Top 20 London Chic hotels

Soho hotel

London has a world-class selection of hotels which can make it tricky to choose where to stay. However, our Hotel Gurus have compiled a definitive list of the top London chic hotels which arguably encompasses some of the city's very best accommodation. Selected on their design (naturally), service, amenities, and location — there is something to suit most tastes and budgets. Choose from grand five-star stays, stylish boutique hotels, or foodie-centric properties. With such a broad offering, why not browse through our collection to start planning your perfect city break?

For the West End

Covent Garden Hotel

  • The Covent Garden Hotel is a Firmdale Hotel in designer clothes with a good mix of elegance and metro chic. The Covent Garden location is difficult to beat, the decor is exquisite and breakfasts are a lavish affair. They even cater for the kids!
  • Or there’s the Soho Hotel, another Firmdale classic, but this time with a more fashionable edge, close to the buzz of Soho. And complete with a gym and cinema, and a cerise pink drawing room and dashing motoring mural in Refuel, the hotel’s excellent restaurant.

For an intimate stay

Halkin Hotel

  • The Halkin Hotel, an early design hotel on the edge of Belgravia, boasts Asian inspired decor and is both chic and contemporary. Expect statement pieces of furniture and sculpture in the common areas. Plus top-notch service.

For access to the museums

  The Rockwell Hotel

  • The Rockwell Hotel is a beautifully designed townhouse in a busy, Kensington location. It has a beautifully landscaped garden — which is surprising for this location — and a fine wine list in its elegant bar and restaurant.
  • The Ampersand Hotel is an impressive elegant hotel in the heart of South Kensington. Rooms are individually designed and themed bold wallpapers reflect the museums which are close by. In-house restaurant Apero offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine and The Drawing Rooms serve wonderful traditional afternoon tea. A stylish city base.

For foodies

Nobu Hotel

  • An urban haven, Nobu Hotel, features beautifully designed rooms that are minimalist in style with floor-to-ceiling windows, large contemporary artworks and polished concrete floors. While the cavernous restaurant serves up that world-renowned Japanese and South American cuisine. A very sleek London offering.

For a City hotel

  The Zetter Hotel

  • The Zetter Hotel is a 59 room hotel in hip and happening Clerkenwell, close to The City, with fun, contemporary styling. A conversion of a 19th-century commercial building, the hotel is built around a six-storey, glass-roofed atrium lit in red and green.

For great value

Sydney House

  • For great value try the Sydney House Chelsea, a popular South Kensington bolthole, converted from a pretty, chic little Grade II listed townhouse. The rooms are compact and modern and it’s in a great spot for cafes, bars and restaurants.

For a floating hotel

Good Hotel

  • Good Hotel is a trendy floating hotel offering both a chic city pad and the opportunity to give back; it's a social enterprise that originated in Amsterdam and is now set up in London's Victoria Docks. Expect industrial contemporary cool style, a great restaurant, fantastic, friendly staff and a lively rooftop bar. Ideal for the young and hip.

For a pub

The Grazing Goat

  • The Clerk and Well is a beautifully renovated option boasting a central location in fashionable Farringdon. Chic rooms mix clean contemporary style with traditional features. A modern British menu and an excellent selection of ales are found in the restaurant. Pick this boutique stay for the design and location.
  • The Grazing Goat enjoys 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 a hip stay

The Boundary Project

  • The Boundary Project in Shoreditch is by style guru and restauranteur, Terence Conran, and is design chic with a pleasing touch of retro. Known for its rooftop garden, local bakery and individually designed rooms this is a perfect London base.
  • The Hoxton Hotel is cool in the way that swathes of East London are cool. Vibrant, stylish, fashionable and minimalist, with lots of unique details, the Hoxton is just like Hoxton, Hackney and Shoreditch. Expect bold wall colours, medieval fireplaces against bare brick walls, herringbone parquet, piles of books and vinyl — and the bar is cool too. Obviously!
  • Industrial-chic accents define The Hoxton Southwark, nestled by Blackfriars Bridge. Exposed brick walls, Crittall-style windows and concrete ceilings bring the city inside, while leather headboards and olive panelling add a luxury finish. A very stylish choice.
  • The Marylebone Hotel is a chic hotel in the heart of Marylebone Village. Expect funky public spaces and contemporary-classic style rooms and suites. Chill out in the 108 Brasserie and work it off in the hip Third Space health club. A cool option in the centre of town.

