For many a trip to London is action-packed and therefore what you really need in a hotel is a cosy and conveniently situated base to return to. With this in mind, our hotel experts have scoured the city to compile a collection of the top cosy London hotels selected on their location, design, service, and price tag. Whether you are in search of a traditional pub with cosy rooms, roaring fires, and friendly landlords or a charming boutique hotel with quintessentially British touches — such as excellent afternoon teas — there is plenty to choose from. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?
For location, location, location
- The Hotei 41 is situated almost opposite Buckingham Palace, close to The Mall, and the rooms have quite special London views. The 30 opulent rooms are all decorated in monochrome, have up-to-the-minute technology and should be able to cater to any indulgence — their guest preference form allows you to select an exercise bike for your room, or a humidifier, or a romantic turn down anyone? The top floor, where the best views can be had, offers all-day snacks, and there’s an honesty bar.
- A top choice if you need to be in the City is Batty Langley's. A relative newcomer to the London hotel scene, this property oozes character and style with twenty-nine rooms and suites filled with classic antiques and period features. Plus there's even a little courtyard for sitting out in warmer months.
- Hazlitt's, with its Georgian period grandeur, is a great choice for those who want access to Soho. Expect elegance with a little flair in each of the twenty-seven rooms that have their own character and treasures. A characterful stay that offers an intimate base in the heart of the city.
- 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!
- 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 shoppers
- No 11 Cadogan Gardens is situated just behind Sloane Square, so ideal for shopping on either the Kings Road or Sloane Street. There’s a charming library, a drawing room and a terrace, and the house has access to a private square. Wooden panelling features throughout and framed portraits line the carpeted staircases, while bedrooms typically have large windows and lots of natural light.
- Montagu Place in Bayswater is also worth considering if you want to be near Marylebone and Oxford Street, this is a 16 room gem of a converted Georgian townhouse, with friendly staff and rooms categorised into ‘Comfy’, ‘Fancy’ and ‘Swanky’. They do a handy breakfast buffet downstairs.
- Beaufort Hotel is a privately owned small boutique hotel in a quiet part of Knightsbridge (near some of the best shops). Elegant and spacious rooms and suites are the height of luxury. Well located in an upmarket area of London making it ideal for a short break in the capital.
For luxury
- The Pelham is a stunning five-star townhouse hotel set in the heart of South Kensington. Characterful rooms and suites are filled with beautiful objets while the decor is country house chic. Relax in the drawing-room or library and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in La Trattoria. A cosy choice for a luxury break.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
For a pub
- The Coach and Horses is a boutique Georgian pub with rooms offering an enviable spot opposite Kew Gardens. Botanical design permeates the bright guestrooms, while cosy soft furnishings add a country inn feel. Enjoy gourmet British food and local craft ales in the pub. An inviting stay.
- The Fox & Anchor is an atmospheric pub located in vibrant Farringdon. A handful of individually styled rooms are moody and chic with dark hues, free-standing baths and large artworks. The restaurant serves up hearty gastro pub fare alongside a choice selection of ales. A trendy yet cosy boutique choice.
For traditional style
- The Gore is a quirky, quintessentially British townhouse in Kensington, just steps from Hyde Park. The 50 rooms are classically decorated with period pictures, antiques and comfortable beds, plus there’s an excellent restaurant and a great bar. Walk-in the front door of this redbrick mansion and you feel as if you’re visiting a friend’s house — albeit a friend who lives in a superb location and has impeccable taste in interiors.
For great value
- The Brook Green Hotel offers 17 elegant, boutique rooms upstairs, and a cool cocktail bar downstairs, in a handy West London location. It's a great base whether you're here for shopping, sights or just a night on the town. And the pub food is excellent.
- Sydney House Chelsea is a pretty and chic little grade II listed townhouse in the popular residential borough of South Kensington. Compact, modern rooms at attractively affordable prices and prime positioning for Chelsea shopping. This is a reasonably priced choice for the upmarket postcode.
For the East End
- Try Clerkenwell’s The Zetter Townhouse, an intimate but modern boutique townhouse with quirky, eclectic vintage decor and just 13 rooms.
For self-catering
- Europa House is a superb luxury self-catering option in leafy Little Venice. One, two or three-bedroom apartments are comprehensively kitted out. Expect superb attention to detail and beautiful furnishings that create a wonderful home-away-from-home experience.
Still not sure where to book?
