The Hotel Guru
London
Top 20 Cosy London Boltholes

Top 20 Cosy London Boltholes

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?

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London.
Consider our recommendations for London’s 10 Best Character Hotels or the best boutique hotels in London.
Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
- The Gore Hotel, Starhotels Collezione London (Kensington) 50 rooms from €219
  
  See more photos
  
  Restaurant  -  Restaurant 190 Queen's Gate is overseen by Michelin starred chef Daniel Galmiche.
  Sights nearby  -  Great location for the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A quintessentially British townhouse that prides itself on spectacular service with laid back vibes. Classic-styled rooms house period pictures, antiques & comfortable beds. Restaurant 190 Queen's Gate offers contemporary classic dishes and Bar 190 superb G&Ts! Spot on location for city exploring See More
  
  Check Availability
- B+B Belgravia and Studios@82 London (Knightsbridge) 9 rooms from €160
  
  See more photos
  
  Families  -  These contemporary, well located studios are ideal for families with self catering facilities and plenty of space.
  Local exploring  -  Grab one of the B&B's free bikes and head out to explore Westminster the heart of historical and vibrant London.
  Sights nearby  -  Use the River Thames as your guide and head east to catch a glimpse of Big Ben, London Eye and other sights.
  Great walks  -  Whether Hyde or Battersea, be sure to take a stroll around the royal parks of London.
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Fodors
  
  An understated and elegant B&B, in central Belgravia. The contemporary design, self service facilities and unbeatable location combine to make this an ideal spot in the heart of the city. Numerous restaurants and bars on your doorstep, complete the picture. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Montagu Place London (Marylebone) 16 rooms from €221
  
  See more photos
  
  Sights nearby - Easy access to all of London's major attractions. Walking distance from Madame Tussauds, Regents Park & Oxford St.
  Short break
  Traditional
  
  A little gem of a Georgian townhouse with just the right mix of comfort, style, relaxation and price. Spacious rooms with Hypnos beds and Molton Brown toiletries. Walking distance to Madame Tussauds, Regents Park & Oxford Street. Ideal for a stylish city break. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Hotel 41 London (Westminster) 30 rooms from €455
  
  See more photos
  
  City Style  -  An exclusive hotel mixing tradition with high tech mod cons and unbeatable service, right in heart of London.
  Sights nearby  -  This hotel boasts a wonderful location opposite Buckingham Palace and close to The Mall.
  Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers, Michelin Travel
  
  There's a clubby feel to this top floor 'eyrie' with views over Buckingham Palace. Opulent rooms in monochrome tones are laced with all the most up to date high tech mod cons and every indulgence you can think of. Eat around the clock and make the most of the honesty bar. A real treat of a hotel. See More
  
  Check Availability
- 11 Cadogan Gardens London (Chelsea) 56 rooms from €334
  
  See more photos
  
  Romantic Break
  Local exploring
  Sights nearby - Within walking distance of Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
  Opulent
  Recommended by - Tablet, Small Luxury Hotels
  
  Located just behind Sloane Square, 11 Cadogan Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel in London part of Relais & Châteaux. Eclectic style with lavish interiors and comfortable rooms including a library, drawing room and terrace. Elegant and calm, this luxury gem is brilliantly positioned. See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Zetter Townhouse London (Clerkenwell) 13 rooms from €284
  
  See more photos
  
  Restaurant  -  Guests can dine in the main hotel's top restaurant across the road.
  Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection
  
  Intimate boutique townhouse offshoot of the modernist Zetter, with quirky and eclectic vintage decor and just 13 rooms. See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Pelham London London (South Kensington) 52 rooms from €265
  
  See more photos
  
  Local exploring  -  With its prime South Kensington location, The Pelham is ideal for exploring London's sights.
  Value chic  -  With rooms starting from only £230 per night, this is 5* luxury without the price tag.
  Restaurant  -  La Trattoria by Alfredo Russo offers authentic, relaxed Italian all day dining.
  Sights nearby  -  Steps from the South Kensington museums
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Fodors, Good Hotel Guide
  
  A stunning luxury townhouse hotel in the heart of South Kensington. Individually designed rooms and suites are filled with beautiful objets and the decor is country house chic. Relax in the drawing room or library, and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in La Trattoria. Simply superb! See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Franklin London London (South Kensington) 35 rooms from €484
  
  See more photos
  
  Sights nearby  -  A stone's throw from the famous V&A and Natural History Museums, and the rest of London's highlights easily accessible.
  City Style  -  With interiors designed by Anouska Hempel, this is a seriously stylish stay.
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Intimate discreet townhouse hotel with interiors by Anouska Hempel. Thirty five sumptuous rooms and suites with rich silks & velvets, Frette linens and marble bathrooms as standard. Superb restaurant serving inventive Italian cuisine, excellent service and access to the private Egerton Gardens See More
  
  Check Availability
- Batty Langley's London (Spitalfields) 29 rooms from €196
  
  See more photos
  
  Sights nearby - The property is minutes from Liverpool St so there's easy access to all of London's highlights.
  Local markets - Old Spitalfields market is just round the corner
  Full of character
  Opulent
  
