tea (pinkies up, please), a stay at The Ritz is a one-way ticket to the high life.
The Savoy
Next, we whisk you away to The Savoy, a place where old-world glamour meets modern luxury. With its iconic Edwardian and Art Deco design, plus a guest list that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood and British royalty, The Savoy is the epitome of luxury. And let’s not forget the Savoy Grill, where you can feast on world-class cuisine while pretending you’re part of the Rat Pack (we won’t judge).
Claridge’s
Finally, we head to Claridge’s, the crown jewel of Mayfair. This art deco masterpiece has been a favourite of royalty, celebrities, and well-heeled travellers for over a century. With its elegant rooms, Michelin-starred restaurant, and iconic afternoon tea (yes, more tea, it’s a British thing), a stay at Claridge’s is like stepping back in time to a more glamorous era.
The Quirky and Unusual: Boutique Hotels in London
Now that we’ve covered the luxury scene, let’s take a walk on the wild side. No, we’re not talking about a night out in Soho (although that’s always a good idea), we’re talking about London’s quirky and unusual hotels. These places are for those who want something a little different, a little unique, a little… well, quirky.
The Zetter Townhouse
Kicking off our quirky tour is The Zetter Townhouse, a boutique hotel in Clerkenwell that’s bursting with character. With its eclectic mix of vintage furniture, taxidermy, and cocktail lounge that feels like your eccentric great aunt’s living room (in a good way), The Zetter Townhouse is a true original.
Artist Residence London
Next, we head to Artist Residence London, a quirky boutique hotel in Pimlico. With its mix of industrial chic and bohemian style, plus a collection of contemporary art that would make any gallery jealous, Artist Residence is a feast for the senses.
40 Winks
Finally, we visit 40 Winks, a boutique hotel in East London that’s been dubbed ‘the most beautiful small hotel in the world’. With just two rooms, a ‘bedtime story’ night for guests, and an owner who doubles as a fashion photographer and interior designer, 40 Winks is as quirky as they come.
So, there you have it, a whistle-stop tour of some of the best hotels in London. Whether you’re looking for luxury, quirkiness, or a bit of both, London’s hotel scene has something for everyone. So next time you’re in the Big Smoke, why not check in and check out one of these amazing places? You won’t regret it, we promise.
From Wacky to Lavish: Digging Deeper Into London’s Hotel Scene
As we continue our journey through London’s magical hotel scene, let’s take a detour into the world of the quirky, the luxurious, and the downright unusual. In the city known for its stiff upper lip and serious business, it’s a refreshing change to discover that when it comes to accommodations, Londoners are ready to let their hair down and have a bit of fun. So buckle up, for we’re about to embark on a roller coaster ride of London’s most unique hotels.
The Eccentric Elegance of The Rookery
Located in the heart of London’s historic Clerkenwell district, the Rookery is a charming blend of old-world elegance and eccentric British flair. With rooms named after historical figures who once roamed these streets, you might find yourself sleeping in the ‘Captain Kidd’ suite, named after a notorious pirate. Swashbuckling antics, however, are not included in the room rate.
The Zetter Townhouse: A Quirky Spin on the Traditional B&B
If you thought bed and breakfasts were all floral wallpaper and lace doilies, think again. The Zetter Townhouse in Clerkenwell turns the traditional B&B concept on its head with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, bold wallpaper, and a cocktail lounge that would make Jay Gatsby green with envy. Each room is uniquely decorated, so you might find yourself sleeping in a four-poster bed one night and a sleigh bed the next. But don’t worry, if you have an aversion to change, the high thread count sheets remain consistent.
The Luxury of The Dorchester
From the quirky, we now turn to the luxurious. The Dorchester is the epitome of London opulence, with its gilded interiors and world-class service. Situated on Park Lane, with views over Hyde Park, this hotel is a favorite among celebrities and royal guests. After all, who wouldn’t want to sleep on a bed that’s probably been fluffed more times than you’ve had hot dinners?
