We've come a long way since the unveiling of Brown's Hotel in 1837, the first luxury accommodation facility to open its doors in the British capital, and the oldest stay in the city to never have been renamed, rebuilt, or relocated elsewhere. Nearly 100 years on, the thing uniting the best hotels in London is a celebratory appreciation of the past, their star-studded guest books — Brown's alone welcomed anyone from US Presidents Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt to crime writer Agatha Christie — culture-wide inspirations, and an ability to anticipate the future through their talent-scouting art collections and innovative interiors.
Still, with thousands of accommodations available across the Big Smoke, finding the best hotels in London to experience its cosmopolitan playground from within can be harder than you'd think, especially without any insider knowledge. So what's the secret to making the most of your time in the capital, and what criteria guide us in identifying the must-have reservations of 2025?
At Livingetc, we believe no destination is truly memorable without a dose of awe-inspiring hotel design. Much like our edit of best New York design hotels, this roundup of top London hotels focuses on those hotspots that have nailed the synthesis between authentically powerful aesthetics and food and beverage excellence, catering to a multisensory journey that captures the breadth of the metropolis' cultural, culinary, and artistic scene. We're updating this list regularly, based on our team's discoveries and recommendations.
From grand Georgian townhouses turned five-star luxury retreats to sleek brutalist getaways boasting 360 views of the River Thames and sleekly sumptuous industry firsts, these are 15 of the best hotels in London to book right now.
The Emory. Belgravia
The Hyde Park Balcony Suite, created by Alexandra Champalimaud, juxtaposes blonde wood and Carrara marble with softly curved furnishings, cream upholstery, and brushed metallic accents
Old Barrack Yard, London SW1X 7NP
There is something simultaneously timeless and futuristic about The Emory, London's first all-suite hotel, which makes it inevitable to be instantly taken by it. Wrapped by a spectacular architectural façade conceived by the late Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour of RSHP and overlooking the vegetation of Hyde Park, this hotel is a gem awaiting to be discovered, with communal areas realized by trailblazing French designer Rémi Tessier.
Each of its 61 uniquely crafted suites is a fascinating study on the possibilities of contemporary interior design, with desert-hued decor brought to life by extravagant statement pieces, contrasting surfaces, and collector-worthy artwork, along with sweeping views of the nearby green lung. Home to both the three-in-one culinary rollercoaster that is chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's abc kitchens and one of the best bars in London for glam vibes and sight-spotting (simply head to the rooftop to see what we mean), in less than a year of activity, The Emory has rapidly grown into one of the most sought-after destinations in the British capital. Plus, with its wellness-focused private members' club, Surrenne, the hotel expands its rejuvenating treatment to die-hard Londoners, as well as non-residents.
What else makes The Emory one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Celebrated interior designers André Fu, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Alexandra Champalimaud, Rigby & Rigby, and Patricia Urquiola all contributed bespoke suites to The Emory, making each floor of the hotel into a whole different, yet equally impressive, universe.
Great for: 1970s and 1980s design lovers with a soft spot for sleek interiors.
The London EDITION. Fitzrovia
Classic grandeur and modern interior design collide in George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg's interiors for the London EDITION
The London EDITION, formerly known as the Berners Hotel, is housed in a historical building in Fitzrovia, right on the edge of Soho. Part of the Marriott family, EDITION Hotels were created in partnership with Ian Schrager, the hotelier credited with conceiving the first boutique stays. The grand lobby, boasting British and European design accents, has a magnificent stainless steel orb that, created by German industrial designer Ingo Maurer, floats from the ceiling reflecting and defining the space. With tufted sofas and intimate seating, here you can enjoy a game of snooker with cocktails from the Lobby Bar. The main restaurant — Berners Tavern Dining Room — offers an ever-evolving menu led by acclaimed chef Jason Atherton, surrounded by epic artwork displays and a dramatic, backlit bar. The food is incredible — so are the cocktails — and the marriage of past and present within the hotel's design makes it a truly special place.
