Blakes, which opened in London in 1981, is now widely considered to be the world’s first boutique hotel. While it easily remains one of London’s best boutique hotels, and is one of our favourite London hotels full stop, there are now plenty of other great boutique properties in London. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of London's best boutique hotels to make choosing your next city break pad a quick and convenient choice. Whether you want something grand and traditional or a little more contemporary there is a good choice of properties to select from across the city. So why not browse through our list to start planning your next city break?
Our all-time favourite
- Where better to start than at Blakes? In a quiet residential street behind South Kensington, it's home is an imposing but discreet building with 41 rooms. Still one of the best boutique hotels in London, actress, Gwyneth Paltrow described it as "a super-chic design hotel but comfortable and sexy" and she pretty well nails it. Some of the classic darker rooms with their rich fabrics and Eastern art will be a little too opium den for some tastes but there are brighter, whiter rooms that are equally luxurious. The cocktail bar and restaurant are well-thought-of.
For the West End
- Situated on vibrant Frith Street, Hazlitt's is where to head for if you want to stay in one of the most characterful of our recommendations. Within this row of Georgian houses, you’ll find bedrooms decorated with antique furniture, busts and portraits. And the nightlife of Soho is just outside your door.
- One Aldwych is an Edwardian building, once the home of the Morning Post, which resembles the Flatiron building in New York but has a very London interior. Rooms are minimalist but still comfortable and luxurious, and there is an 18-metre swimming pool and two restaurants.
- Henrietta Hotel is a small boutique stay in Covent Garden, well placed for theatreland and close to many shops. A friendly hotel that offers discreet charm and an international feel in a surprisingly peaceful location. There’s a lovely bar with a restaurant serving delectable food. Expect friendly staff and atmospheric rooms.
For star-spotting
- At first glance, the Covent Garden Hotel looks fairly traditional, but once you’re ensconced in its snug fabulousness, you’ll notice the funky, modern touches which qualify it for our list of the best boutique hotels in London. It’s in an unbeatable position for West End theatres, and it’s great for celeb-spotting too!
For the City of London
- With its intimate rooms and leafy verdant garden, The Rookery doesn't feel like it is in The City at all. Which is probably exactly why it is popular with people who have spent long hard days slogging in the Square Mile.
- Batty Langley's is situated in the heart of trendy Spitalfields. The 29 rooms and suites boast over-the-top interiors filled with antiques and period features from wooden panelling and fireplaces to four-poster beds and gorgeous artworks. Plus there's the added bonus of a courtyard for sitting out when the weather allows.
For a pub
- Combining a lovely pub with sublime upstairs rooms, The Culpeper is a great option for those looking to stay in central London. You can expect elegant, comfortable rooms, an excellent restaurant and one of London's finest roof terraces. A stylish option, ideal for exploring the city.
- The Grazing Goat boasts an enviable location in the heart of Westminster. Rooms ooze charm with muted Farrow & Ball colour schemes and wooden furnishings. Expect upmarket British pub classics in the restaurant. A splendid spot for city explorers.
For luxury
- Dorset Square Hotel is a stunning regency townhouse conversion on leafy Dorset Square. The thirty-eight rooms are individually designed in typical quirky Firmdale fashion, with beautiful fabrics and a quintessential English country house feel throughout. Complete with an excellent restaurant and bar.
- San Domenico House is a flamboyant, Italian-family-owned, London guesthouse close to Chelsea hotspots. Over the top rooms and suites feature four-poster canopied beds, panelled walls and velvet galore. Pick this for bags of character and charm.
- The Mayfair Townhouse is a stunning lifestyle hotel in the heart of Mayfair. This townhouse conversion oozes with sultry sophistication and luxurious rooms range from the affordable to the utterly decadent. The Dandy Bar slings a top-notch cocktail and is the place to party till late. A chic stay in the centre of town.
- The Franklin is a small luxury hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge. This is a seriously stylish property that will suit anyone who likes to exist slightly off the radar. Sumptuous rooms and suites boast rich silks and velvets, Frette linens, and marble bathrooms as standard. With access to a private garden and an excellent Italian restaurant — this is a spoiling stay.
- The Pelham is a stunning five-star townhouse hotel set in the heart of South Kensington. Characterful rooms and suites are filled with beautiful objects while the decor is country house chic. Relax in the drawing-room or library and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in La Trattoria.
- The Hari is a five-star luxury stay set in upmarket Belgravia. Designer interiors ensure seriously stylish accommodation complete with indulgent marble bathrooms. Plus there's Italian fine dining at Il Pampero and a buzzing bar. Hip, happening and smart!
For boho chic
- The Portobello is the quintessential shabby-chic boho London bolthole in one of the city's most popular locations — Notting Hill. A characterful choice with round the clock room service meaning you can live like a rock star and order scrambled eggs and champagne at four o'clock in the morning!
For a Townhouse Hotel
- The Gore Hotel on Queen's Gate is on the quirky side of grand, with plush, traditional bedrooms, an inviting restaurant, an oak-panelled bar and walls which are covered in over 5,000 paintings and prints. And the service is spectacular, it's an excellent location for city exploring and the G&Ts are spot on.
For trendsetters
- On the other side of Clerkenwell Road from the Rookery is The Zetter Townhouse. Quirkier and less grand than the Rookery it is still a very comfortable addition to our best boutique hotels in London list; decked out with wit, flamboyance and plenty of four-poster beds. The tiny bar has the feeling of a homely parlour and has more of a whisky than a champagne vibe.
- Charlotte Street Hotel is a fashionable media land hangout with stylish contemporary interior design, a private cinema, buzzy public areas and a cosy sitting room. A hip choice in the West End.
For an art hotel
- Artist Residence London has a homely lived-in feel. Rooms feature exposed brick walls adorned with Warhol-esque pop art, desk lamps standing on old wooden crates and wood-panelled bathrooms that resemble Alpine saunas. A neon-lit café/bar opens from breakfast till late. It's a cool and colourful place, perfect for longer stays.
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