London is an undeniable destination, with equally undeniable hotels. The British city is well-known for its expensive luxury properties, many of which have been around for over a century, but it’s also home to some very cool and interesting contemporary hotels. While it can be tough to distill all of London’s potential overnight spots into a list of the best, here are 20 that hit all the marks and will work for travelers on any type of budget. You may not be able to afford a suite that costs the same per night as your used Volvo, but you can dream (and then book into an equally chic hotel at a lesser price point).
The 20 Best London Hotels at Every Price Point
Tell Paddington We're Coming
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Published Oct 10, 2023
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The Hoxton/The Laslett/The Treehouse
Mandarin Oriental
- Location: Knightsbridge
- Rates: from $1020/night
- Why We Love It: amazing views, great service, high-end spa
Located directly on London’s best green space, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is a top-tier luxury hotel worth the splurge. The spa and indoor swimming pool could keep you occupied all day—if you ever want to leave bed. The hotel is home to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Japanese izakaya The Aubrey, both of which are worth booking even if you aren’t staying in the hotel. Hyde Park is only a few steps away, as is Harrods, while Royal Albert Hall is a short bus ride down the road. To splurge, go for one of the sumptuous suites, which have balconies, opulent living rooms and massive marble bathrooms.
1 Hotel Mayfair
- Location: Mayfair
- Rates: from $611/night
- Why We Love It: modern design, central location, eco-conscious
A new addition to the London hotel scene, 1 Hotel Mayfair emphasizes style and eco-friendly design and offerings. The hotel, located within walking distance of Hyde Park and Oxford Circus, has a chic, minimalist vibe with hundreds of plants incorporated into the rooms and public spaces. It features Dovetale, a European-style restaurant from Chef Tom Sellers, and Dover Yard, an intimate cocktail bar, but there’s also plenty to see, do and eat in the local neighborhood. In the hotel, guests can enjoy the Bamford Wellness Spa, a gym and group exercise classes.
The Connaught
- Location: Mayfair
- Rates: from $10,00/night
- Why We Love It: luxurious, high-end service, central location
Claridge’s typically gets most of the attention when it comes to historic luxury hotels, but its sister property The Connaught is even more impressive. The five-star hotel, located in a cute corner of Mayfair, has a timeless quality that’s most apparent in its bar, which has an actual martini trolley. There’s also an Aman spa, restaurants from Jean-Georges and Hélène Darroze, and an emphasis on concierge service. The uniquely-designed suites are ideal for a special occasion—The Prince’s Lodge is especially Instagram worthy. The hotel is a good base from which to explore London as it’s walking distance from Green Park, Mayfair and Oxford Circus.
The Soho Hotel
- Location: Soho
- Rates: from $530/night
- Why We Love It: chic décor, central location, lively restaurant
The Soho Hotel, hidden off a main road in the heart of Soho, is a mainstay of London hotels. It’s got a quirky, hip sensibility that extends from the restaurant into its guest rooms and you’ll often spot celebrities having meetings in the bar. The 96 rooms, designed by creative director and owner Kit Kemp, feel like a countryside retreat from the busy streets outside, even if you only want to spring for one of the smaller rooms. It’s truly one of the city’s best hotels, both in design and service, and if you can afford it, you should book it.
The Portobello Hotel
Most Romantic
- Location: Notting Hill
- Rates: from $200/night
- Why We Love It: eclectic, boutique vibe, great location
If big chain hotels are not your style, snag one of the uniquely decorated rooms at the Portobello Hotel, nestled just off the main drag in Notting Hill. The rooms, which include breakfast, range from intimate to grand, and the hotel often runs sales on its website. The best spot in the house is the gold signature room, which features a Victorian bathtub and a circular bed. It’s rumored to be the place where Johnny Depp and Kate Moss once filled the bath with Champagne—and if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.
11 Cadogan Gardens
Best Historic
- Location: Chelsea
- Rates: from $660/night
- Why We Love It: elegant, quiet location, good for families
11 Cadogan Gardens, the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in London, is an intimate five-star hotel created out of old mansion homes, situated just off Sloane Square. Select from the more budget-friendly petite rooms or splurge on a suite, and be sure to visit Hans’ Bar & Grill for a memorable dinner. The hotel is notably welcoming to families, and will provide beds and breakfast for kids under 12 free of charge. Don’t miss the hotel’s indulgent afternoon tea, which pays tribute to its location on Cadogan Gardens. Nearby, the recently-opened The Chelsea Townhouse is a sister property with elegant rooms and suites.
