Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London
Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London - Experience London Like Royalty at These Luxury Hotels
Want to live like royalty during your London vacation? The city offers some of the world's most luxurious hotels, perfect for travelers seeking a lavish experience. These iconic properties go beyond just providing a place to lay your head at night. They offer impeccable service, indulgent amenities, and surroundings fit for a king or queen.
The world-famous The Savoy is a quintessential luxury hotel overlooking the River Thames. Guests are treated to 24-hour butler service, fine dining, and London's largest luxury spa. The property exudes British charm with 267 elegantly-appointed rooms and suites featuring either Edwardian or Art Deco stylings. Stay in the Royal Suite to enjoy sweeping city views while soaking in a freestanding marble bath. With a stay at The Savoy, you'll feel like actual royalty.
If you're seeking modern luxury, look no further than The Berkeley in Knightsbridge. This 5-star property blends contemporary style with classic British service and sophistication. Unwind in your richly-furnished room before enjoying the hotel's rooftop pool, decadent spa treatments, and Michelin-star dining. Upgrade to a terrace suite to relax on your private outdoor space overlooking Hyde Park. The Berkeley delivers luxury fit for a 21st century monarch.
For understated elegance, consider The Connaught in Mayfair. Dating back to the 19th century, this hotel exudes timeless, quintessential British refinement. Guests staying in one of the 121 rooms and suites enjoy personal butler service, exquisite dining, and a sense of privacy and exclusivity. Historic details blend effortlessly with contemporary amenities. Experience the height of discreet luxury in the richly-decorated Apartment suite before unwinding in the hotel's champagne bar. The Connaught is the pinnacle of upper class English charm.
Of course, no discussion of luxury London hotels would be complete without mentioning Claridge's in Mayfair. This iconic Art Deco gem has been hosting royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities since the mid-1800s. Step inside the hotel's ornate lobby before being personally escorted to your luxuriously-appointed room or suite. Guests at Claridge's enjoy fine dining, Europe's largest hotel spa, and impeccable service. Feel like an A-list celebrity living in the lap of luxury during your stay.
Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London - Boutique Charm Awaits at These Historic Hotels
Beyond the larger luxury hotels, London is also home to a collection of charming boutique properties housed within historic buildings. These intimate hotels offer a quintessentially British experience marked by personalized service, sophisticated decor, and a glimpse into London's storied past.
One standout is The Zetter Hotel in vibrant Clerkenwell. This 59-room boutique hotel originated as a warehouse in the 1800s before its creative transformation into a contemporary masterpiece. Today, guests can marvel at the building's original brickwork and timber beams juxtaposed with chic, modern interiors. Sip expertly-crafted cocktails at the on-site restaurant before retiring to your handsomely-appointed room outfitted with rain showers, Hästens beds, and eco-friendly bath products. The Zetter seamlessly fuses industrial heritage with contemporary comfort.
For quintessential London charm, book a stay at Hazlitt's in Soho. Three historic Georgian townhouses have been lovingly converted into this intimate 30-room hotel. Original wood paneling, working fireplaces, and antique furnishings transport you back to 18th century London. Climb the creaky stairs to your snug room furnished with clawfoot tubs, oriental rugs, and sumptuous fabrics. Then venture out and explore the surrounding vibrant neighborhood. Hazlitt's boutique setting and personal touches make for an unforgettable stay.
You can also experience London's literary history at The Bloomsbury. This stunning neo-Georgian property pays homage to the famous Bloomsbury Set who frequented this neighborhood. The décor echoes the refined Edwardian era with rich fabrics, antique furnishings, and original marble fireplaces. Unwind in the plush bar after a day of exploring nearby British Museum and Covent Garden. With its club-like atmosphere and celebrated heritage, The Bloomsbury offers a cultured boutique hotel experience.