For a design hotel

South Place Hotel

  • Close to Liverpool Street Station, Spitalfields and the Barbican, South Place Hotel looks quite ‘modern city hotel’ from the outside but inside it’s much quirkier with really cutting edge design throughout the 80 rooms. The lively rooftop bar, state-of-the-art gym, spa and Michelin starred restaurant ensure an indulgent stay.
  • Mama Shelter London is a chic design hotel in London's hip Shoreditch area. Dion & Arles designed rooms are minimalist, comfortable, and each boasts high-end tech. There's a lively restaurant and terrace bar plus fun additions such as a karaoke room. Modern living, styled with the young in mind.
  • The Stratford is a maverick design hotel reinventing long-stay travel in the heart of East London. Guestrooms juxtapose textures with comfy throws and sleek fittings. Scandanavian concepts meet old-world elegance in the Highline sky garden. A smart city hotel.

For Luxury

The Hari

  • 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!
  • COMO Metropolitan London is perhaps the hippest hotel in London. Set just across from Hyde Park, with a top restaurant, gym and spa and an A-list clientele. Expect fresh contemporary decor and spot-on service.

Still not sure?

  • Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London,
  • consider one of London’s Best Boutique Hotels, our Guru’s list of London Cheap and Chic Hotels, or one of our Top Cosy London Boltholes
  • Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
    • The Rockwell Hotel London (Kensington) 40 rooms from $186

      Value chic  -  With double rooms starting from just £145 per night, it's great value for money
      Local exploring  -  Location Location Location!
      Local markets  -  Earls Court is home to a local market as well as boutique shops and independent cafe.
      Sights nearby  -  Natural History Museum welcomes visitors with the skeleton of a dinosaur.
      RestaurantGardenNo pets
      Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Good Hotel Guide

      Townhouse turned contemporary independent hotel in West London is great value for its central location, landscape garden and facilities. Modern, light rooms make the perfect base for exploring the city or visiting on business. Modern British dishes at the airy restaurant matched by a fine wine list. See More

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    • Covent Garden Hotel London (Covent Garden) 58 rooms from $461

      Sights nearby  -  You're bang in the centre of London, so everything is within easy reach!
      Local markets  -  Covent Garden is known for its famous early-morning flower market
      Romantic  -  Good for couples.
      Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
      Air conditioningRestaurant
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection

      Traditional elegance meets sexy chic, making a sexy and buzzy, designer hotel in prime Covent Garden location. Classic rooms are exquisitely decorated, with all luxuries considered and children more than catered for. Breakfast is a lavish affair, as is an evening cocktail in the drawing room. See More

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    • The Soho Hotel London (Soho) 96 rooms from $500

      Sights nearby  -  Soho is as much about its live music and gigs, as well as the theatres.
      Lively  -  Hip and happening.
      Full of character
      House party feel  -  Be prepared to meet people.
      Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection

      Fashionable, designer interiors make this chic Soho hotel, complete with a cinema and gym, a hot spot. Large stylish rooms exude comfort and class. And the popular buzzy bar and restaurant are not to be missed. Fantastic location makes this ideal for theatre goers, live music lovers and exploring. See More

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    • The Zetter Hotel London (Clerkenwell) 59 rooms from $173

      Families  -  The Zetter has a wide range of either interconnecting rooms or options that can accommodate extra beds and cots
      Local exploring  -  Centrally located for all over exploring of London.
      Views  -  If you book one of the rooftop suites, you'll get a private terrace with fantastic panoramic city views
      Local markets  -  Borough Market is a great place to go in the weekend to browse the food stalls.
      Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide

      In the heart of trendy Clerkenwell, this ultra-stylish hotel appeals to wannabe hipsters looking for a design-conscious cocoon in the heart of London's coolest quarter. See More

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    • COMO The Halkin London (Belgravia) 41 rooms from $378

      Sights nearby  -  The Halkin enjoys an excellent central location close to Hyde Park Corner Tube station, so easy access to London's highlights.
      Romantic  -  Good for couples.
      Boutique
      Disabled access
      Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Kiwi Collection

      In the heart of Belgravia, this 21st Century luxury hotel, is home to forty one Asian-styled rooms. The contemporary, chic accommodations exude understated luxury, and service is top notch. A fantastic relaxing stay for all whether you're here for business or leisure. See More

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    • Sydney House Chelsea London (Chelsea) 21 rooms from $191

      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.
      Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets

      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

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    • Boundary Shoreditch London (Shoreditch) 17 rooms from $251

      Foodies  -  From mouthwatering bakery, to plush Franco-British fare and finally the uber cool rooftop with bites and cocktails.
      City Style  -  Achingly cool, each room is individually designed to pay homage a particular designer.
      Local markets  -  Spitalfields Market is an indoor market by Liverpool Station offering food stalls, arts and crafts.
      Sights nearby  -  Head to the Heron Tower to the top floor to the well known, and locally popular, Duck and Waffle.
      Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Tablet, Kiwi Collection