What else makes the London EDITION one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: The hotel is a masterclass in all my favorite things: great design, great food, and great cocktails — and all in a space that feels comfortable and inviting. But the suite we stayed in? That was something else. Comfort and class. With gorgeous oak floors and walls paneled in walnut wood, the true sparkle lies in the details. From the custom-imported linens to the bespoke Le Labo bathroom amenities imbued with a signature, exclusive scent, they didn't miss a trick.
Great for: Holidayers interested in an all-encompassing design journey, with food and drinks as good as the decor.
Book your stay at the London EDITION.
The Standard. King's Cross
Speaking on the concept behind The Standard, Shawn Hausman explained that they "tried to take over in a friendly way — keeping the essence, but almost as if California rebels had taken over a government building and made it more free-spirited"
Granting a second life to the 1974 Brutalist landmark that is King's Cross' Camden Town Hall Annex, The Standard makes the ultimate London hotel for travelers wanting to feel the pulse of its creative industry. Co-authored by Hollywood-born interior designer Shawn Hausman in collaboration with prolific London firm Archer Humphryes Architects, this quirky getaway stands out for its Bauhaus-y, striking palette, an emphasis on boldly unexpected shapes and forms, and Space Age feel. Offering 266 individually crafted rooms available in 42 configurations, The Standard satisfies the needs of both explorers traveling light and indulgent vacationers determined to make the British capital into a home away from home.
Playing an active role in London's contemporary culture, the hotel is known for hosting an animated agenda of exhibitions and music performances, as well as inviting local and international talents to reinvent its premises through ad-hoc artist-in-residence programs. With five globe-trotting restaurants, cafes, and cocktail bars available on-site, along with an iconic library and music studio, this is where aspirant art disruptors visiting London like to spend the night.
What else makes The Standard one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: It's hard to pick just one, but the soulful, 1970s palette and overall creative atmosphere of The Standard make the hotel a breeding ground for innovation.
Great for: Culture-obsessed travelers and fans of brutalist interiors and desert modernism.
Book your stay at The Standard.
Claridge's. Mayfair
"Building a ‘home away from home’ requires paying as much attention to the quality of materials and caliber of the design as if it were a primary residence" — Bryan O'Sullivan Studio
Claridge's is one of those rare gems: a refined hotel that oozes grand British glamour —from its famous Art Deco architecture to its stylishly contemporary new suites — and yet is relaxed enough to feel like home. No stay at Claridge's is ever complete without a visit to its elegant namesake restaurant, refitted last year by trailblazing designer Bryan O'Sullivan to pay homage to the hotel's origins and featuring pieces by Sean Scully and Richard Gorman. Plus, the beautiful bar within it is the best place to start and end an evening.
What else makes Claridge's one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: First opened in 1856, Claridge's is a London institution in its own right, having witnessed the rise (and rise) of the British capital's touristic scene and welcomed jet setters from across the globe for nearly two centuries. Given such premises, the real standout while staying here can't but be its recently revived design and cultural heritage, pervading each and every room of the property.
Great for: A grand London sojourn.
Ham Yard Hotel. Soho
The drawing room at Ham Yard Hotel captures Firmdale Hotels and Kit Kemp Studio's vibrant vision of interior design
English eccentrics — and fans — rejoice! Rising in the heart of Soho, London's ever-buzzing neighborhood, the Ham Yard Hotel is a real feast for the eyes. Part of the Firmdale Hotels group and designed by award-winning British designer Kit Kemp, this 91-rooms-and-suites stay absorbs travelers into the color, pattern, and texture extravaganza that is modern English style. Ham Yard lends a splash of artistic inspiration to guests' travel itineraries through its striking selection of artworks inhabiting the space. Spacious, bright, and irreverently bold, each room allows you to soak up leafy views of the city thanks to the presence of huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Steps away from the lavish Mayfair and Fitzrovia, and equally close to most urban attractions, including the West End, the Ham Yard Hotel offers a cheerful start to your British vacation. It comes with the attention to detail of 5-star establishments, a refreshing palette, and spectacular food courtesy of its eponymous, two-AA-rosettes-holder restaurant and bar.