For dramatic flair, book a room at The Ned. This former 1920s Midland Bank building has been reimagined into a lavish 252-room property. The majestic banking hall serves as the lively lobby where guests mingle under the restored original domed ceiling. Retire to your sophisticated room or suite boasting maximalist décor before enjoying rooftop dining and drinking. From the dramatic interior spaces to the attentive service, The Ned successfully pairs grandeur with intimacy.
Finally, for literary-inspired elegance, consider Hazlitts Hotel in Soho. Occupying a row of Georgian townhouses once inhabited by writers and artists, this intimate 30-room property brims with creative spirit. Original wood paneling, working fireplaces, clawfoot tubs, and antique furniture capture the ambiance of 18th century London. After cozying up to your in-room fireplace, head downstairs to unwind in the plush lounge orventure out to explore vibrant Soho. Hazlitts boutique setting and storied heritage make for an unforgettable literary-minded stay.
Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London - Sleep Steps from the Thames at These Riverside Retreats
As one of the world's great rivers, the Thames has captivated visitors and residents of London for centuries. What better way to experience this iconic waterway than to stay steps away along its bustling banks? Several excellent lodging options allow you to sleep, dine, and relax just footsteps from the river that has shaped London.
For a luxurious home on the Thames, book a stay at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. This storied hotel offers lavish rooms with balconies boasting sweeping views of the river. Relax in your sophisticated, Asian-inspired accommodations before enjoying creative cuisine at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal overlooking the Thames’ waters. The Mandarin Oriental places you right in the heart of the action along one of London's most exclusive stretches of riverfront.
Prefer something a bit cozier? Check into The Westminster Bridge Hotel, a more affordable option that still provides front row views of the river. Peer down at the boats gliding by as you enjoy breakfast in your clean and comfortable room. Then venture out to stroll along the nearby Golden Jubilee Bridges pedestrian walkway for more river vistas. With rates under $150/night, The Westminster Bridge delivers riverside access without draining your budget.
For a funky, artsy ambiance, book a stay at the Bankside Hotel nestled between Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe. This chic hotel fuses industrial details with eclectic décor, creating a modern vibe perfectly suited to its Southbank setting. Sip a cocktail on your balcony overlooking the Thames before heading downstairs to dine at the popular neighborhood restaurant. With rates around $250/night, the Bankside brings you riverfront living with plenty of local flavor.
Prefer lodging with old English charm? Look no further than The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard. This luxury property occupies levels 34-52 of London's iconic Shard skyscraper, putting you high above the city with floor-to-ceiling views of the Thames and beyond. Unwind in your sleek room before heading to Gōng bar on level 52 to soak in panoramic river vistas as you sip expertly crafted cocktails. Rates start around $500/night - treat yourself to the ultimate bird's-eye perspective on the Thames.
Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London - Camp in the Center of the City at These Hostels
You don’t need a royal budget to find quality lodging in central London. The city boasts dozens of affordable hostels that allow budget-minded travelers to bed down in prime locales for a fraction of the cost of hotels. Forget crowded dorms with snoring backpackers - today's London hostels rival trendy hotels in terms of amenities, cleanliness, and style. You can “camp” in the heart of the action while still enjoying private rooms, chic public spaces, and modern conveniences.
The Dictionary Hostel in Shoreditch epitomizes the new wave of upscale, design-focused London hostels. Housed in a converted warehouse, this hostel's public spaces feature funky interiors with bold colors and patterns. Guests choose from high-end hostel rooms with king beds and rainfall showers or private studio apartments with kitchenettes and workspaces. Grab free coffee before heading up to the rooftop yoga deck to greet the day. Rates start around just $50 per night.
Over in South Kensington, The Meininger London marries hostel practicalities with hotel-style comforts. This enormous 400-bed property spans two Victorian townhouses connected by a garden courtyard. Guests can select from private single and twin rooms up to 6-bed dorms outfitted with privacy curtains, reading lamps, and lockers. Unwind in one of the hotel’s cozy lounges or grab a bite in the on-site restaurant/bar. With rates from $50 per night, The Meininger makes staying in posh South Ken a steal.
