Cool Hotels in London

London is one of the world's great cities — a real melting pot of cultures, fashion, design, and arts. It is no wonder then that the hotel scene is so diverse and eclectic. When choosing one of the best cool hotels in London the choice is wide and you will find something for almost all tastes and budgets. Our hotel experts have compiled a collection of their favourites across the city including suave luxury stays, uber chic boutiques, and some great value options too. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?

For a design hotel

The Boundary Project, set in a converted Victorian warehouse, is best known for its rooftop gardens and local bakery which make this a classic East End option. Each individually designed room is achingly cool and styled in homage to a particular designer. The restaurant is also well-loved by hipster locals.
St Martins Lane is a chic converted office block, designed by Philippe Starke, in the West End. Full of quirky, irreverent details like a speakeasy bar and a lounge that riffs on a formal British drawing-room — this is a design enthusiast's haven. The rooms are all white affairs with floor-to-ceiling windows and great mood lighting. Very hip.
Close to Liverpool Station, Spitalfields and the Barbican, the 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.
Sea Containers is a lively and hip hotel in an iconic Southbank building, evocative of a 1920s ocean liner. Rooms and suites are all finished in a contemporary style with continued nautical themes and selected pieces of designer furniture. A fabulous rooftop bar and terrace offer superb city views. A very hip choice.

For foodies

An urban haven, Nobu Hotel, features beautifully designed rooms which 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 the location

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. And it’s really great value.
Clerkenwell is another hip district, full of new restaurants and bars, print companies, bijou unique boutiques and media companies, and this is where the first Zetter Hotel in London landed. Youthful and bright, expect pop art and site specific installations, plus fun details in the decor — all the 59 rooms are different, some more conservative than others. The cocktail bar is really something and there are lots of local companies involved with their supplies, from the toiletries to the pale ale.
It says quite a bit about the state of Bethnal Green that its old Town Hall building has been converted into a cool hotel. Clever architects have done a great job with the 98 rooms, including the creation of six ‘feature rooms’, which are the stand out ones, one of which is a conversion from the former men’s loos. Some rooms have their own small kitchens, there’s art by local artists, a pool, a spa, a glass top floor, and the Town Hall tea lady swings by every evening with a cocktail trolley.
If you want to be close to Covent Garden, Somerset House, the BFI and The National Theatre, then One Aldwych will tick your boxes. The hotel has undergone a recent refurb and while it’s still elegantly classical on the outside it’s now chicer on the inside. The 18-metre pool in the basement with underwater music and mood lighting will not disappoint.
Zetter Townhouse Marylebone offers a very central location but with a chic village feel. Expect individually designed bedrooms with an eclectic mix of antique furniture and curios, huge beds, luxurious drapes and deluxe bathrooms. The excellent food and cocktails are a real draw too.
The Resident Kensington is set in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's famously grand townhouses. Having been converted into streamlined, designer accommodation interiors feature light rooms with high ceilings, bay windows and kitchenettes which are a good choice for longer stays.

For a fresh take on traditional style

In a fantastic South Kensington location, The Ampersand Hotel is elegantly cool, with a brightness and boldness to its decor that hotels in this particular part of London aren’t particularly known for. The rooms are all individually styled plus there’s a small library, an elegant Mediterranean restaurant, and the Drawing Rooms which serve a traditional afternoon tea. Classic yet hip.
The Ned 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 luxury

It’s easy to argue that the Shangri-La at the Shard has the best views of any London hotel and their floor-to-ceiling windows really make the most of them. The pool on the 52nd floor, the Gong Bar, and Asian restaurants are what really pull the crowds. However, the rooms are very sleek too.
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.
The Mandrake is a hip award-winning luxury hotel in the heart of the West End, just off Oxford Street. With organic mattresses, roll-top baths, a trendy bar, funky art and fabulous cocktails, this is the place to be seen.

For a boutique

The Megaro Hotel stands out from the crowd with its distinctive mural façade. The ethos of this family-run King’s Cross hotel is to offer a departure from typical corporate hospitality and welcome a more whimsical approach for guests. Ideally located for those who like a properly urban base.

For great value

London has three CitizenMs, these trendy, lux-for-less hipster pads are popping up to meet demand and it seems like there’s quite a demand for bijou rooms with all the mod. cons., trendy living, working, eating and drinking spaces. London’s three are CitizenM Shoreditch, CitizenM Tower of London and CitizenM Bankside. Bankside is a favourite, in a fantastic spot for the Tate Modern and picking up last minute yard tickets to Shakespeare’s Globe or day seats at The National. The hotel itself has plenty of modern art, plus Vitra furniture and they serve food all day.
The Tommyfield is a fashionable pub with rooms in Kennington. There are just six rooms, all decorated differently, but they’re all bold and chic. With standout pub fare, regular evening entertainment, and a friendly price tag — what's not to love?
Z Shoreditch is well located just a short walk from Old Street station. Contemporary interiors offer unfussy and light accommodation with minimalist design. Added touches such as complimentary cheese and wine in the evenings make this a stand out choice for a central and affordable stay.
Z Hotels at Gloucester Place is a collection of five townhouses located in London's smart Marylebone area. Cleanly designed minimalist rooms feature large sash windows, parquet flooring, and crisp white linen. Well positioned and very well priced making this an attractive stay.
Brook Green Hotel has a pub-like façade and interior, with boutique rooms upstairs, a cool cocktail bar downstairs and a handy west London location. Friendly service and excellent pub food complete the picture. A good value option with easy access to all London has to offer.