What else makes the Ham Yard Hotel one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: The sprawling-with-life inner courtyard of the Ham Yard Hotel, featuring a bespoke bronze sculpture centerpiece by artist Tony Cragg, is my favorite part of this destination. Head here on a summer night and you'll get to savor the punchy modern European dishes of chefs Chris Davies and Jamie Atkinson surrounded by oak trees and warmly lit lights.
Great for: Art lovers with a soft spot for daring color and pattern juxtapositions, Bloomsbury Group's aficionados, and culture-driven tourists wanting to dive into London's theater and nightlife offerings head-on.
Book your stay at the Ham Yard Hotel.
NoMad London. Covent Garden
Tucked underneath the NoMad London, the underground, speakeasy-style Common Decency cocktail bar is a masterclass in contemporary Art Deco
Wall art might not be the first thing you judge top hotels on when booking a stay, but how many times have you found yourself in accommodations whose walls had been covered in cheap, cookie-cutter versions of the world's best-known artworks and wished you had thought about it before? This is not something you'll have to worry about at NoMad London, a 5-star boutique hotel situated in Covent Garden, minutes away from the luxurious Royal Opera House, whose "collector's home"-inspired rooms feature a captivating selection of over 1,600 post-war American art and European avant-garde pieces, edited by Be-poles. The brainchild of Roman and Williams, the NoMad London infuses the center of the British capital with the same vibrancy of the cherished NYC district through its stunningly executed, transitional-style interiors. Housed in a grade II-listed former police station, the stay draws on its theaters-encircled location to catapult travelers into a dramatic setting filled with velvety and wood details, choreographic lighting, and golden sunken baths.
What else makes the NoMad London one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: The reinvented Magistrates Court, the go-to location of NoMad London's candlelit nightlife happenings, is an outstanding design masterpiece boasting staggering crystal chandeliers and wall murals. Set in a monumental glass conservatory, the NoMad restaurant is just as breathtaking, serving a fusion of the finest Italian, French, and British staples.
Great for: Glamorous, taste-led guests keen to take part in London's electrifying nightlife first-hand, as plenty of events are organized at the hotel year-round.
Book your stay at the NoMad London.
Staycity Aparthotels. Dalston
If you are looking for more than a hotel room, the Staycity Aparthotels group might have what you are after, starting with plenty of beautifully designed space to unwind, focus, and socialize
130 Kingsland High St, London E8 2LQ
Set in the ever-alive Dalston in London's East End, Staycity's Dalston hotel, once a part of the Locke Living chain, is a spirited hub fit for an eclectic neighborhood. Housing 124 studio apartments, the hotel gives industrial interior design the glam treatment, standing out for its soulful palette, 1980s furnishings, and quirky atmosphere. Conceived by studio Red Deer, the hotel, once known as Kingsland Locke, integrates the vibrant colors and scenes of the surrounding Dalston area — one of London's youngest and most fun districts. All studios feature fully-equipped kitchens complete with high-spec appliances, as well as custom-made green velvet sofas and a living space. The accommodation is ideal for globe-trotting digital nomads who can appreciate a complimentary co-working space and also offers an on-site micro-brewery and gin distillery, an all-day restaurant, a workout studio, and a coffee shop. Plus, the lower ground floor of the hotel boasts a large atrium that transitions into a bar area come nightfall.
What else makes the Staycity Dalston one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Incorporating mid-century modern furniture and rustic décor, the Staycity Dalston's rooftop captures the playfully relaxed ambiance of the hotel, providing guests with a standout viewpoint over London's skyline.
Great for: Young vacationers looking to experience the city like their fellow locals and families in need of extra space and comfort.
