London’s Best Character Hotels, United Kingdom

London is a city with a lot of different facets to its appeal, but there's no doubting that this grand old lady is a charmer with plenty of character. The city can be at once regal and haughty, treading a wonderfully British line between opulence and austerity, yet also forward-thinking and fashionable. With such a rich history, it comes as no surprise that there are a wealth of characterful hotels across the city. Our hotel experts have hand-picked London's best character hotels selected on their design, service, and location. So whether you are looking for a classic grand dame, a stylish boutique, or a hotel that offers character at affordable rates — there is something for everyone here. To start planning your next city break, why not browse through our collection?

For grandeur

While this list isn't in order other than by type, no one would argue the case against Art Deco masterpiece Claridge's appearing at the top of a list of London's best character hotels. Her recent makeover served to highlight her wonderful original assets and polish up this old dowager duchess's glamour.
The Goring Hotel is another wonderful London institution, with its credentials as a family-run country house affair tipping it into the list of London's best character hotels. Now on the fourth Mr Goring, but still offering a wonderful, quintessentially English experience, with magnificent breakfasts, private gardens and long-serving staff. This is where Kate Middleton spent her last night as a single gal, and the hotel's fame hasn't stopped growing since — yet it's still the very heart and soul of English understated discretion.
The Connaught Hotel is another brilliant bastion of Britishness, which has also recently been given a 'freshen up', this time with more modern results — think light and airy replacing ever so slightly stuffy.
For a fresh take on traditional grandeur, The Ned is a good option. This hotel occupies an excellent spot right in the heart of the City of London. The design is historic cool with plenty of elegant Art Deco references while the rooftop bar and restaurant are a chic addition.

For a boutique stay

Zetter Townhouse is an intimate boutique hotel with eclectic vintage decor. Expect wooden four-poster beds draped in the Union Jack offset by walls adorned with bright splashes of modern art; it makes for a fun place to enjoy a city break.

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.
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.
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 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.

For a pub

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 gastropub fare alongside a choice selection of ales. A trendy boutique choice.

For the West End

The Stafford in Mayfair makes the list because of its wonderfully quiet cul-de-sac location and Edwardian style. The decor is traditional without being heavy and there's plenty of good value luxury for those who want it.
Soho is the West End's more lively side, but Hazlitt's, with its Georgian period grandeur, sits peacefully above the action. It does a great line in elegance with flair and each of the twenty-seven rooms has its own character and treasures. This is one of London's best character hotels for people who appreciate the benefits of staying in a smaller hotel.

For West London

The Portobello has shabby-chic boho London bolt hole written all over it! A favourite of musicians in the 70s, the Notting Hill location now means it can charge a bit more for its rooms than it used to. Plus there's round the clock room service, so if you ever dreamed of ordering scrambled eggs and champagne at four o'clock in the morning this is London's best character hotel for you.
The Gore in Kensington couldn't have a more different vibe. This hotel has been around since the late 1800s and has long been a favourite with stars who like a bit of respectful distance. Each room is different, but all are beautiful. There are lots of prints and paintings and some real treasures when it comes to antiques. There's been a conscious decision here to put character before tech.
Whether or not The Petersham qualifies as one of London's best character hotels depends largely on whether you consider Richmond to be part of London. But for the sake of the argument let's call it Far West London. It's only zone four, but there's a country feel to Richmond, what with Richmond Park, Kew Gardens, Ham House and Hampton Court so close. The views are marvellous and you're right by the Thames.

For the location

If you want to stay in The City of London, The Rookery is one of London's best character hotels for you. Three adjacent 18th Century houses have been converted into one faithfully restored Georgian townhouse hotel, with plenty of period features including roll-top baths, traditional shutters, flagstone floors and copper plumbing.
Another 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.
No 11 Cadogan Gardens is in a great spot for both the shopping on Sloane Street and the museums in South Kensington. And it's a good example of traditional decor with modern flair — think Murano chandeliers and lashings of brocade.

For great value

Twenty Nevern Square has 20 rooms, starting from just over £100 per night, in busy, buzzy Earls Court. A converted Victorian charmer, this hotel has deceptively generous proportions. And the Asian influenced decor has a treasured colonial feel to it. The bright bar with its exposed ceilings and huge skylight is the kind of place you choose to hang out in. As an added bonus Continental Breakfast is included in the price!
If you believe part of the experience of staying in a city is using its public transport then the Church Street Hotel is for you. Totally charming, with a bit of Mexican colour and kick to it, the hotel is on a fantastic street, just not the most central one. The compromise on travel means you'll pay as little as £90 per night though, so if your idea of character includes bright colours and quirky features then this is London's best character hotel for you.

Still not found the perfect London hotel?

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London.
Consider one of London’s best boutique hotels or one of our top cosy London boltholes.
Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

London’s 17 Best Character Hotels

The Goring Hotel

London (Belgravia)

A family-owned luxury hotel in the heart of Belgravia with manicured lawns, award-winning high tea and proximity to some of London's most famous sights. Plush carpets, antiques and designer fabrics make up the rooms. Do not miss fine dining at the Michelin star restaurant. Magical stay.

Sights nearby - Great for Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Sloane Street and the Royal Parks.
Great walks - Green Park in the summer is a sea of green with deck chairs for people to lounge in and relax.
Traditional - The property has a quintessentially English feel.
Full of character

from CA$640 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

London’s 17 Best Character Hotels

For grandeur

For a boutique stay

For luxury

For an art hotel

For a pub

For the West End

For West London

For the location

For great value

Still not found the perfect London hotel?

London’s 17 Best Character Hotels

Sign up to our weekly newsletter