by Apartments are the best of both worlds for staying in the capital, giving you the hotel experience with the added freedom of your own private London bolthole. Plus, the opportunity to live like a local in some pretty swanky zip codes. Whether you’re looking for an upmarket space to call home for three nights or three months, we’ve rounded up some of London’s best hotels for an independent holiday – from central crash pads to luxury apartments in historic buildings.
As well as the obvious benefits of having accommodation with a comfy sofa and the ability to cook your own meal from time to time, expect chic interior design, five-star service, facilities such as gyms, lounges and swimming pools and buzzy neighborhood restaurants in places including London. Bridge, Mayfair, Kensington, Chelsea, Bermondsey and Bethnal Green.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
At a glance, the best hotels in London
Directly opposite Green Park, with treetop views (and even across the city from the top floors), this is a sleek, contemporary option amongst the behemoths of Park Lane and Mayfair. There are the usual categories of hotel rooms to book, but when it comes to the serviced apartments they really excel. Each comes fully equipped with a kitchen, dining table and generous living area. Separate bedrooms have California King beds, (complete with dreamy Hypnos mattresses), pop-up bunk beds for the kids and a bathroom with underfloor heating and a smart toilet. Adjacent apartments can be interconnected on request, making them suitable for families, groups and long-term stays.
A luxuriously furnished apartment with a deliberate, effortless approach to service and a 24/7 grab-and-go pantry. A handful of tube lines are just minutes away, so are some of London’s most cultural highlights. Perfect for anyone who appreciates the finer things but doesn’t care for the ceremonial trimmings. Rooms rise on the price and space barometer from ‘crash pad’ to ‘premium’, but each comes with a home-worthy kitchen and dining table, complete with eco-friendly washing-up essentials (dishwasher tablet, soap, scourers and rubber gloves). They provide all the everyday essentials you could need. Well, almost. Bring toothpaste. That’s the only thing they haven’t ticked yet.
Cheval Three Quays is known to have some of the best hotels in London due to its fantastic location – right on the Thames, near the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, and directly opposite HMS Belfast and City Hall, and The Shard rising above the river too. South Bank. The look of the interior is thoroughly contemporary, with clean lines and simple color schemes, and oak-effect floor finishes and white lacquer in the apartments. Living spaces include an L-shaped sofa, flat screen TV and binoculars (to make the most of those views) as well as dining areas and white kitchens with wine fridge, cookbook of the month and Abel & welcome hamper Cole.
• The best luxury hotels in London
An apartment like no other, with thoughtful design, competitive prices and, best of all, a location on the north bank of the river, overlooking some of London’s best sights (Millennium Bridge, St Paul’s, Tate Britain, Shakespeare’s Globe). All 113 studios are made in sage mint, with flavors of butter and burnt orange. The kitchens are marble and birch range, and are full of Hay appliances. They have one hob, toaster, kettle and fridge. Bathrooms come with power showers, good lighting and full size Kinsey Apothecary shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Rooms are blissfully quiet, as this part of London is not very busy in the evening.
• The best spa hotels in London
Accommodation in this mahogany Grade II listed corner building in London’s Mile Square is some of London’s finest luxury serviced apartments. White walls contrast with dark wooden parquet floors, cupboards and door frames, which are elevated by pastel-coloured, mid-century modern-style furniture, including millennial pink-beetle dining chairs by GUBI, a table ‘drink cart’ side, herringbone patterned rug, hanging lights by Flos, as well as faux fur rugs thrown over crisp king-sized beds. Heritage features have been preserved where possible (cornice cornices on walls and ceilings, some of which are beautiful and tall, and beautiful iron fireplaces), and mod CONS provides everything you need for a short-long stay.
• The best spa hotels within an hour of London
Housed in what was once the civic headquarters of the borough of Bethnal Green, the Town Hall Hotel is an attractive blend of historic architecture and contemporary living. There is a fitness center and swimming pool, and guests can dine in the Corner Room (for sublime small plates in sophisticated surroundings) or order room service. With these facilities, as well as good service, evening discounts, and in-room L’Occitane toiletries, robes and slippers, this is a good choice for those looking for hotels with apartments in London, rather than self-contained rooms, although they completely. fitted kitchens. Note that internal noise can sometimes be an issue.