Book your stay at Kingsland Locke.
The Prince Akatoki. Marylebone
One of the most atmospheric Japanese hotels in London, The Prince Akatoki captures the beauty of Nipponic minimalism through its neutral interiors and revitalizing wellness offering
50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
As London's only 5-star Japanese hotel, The Prince Akatoki lives up to expectations. Located on a tranquil location steps away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, a 10-minute stroll to Hyde Park, the destination might look like a classic Georgian townhouse on the outside, but indoors guests are met by an East Asian, soul-soothing sanctuary of minimalism. The first foray into Europe of high-end Japanese brand Prince Hotels, this Marble Arch gem brings the country's finest hospitality to London.
From checking in at the orchids and bamboo screens-dotted lobby, where a hypnotic fireplace welcomes travelers as they walk through the door, to browsing design books in its peaceful library, peppered with covetable Nipponese pottery, The Prince Akatoki is a journey within the journey. Designed by B3 Designers, the rooms and lounge areas are decorated in mellow tones and elegant lines, with blond-wood furnishings, Japanese futon bed-inspired, spacious sleeping areas, and a slatted cabinet complete with a traditional tea set. Behind the beds are paneled screens delicately etched with mountain sceneries echoing Japan's suggestive geography, closing the gap between the West and the East.
What else makes The Prince Akatoki one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: The hotel's striking Malt Bar transforms seamlessly from a Japanese tea room during the day to a buzzy whisky bar at night, resplendent in cherry blossoms. The smoked whisky is a must for a nightcap — poured then smoked at the bar for drama and incredible flavor.
Great for: Travelers always searching for the next adventure.
Book your stay at The Prince Akatoki.
Mayfair Townhouse. Mayfair
Informed by the stay's Georgian roots and the original inhabitants of the area, The Mayfair Townhouse reinterprets "the flamboyant dressing, pursuit of beauty, and eccentric quality of the time" through its design
27-41 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BG
Located a stone's throw from the theater district, The Mayfair Townhouse gathers 15 Georgian townhouses in a one-of-a-kind luxury destination. Similarly to the Ham Yard Hotel, it is an ode to English eccentricity. This is particularly evident in each of its 172 rooms, which reinterpret the contagious energy and aesthetic of the "Dandy" era in a nod to Oscar Wilde. Vividly patterned carpets, ginormous upholstered seating, Art Deco design lighting, and beautifully crafted wood paneling are some of the key features of its accommodations, ranging from cozily essential cabin rooms to executive rooms fit for a king. Art too plays a crucial role in the hotel's interiors, with a curated collection of unique and commissioned pieces bringing to life the property's legacy with a sense of mischief. Inspired by the extravagant characters of Mayfair's past and present, The Dandy Bar's atmospheric lighting and mirrored ceilings make it an evocative location for cocktails, alongside its extensive wine list.
What else makes The Mayfair Townhouse one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Should you be after that extra something, The Mayfair Townhouse's suites have a separate sofa area and enormous marble bathrooms with huge tubs and spacious rain showers. Pick the Garden ones to secure yourself access to the hotel's bucolic walled courtyard.
Great for: Romantics (day)dreaming about living like a Dandy and nostalgics wanting to get the best of both worlds — past and present.
Book your stay at The Mayfair Townhouse.
Henrietta Experimental. Covent Garden
"As I usually mix elements and styles, I have taken elements from the 70s and designed a little armchair inspired by Pierre Paulin's work, with brushed aluminum elements" — Dorothée Meilichzon
14-15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS
There are certain designers whose touch you can spot from a mile away when looking at one of their projects, and that's certainly the case with the shapely chic, fantastical interiors of Covent Garden's Henrietta Experimental, curated by Dorothée Meilichzon. This whimsical getaway is one of a series of très jolie accommodations brought to the public by cult hotelier Experimental Group and the firm's first one in the British capital.