Still not sure where to book?

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London.
Expand your search to include our Guru’s collection of Quirky and Unusual Hotels in London, Cool London Hotels on a Budget, or even our Top London Chic hotels.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Shangri-La The Shard London (Southwark) 202 rooms from $491
  
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  Swimming Pool  -  Awesome indoor pool on the 52nd Floor. It's Europes highest infinity pool and a must for all guests!
  Views  -  The Shard must have some of the best views over the whole of London.
  Sights nearby  -  Situated right next door to London Bridge, all of London's best bits are easily accessible.
  Local markets  -  Trendy Borough Market is round the corner
  
  Bucket list destination property that really has the “Wow” factor. Asian influenced interiors, with five star luxuries as standard. Floor to ceiling windows in both bedrooms and bathrooms to make the most of the spectacular views over London. Everyone must stay here once – despite the price tag! See More
  
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- St Martins Lane London (Covent garden) 204 rooms from $384
  
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  Lively  -  Buzzy bar, restaurant and nighclub
  Theatre  -  In the heart of theatreland
  Designer  -  Philippe Starck interiors
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Michelin Travel
  
  It's not often you find a fun hotel with both high comfort and exemplary service levels, but this hits the spot. The funky design, ultra-smooth bedrooms, Pan-Asian food and decadent bar combine to make a relaxed and tempt-you-back stay. See More
  
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- COMO Metropolitan London London (Mayfair) 144 rooms from $348
  
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  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
  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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- One Aldwych London (Covent garden) 105 rooms from $429
  
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  Restaurant  -  Indigo - modern British & Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar
  Child friendly  -  DVD and games library plus wii console and games
  Theatre  -  Perfectly positioned for London's theatreland
  Swimming Pool  -  Large Indoor Pool - chlorine free
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Michelin Travel
  
  The perfect base for those wanting to be in the heart of Covent Garden and Theatreland. Classic on the outside, but wonderfully contemporary on the inside. Spacious rooms and suites, buzzy lobby bar, superb dining and a luxury spa for relaxing after a hard day's sightseeing! See More
  
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- The Hoxton Hotel London (Shoreditch) 210 rooms from $179
  
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  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.
  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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- Sanderson London (Fitzrovia) 150 rooms from $429
  
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  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin Travel
  
  Ian Schrager's second design hotel in London, in a former textiles building in the rag trade area north of Oxford Street. Great spa and gym, and a fashionable bar. See More
  
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- The Zetter Hotel London (Clerkenwell) 59 rooms from $173
  
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  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.
  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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- The Resident Kensington London (Kensington) 65 rooms from $147
  
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  Value chic  -  Self catering facilities can cut your costs in half, with no compromise on style or location.
  Local exploring  -  Proximity to centre of town and main attractions makes this a great stay for local exploring.
  Great walks  -  Hyde Park is a large space in the heart of the city and offers miles of walkways and trails for cyclists.
  Local markets  -  The Acklam Village Market is open every Saturday and Sunday, come rain or shine.
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Frommers
  
  The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's famously grand townhouses are converted into streamlined, designer accommodation. Light rooms with high ceilings, bay windows and kitchenettes are a good choice for longer stays. Proximity to the tube network makes it prime location. See More
  
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- The Ned City of London 252 rooms from $423
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Be sure to check out the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
  Great walks  -  Wander around the streets of this unique, vibrant city getting a feel for the place
  Spa  -  Spa with treatment rooms, hammam, and pool
  Swimming Pool  -  20m indoor heated pool
  
  Set in the former Midland Bank building, The Ned is located right in the City of London. Boasts sumptuous rooms oozing classical style - with designs harking back to the 20s and 30s. A wide range of top-notch cuisine served up. Enjoy a tipple on the splendid rooftop bar. A dreamy city stay! See More
  
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- Boundary Shoreditch London (Shoreditch) 17 rooms from $251
  
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  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.
  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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- Z Hotels at Gloucester Place London (Marylebone) 20 rooms from $109
  
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  Value chic - An affordable hotel, with minimalist style, in the heart of London.
  Great walks - Take long walks through scenic Hyde Park.
  