      Late Victorian warehouse meets a style guru and restaurateur and becomes a hotspot in Shoreditch. Known for its rooftop garden, local bakery and individually designed rooms this is a perfect London base. Refined and modern A la carte menu with fantastic wine menu to match. See More

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    • Good Hotel London (Royal Victoria Dock) 148 rooms from $105

      City Style  -  A chic industrial style hotel, complete with buzzy rooftop bar and Thames views.
      Local markets  -  Wake early and visit the bustling Bilingsgate fish market.
      Views  -  Great views from hotel
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsNo pets

      A trendy floating hotel offering both a chic city pad and the opportunity to give back. A social enterprise that originated in Amsterdam and is now set up in London's Victoria Docks. Expect industrial contemporary cool style, great restaurant, fantastic and friendly staff and a lively rooftop bar. See More

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    • South Place Hotel City of London 80 rooms from $192

      Foodies  -  Roof top Michelin star restaurant.
      Roof terrace  -  Trendy roof top bar with views.
      Views  -  Great views from hotel
      City Style
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenPet friendlyViews
      Recommended by  -  Tablet

      A super trendy hotel with cutting edge design in East London. Michelin star restaurant on the roof top, lively bar, gym and spa, and uber chic rooms and suites with all the mod cons. A great choice for a taste of London's more quirky side. See More

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    • The Hoxton Hotel London (Shoreditch) 210 rooms from $179

      Local exploring  -  Check out the buzzy restaurants and bars, vintage shops and yummy food markets of East London.
      City Style  -  A understated yet chic hotel in hip Hoxton- home to artists, city slickers and students.
      Sights nearby  -  Nearby Liverpool Street is where you will find the Gherkin, the Shard and other skyscrapers that make up The City's skyline.
      Local markets  -  Spitalfields Market is a great place for food stalls, boutique shops and the early risers might catch the flower market.
      Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers

      This stylish City hotel fits right in to the vibrant East London scene, with the perfect mix of style and attitude. Modern minimalist rooms with garden views and unique touches. The Hoxton Grill, a local favourite is well worth checking out. Unbeatable location. See More

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    • Mama Shelter London London (Tower Hamlets) 194 rooms from $220

      Families  -  The larger rooms at this hotel are great for families travelling with children; kids love the hotel's colourful interiors
      Local exploring  -  With great transport links into the city centre, this hotel makes the perfect base for exploring the capital
      City Style  -  With quirky rooms set in the heart of London's east end, this hotel has reams of local London style
      Local markets  -  Head to the nearby markets on Brick Lane to find unusual souvenirs and to sample great food from across the world
      Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled access

      Nestled in the heart of East London, this chic hotel offers guests a friendly home-away-from-home. The eclectic and colourful guestrooms have quirky soft furnishings and a cosy seating area, in addition to luxury bedding. Sample cocktails in the hotel bar; a smart hotel. See More

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    • The Clerk and Well London (Clerkenwell) 6 rooms from $224

      City Style  -  A chic property in the artsy Farringdon area.
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the imposing St Paul's Cathedral sat amidst the bustling financial district.
      Local markets  -  Head to Brick Lane Market and scour for some vintage treasures.
      Restaurant  -  The restaurant serves pan Asian cuisine
      Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessNo pets

      A beautifully renovated pub and rooms boasting a central location in fashionable Farringdon. Chic rooms mix clean contemporary style with traditional features. A modern British menu and excellent selection of ales are found in the restaurant. Ideally positioned to move around the city. See More

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    • The Marylebone London (Marylebone) 250 rooms from $331

      Sights nearby  -  Situated in the heart of Marylebone village, within easy reach of many major attractions
      Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool perfect for lengths and family friendly specific times (from 5 years).
      Restaurant  -  108 Brasserie and 108 Pantry for classic, seasonal cuisine
      Local markets  -  Marylebone weekly Farmers Market
      Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming Pool
      Recommended by  -  Tablet

      Chic hotel in the heart of Marylebone Village, ideally located for shopping, sightseeing and nightlife. Funky public spaces and contemporary classic style rooms and suites. Chill out in the 108 Brasserie and work it off in the hip Third Space health club. A cool option in the centre of town. See More

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    • Nobu Hotel Shoreditch London (Shoreditch) 148 rooms from $338

      City Style  -  Nobu undoubtedly knows how to create urban cool and the Shoreditch addition is no exception.
      Local markets  -  Head to the famed Brick Lane and scour the stalls for antiques and vintage clothes.
      Sights nearby  -  Take a stroll to the majestic St Paul's Cathedral.
      Romantic  -  Good for couples.
      Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendly
      Recommended by  -  Tablet