  Opulent, sumptuous and quirky converted 18th-century townhouse in the trendy Spitalfields district. Gorgeous over-the-top rooms and suites offer stunning traditional interiors and equally impressive bathrooms. A romantic bolthole in the city of London perfect for a cosy getaway! See More
  
  Check Availability
- Hazlitt's London (Soho) 27 rooms from €241
  
  See more photos
  
  Full of character
  Lively area - In the thick of the action.
  Traditional
  Boutique
  Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide
  
  This charming Georgian boutique hotel is full of character and literary associations. Since 1718 Hazlitt's has been in the thick of it on vibrant Frith Street in the heart of Soho. Elegant wood-panelled rooms are the perfect base, relax with a book or explore the city. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Henrietta Hotel London (Covent Garden) 18 rooms from €272
  
  See more photos
  
  Sights nearby  -  Within striking distance of many of London's central sights.
  Local markets  -  Browse the charms of London's historic Covent Garden.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
  
  Well placed for theatreland and close to many shops, this newly-opened, friendly hotel offers discreet charm and an international feel in a surprisingly peaceful location. There’s a lovely bar with a restaurant serving delectable food, friendly staff and atmospheric rooms. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Dorset Square Hotel London (Marylebone) 38 rooms from €318
  
  See more photos
  
  Restaurant  -  The Potting Shed is open all day and features a Chef's Table every couple of months.
  Local markets  -  Camden Lock market is not far
  Full of character
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  
  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. Excellent restaurant and bar. A stylish and central treat! See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Beaufort London (Belgravia) 27 rooms from €286
  
  See more photos
  
  Romantic Break  -  An elegant, exclusive and utterly romantic hotel boasting Egyptian Cotton sheets, fresh flowers and welcome chocolates.
  City Style  -  A chic townhouse turned luxury boutique, on a leafy cu-de-sac in the heart of Knightsbridge.
  Great walks  -  Just a ten minute stroll from Hyde Park, an oasis of green in the city centre.
  Sights nearby  -  Close to the the South Ken Museums and Galleries and the Albert Hall.
  Recommended by  -  Frommers
  
  Privately owned, small boutique hotel in a quiet part of Knightsbridge. Elegant and spacious rooms and suites are the height of luxury. Complimentary breakfasts and afternoon tea. Well located in an upmarket area of London. Ideal for a short break in the capital. See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Coach and Horses, London London (Kew) 31 rooms from €137
  
  See more photos
  
  Back to Nature  -  With Kew Gardens and Richmond Park a stone's throw from this hotel, there is plenty of ways to immerse yourself in nature
  Hideaway  -  Nestled in the charming borough of Richmond, this hotel offers a hideaway from the hustle and bustle of central London
  Romantic Break  -  Couples love the quaint rooms at this former coaching inn; book a romantic dinner for two to complete the experience
  Great walks  -  Explore the verdant borough of Richmond on a long walk; head to Richmond Park to see wild deer and spectacular views
  
  This boutique, Georgian pub with rooms sits opposite London's beautiful 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, with live music at the weekends; an inviting hotel. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Fox & Anchor City of London 6 rooms from €172
  
  See more photos
  
  Local exploring - Ideally placed to access Farringdon, The City, St Paul's and the Barbican.
  Local markets - Explore the bustling Smithfield Market filled with meat traders alongside smart eateries.
  Full of character
  Boutique
  
  A boutique hotel and 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. See More
  
  Check Availability
- San Domenico House London (Chelsea) 19 rooms from €294
  
  See more photos
  
  Romantic Break
  Sights nearby  -  South Kensington's Museums are close by. Minutes from Sloane Square.
  Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
  Opulent
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  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. Book one with a terrace for your own room with a view. Perfect for an indulgent city break in the heart of London. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Sydney House Chelsea London (Chelsea) 21 rooms from €172
  
  See more photos
  
  Local exploring  -  Outstanding location, within walking distance of several tube stops, plus a multitiude of major sights and museums.
  Romantic Break  -  Choose the romantic 'Top Room' with private rooftop garden, chic interiors and sweeping views of the city.
  Great walks  -  Spend a lazy afternoon in nearby Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens, ideal locations for walking and picnics.
  Restrictions on children  -  Children cannot be accommodated at this hotel.
  
  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. Breakfast only restaurant, however there are plenty to try nearby. See More
  
  Check Availability
- The Portobello London (Notting Hill) 21 rooms from €225
  
  See more photos
  
  Sights nearby  -  Madame Tussauds and the amazing wax works is a memorable day for all the family.
  Local markets  -  Come Saturday be sure not to miss Portobello Road Market.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide
  
  Legendary, laid-back chic boutique in Neo-Classical mansions loved by an eclectic clientele of business travelers, fashionistas and musicians. Varied, funky styles are adopted for the rooms and with delicious breakfast. Location in the heart of Notting Hill, for boutiques and food, is perfect. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Europa House London (Little Venice) 14 rooms from €229
  
  See more photos
  
  Sights nearby - You are just 20 mins from the very heart of London.
  Boutique
  Recommended by - I Escape, Tablet
  
  A superb luxury self catering option in leafy Little Venice. 14, one, two or three bedroom apartments which are comprehensively kitted out. Superb attention to detail and beautiful furnishings create a wonderful home from home experience. Plus there's access to 3 acres of garden. Fantastic! See More
  
  Check Availability