London, a city full of originality, quirkiness, and English eccentricity, is also my home. I might be a bit biased, but I honestly think some of the hotels here are truly spectacular! From modern landmarks to intimate boutique gems, here are my favorite trendy spots which reflect the city’s taste for the extraordinary and the impeccably designed…
1. nHow Hotel
I loved this trendy lifestyle hotel! Located near buzzy Angel Islington, I found it had a fun and fashionable design, and a vibe which was playful and youthful…with fun staff to match!
The lobby was an absolute showstopper, and my guest room was impressively spacious for a city stay! It was bursting with color, blending high-end style with edgy graffiti and pop art vibes. It also had plenty of mod cons, like a satellite TV and my very own espresso machine—talk about stylish and cozy!
Other stand-out features include an on-site restaurant serving meat-free options and a great breakfast, a zen-like garden, a stylish bar, and an onsite gym. I also took advantage of the bike loans here as it was a great way to explore the city easily!
My favourite highlights…
- I really enjoyed hanging out at their trendy Bell & Whistle Bar and Restaurant! I loved the Insta-friendly decor which mixed British classicism with punk rock influences and was adorned with bright neon signs and photo-worthy nooks, their policies on reducing meat on their menu and their cocktails which were inspired by British classics with an experimental twist! My favorite was the “Tea Time” cocktail which was an incredible blend of Earl Grey-infused gin and botanical flavors!
2. Mama Shelter
This is a seriously Instagram-worthy boutique spot! Located in hipster-friendly Shoreditch, the design is creative, funky, and friendly—and —bonus—affordable, too! I loved the details, such as the chalkboard ceiling, metal dog sculptures, bejewelled Darth Vader masks, and retro arcade machines.
My modern room featured flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, and I also found a hip onsite restaurant, a strikingly gorgeous – and fun – garden bar, and even Japanese-style karaoke rooms!
I tried their very own blond ale beer and hot espelette pepper, which were both delicious! I went to Mama, and definitely didn’t regret it!
My personal highlights…
- I was totally won over by the all the cool entertainment and games features here! I found fun arcade games, foosball tables, and board games scattered throughout the whole hotel and it was a great way to get chatting to my fellow travellers! My favorite was the private onsite karaoke rooms where me and my friend belted a slightly off tone version of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift!
3. The Exhibitionist
This place felt like a communal art gallery, filled with rotating installations and permanent art pieces! I was especially taken with the gigantic marble bull standing guard at the entrance and the striking mannequin-lamp in the bar—such bold, unforgettable touches!
It’s located in the upscale central location of the stylish shopping haven Kensington (only a 4-minute walk from South Kensington tube station and a 6-minute walk from the Victoria and Albert Museum and opposite the Natural History Museum).
My individually designed guest room came with a flat-screen TV, iPad, free Wi-Fi, an elegantly styled bathroom. There was also a chic onsite restaurant, a fashionable bar, and a (non-exhibitionist!) spa.
If you can afford it, I highly recommend booking a penthouse suite as it comes with a fabulous jacuzzi!
My highlights…
- I love that it has a playful vibe, but there were still loads of superb, luxurious touches! I loved the relaxing rainfall shower and (the very welcoming!) underfloor heating in my guest room, the Kit&Kin eco-friendly designer toiletries, and the plush high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. It felt more like an urban retreat than just a hotel stay!
4. Yotel
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 which feature innovative technology, their signature SmartBed™, Wi-Fi, smart HDTVs, rainfall showers and a clean, chic white design.
Some rooms offer gorgeous city views and added seating areas, too. 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…
- I thought all the high-tech features here were super fun! Instead of a traditional reception they had a “Mission Control” station where I checked in and out digitally! In my guest ‘cabin’ I found I could control the mood lighting, my Smart TV, the streaming, the window blinds and my room temperature, through the handy YOTEL app!
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 5-star hotel is located in the increasingly gentrified and lively Kings Cross area, just 10 minutes from Central St.Martins. and this is where the bold and beautiful flock to in droves!
Inside, I found this place to be very dream-like, a fun, striking, and very Instagrammable kind of dream! There’s a funky retro-inspired design, rooftop open-air baths (yes!), a library, a trendy sound studio hosting regular live music, and a 24-hour gym. I’d recommend trying my favourite feature, a windowless “deep listening” room that rejuvenates you during the day!