The Meilichzon-designed 40 rooms delight with playfully shaped furniture and large fairytale-style beds facilitating your beauty sleep. Each room has its own unique style, offering an irreplaceable visual experience through the brave juxtapositions of colors, patterns, and tones that characterize both the décor and finishes. A slice of France's culinary culture is up for grabs at chef Jackson Boxer's Henri, the hotel's Parisian bistro, with a tantalizing menu merging the best of French and British cuisines, while their buffet-style, intercontinental breakfast will have you stock up on pastries, cold meats, and seasonal fruit.
What else makes Henrietta Experimental one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Within close proximity of some of London's foremost theaters, Henrietta Experimental is the ideal base from which to explore the British capital's world-leading stage offering. Not into drama? Walk up to the hotel's sibling business in Chinatown, the Experimental Cocktail Club, to take in its impressive industrial interior design and enjoy a sip of London's bohemia.
Great for: Families and larger traveling parties, thanks to the many interconnecting-room options available.
Book your stay at Henrietta Experimental.
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences. Mayfair
A family-run business, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences will immerse you in the heart of bustling London while feeling like home
116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ
Sometimes staying in a beautiful hotel isn't enough. What you are really after is a place that feels like a natural extension of the city's essence, wit, and spirit. Equidistant from the hyper-central Green Park and Hyde Park Corner Underground stations, with only a couple of minute's walk setting you apart from TfL services, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences has it all. Perfectly situated within one of the most influential sides of London, it has played host to many celebrities over the years, from Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg to British hit band Take That, and still carries that cool factor. At once elegant and edgy, tasteful and unexpected, the Kinnersley Kent Design-crafted establishment features 134 guest rooms, 10 suites, and 18 residences, all so well-equipped, stylish, and spacious that you won't miss home for a second, as well as boasting a recently refurbished spa, a zingy bar offering, and common areas oozing with creative inspiration.
What else makes The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Constellated by coffee table books, design icons, and thriving plants, the open-plan reception basks in natural light, with views granting you an instant snapshot into London life courtesy of its Hyde Park-facing, strategic Piccadilly location.
Great for: Interiors-minded tourists who don't want to feel bored and nurture an appreciation of daring design.
Book your stay at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences.
Broadwick Soho. Soho
With its kaleidoscopic design, Broadwick Soho is one of the best hotels in London for maximalism stans
20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HT
I know what you're thinking: I can't seem to wrap up one of these hotel reviews without including, at the very least, one of Martin Brudnizki's imaginatively conceived destinations. Located in the vibrant Soho district, this 5-star hotel offers 57 unique rooms and suites, each with its own distinctive design. Opened in 2023, the hotel blends classic elegance with contemporary flair, thanks to Brudnizki's masterful, time-traveling approach to interior design. The Art Deco-inspired décor, warm color palettes, and retro furnishings create a chic yet cozy atmosphere, while the intimate rooftop bar offers panoramic views of London, inviting guests to connect with the outdoors.
The theatrical spectacle inside Broadwick Soho, with its mismatched animal prints, oversized seating, lush curtains, crystal accents, and bohemian motifs, may not appeal to everyone. However, the Swedish designer's signature style is not meant to cater to the masses — it is a gift for connoisseurs who would choose his bold, joy-infused vision of design over anything and anyone.
What else makes Broadwick Soho one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Broadwick Soho's Flute bar (captured above), surrounded by London's breathtaking skyline, is enough to justify a stay at the hotel. Here, sound, sight, and taste collide in an overload of sensations emblematic of Soho's nightlife reputation. My advice? Don't leave without trying the Eyes Wide Shut cocktail.
Great for: Tourists who know how to party in style — and wouldn't miss their chance to do it in London.
Book your stay at Broadwick Soho.