Living The High Life at Shangri-La Hotel, The Shard
Speaking of luxury, let’s go higher. Literally. The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard offers breathtaking views of London from the comfort of your bed. With the whole city spread out beneath you, you might find it hard to close the curtains and go to sleep. But with Egyptian cotton sheets and personalized pillow menus, we’re sure you’ll manage to drift off eventually.
The Quirky Charm of The Pavilion Fashion Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel
Now, if you prefer your hotels to come with a side of rock ‘n’ roll, then The Pavilion Fashion Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel is the place for you. With rooms themed around different music genres, you could be sleeping in the ‘Honky Tonk Afro Room’ one night and the ‘Casablanca Nights Room’ the next. Just remember to keep the guitar solos to a minimum after 10 PM.
Hipster Heaven at The Hoxton, Shoreditch
For the urban explorers who prefer their hotels with a side of cool, The Hoxton, Shoreditch fits the bill. With its industrial chic design and bustling lobby bar, this hotel is a hotspot for London’s creative crowd. And with room names like ‘Shoebox’ and ‘Roomy’, you know you’re in for a hipster-friendly experience.
The Posh Sophistication of The Goring
Now, no round-up of London hotels would be complete without mentioning The Goring. This family-owned hotel in Belgravia is the epitome of British sophistication. With its private gardens and Michelin-starred restaurant, The Goring offers a slice of English elegance right in the heart of bustling London. And if it’s good enough for Kate Middleton to spend her last night as a commoner here, it’s certainly good enough for us.
In conclusion, whether you’re looking for eccentric charm, luxurious comfort, or hipster cool, London’s hotel scene has something to offer everyone. So next time you’re in town, why not bypass the cookie-cutter hotel chains and opt for a stay that’s as unique as you are? After all, life’s too short for boring hotel rooms.
Hotels in London: The Quintessential British Experience
As we march on in our grand tour of London hotels, let’s not forget that we are, in fact, in London. The city where the queen waves hello from her golden carriage and where people use words like ‘blimey’ and ‘bollocks’ in everyday conversation. A city where you can’t swing a cat without hitting a historic monument (not that we recommend swinging cats, mind you). So, without further ado, let’s dive back into the world of hotels in this oh-so-British metropolis.
The Ritz London: Where Luxury Meets Tradition
When you want to experience London in all its grandeur, there’s no better place to stay than The Ritz. No, not the cracker, although they do offer a cracking good time. The Ritz London, located in the heart of Piccadilly, is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Its opulent Louis XVI décor, Michelin-starred restaurant, and world-renowned afternoon tea make it one of the most iconic hotels in the world. And yes, they do serve crumpets.
The Ned: Banking on Luxury
Looking for a place to stash your cash? Well, The Ned may be just the ticket. Formerly a Midland Bank, this hotel now trades in luxury rather than pounds sterling. With 252 rooms, 10 restaurants, a rooftop pool, and even a barber shop, The Ned is a one-stop-shop for all your hedonistic needs. And if you’re wondering why it’s called The Ned, it’s named after the architect of the building, Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens. It’s not just a clever name, it’s a nod to history.
The Zetter Townhouse: A Quirky Home Away From Home
If you’re looking for something a bit more eccentric, The Zetter Townhouse is your cup of tea – and speaking of tea, they serve a mean Earl Grey. This quirky boutique hotel is like stepping into your eccentric Aunt’s house, if your Aunt happened to be a collector of vintage curios and a fan of taxidermy. Each room is uniquely decorated with antique furniture and eclectic artwork, providing a truly unique London experience. It’s like a trip to the British Museum, but with room service.
The Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard: A Sky-High Experience
If you’re not afraid of heights and fancy waking up to a view of the entire London skyline, The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard is the place to be. Located on the 34th to 52nd floors of one of the tallest buildings in Europe, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the city. But don’t worry, they also have blinds in case you’re not keen on giving the pigeons a peep show. Plus, their infinity pool on the 52nd floor is the perfect spot to take a dip with a view. Just don’t forget your swimsuit.
