London, a city bursting with originality, quirkiness, and unmistakable English eccentricity, also happens to be my home. I might be a little biased, but I genuinely think some of the hotels here are spectacular! From striking modern landmarks to intimate boutique gems, these are my favorite stylish stays that capture the city’s flair for the extraordinary and love of impeccable design…
1. nHow Hotel, Shoreditch
I really enjoyed staying at this bold, 4-star lifestyle hotel in funky Shoreditch! It stood out by being a bold fusion of edgy British pop culture, street art, and eccentric design touches – like a punk-themed lobby, graffiti walls, and a lobby DJ booth – which gives the whole place a playful, creative energy quite unlike any other hotel I’ve seen in London!
Once inside I found Insta-worthy industrial elements with bold pops of color, playful street art, punk-inspired graphics, and quirky British design references and the vibe was playful, creative, and youthful with a rebellious edge – it was just perfect for design lovers, digital nomads, and trendsetters drawn to Shoreditch’s artsy energy.
My Superior Room was spacious, and very design-focused stay with quirky pop-art, a plush king-size bed, a rainfall shower, air con, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a trendy Nespresso machine, and large windows which let in lots of natural light. I particularly liked the graphic wall murals that made me feel I’d stepped into a modern art installation.
My other favourite highlights included the striking open-plan lobby which came with a live DJ booth, the funky co-working spaces, modern 24-hour gym, the zen-like garden, the pet-friendly services, bike loans and the lively Guilty restaurant which served up indulgent comfort food with lots of meat-free options.
This area – the creative hub of Shoreditch – is also one of my favourite part of the city and I was just a short walk from Old Street Station, as well as edgy street art, eclectic restaurants trendy bars, tech start-ups, and indie boutiques!
My favourite highlights…
- Trying their “Tea Time” cocktail which was an incredible blend of Earl Grey-infused gin and botanical flavors in their trendy Bell & Whistle Bar and Restaurant!
2. Mama Shelter, Shoreditch
As soon as stayed at this Insta-worthy design-led 4-star hotel in East London I knew it was going to make this list! I found to be irresistibly fun with such funky interiors that it made the whole place feel more like a creative clubhouse than a typical hotel.
When I stepped inside I found a world with eclectic, urban-chic decor with a bold mix of industrial elements, playful graffiti, vintage furnishings, and quirky design details such metal dog sculptures, and bejewelled Darth Vader masks. It felt fun, youthful, and effortlessly cool – like a laid-back creative hangout with a touch of rebellious edge.
My guest room – a Large Mama Double Room – was spacious and stylish, and featured a super-comfy king-size bed, quirky decor with bold colors and playful details, a smart TV with free movies, mood lighting, a work desk, and an en-suite bathroom with a rainfall shower and organic bath products. I particularly loved the ceiling-mounted chalkboard, complete with handwritten messages and doodles!
I also made sure I made full use out of the fun retro arcade games, Japanese-style private karaoke rooms, the incredible greenhouse-style bar, and the buzzing restaurant which served up hearty comfort food with a twist – I loved their very own craft brewed blond ale beer and home grown hot espelette pepper!
My personal highlights…
- All the entertainment – I found fun arcade games, foosball tables, retro board games like Connect Four and it was great to belt out a slightly off tone version of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift in their private karaoke room!
3. The Exhibitionist
This stylish boutique 5-star art-hotel in South Kensington felt like communal art gallery, filled with rotating installations and permanent art pieces! It stood out to me for its bold contemporary artworks, rotating exhibitions, and wildly creative themed suites!
I was greeted with bold, maximalist decor with striking contemporary art, vibrant color palettes, avant-garde furnishings, and playful, gallery-like interiors – I particularly loved the gigantic marble bull standing guard at the entrance and the striking mannequin-lamp in the bar. The vibe felt artistic, edgy, and fashion-forward and I saw that it attracted creative souls and design lovers.
My guest room featured a plush bed with high-thread-count linens, mood lighting, bold contemporary art, a sleek en-suite bathroom, and luxury amenities for a chic, gallery-style retreat. I really loved the bold, statement free-standing bathtub!
More of my favourite highlights included it hosting rotating contemporary art exhibitions, its trendy cocktail bar, and curated collaborations with up-and-coming artists that turn the entire stay into a creative experience.
This was such an upscale and posh central location – based here, I found myself within a short strolling distance from the Natural History Museum), V&A Museum, and Hyde Park.
My highlights…
- All the high end touches such as the underfloor heating, the Kit&Kin eco-friendly designer toiletries, and the exceptionally silky high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets!
4. Yotel, Clerkenwell
This was a very futuristic and trendy hotel! Located in the creative and buzzy, sought-after Clerkenwell neighbourhood (around a 16-minute walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral) it’s an eco-friendly, high-tech, and very modern option, which has a strong Japanese influence.
In this version of the hugely successful chain, there are 212 minimalist ‘cabins’ or larger guest rooms. Mine featured innovative technology, their signature SmartBed™, Wi-Fi, a smart HDTV, an gorgeous rainfall showers and a white minimalistic design.