One Hundred Shoreditch. Shoreditch
Developed across seven floors, London's One Hundred Shoreditch offers visitors the opportunity to look at the city from a breathtaking perspective
100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ
There is something instantly iconic about One Hundred Shoreditch, the ultimate location from which to delve into the ongoing 1970s and 1980s design revival at the heart of Livinetc's Trends Issue 2025. After all, it doesn't get any more lively than Shoreditch High Street, where the 4-star hotel sits, and the post-industrial, retro-inspired flair of the East London surroundings has visibly left its mark on this trendy accommodation. Standing tall on this youthful hotspot, One Hundred Shoreditch is home to 258 bedrooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, and five meeting and event spaces. The interiors reflect the energy and boho vibe of the neighborhood, blending mesmerizing abstract artworks, wall-to-ceiling tapestries, eye-catching sculptures, and inimitable design masterpieces such as Terje Ekstrom's postmodern lounge chair into a fascinating, livable collage.
Designed by Lore Group's Jacu Strauss, whose signature graces the whole project, its sun-filled bedrooms balance the organicness of rattan and wooden finishes with meticulously crafted, geometric monochromatic pieces selected to bring guests a sense of inner peace. Each of the rooms is adorned with a collector-worthy selection of paintings, furniture, and vintage rarities, making sleeping at One Hundred Shoreditch an endless discovery, while the Studio Loft is complemented with colossal windows and Juliette balconies from which to catch some of the best views in the whole of East London.
What else makes One Hundred Shoreditch one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Seed Library, one of the restaurants and bars present on-site, nestled in the basement, must be one of the most aesthetic cocktail hotspots I have spotted in a long while. With its sleek mushroom lamps and round tables, brick red velvety chairs, and brutalist interiors-informed bar counter, this cool underground destination offers the perfect excuse to unwind, have a drink or two, and get loose on the vinyl-led dancefloor — better hone your moves!
Great for: Vintage design addicts with a foot in the creative industry.
Book your stay at One Hundred Shoreditch.
Templeton Garden. Kensington
A brand new addition to the thriving London hospitality scene, lifestyle brand Miiro Hotels' Templeton Garden will infuse your stay in the capital city with the lushness and vibrancy it is known for
1-15 Templeton Pl, London SW5 9NB
At Livingetc, we always strive to be ahead of the curve, whether by forecasting the biggest interior design trends or making predictions about the destinations that will shake up the tourism industry in the months to come, as we did in our Travel Trends 2025 Report. That's precisely why, though launching next month, we thought that Earl's Court's Templeton Garden deserved a spot in this list of the top London hotels — because what we saw from the imagery and renders available was enough to convince us this immersed-in-nature stay won't go unheard.
Crafted by former Soho House Design Director James Thurstan Waterworth, the vibrant interiors of the latest Miiro Hotels property wink at the steeped-in-history-and-culture identity of the neighborhood with their transitional decor. Sumptuous textiles and warm wood tones mold the space into shape. Art Deco interior design-inspired lighting fills it with life. And sleek, antique-style desks adorn the largest of its 156 rooms and suites in a nod to 20th-century writers Beatrix Potter and Agatha Christie, two of the area's most notable residents. With three spirited F&B locations set to be unveiled within the space alongside a fully equipped gym and a 'refresh room', Templeton Garden will make it hard for guests to find a reason to step outdoors at all. When they finally do, they will be as connected to the rest of the Big Smoke as possible.
What else makes Templeton Garden one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Incorporating contributions from some of today's most acclaimed British studios, including architectural firm Holland Harvey, lighting and furniture house Cox London, decorative artist Tess Newall, and arts consultancy Art Story, Templeton Garden's meticulous details are an ode to the power of craftsmanship. Take a look at the preview of the hotel's Pippin's cocktail bar to get a taste of it — it's my personal favorite.
Great for: A full immersion into quintessentially English charm.
Book your stay at Templeton Garden.