My guest room featureed 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…
- I loved taking a ride on the Insta-worthy iconic exterior red capsule elevator which transported me up to the cool rooftop bar and was a wow-inducing experience where I could see King’s Cross and St Pancras Station and the awesome London skyline (including the Gerkin and the Shard)! Once at the Double Standard bar I had one of their famous dry martinis and then couldn’t wait for the ride down again!
7. Sunborn Yacht Hotel
This is my favourite spot for a classy, unique, and elegant city stay! Moored in the Docklands, it’s located across from the ExCel London convention centre and connected to the city centre via the Docklands Light Railway, a 20-minute train ride (and is also close to the O2 Centre and Canary Wharf).
High-tech and high-spec, the Sunborn has luxurious interiors with an elegant and nostalgic Art Deco feel – there were shiny brass railings, lashings of teak, a very showy spiral staircase, and sparkling chandeliers.
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 – super cute pot-holes!
There was a super stylish bar and a modern spa and I loved the deck views; they’re honestly worth booking a night just to enjoy them!
The location was wonderfully peaceful yet still only a quick trip to the city center, which I found really convenient! Before heading out I downed a signature mocktail in the Sundown Bar and found the nighttime river and city views to be very romantic!
My favorite highlights…
- Dining in their The Lands End Restaurant! I absolutely loved the views of the River Thames from the floor-to-ceiling windows and with the gentle movements from the waves making it feel like I was on dining on a yacht (which I was of course, just one that doesn’t sail very often!). I opted for the mushroom arancini and spring vegetable risotto which were both delicious!
8. Sea Containers
This gorgeous upscale hotel on the River Thames is a true Instagrammer’s dream! The 5-star, exceptionally rated Sea Containers Hotel is an ultra-chic and very large 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 unique design inspired by the decor of 1920s transatlantic liners but with a modern twist. The cruise ship-inspired hotel also has 359 contemporary guest rooms, which featured custom furnishings and original art. It’s a very special spot with a hip, buzzy vibe filled with well-dressed, fashionable types – this is the place to hang out and be seen!
In my room, I had all the essentials—flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a luxe rainfall shower. If you’re looking to upgrade, the superior rooms are totally worth it; they come with private patios and stunning river views. I’d definitely go for it if you can—the city skyline views are just gorgeous!
I was a big fan of the very glamorous spa, the high-tech 24-hour gym, cinema room, upscale dining options, an onsite cocktail bar, outdoor seating, and a rooftop lounge which had spectacular river views and DJs at the weekend.
My personal highlights…
- Going for their signature Reparative facial treatment which used the patented skin-care complex the NAC Y2 formula at their onsite Luxury Spa by Agua! As well as their innovative treatments I was a big fan of the bronze, cocoon-like design structure and my highly-attentive therapist!
9. The Hoxton, Shoreditch
With a funky urban lodge style – think open fireplaces, classic leather furniture, squashy sofas, exposed brickwork, and a buzzy atmosphere, I love that this place epitomises the urban trendiness of Hoxton/Shoreditch itself (a hip neighbourhood area of the city 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 with a playful eye for details. Design and vibe are essential here. My room, for example, had sleek dark walls, striking retro-style herringbone wood floors, a well-stocked minibar, and a lush rainfall shower.
Some rooms are less spacious, so opt for these if you require a funky base rather than a leisurely stay. All the rooms can have breakfast delivered to your door every morning. I personally loved that this hotel doubles as a social hub in Shoreditch for either remote workers or trendy bar-seekers.
All the goings-on are centred around the cosy lobby and the popular on-site Hoxton Grill on the ground floor. If you’re staying for a while, I’d recommend heading to the co-working space in the lobby, as it’s very easy to meet other travellers.
My highlights…
- I thought the complimentary ‘Lite Breakfast Bag’ which was delivered to my room in the morning was a really cute idea and was a great personal touch! I was in a bit of a hurry to check out so the quick and light breakfast of granola, fruit, and orange juice was just what I needed!
10. NYX Hotel Holborn by Leonardo
This is a new design hotel with vibrant, creative, and chic styling and a great central location in Holborn, just a 10-minute walk from Oxford Street, trendy Soho, and Covent Garden.
In addition to being an exceptional location, I found it to be filled with lashings of color, fun, and pop art. Think bright, quirky art, neon signs, panes of glass in all the colors of the rainbow, and retro-modern furniture galore!