      An urban haven in London's ever trendy East London. Beautifully designed rooms are minimalist in style with floor to ceiling windows, crisp white linen, large contemporary artworks and polished concrete floors. The cavernous restaurant serves up impeccable Japanese and South American cuisine. See More

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    • COMO Metropolitan London London (Mayfair) 144 rooms from $348

      Spa  -  The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape offers a wide range of holistic treatments - a serene sanctuary from the frenetic city outside!
      Bar  -  Trendy Met Bar is the place to go for the fashion, media and music crowd. Come for the live DJ sets and fabulous cocktails!
      Restaurant  -  Nobu, one of London's most fashionable restaurants serves Japanese/Peruvian cuisine
      Lively  -  Favourite of A listers
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Michelin Travel

      Perhaps the hippest hotel in London, just across from Hyde Park, with top restaurant, gym and spa and an A-list clientele See More

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    • The Hoxton Southwark London (Southwark) 192 rooms from $234

      Local exploring  -  Set a stone's throw from the lively South Bank, this hotel makes the perfect base for local exploring in the capital
      City Style  -  With industrial-chic interiors and a central city location, this hotel has lots of local London style
      Romantic Break  -  Couples rate this boutique bolt-hole highly; head to the rooftop restaurant for a romantic dinner
      Sights nearby  -  Visit Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, two of London's most iconic tourist attractions set close to the hotel
      Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled access

      Industrial-chic accents define this modern bolt-hole, nestled by Blackfriars Bridge. Exposed brick walls, Crittall-style windows and concrete ceilings bring the city inside, while leather headboards and olive panelling add a luxury finish. Have pre-theatre drinks at the Lobby Bar; a stylish hotel. See More

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    • The Ampersand Hotel London (South Kensington) 111 rooms from $300

      Great walks  -  Both Hyde Park and the Royal Kensington Gardens are nearby for great walks
      Sights nearby  -  The Ampersand is well placed for a visit to the iconic Albert Hall
      Restaurant  -  Recommended.
      RestaurantDisabled access
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels, Good Hotel Guide, Tablet

      An impressive, elegant hotel in the heart of South Kensington. Rooms are individually designed, and themed bold wallpapers reflect the museums which are close by. In-house restaurant Apero offer fresh Mediterranean cuisine and The Drawing Rooms serve wonderful traditional afternoon tea. See More

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    • The Stratford Hotel London (Stratford) 145 rooms from $205

      Local exploring  -  Located in the heart of Stratford, with access to the airport and the city centre, this hotel is a great base for exploring
      Romantic Break  -  Couples love the sleek design of the hotel's romantic Sky Garden bar; have cocktails while watching the sunset
      City Style  -  With designer interiors and a coveted East End location, this hotel has reams of chic London style
      Contemporary  -  Elegant rooms, with modern decor and neutral colours, bar the pop of colour from stylish chairs
      Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

      Designed by the same architects as Dubai's Burj Khalifa, this atmospheric East London tower hotel is a hub for cool capital dwellers and a great base for design-conscious visitors on a budget. Guestrooms feature comfy throws and sleek fittings, and there's a High Skyline garden. A smart city stay. See More

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    • The Grazing Goat London (Marylebone) 8 rooms from $250

      Local exploring  -  The Grazing Goat is the ideal base from which to explore London
      Sights nearby  -  Be sure to visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and London Eye!
      Great walks  -  Head off to Hyde Park, situated less than a mile away from The Grazing Goat
      Restaurant with rooms
      RestaurantNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

      The Grazing Goat boasts an enviable location in the heart of Marylebone. Their rooms ooze charm with muted Farrow & Ball colour schemes, large beds and wooden furnishings. Upmarket British pub classics are served in the restaurant downstairs. A splendid spot for city explorers! See More

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    • The Hari London (Belgravia) 85 rooms from $410

      Romantic Break  -  With its superb location, design-led interiors and great bar and dining too — The Hari is ideal for a romantic city break
      Local exploring  -  A superb central location in the heart of leafy Belgravia, makes The Hari ideal for sightseeing all over the city
      Sights nearby  -  Twenty minutes walk from Buckingham Palace, and a similar distance from the V&A and Natural History Museum
      Views  -  Make sure you book a room on one of the upper floors for great views over London
      Air conditioningRestaurantViews

      The Hari is a great base in central London whether you are there to shop and spoil yourself, sightsee or do deals. Designer interiors ensure seriously stylish accommodations with indulgent marble bathrooms. Plus there's Italian fine dining at Il Pampero and a buzzing bar. Hip, happening and smart! See More

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Written by Fiona Duncan

posted Tuesday, 23rd November 2021