London Kimpton Fitzroy
Best Amenities
- Location: Bloomsbury
- Rates: from $480/night
- Why We Love It: good bar, stylish, central location
Located in Bloomsbury, the newly opened Kimpton Fitzroy is housed in one of London’s most impressive buildings. The 19th-century landmark building is juxtaposed with contemporary decor and a comfortable vibe. Kimpton is known for its emphasis on amenities, which include a free social hour every evening, coffee and tea service and loaner bikes. Check out Fitz’s Bar for a cocktail or enjoy afternoon tea in Palm Court. While in the area be sure to grab dinner at Noble Rot, an effortlessly cool wine bar with amazing food.
Luxury Inn
Best Budget
- Location: Dalson
- Rates: from $108/night
- Why We Love It: cool, budget-friendly, lively neighborhood
Those looking to avoid the touristy areas should book into The Luxury Inn, a boutique hotel in London’s hipster neighborhood of Dalston. It features only four rooms with a communal lounge, dining area and kitchen, and guests are offered self-service breakfast daily. It’s comfortable and friendly, making it a great choice if you want to really immerse yourself in local life. Nearby, there are tons of restaurants, bars and parks, and the hotel is walking distance from weekly happening Broadway Market.
The Twenty Two
Most Exclusive
- Location: Mayfair
- Rates: from $451/night
- Why We Love It: chic, amazing location, exclusive feel
Built in an Edwardian manor, The Twenty Two is part boutique hotel and part members club. The hotel, located on the corner of Grosvenor Square a few blocks from Selfridges, has 31 bedrooms and suites with an artsy, elegant vibe. The service is high-end, with butlers and concierge service at the ready, and everything feels like a secret hideaway in the center of London. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and classic cocktails, and guests of the hotel get access to the members-only areas—a huge plus if you’re looking for a nice place to hang out.
The Hari
- Location: Knightsbridge
- Rates: from $415/night
- Why We Love It: intimate, stylish, quiet location
Tucked away on a side street of Knightsbridge, The Hari an elegant five-star hotel that feels more casual than some of the bigger nearby properties. The rooms and suites are elegant and contemporary, with amenities like a complimentary minibar and a marble bathroom. While there are plenty of dining options nearby, the hotel is home to an Italian restaurant, Il Pampero, and a year-round garden terrace, which serves lunch and dinner. There’s also a fitness center with a Peloton bike and personal training, as well as bicycles for guests to ride to Hyde Park or Buckingham Palace.
- Location: Bayswater
- Rates: from $237/night
- Why We Love It: boutique vibe, wellness focused, quiet location
Inhabit’s Bayswater-based hotel is unassuming from the outside, but has a soothing, calm vibe inside, making it perfect for travelers who want to be central without being on a busy street. The rooms are small but cozy with family rooms available for those with kids. The café, Yeotown at Inhabit, offers plant-based dishes and there are daily wellness activities, from yoga classes to morning meditation. The hotel also has a gym, wellness center and a noise-free library. There's also a second location in Paddington, which has fewer amenities but a similar style.
Art'Otel London Battersea
- Location: Battersea
- Rates: from $265/night
- Why We Love It: fun, artsy design, great amenities
London’s iconic Battersea Power Station recently got a high-anticipated facelift and there’s no better spot to stay in the neighborhood that the new Art’otel. Located on the 15th and 16th floors, the hotel has incredible views and a lively vibe that incorporates art into the public spaces and rooms. Enjoy drinks at Joia Rooftop Bar or dinner at Joia Restaurant, which celebrates the best of Portuguese and Iberian cuisine. There’s also a gym, spa, rooftop swimming pool and weekly sunrise yoga classes, making this a good pick for anyone who like to play hard and relax even harder.
CitizenM
- Location: Bankside
- Rates: from $116/night
- Why We Love It: central location, budget-friendly, modern design
CitizenM’s well-designed hotels are a surefire way to get a hip room for a low cost. This incarnation of the chain is located near the Tate Modern and the London Eye on London’s South Bank, a bustling area with lots of restaurants and bars (grab a bite at Caravan Bankside). Although the rooms are compact, they have everything you need, including a king-sized bed, and the in-room movies and Wi-Fi are totally free. You can even check in on an iPad, easily avoiding human contact if you’re just off the plane.