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Offering superb privacy, a prestigious address and all the mod-cons you could need, these serviced apartments are ideal for longer stays in the capital – although such exclusivity comes at a premium of course. The penthouse is the star of the show (two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a huge lounge with a balcony), but the regular one and two bedroom apartments are also enviable. Bathrooms are either a walk-in shower or a separate bath and shower, depending on the size of the property, and Bramley provides refillable toiletries (though no slippers or bathrobes). The furniture is interesting – all dark wood and cream colored sofas, with a mix of wooden floors and thick pile carpet. A handful of knick-knacks and art sculptures complete the showroom style.
• The most romantic hotels in London
Millennial-friendly design with mid-century modern elements from New York-based interior designers Grzywinski+Pons is throughout this 22-floor hotel on the eastern edge of London’s Square Mile. From the lobby and restaurant/bar with exposed polished concrete, marble features, potted plants and industrial-style geometric light fixtures, to the lilac-hued, spare rooms with open kitchen and living rooms, the look is design-. Led and aesthetically pleasing. Floor to ceiling windows offer stunning views of the city. There is a gym with weights and machines, as well as free weekly yoga sessions, running clubs and meditation classes.
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Gloucester Cheval Park offers luxury apartments in London for short-term travelers looking for the comfort and privacy of home with the convenience and service of a five-star hotel. The 24-hour concierge team is friendly and helpful, welcoming a large number of regular guests and assisting with reservations, grocery deliveries and tourist advice, and there is a communal lounge, small cinema, fitness area and VIP Green room. Apartments – all stylish wooden floors, Lee Broom pendant lights, and Hermes fabrics – are self-catering (with kitchens), but a limited welcome hamper includes croissants, crisps, biscuits, Nespresso pods and tea bags.
• The best budget hotels in London
You’d think that this urban accommodation would be more suited to business travelers because of its location, but it’s not. Down the road in one direction, the Tower of London is less than 20 minutes’ walk; in the opposite direction, Covent Garden is a 15-minute bus ride along the Strand. The sleek and functional serviced apartments come with all the amenities of a fully equipped functional living space. There is a 24/7 lounge downstairs with magazines, books, board games, daily newspapers and tea and coffee making facilities, and guests have access to high-tech gym facilities, a bike room, and a laundry room with complimentary detergent. A small welcome pack is provided.
This prestigious address in the heart of Chelsea is not the address offering the hotel apartments, which are a little further down the road at number 20; a collection of one, two and three bedroom dwellings comprising the property’s new self-catering offering. However, both are served by one team, ready to help with concierge services, logistics and midnight snacks – always with good friends, and a clear passion for the job. On rainy days, the Library looks like armchairs and classic novels; in fairer weather, you might like a walk in the Cadogan garden – a gated oasis, to which the staff have the key.
• The best boutique hotels in London
Part of the Ascott Group, this property offers the privacy of an apartment combined with the convenience of a hotel in a location like no other. Spacious modern accommodation with fully equipped kitchens, a stylish lobby lounge, parking and access to a nearby gym appeal to both business and leisure travellers. The first will appreciate the computers and printer found in the lobby, and families will welcome the opportunity to check in pets. If you don’t fancy using the kitchen, drinks and snacks are available to buy in the lobby where a good breakfast buffet (£12) – an array of cereals, breads, pastries, porridge and waffles – is served every morning from 7am-. 11 am
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hotels in London better value than hotels?
For longer stays, hotels in London are better value than hotels. Some apartment hotels offer reduced rates by the week or month. With access to your own kitchen, you’ll save money on eating out. Your own washing machine will also save you the cost of a hotel laundry service. Most accommodation in aparthouses is more spacious than a hotel room, so you get more space for your money.
What is the difference between serviced and unserviced accommodation?
In serviced accommodation, the housekeeping team will clean the apartment and provide fresh linen during your stay. Security or reception staff will be on site to assist you. There could even be an on-site gym. Unserviced accommodation tends to lack these benefits.
Contributions from Jade Conroy, Rachel Cranshaw, Robbie Hodges, Kaye Holland, Simon Horsford, Charlotte Johnstone & Nick Trend