Brama. Bromley
At Brama and the adjacent Dorothy & Marshall restaurant, travelers will see the Town Hall of Bromley come back to life as a space for community, cultural exchange, and leisure
In Italian, "brama" means desire, and despite its tucked-away location, Bromley's eponymous hotel is definitely one to look out for. Launched in 2023, Brama, a fresh addition to Greater London's hospitality fabric, finds its home within the 1907 landmark building that is Bromley Old Town Hall. Way more affordable than most picks included in this top London hotel roundup, it is only a 10-minute train journey away from the frenetic London Bridge, making the accommodation a valuable alternative for travelers on a budget. But its convenient price point isn't the only pro of this unconventional British stay: at Brama, old meets new in heritage-inspired interiors elevating traditional décor details such as tiled bathroom walls, mosaic floors, and wallpapers for the contemporary, style-conscious dweller.
Powered by the Fusion Interiors Group, the place hosts an array of ergonomically designed, bespoke furniture items combining elegant lines, muted tones, and sophisticated finishes into an unforgettable holiday experience. Check out Dorothy & Marshall Restaurant for a quintessentially British gastronomic journey through seasonal flavors, set within the art and wood-drenched volumes of the former municipal center.
What else makes Brama one of the best hotels in London?
Highlight: Providing you a serene base from which to visit ever-crowded London, the rise of more hotels like Brama might well contribute to reducing the city's overtourism. Not only going back to Bromley at night will allow you to disconnect fully from the urban din of the Big Smoke, but you'll also be staying at an establishment known for incorporating energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly practices into its day-to-day operations — from eco-conscious toiletries and bedding to LED lighting, smart climate control heating, and low-flow water fixtures.
Great for: Remote workers in need of a functional, inspiring workplace — the Brama building also houses Clockwise — and tourists who value peace and the planet over trendy locations.
FAQs
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in London?
There is no univocal answer to this question, as landing on the best place to stay in London truly depends on what you want to get out of your vacation in the British capital. Given the city's expansiveness, first-time visitors might want to stick to more central areas to avoid long commutes to London's main attractions — from Regent's Park, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace to the British Museum, the V&A, and Tate Modern. Should that be the case for you, The Emory, Ham Yard Hotel, NoMad London, The Prince Akatoki, Mayfair Townhouse, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, Henrietta Experimental, and Broadwick Soho, eight of our favorite hotels in London, will serve as the ideal base for your urban explorations, thanks to their proximity to most sites and stations. Travelers keen to immerse themselves in the electrifying, creative atmosphere of the Big Smoke's East End might decide to opt for solutions like the Kingsland Locke and One Hundred Shoreditch, while holidayers in search of a quieter hideaway will find peace at Bromley's Brama, immersed in greenery and still only a 10-minute train ride from the buzzy London Bridge.
How Did We Pick the Best Hotels in London?
"Leading by design" used to be our motto for a reason, and that's why our curated edit of the best hotels in London looks at remarkable interiors as the number one criterion for an unforgettable stay in the capital city. Still, while essential, impressive decor isn't enough to earn any of these accommodations a mention in this list. Instead, it was the winning combination of detail-oriented hospitality — think impeccable service and an equally memorable F&B offering — and standout aesthetic elements that caught Livingetc editors' attention, leading to this shortlist of best hotels in London. We also paid attention to how each property either captures, or actively contributes to, the wider cultural atmosphere of the British capital through on-site programming and collateral initiatives, as well as keeping an eye on their commitment to sustainability. The vast majority of the establishments featured in this roundup have either been tried and tested overnight by a staff member or experienced first-hand by the team during exclusive gatherings organized on-site. This means that when we say that these are the best hotels in London every interior design enthusiast should tick off their bucket list this year, it is because we have seen them ourselves. So you can take our word for it.
You have booked your hotel and flight tickets, packed your bags, and are ready to hit the streets of the British capital. So what now? Everyone knows that every self-respecting vacation comes with equal doses of artistic, gastronomic, and design inspiration, which is why you shouldn't miss our Livingetc's curated selection of the best cafés in London and best London restaurants, created to nurture both the palate and the eye.
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