Some rooms offer gorgeous city views and added seating areas and I’d recommend families book the Premium Triple room for the extra space and beds.
Also on site, I found the Komyuniti, a hip but laid-back bar and restaurant serving street food-inspired cuisines, cocktails and craft beers, a funky co-working space, and a 24-hour gym. Breakfast was also available onsite.
My personal highlights…
- Playing around with the “Mission Control” station where I checked in and out digitally!
5. The Standard Hotel
This hotel comes with impeccable credentials – it was founded by the same hotelier who founded the Chiltern Firehouse and Chateau Marmont! The upscale 5-star hotel is located in the increasingly gentrified and lively Kings Cross area and this is where the bold and beautiful flock to in droves!
Inside, I found this place to be very dream-like but a trippy, very Instagrammable kind of dream! There’s a funky retro-inspired design, rooftop open-air baths (I loved this!), a library, a trendy sound studio which hosted regular live music, and a modern 24-hour gym. I really enjoying taking a few relaxing moments in the windowless “deep listening” room that was very zen-like!
My guest room featured Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers, a fabulous outdoor bathtub located on the balcony, and a mini-fridge containing vegan protein balls and truffle crisps—small details count!
Other amenities included casual eats and beer served up in the on-site bar, small-sharing plates at Isla, and Michelin-starred delights on the trendy top-floor restaurant (which was overseen by top chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias)!
My highlights…
- Taking a ride on the Insta-worthy iconic exterior red capsule elevator which transported me up to the cool rooftop bar!
6. Sunborn Yacht Hotel
This is my favourite spot for a unique, and elegant city stay! The location was wonderfully peaceful, it was located across from the ExCel London convention centre and near O2 Centre and Canary Wharf. I could get into the city via the Docklands Light Railway in only 20 minutes.
Both high-tech and high-spec, it’s the UK’s only Super Yacht Hotel and inside it had luxurious interiors which I thought had an elegant and nostalgic Art Deco feel. There were shiny brass railings, lashings of teak, a very showy spiral staircase, and large sparkling chandeliers adorning the ceilings!
My classic room/cabin was spacious and featured an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, a touch-pad room control, air conditioning, and my favourite – very nautical-looking portholes! There was a super stylish bar and a modern spa, and I loved the superb deck views of the River Thames—they were worth booking a night just to enjoy!
Before heading out I downed a sparkling signature mocktail in the Sundown Bar and gazed out over the romantic and beautifully illuminated nighttime river and city views, I knew it was going to be hard to leave!
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying a mushroom arancini and spring vegetable risotto in their The Lands End Restaurant while gazing the Thames – the gentle movements of the waves added to the whole dining on a yacht experience!
7. Sea Containers
I thought this unique upscale hotel on the River Thames was an Instagrammer’s dream! I found the sprawling design hotel located in a privileged position in the vibrant South Bank district just a short walk from the Tate Modern and overlooking the River Thames.
On my visit, I fell for its wow-inducing interiors which have been inspired by the decor of 1920s transatlantic liners (but with their own very modern twist)! It’s home to 359 contemporary guest rooms ranging from standard to luxury suites and they all features which featured colorful custom-made maritime-inspired furnishings and bespoke art pieces. It’s a very special spot with a hip, buzzy vibe and very fashionable looking guests – this was the place to hang out and be seen!
My standard room came with chic decor in grey and pink tones, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a large rainfall shower. The superior rooms came with private patios and stunning river views. I’d definitely go for it if you can—the River Thames views are very special!
I also stumbled across a very glamorous modern spa, a high-tech 24-hour gym, a cinema room, a superb upscale (and very busy!) restaurant, an onsite cocktail bar, outdoor terrace seating, and a rooftop lounge which had spectacular river views and DJs at the weekend.
My personal highlights…
- Indulging in their innovative signature Reparative Facial treatment which used the patented skin-care complex the NAC Y2 formula at their cocoon-like Luxury Spa by Agua!
8. The Hoxton, Shoreditch
This place has a funky urban lodge style! There’s open fireplaces, classic leather furniture, large squashy sofas, exposed brickwork, and a buzzy atmosphere. To me it reflects the urban trendiness of its Hoxton/Shoreditch location (a hip neighbourhood only a short tube or bus ride from the city centre) but with surprisingly competitive prices.
The ethos here is simple: the rooms are a base from which to either work or play and are stylish, intentionally fuss-free—but always have a very playful eye for details. Design and vibe are clearly central here—my room, for instance, featured sleek dark walls, striking retro herringbone patterns, wood floors, a well-stocked minibar, and a lush rainfall shower.
I saw that some rooms were less spacious, so opt for these if you require a budget funky base rather than a leisurely stay. I also loved that this hotel doubles as a social hub in Shoreditch for either remote workers or trendy bar-seekers with a sociable co-working space in the lobby and popular on-site Hoxton Grill and Bar on the ground floor.
