10 beautiful boutique hotels in London
Where to stay for stylish hotel interiors, excellent locations and friendly service with a smile in the capital
Small can be very beautiful in the world of hotels, and these stylish spots are desirable boltholes for discerning guests looking for something a little different in a city stay. Our choice of hand-picked boutique hotels in London below means you need never stay in a bland, cookie-cutter chain again ─ and you can look forward to swapping the veneer headboards and cut-and-paste artwork for something a little more special.
Whether that’s the dramatic interiors of somewhere like the The Zetter Clerkenwell, the exclusive private gardens guests get the keys to when they stay at The Cadogan, romantic riverside views from Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond, or the classically British food at The Rubens at the Palace, there are distinctive digs for everyone in our selection.
From Georgian hotels with literary connections to dramatic suites in an off-the-beaten-track location, here’s our pick of small and stylish places to call home for the night.
11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea
Forget about the world outside as you enter London's only Relais and Châteaux property. Set in four traditional red-brick Victorian townhouses smack bang in the heart of Chelsea, 11 Cadogan Gardens’ desirable location, dramatic interiors and foodie restaurant Pavilion Road draws a discerning crowd looking for a slightly more off-the-beaten-track bolthole.
Curl up with a book in the library, take afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, enjoy private access to Cadogan Gardens, and bed down in sumptuous rooms that vary between being brightly lit with huge windows to a darker, more classical style. The apartments are gorgeous, too.
The Pelham, South Kensington
Opposite South Kensington Underground, The Pelham occupies four handsome white townhouses and makes a handy bolthole for a weekend away in London.
Couples seeking a little luxury in the centre of the city love it for its unique rooms (the wallpaper in the "elephant room" is charming) and lovely wood-panelled lounge where you can relax together and quaff strawberry-infused negronis before you head to the quirky little trattoria in the basement.
Rooms come with comfy king-sized beds and decently sized Penhaligon toiletries; some have mesmerising views down South Kensington's main streets.
The Cadogan, Knightsbridge
In the heart of Knightsbridge, The Cadogan is stylish and welcoming, with very good food, service and luxurious rooms and suites. Guests get access to private tennis courts and leafy Cadogan Gardens which makes a good afternoon picnic spot after a busy day in the city ─ order a hamper full of tasty treats such as carrot cake and cream cheese frosting and it’ll all be set up for your arrival.
You’re surrounded by excellent shopping (renowned department stores including Harrods and Peter Jones are just round the corner) and many of the capital’s attractions are within walking distance.
Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
In a leafy corner of Richmond, with front-row seats to views of the river, Bingham Riverhouse is one of the most romantic boutique hotels in London. Pale pinks, earthy greens and powder blues dominate the public spaces while upstairs, rooms are comfortable with some offering large copper soaking tubs and gorgeous views.
Watch the world go by with a drink in the garden, or find a good spot in the Drawing Room to flick through a book and sip a freshly made cocktail. Go for a tasting menu at Steven Edwards at Riverhouse for sublime plates using local produce.
The Rubens at the Palace, Westminster
A location opposite Buckingham Palace couldn’t be more appropriate for a hotel that celebrates all things British, and The Rubens at the Palace is right in the action for some serious sightseeing ─ you can practically roll out of bed and watch Changing of the Guard.
Inside, expect classically adorned interiors in warm shades of burgundy, dining that reflects British tastes (curries; modern classics), and a characterful lounge where afternoon tea is served. Despite The Rubens at The Palace’s buzzy location, rooms are fully sound-proofed. Plump for one of the Royal Themed King Rooms with their crystal chandeliers and canopied king-sized beds.
The Zetter Marylebone
Boutique in every sense of the word, this eccentric little Marylebone townhouse oozes personality from every nook and cranny. The Zetter Marylebone’s zany interiors are stuffed with trinkets, artwork and curious galore, especially in Seymour’s Parlour, which has to be the most interesting hotel living room in London.
The look is particularly appealing for fans of Victoriana who will love the 24 rooms of equal quirkiness. Elaborate suites have sitting rooms, while even the smallest accommodations are lavishly themed. Extra touches such as hot water bottles, Marshall speakers, Wallace Sewell blankets and The White Company toiletries up the luxury.
The Mayfair Townhouse, Mayfair
If you’re looking to stay in one of London’s most exclusive postcodes you can’t get a much better location than The Mayfair Townhouse.
This playful Mayfair bolthole suits a smart crowd looking for charm and flair, with a look that combines Alice in Wonderland with Oscar Wilde whimsy. Wilde's farcical comedy The Importance of Being Earnest was set here and interiors pay homage to the flamboyance of the time, with witty, humorous touches like the hotel's fox motif woven into designs throughout the hotel.
The heart and soul of the hotel is Dandy Bar, where experienced mixologists shake up outstanding cocktails for hotel guests and locals.
The Zetter Clerkenwell
Clerkenwell’s Zetter in leafy St John's Square observes maximalism perhaps in an even bigger way to its hip Zetter sibling in Marylebone. Old newspapers depicting scandalous stories line the stair walls, cabinets are stuffed with curiosities, and the 13 rooms and suites are decorated in a British style that makes you feel like you’re at the house of a wealthy and eccentric minor aristocrat.
The place is made more magical with live music in the bar, where a Somerset cocktail comprising ice cider, apple cider brandy, cider reduction and lemon soda hits the spot perfectly before an evening in Theatreland.
Artist Residence, Pimlico
A bohemian home-from-home townhouse that’s perfect for combining sightseeing with a little peace and quiet from the bustle of the city. With a laidback and friendly atmosphere, wholesome food and drink, and eclectic decor, the Artist Residence in Pimlico is suited to city-breakers who appreciate attractive interiors with a homely quality to their stay.
Rooms are both stylish and cosy, with modern comforts and Catchpole & Rye rolltop copper bathtubs in some, while downstairs the light-filled buzzing café-bar is the place to catch a pre-dinner cocktail. In winter, hole up by the fire; in summer, take your tipple to the terrace.
The Academy Hotel, Bloomsbury
A Georgian property in the heart of Bloomsbury that mixes artistry and elegance. Numerous books ─ including novels by Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster ─ are dotted around the place in a nod to The Academy Hotel’s connection to the Bloomsbury Set, which makes it particularly appealing to design-conscious guests and literary types.
You’ll definitely want to curl up with a novel in the Library or one of two hotel terraces. You can order light meals in these spots (there’s no formal restaurant) as well as The Alchemy Bar, breakfast room and a lovely Refectory and Courtyard. There’s a good variety of rooms; go for The Bloomsbury Suite for a real treat.
View more:
The 10 best weekend bags for your next mini break
Quiet luxury: Inside Christian Louboutin's hotel
6 easy ways to prep for your bucket-list trip
Brilliant no-fly holidays for 2025