Claridge’s: The Crown Jewel of Mayfair
If you’ve ever wanted to live like royalty, Claridge’s is the closest you’ll get without marrying into the royal family. This legendary hotel in Mayfair has been serving kings, queens, and celebrities since 1856. With its art deco design, Michelin-starred restaurant, and luxurious spa, it’s no wonder Claridge’s is often referred to as an ‘extension of Buckingham Palace’. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Queen having a cheeky gin and tonic at the bar.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a carefully curated list of some of the best hotels in London. Whether you’re looking for classic luxury, quirky charm, or sky-high views, London has a hotel to suit every taste and budget. Just remember, when in London, do as the Londoners do: keep calm, carry an umbrella, and never, ever, refer to the underground as ‘the subway’.
So, pack your bags, brush up on your British slang and prepare to experience the quintessential British hospitality at these top-notch London hotels. Cheerio!
Where Sophistication Meets Quirky: The Zetter Townhouse, Clerkenwell
Stepping into The Zetter Townhouse in Clerkenwell is like stepping into the eccentric and oh-so-English home of your great-aunt Agatha who travels the globe collecting odd trinkets and curiosities. The boutique hotel is a 13-bedroom townhouse that looks more like a quirky, antique-filled home than a hotel. Think plush velvet armchairs, taxidermy, and vintage wallpapers that probably have more stories to tell than your most well-travelled friend.
Each room is individually designed, so no two stays are the same. One night you could be sleeping in a room that feels like a Victorian boudoir, the next you could be in a room with a 70s disco theme. The eclectic mix of styles and periods adds to the charm and whimsy of the place. However, don’t let the antique vibes fool you. The Zetter Townhouse also comes equipped with modern comforts like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and high-quality toiletries.
A Home Away From Home: The Hoxton, Shoreditch
If you’re looking for a hotel that captures the hipster spirit of Shoreditch, look no further than The Hoxton. This hotel is so cool it probably refuses to acknowledge its own coolness. From the exposed brick walls to the vintage furniture, every corner of The Hoxton is Instagram-worthy. But it’s not just about the aesthetics. The Hoxton also provides a cosy, home-away-from-home experience that you’ll love.
The rooms are cleverly designed to maximise space, with the same level of comfort you’d expect from luxury hotels. The beds are large and comfy, perfect for sinking into after a day of exploring London. Each room also comes with a mini fridge stocked with fresh milk and water, and the option to purchase local products at supermarket prices. It’s these thoughtful touches that make The Hoxton stand out from the crowd.
The Height of Luxury: The Shard, London Bridge
Does staying in one of the tallest buildings in Europe sound like your cup of tea? Then make a beeline for The Shard. This iconic building not only dominates London’s skyline, but it also houses one of the most luxurious hotels in the city – the Shangri-La Hotel.
Staying at the Shangri-La Hotel is an experience in itself. Each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows, providing breathtaking views of the city. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the Thames or enjoying a panoramic view of London at night, you’re in for a treat. The rooms themselves are a blend of modern elegance and traditional Asian touches, reflecting the hotel’s heritage.
And if you’re a foodie, you’re in luck. The hotel houses several top-notch restaurants, including TĪNG, which offers a modern European menu with an Asian twist, and GŎNG, the highest bar in London, perfect for a cocktail with a view.
Stay in a Piece of History: The Savoy
The Savoy is not just a hotel; it’s a landmark. This legendary hotel has been hosting royalty, celebrities, and distinguished guests since 1889. Staying at The Savoy is like stepping back in time, but with all the modern luxuries you’d expect from a five-star hotel.
The rooms and suites are beautifully furnished in either Edwardian or Art Deco style, reflecting the rich history of the hotel. However, they also come equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including touch panel controls for lighting and curtains.
And let’s not forget about the dining. The Savoy is home to some of London’s most famous restaurants and bars, including the world-renowned Savoy Grill and the American Bar, the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain. So, whether you’re an avid history buff, a food lover, or simply want to indulge in a bit of luxury, The Savoy will not disappoint.
There you have it, a selection of hotels in London that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for eccentric English charm, hipster cool, sky-high luxury, or historical grandeur, London’s got you covered.