The Hoxton
- Location: Holborn
- Rates: from $350/night
- Why We Love It: buzzy, stylish, centrally-located
The Hoxton has expanded dramatically since it opened The Hoxton, Holborn, one of the hip brand’s first properties, which is ideally located in central London. The lobby is perpetually hopping, so you don’t have to go far for a drink or some social action. The rooms come in several sizes, with sparse, cool decor, and each iteration is perfect for any budget. Best of all, the hotel is walking distance from some of London’s best areas, including Covent Garden and Soho. Prefer another neighborhood? There are also Hoxton properties in Shoreditch, Shepherd’s Bush and Southwark.
The Pilgrim
- Location: Paddington
- Rates: from $131/night
- Why We Love It: budget-friendly, central location, easy access to Heathrow
Adjacent to Paddington Station, which has direct trains to and from Heathrow Airport, The Pilgrm is a relatively under the radar boutique hotel offering a selection of chic options for budget travelers. Private bunk rooms are perfect for solo guests, while the medium and large rooms are great for couples or friends. Tea and coffee, filtered water and Wi-Fi are included, and there’s a lounge serving breakfast, brunch and cocktails, which were custom created for the hotel by upscale bar Untitled. Consider this a hidden gem.
Good Hotel
- Location: Docklands
- Rates: from $75/night
- Why We Love It: stylish, budget-friendly, altruistic
Not only does the Good Hotel, located in London’s Royal Victoria Dock, actually float, but the property also donates all its profits to charity. That means you can be comfortable and feel good about your booking. The 148 rooms vary in size and all include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee stations, bike rental and access to the rooftop terrace. Request a water view when booking a Standard Room (it comes included in every Deluxe and Corner room). The location may not be as central as you might expect, but the price can’t be beat.
Treehouse London
- Location: Fitzrovia
- Rates: from $420/night
- Why We Love It: amazing location, whimsical, good views
The aptly-named Treehouse Hotel towers over Regent Street, offering guests unparalleled access to Mayfair, Marylebone, Soho and Fitzrovia. The rooms and suites, which are family-friendly, have a colorful, playful vibe—hello Paddington Bear stuffed animals—and you can opt for a Skyline room for even more impressive views. There’s a rooftop bar called The Nest and downstairs hungry travelers can enjoy Nancy Silverton’s Pizzeria Mozza, a California import with delicious Italian food and nice cocktails.
One Hundred Shoreditch
- Location: Shoreditch
- Rates: from $413/night
- Why We Love It: cool, good dining, lively atmosphere
Previously the Ace Hotel, One Hundred Shoreditch embraces the hipster vibe of the East London neighborhood of Shoreditch. The rooms are contemporary, with high-end décor, and the studio suites have private terraces that are worth the splurge for the views alone. The Rooftop, a Palm Springs-inspired restaurant, also takes advantage of those views, and the Seed Library bar is a discerning cocktail spot perfect for a nightcap. There’s also a coffee shop from Ozone Coffee and a Peloton studio for those who need a workout. The hotel is notably family-friendly, with kid amenities available on request.
Artist Residence, London
- Location: Pimlico
- Rates: from $170/night
- Why We Love It: stylish, quiet location, boutique vibe
The aesthetic of quirky boutique hotel Artist Residence is in the name. The small, ten-room hotel, located out of the hustle and bustle near Victoria, is filled with art, much of it specifically collected by the property. The rooms are luxurious in a cool way and the quiet location is ideal for those who can’t stand throngs of tourists. Grab breakfast at the Cambridge Street Kitchen or cocktails in the basement bar, the Clarendon Cocktail Cellar. While in the area, be sure to browse the collection at the Tate Britain or stroll along the Thames to Chelsea.
The Laslett
- Location: Notting Hill
- Rates: from $315/night
- Why We Love It: chic, great location, boutique vibe
Located in the heart of Notting Hill, The Laslett is one of London’s best boutique hotels. The rooms and suites are contemporary, with an understated upscale quality that suits the neighborhood. The hotel has its own restaurant, Henderson Bar & Kitchen, although there’s plenty of local spots up and down the street, and there’s also a wellness suite with high-end treatments on the ground floor. This is an especially good pick for those traveling alone as The Laslett offers single rooms at a reasonable rate.