  A collection of five townhouses located in London's smart Marylebone area. Cleanly designed rooms feature large sash windows, parquet flooring, crisp white linen and contemporary bathrooms. Well positioned and very well priced making this an attractive stay. See More
  
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- Brook Green Hotel London (Hammersmith) 17 rooms from $152
  
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  Restaurant - Wide ranging menu from traditional pub grub to seared scallops!
  Sights nearby - Easy access to all of London's major attractions
  Traditional
  
  A pub-like façade and interior, with boutique rooms upstairs, a cool cocktail bar downstairs and a handy west London location. Friendly service and excellent pub food complete the picture. A good value option with easy access to all London has to offer. See More
  
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- The Ampersand Hotel London (South Kensington) 111 rooms from $300
  
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  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.
  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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- South Place Hotel City of London 80 rooms from $192
  
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  Foodies  -  Roof top Michelin star restaurant.
  Roof terrace  -  Trendy roof top bar with views.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  City Style
  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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- Z Shoreditch London (Shoreditch) 111 rooms from $90
  
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  City Style  -  Make the most out of Z Shoreditch's location to truly get to know London
  Value chic  -  Top accommodation in a superb spot and at great price
  Sights nearby  -  Head over to Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square or any number of other attractions the city has to offer!
  Great walks  -  Wander around this iconic city getting a feel for its unique atmosphere
  
  Z Shoreditch is located in the heart of London, just a short walk from Old Street station. This modern property offers smart and unfussy accommodation at an attractive price. Lovely breakfasts served up (at additional cost). A fantastic base in the city. See More
  
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- Sea Containers London London (Southwark) 359 rooms from $323
  
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  Local exploring  -  Situated in the heart of the South Bank, Sea Containers is perfectly placed for exploring
  Spa  -  The agua Spa offers a wide range of treatments (including bespoke Medical facials from Kate Kerr).
  Sights nearby  -  Very close to the London Eye, Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and Borough Market.
  Views  -  The property boasts fantastic views up and down the River Thames
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  Lively and hip hotel in an iconic Southbank building, evocative of a 1920s ocean liner. A wide range of rooms and suites all finished in a contemporary style with continued nautical themes, and selected pieces of designer furniture. Fabulous rooftop bar and terrace with superb city views. See More
  
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- Town Hall Hotel London (Bethnal Green) 98 rooms from $190
  
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  Designer  -  Designed by top architects Rare
  Swimming Pool  -  15m heated indoor pool
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Michelin Travel
  
  Clever redesign of a stark Edwardian municipal building into a cool design hotel with a heart. Viajante restaurant is a foodie favourite. See More
  
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- The Mandrake London (Fitzrovia) from $641
  
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  Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
  Opulent
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Quirky  -  An experience!
  
  Hip award-winning luxury hotel in the heart of the West End, just off Oxford Street. Organic mattresses, roll top baths, trendy bar, funky art and fabulous cocktails. The place to be seen. See More
  
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- The Tommyfield London (Lambeth) 6 rooms from $152
  
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  Restaurant  -  Fresh and tasty English pub food.
  Quirky  -  Live comedy on Thursdays.
  Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
  Restaurant with rooms
  
  Brand-new bedrooms set in a fashionable pub just 10 minutes from central London via tube. Excellent pub menu, recently opened accommodation and evening entertainment including stand-up comedy make this an enticing property for those seeking London chic without a huge price tag. See More
  
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- citizenM Bankside London (Southwark) 192 rooms from $178
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Very close to Tate Modern and the Millenium Bridge
  Restaurant  -  canteenM offers breakfast, lunch and dinner
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Trendy, contemporary "luxury for less" hotel on London's Southbank. Ideal for arty types, with iconic Vitra furniture throughout, modern art on display and a stone's throw from the Tate. Tablets in every room for mood control and a host of other goodies thrown in with the price. See More
  
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- Zetter Townhouse Marylebone London (Marylebone) 24 rooms from $315
  
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  Local exploring  -  Great location with easy access to the best of London's attractions
  Sights nearby  -  Close to London's West End
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  The newest addition to Zetter's growing collection, whose ethos is great cocktails, delicious food and a super-comfy bed! In the Marylebone outpost you'll find individually designed bedrooms with an eclectic mix of antique furniture and curios, huge beds, luxurious drapes and deluxe bathrooms. See More
  
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- Nobu Hotel Shoreditch London (Shoreditch) 148 rooms from $338
  
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  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.
  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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- The Megaro London (Bloomsbury) 54 rooms from $192
  
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  City Style  -  Ideal base for city slickers and holidayers alike, close to trains and the City as well as to sights and dining options
  Business Hotel
  Sights nearby  -  The Wellcome Collection & British Museum are nearby; it's also worth visiting Granary Square's mesmerising light-fountain
  Great walks  -  You'll find this exciting borough great to explore by foot, heading to Caledonian Road and on to the buzz of Camden
  
  Standing out from the crowd with its distinctive mural façade, the ethos of this family-run King’s Cross hotel is to offer a departure from typical corporate hospitality and welcome a more whimsical approach for guests. Ideally located for business people and those who like a properly urban base. See More
  
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