Whether you’re in town for a few days (or like us, you need a stay-cation every so often), we’ve compiled a list of our favourite London boutique hotels that tick all the right boxes.
Best For Museums: The Ampersand
10 Harrington Rd, London SW7 3ER
Rooms here are intimate but it’s a good tradeoff for being in London’s SW7 district. Walking distance to some of London’s best museums (Natural History, V&A and Science Museums) with excellent connections to the rest of London via South Kensington tube station. Wifi and mini-bar are complimentary, plus bathroom floors are heated. Oh and p.s. Ladies, eye make-up remover wipes are included with their Miller Harris toiletries.
Best For Pets: The Milestone Hotel
1 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL
Overlooking Kensington Palace and a stone’s throw from Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, The Milestone Hotel is the perfect escape for you and your furry friend(s). From an in-house Pet Menu to Dog Walking & Sitting services – your pet may never want to leave!
Best For Families with Young Children: The Montague on The Gardens
15 Montague Street, London WC1B 5BJ
Adjacent to the British Museum, The Montague is perfect for families with toddlers and young children. Activities specifically catered for your little ones include cupcake decorating sessions with a hotel chef, milkshake or mocktail mixing lessons and a selection of board games and colouring books to keep them occupied. Gluten-Free friendly. Tip: Remember to have breakfast on the terrace overlooking Bedford Gardens.
Best For Outstanding Service: Egerton House Hotel
17-19 Egerton Terrace, Knightsbridge, London, SW3 2BX
At Egerton House, staff greet you by name and won’t let you leave before asking if you need a bottle of water or an umbrella. Tucked away in the heart of Knightsbridge, rooms are connected with complimentary high speed wifi and should you need one, a butler service will be arranged promptly. Don’t be surprised if you come back to a candle lit bath or a bottle of champagne in your room. It’s the little things, they say.
Best For Hipster Exclusivity: The Shoreditch Rooms
Ebor Street, London E1 6AW
Part of the exclusive members-only Shoreditch House Club, this is the place to be and be seen. If you’re not keen on the £900/year fee, book a night’s stay at the Shoreditch Rooms and you’ll get free reign over the club’s facilities. Heated outdoor rooftop pool and bar? Yes, please! Bathrooms are fitted with rainforest showers and come with toiletries by Cowshed. Tip: Ask for a room with a private balcony overlooking the City skyline.
Best For Quiet Luxury: The Halkin by COMO
5-6 Halkin St, London SW1X 7DJ
The Halkin is an exquisite safe haven and yet, only a stroll away from Harrods and Sloane Street. Luxurious and city-sleek, expect nothing but the best when it comes to this hotel’s amenities. Marble bathrooms, Bose sound systems and Nespresso machines – they’ve got it all. Don’t forget to check out their in-house One Michelin Star Spanish restaurant, Ametsa. Remember to order a plate of French Toast with Mango and Coconut.
Best For English Heritage: The Goring
15 Beeston Pl, London SW1W 0JW
The first hotel to get a Royal Warrant from the Queen, The Goring is famous for playing host to the Middletons the night before the Royal Wedding. A great place for a spot of croquet or champagne afternoon tea, whichever you fancy. Staff will let you have a cheeky peek into the suite the Duchess of Cambridge stayed in, just ask! Tip: Ask for a room with a walk-in shower and overlooking the garden.
Best For Entertainment: The Soho Hotel
4 Richmond Mews, London W1D 3DH
Minutes from Oxford Street, Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus but hidden in a little nook just off Dean Street. The Soho Hotel is literally in the heart of London’s theatre district and bustling restaurant scene. Service is unpretentious and warm plus guests have access to a Library and Drawing Room, both heated with a French fireplaces. Tip: Ask for a room on the 5th floor for added intimacy and rooftop views of London.
Best For Urban Whimsy: Ham Yard Hotel
1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
Another Firmdale spin-off in between Mayfair and Soho, Ham Yard Hotel has a touch of English quirk thanks to Kit Kemp. Bold but not overpoweringly so, we love their 1950s style bowling alley (£20 per person per game) and rooftop garden. Family-friendly with children’s menus and facilities available on request. Tip: Rooms on the 4th floor have access to a private roof terrace.
Best For British Class: The Chesterfield
35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5EB
Personalised service with outstanding staff, we love that they’re up to date with social media. Tweet them @Chesterfield_MF and you may well find a few treats in your room. Don’t miss their Award Winning afternoon tea in the Conservatory – we hear the scones and clotted cream are scrumptiously good. Tip: Stay on the 7th floor (recently refurbished) and ask for a room overlooking the Courtyard.