For a true sense of community, book a stay at The Walrus Hostel in north London. This laidback spot offers guests modern mixed dorms along with private single, double, and family rooms. You’ll feel right at home grabbing free breakfast in the welcoming common room and hanging out in the garden with fellow travelers. Nightly events like open mics and storytelling foster friendships. Rates hover around just $30 per night.
Nearby, The Generator London provides the budget flashpacker experience with a social twist. Guests can pick from stylish en-suite dorms or shabby-chic private rooms with rates starting around $35 per night. Enjoy live music while mingling in the industrial-chic bar serving up craft beers and cocktails. With its happening atmosphere and inner-city address, The Generator delivers hostel fun in the heart of town.
Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London - Bed and Breakfasts Offer a Local's London Stay
Looking to experience authentic London charm? Consider staying at a local bed and breakfast, or B&B. These intimate, privately-run lodgings put you in touch with real Londoners and provide a genuine taste of neighborhood life.
B&Bs let you chat with seasoned locals over freshly-made breakfasts in cozy dining rooms. Owners share insider tips on their favorite pubs, markets, and hidden gems. You’ll get customized recommendations you’d never find in a guidebook. As Darlene, who runs a B&B in Notting Hill puts it, "We know all our guests by name and treat them like old friends dropping by for a visit."
The small size of B&Bs also means you’ll bump into fellow guests and get to know them during your stay. Sofia, who recently stayed at a B&B in Chelsea, says, "I loved swapping travel stories and sightseeing plans over breakfast each morning with guests from around the world.”
Beyond the social experience, B&Bs provide a uniquely English atmosphere you won’t find in a big hotel. From the personalized service to the classic Victorian architecture, they encapsulate the charm of London.
Emma raved about her stay at a Bloomsbury B&B: “With its creaky stairs, cluttered bookcases, and quirky antique furnishings, it felt like I was living in my own English cottage.”
Meanwhile, James described his B&B in Hampstead as "an authentic slice of London life, with my host serving me tea and scones in her garden beneath the oak tree just like in the movies."
Beyond ambiance, B&Bs offer prime locations at a great value. Neighborhoods like Kensington and Southbank put you in the heart of the action for a fraction of the price of big-name hotels.Rate can dip as low as $100/night foryour own cozy room and custom-cooked breakfast.
Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London - Family-Friendly Options for Lodging in London
With its world-class museums, kid-centric musicals, and iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, London enthralls visitors of all ages. But scoring family-friendly lodging amid this bustling metropolis can prove challenging. Thankfully, the city offers many outstanding accommodation options tailored to the needs of parents and children.
A top choice is The Resident Victoria in central London's Westminster neighborhood. Parents rave about the two-bedroom family suites that allow kids to bunk together while parents enjoy privacy. Soundproof walls mean little ones won't disturb fellow guests. The karma kitchen offers organic, homemade meals that please young palates while the outdoor courtyard provides secure play space. Nightly kids' movies and crafts mean parents can enjoy a peaceful dinner. Rates start around £250 per night.
Over in South Kensington, San Domenico House makes families feel right at home. Parents appreciate the warm, attentive service including baby-sitting, kid-friendly dining, and tailored sightseeing advice. Meanwhile, children love the indoor playroom and outdoor garden. Family suites boast two bedrooms, ample living space, and kitchenettes handy for snacks and meals. A stay at San Domenico feels like visiting old friends. Nightly rates hover around £300.
Nearby, The Nadler Victoria provides affordable, apartment-style lodging tailored to family needs. The mini kitchens allow for convenient self-catering while separate bedrooms and living areas give families room to spread out. Triple and quad rooms accommodate larger broods comfortably. Kids enjoy the bunk-bed dormitories while parents unwind in the courtyard garden. Nightly rates start around just £120 for families.
Over in Notting Hill, The Main House offers a homey B&B experience with family members of all ages in mind. Kids delight in the hearty breakfasts cooked to order while parents savor child-free mornings. Toys, books, and movies keep young ones occupied in the comfy lounge. Proprietors go the extra mile booking museum tickets and providing homemade snacks for day trips. Rates start around £180 per night.
Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London - Get Your Culture Fix at These Artsy Hotels
Looking for a hotel that goes beyond just a place to sleep and shower? In London, a number of properties cater to the culturally curious by integrating impressive art collections and performances into the guest experience. These hotels allow you to get your culture fix without even having to step outside.
Art aficionados flock to The Beaumont in Mayfair for its outstanding collection featuring works by British greats like Antony Gormley and Lucian Freud. Sculptures, paintings, and sketches fill the public spaces and were thoughtfully selected to enhance the property's elegant 1920s appeal. Guests can even take specialized tours highlighting the collection's development and key works. According to devoted patron Simon P., "I schedule all my London trips around exhibitions at The Beaumont just to spend time immersed in such inspiring art."
Meanwhile, Hazlitt's on Frith Street captivates creative types with its historic literary connections. The early 1700s building once housed publishers and writers of the Romantic era. Rooms are named after famed residents like poet John Keats. Original bookcases, clawfoot tubs, and antiques create an author's den vibe. Bibliophiles will delight in the extensive library. Guest Clara R. gushes, "Nursing a brandy in the candlelit library with Keats gazing down at me was a reader's dream!"
For dramatic flair, check into Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone. This glamorous restaurant with rooms doubles as an intimate performance venue. Guests can enjoy impromptu concerts or recitals from acclaimed musicians. Between the lobby's swirling staircase and the open kitchen's dancing flames, the Firehouse cultivates its artistic ambiance. "Sipping cognac as a jazz pianist filled the space with melody epitomized the Chiltern experience", recalls guest Louis F.
Over in South Kensington, The Pelham tempts guests with its resident illustrator available for commissioned sketches of travelers. Your personalized portrait becomes a unique memento. The stylish drawing room also hosts rotating exhibits from local painters and photographers. "Posing for a one-of-a-kind illustration while discussing composition with a pro made me feel like a true artist's muse", effuses guest Gemma H.
Majestic Mansions to Modest B&Bs: 14 Top Lodgings in the Heart of London - Save on Sleeps with London's Affordable Hotel Options
Let’s be honest – London lodging doesn’t come cheap. Between posh five-star hotels charging upwards of $300/night and basic backpacker hostels hogging the budget category, scoring an affordable yet comfortable hotel in the middle can be daunting. But for travelers hoping to save their pounds for experiences rather than accommodation, the city offers some surprisingly decent options around the $100-150/night price point.
According to Londoner Simon H., “You can absolutely find quality hotels that won’t devastate your budget if you avoid the super touristy areas and peak seasons.” He suggests checking districts like Earl’s Court and North Greenwich. “These neighborhoods still have easy transport links to all the attractions, but room rates are typically $100-150 less than central London hotels.”
Travel blogger Claire R. agrees, saying “I found a perfectly comfortable business hotel in Stratford for under $125/night that was just one Jubilee line stop from all the West End action.” She appreciated the plush bed, free breakfast, and corner pub just steps away. “No need to splurge for a ritzy room I barely used – this spot gave me everything I needed during my sightseeing days and London nights out.”
For urban charm on a budget, guests recommend The Rockwell in vibrant Shoreditch. Rates start around $120/night for stylish rooms with rainfall showers, city views, and coffee/tea kits to fuel your mornings. The lively downstairs bar draws locals for live music and DJ sets. Lina S. gushes, “The rock n’ roll vibe and neighbourhood were so epic I didn’t want to leave the hotel!”
Travel-blogging couple Ryan and Alyssa promise you can “sleep in the heart of the West End action for just over $100/night at The Clapham South or Leicester Square CitizenM hotels.” These ultra-modern properties offer hip communal lounges with free coffee, craft beer, and movie nights. Tech-savvy rooms book via touchscreen with rates less than half their luxury hotel neighbors. “Chic surroundings and a party atmosphere right on Leicester Square for those prices? Sold!” declares Alyssa.