My funky rooms featured funky and unique decor, teak floors, a trendy Smeg fridge, floor-to-ceiling windows, eco-friendly toiletries, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. Upgraded rooms also have plush sofas in separate sitting areas.
I was really won over by the trendy rooftop bar with fabulous views, tequila and craft cocktails, two modern restaurants, one with a DJ booth, and a relaxing lounge offering afternoon tea. I would recommend trying the spa before you leave. It’s a sublime art-adorned spot with a large swimming pool and a modern gym.
My personal highlights…
- The onsite spa! Known as Rena Spa it was a seriously Instagram-worthy place with a huge wall-sized leopard mural and tropical design elements in the swimming pool area as well as a Swedish-style sauna and steam room. I went for an Aromatherapy massage which used a mix of sweet almond, jojoba and thistle oil and the scent was divine!
11. Zedwell Piccadilly
This hotel proved to be a holistic, zen-like experience! The superb central location is just off Shaftesbury Avenue in the centre of the West End, near all the theatres, popular restaurants, entertainment galore, and Covent Garden too.
This place is something quite different and the decor was filled with natural materials with eco-friendly focus. My guest was very unique and minimalist and was known as – and felt just like a – “cocoon” with a Japanese-style wooden box frame surrounding the whole bed (which came with a sumptuous mattress)!
I also found an onsite holistic studio where I booked up a private yoga session, a modern gym, and a lounge which served heath-focused food and drink at reasonable prices. When here I even booked up a private yoga session!
My highlights…
- I loved the wellness-focused aspects which ran throughout the hotel! I loved that my room contained hypoallergenic bedding, soundproofing, blackout features, ergonomic mattresses and even a dedicated air purification system. It also came intentionally without a TV, phone or any other unnecessary tech for an extra restful stay – the whole place felt more like a sanctuary retreat!
12. The Good Hotel
Good by name, good by nature! It’s innovative and affordable floating hotel, moored at Royal Victoria Dock. Outside it’s a striking sight—it looked like a giant floating black shipping container (but one with an astroturfed roof!). Inside, it had a sleek, industrial-chic decor and quirky details which were a design world away from the very bland-looking chain hotels which surrounded it.
The communal areas were open-planned and relaxed, drawing in an eclectic mix of hip-looking overnight guests, remote workers, and locals. The guest rooms are cute and cosy, with a trendy design and river views through a small square window. Its location is a 6-minute walk to the nearest station. Although it is not centrally located, the Royal Victoria light rail station was a 20-minute train ride away and connected me to all the city centre attractions.
Before leaving, I headed up to the rooftop terrace, which came complete with a lush lawn, and had a drink in the cool, sociable bar there. The views of the River Thames and the Emirates Air Line were gorgeous!
My personal highlights…
- I was a big fan of all their caring policies! I found out that the lively staff who welcomed me at the desk were actually former unemployed locals (with the hotel making its policy to train 15 new people every three months) I was also told about about how they supported local community projects and they only eco-friendly materials and energy-saving systems! Even my guest room had natural toiletries and didn’t contain any single-use plastics!
13. The Pilgrm
I loved this gorgeous, cute, and personal boutique-style hotel located in a fabulous central location!
If you’re not a fan of substantial impersonal hotels, then The Pilgrim Hotel is the antidote! It’s located in a Victorian building, in charming Paddington, very near restaurants, cafes, and Paddington underground tube station, which will quickly take you to Regents Park, Marylebone, Oxford Circus, and Hyde Park.
I thought it offered exceptional value and affordable rates but still with a touch of luxury. The stylish boutique-style pet-friendly rooms are chic, and although some are very compact, they offer a home-away-from-home oasis in an otherwise bustling area. Upgraded rooms offer city views and flat-screen TVs.
I was also a big fan of the sociable and friendly vibe, the fantastic breakfasts (I’d suggest trying their incredible French Toast, which comes dripping with Nutella and honey!), the original art, the free loaner bikes, the onsite plush lounge bar servicing craft cocktails, freshly pulped juices, organic coffee, and international cuisine, and the cute cafe with trendy exposed stone walls, quirky details and wood furnishings.
My highlights…
- I was totally charmed by all the restored heritage details they had here! Being a fan of all things retro I was in awe of the beautifully restored Victorian mosaic floors, cast iron radiators, exposed brickwork, vintage furniture and original Victorian staircase which still had its original railings and bannisters! Amazing!