My highlights…
- I thought the complimentary ‘Lite Breakfast Bag’ consisting of granola, fruit, and orange juice which was delivered to my room in the morning was a great personal touch!
9. NYX Hotel Holborn by Leonardo
This is a fun new design hotel which is home to some very creative styling! It also has a exceptional central location in Holborn, just a 10-minute walk from Oxford Street, trendy Soho, and Covent Garden.
Inside, I found it to be a riot of color with lashings of pop art and Insta-worthy features! There was quirky art, neon lighting, video installations, panes of glass in all the colors of the rainbow, modern sculptures by local artists and retro-modern furniture galore!
My funky guest room featured wooden parquet flooring, trendy-retro decor, a Smeg fridge, floor-to-ceiling windows, eco-friendly toiletries, free Wi-Fi, a Nepresso coffee machine, flat-screen TV and a rainfall shower. Upgraded rooms have plush sofas in separate sitting areas.
I also found a trendy rooftop bar which was home to fabulous city views, tequila and craft cocktails, two modern restaurants (one had a DJ booth), a relaxing lounge offering afternoon tea, a modern gym and an art-adorned spot with a large indoor swimming pool.
My personal highlights…
- Indulging in a fragrant Aromatherapy Massage which used a mix of sweet almond, jojoba and thistle oil in their Insta-worthy Rena Spa!
10. Zedwell, Piccadilly Circus
Staying here was a holistic, zen-like experience! It enjoyed a superb central location is just off Shaftesbury Avenue right in the heart of the West End. Surrounded by theatres, excellent restaurants, vibrant entertainment options, and within walking distance to Covent Garden, it was very easy to explore the city’s best central attractions.
It was honestly like no other hotel I’ve stayed in as has a very unique approach with an eco-friendly focus too. My guest room was filled with natural materials and a very minimalist design. Interestingly, the rooms here are actually called ‘cocoons,’ and it truly felt like one to me, with a sumptuous futon-style mattress nestled within a Japanese-inspired wooden box frame.
I also found an onsite holistic studio where I booked myself a private yoga and meditation session, a modern gym, and a chic onsite lounge which served health-focused food and drinks at reasonable prices.
My highlights…
- The wellness features – I loved the hypoallergenic bedding, soundproofing, blackout curtains, an ergonomic mattress, the dedicated air purification system and how it was intentionally free of a TV, phone, and other unnecessary tech!
11. The Good Hotel
A short video of my trip to the Good Hotel…
Good by name, good by nature! This is an innovative (and affordable!) floating hotel, moored at Royal Victoria Dock. Outside, I thought it was a striking sight – it looked like a giant floating black shipping container (but one with an astroturfed roof!). Inside, it had a sleek and atmospheric industrial-chic decor and quirky design details. It felt like a design oasis, worlds apart from the bland, uniform chain hotels located nearby!
The communal spaces were open-plan and inviting, drawing in a cool mix of stylish overnight guests, remote workers, and locals looking to hang out. My guest room had the feeling of a cosy cabin and came with trendy features, an innovative use of space and river views which I could see through a small square window.
Although it wasn’t centrally located, I could reach central London in around 20 minutes via the DLR and Jubilee Line, starting at Royal Victoria station.
Before leaving, I headed up to the rooftop terrace – complete with a lush lawn and deck chairs – and enjoyed a locally brewed beer in the sociable bar while soaking in stunning views of the River Thames and the impressive Emirates Cable Car which spanned it, a perfect send-off to a memorable stay!
My personal highlights…
- I loved learning that the friendly staff at the desk were actually former unemployed locals, trained as part of the hotel’s commitment to hire 15 new people every three months!
12. The Pilgrm
This is a charming boutique hotel located in a great central location! I discovered it nestled in a beautiful Victorian building in charming Paddington, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and just steps from Paddington Station. From here, the Tube offers quick access to Regents Park, Marylebone, Oxford Circus, and Hyde Park.
For me, it stands out as a unique blend of historic Victorian architecture and modern, minimalist design – the perfect antidote to large, impersonal hotels! I felt it offered fantastic value, with budget-friendly rates that still delivered a touch of luxury.
My pet-friendly guest room was compact but it came with a light, chic design, a private shower, crisp white linens, hardwood parquet floors, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, a flat screen TV and free WiFi.
I was totally charmed by the warm, social vibe – it was easy to strike up a conversation with the friendly staff or fellow guests. The breakfasts were fantastic (definitely try the French toast, drenched in Nutella and honey!).
I loved the original artwork adorning the walls, the free loaner bikes, and the stylish lounge bar with its craft cocktails, freshly pulped juices, organic coffee, and international bites. The cozy café was another highlight, with its trendy exposed stone walls, quirky decor, and wood furnishings adding a touch of charm.
My highlights…
- The restored heritage details – I loved the beautifully restored Victorian mosaic floors, the striking cast iron radiators, exposed brickwork, vintage furniture, and the original Victorian staircase, still complete with its original railings and banisters!
