Seven properties, something for virtually every type of traveller.
Did you know that, according to some estimates, there are 1,124 hotels and 110 hotel chains in London? The city's hospitality scene is an embarrassment of riches, and choosing just one is no small feat — regardless of whether you're looking to save or splurge. But what if you booked a stay at the property that somehow spoke to you? We scoured the offerings, shortlisting seven hotels that know exactly who their guests are and how to appeal to them.
Artist Residence
Perfect for the: aesthete
Located in prim-and-proper Pimlico yet brimming with youthful energy due to the cool, quirky artwork hosted within, Artist Residence stays true to its name. Owned and run by hoteliers Justin and Charlotte Salisbury, its story dates back to 2006, when Justin had to leave university in order to help out with his family's B&B in Brighton after his mother had an accident. Inspired by the local arts scene, he placed an ad inviting artists to decorate rooms in exchange for accommodation. Hundreds responded, and that's how the concept was born and named. Today, each of the ten rooms at Artist Residence is playfully decorated with unique works of contemporary art, but the likes of plush beds, powerful rain showers, and tempting minibar offerings are a given throughout.
GO: Visit www.artistresidence.co.uk for reservations and more information.
Henrietta Hotel
Perfect for the: design buff
It may reside in the heart of Covent Garden, but Henrietta Hotel feels like a secret that few are privy to. The boutique hotel comprises two adjacent Victorian townhouses on the quiet Henrietta Street, where painter Samuel Scott, actress Kitty Clive, and novelist Jane Austen were once residents. The hotel's décor is instantly appealing, drawing inspiration from both the 1970s and its British architectural heritage. Renowned interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon is the talent behind it, and her genius is evident in everything from the handmade Art Deco headboards that mix mirror with fabric to the brass bedside lights, retro armchairs with brushed aluminium, terrazzo-patterned carpets, and light Carrara marble skirting — all representative of Henrietta Hotel's nod to Italian design.
GO: Visit www.henriettahotel.com for reservations and more information.
Henry's Townhouse
Perfect for the: bibliophile
With only six rooms and impeccable service, Henry's Townhouse is the ultimate bolthole in London — and its interiors instantly add a sense of place. The décor was inspired by Jane Austen's favourite brother, Henry – who lived at this address during the 18th century – translating to antique furniture, curated artworks, and sumptuous fabrics that echo a bygone era. Not only does every room feature its own style (each has been individually designed as a glamorous reimaging of the Regency period), but it's also packed with contemporary amenities like Dyson hairdryers, L:a Bruket organic bath amenities, and a complimentary minibar filled with smoothies and local artisan spirits. The hotel's location in the chic residential area of Marylebone is just the cherry on top.
GO: Visit https://henrystownhouse.co.uk for reservations and more information.
Hotel Café Royal
Perfect for the: wellness seeker
Most hotels that claim to cater to wellness seekers are merely home to a spa, but when it comes to self-care in London, Hotel Café Royal is the real deal. In fact, its underground oasis of holistic wellness, Akasha Holistic Wellbeing, spans 13,000 square feet. Here, everything from yoga and meditation to Reiki, Watsu, a hammam, and bespoke nutrition guidance is on offer, culminating into a menu of treatments unlike anything offered by other hotels in London. The onsite wellness programme, meanwhile, includes regular visits from renowned therapists, trainers and practitioners from around the world. There's room to play, too — the hotel stands on the edge of Piccadilly Circus, and is therefore a minute's walk from some of the city's best theatres and nightlife venues.
GO: Visit www.hotelcaferoyal.com for reservations and more information.
Mama Shelter London Shoreditch
Perfect for the: digital nomad
Design-led rooms, homemade meals, signature cocktails, co-working spaces, karaoke rooms — Mama Shelter invites digital nomads to work hard and play hard in London's coolest neighbourhood: Shoreditch. And like other properties in the Mama Shelter portfolio, the vibe here is gloriously unpretentious. Instead, comfort and creativity take centre stage by way of quirky décor accents such as a chalkboard ceiling, thoughtful extras like blackout blinds, and plenty of flexible working set-ups. A hint of kitsch, meanwhile, comes courtesy of superhero masks and retro arcade games. As for food? It's a global affair at the Shoreditch outpost, so expect to dne on the likes of baos, burgers, kebabs and ceviche. If you're seeking an affordable stay but are averse to the beige functionality of budget hotels, this one's for you.
GO: Visit https://mamashelter.com for reservations and more information.
Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch
Perfect for the: bona fide foodie
Another Shoreditch property, this one ideal for those who take onsite dining options super seriously — Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch. Like its sister properties in the Nobu Hotels family (think: Chicago, Barcelona, Manila and more), London Shoreditch blends modern luxury and minimal Japanese tradition into the concept of a lifestyle hotel. But dining is at the heart of its raison d'etre. Between Nobu Shoreditch Restaurant and Nobu Shoreditch Bar & Terrace, guests can dine not only on Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's famed classics such as Yellowtail with Jalapeño and Black Cod Miso, but also dishes inspired by the vibrancy and creativity of its vicinity. Elsewhere, Nobu Cafe offers an extensive range of speciality teas sourced from local artisans alongside a menu of sandwiches, salads and pastries.
GO: Visit https://london-shoreditch.nobuhotels.com for reservations and more information.
The London EDITION
Perfect for the: cool kid
With hotelier Ian Schrager partnering with Marriott International, it's unsurprising that the resulting London EDITION is achingly hip — the so-called disco king is the co-founder of Studio 54 and widely credited with creating the concept of this hotel in Fitzrovia. Hosting some of the city's buzziest parties, it has seen everyone from Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne to Leonardo DiCaprio and Uma Thurman revel within. Guests are greeted by a swanky lobby rife with art and activity before stepping into a room that has been designed to create a cabin-like feel, reminiscent of a private yacht. Elsewhere, Jason Atherton's Berners Tavern serves contemporary British cuisine with a focus on upscale comfort food, while the intimate Punch Room serves 20 speciality punches with a side of impromptu live performances.
GO: Visit www.editionhotels.com for reservations and more information.
