Charm, exclusivity, and a distinct sense of character; are some of the qualities that draw discerning travellers away from the larger big-name establishments and through the doors of the capital’s finest boutique properties. From the bustling streets of Mayfair to the historic neighbourhoods of Kensington and Chelsea, these intimate and often historic havens offer a respite from the hustle and bustle, inviting guests to indulge in a world of opulence, serenity and personalised service. From sumptuous design to thoughtfully curated amenities, each hotel is a testament to the unique tapestry of luxury that London effortlessly weaves.
The Mandrake London
An immersive experience as much as a hotel, The Mandrake is a theatrical yet fashionable boutique property in Fitzrovia. Its 34 cocoon-like bedrooms include a penthouse. Ostrich feathers, curtained beds, heavy jewel-coloured fabrics, clawfoot tubs, esoteric paintings and candlelight create an opulent backdrop for your stay. The Mandrake’s unique design approach is thanks to the Beirut-born owner Rami Fustok, himself an art collector and draws more than its fair share of A-listers. Spiritual healing wellness events take place in the basement, there are two bars; Waeska and Jurema serving ethnobotanical cocktails and YOPO, the South American restaurant led by Executive Chef George Scott-Toft.
The Distillery London Rooms
As an actual working distillery, this unique hotel lives up to its name. There are only three bedrooms, creating a most exclusive ambience and allowing guests staying here to be very much immersed in the theme. And the basement is the place to revel in the spirit; explore the gin-related artefacts, admire the copper stills and take part in a Ginstitute Experience. Up at ground level, you can enjoy a glass of something strong with views over Portobello Road, in the Resting Room, or in the quieter setting of the upstairs Malt Room bar.
Page8 Hotel
Page Hotels, a haven for urban adventurers, embodies a lifestyle brand that fosters genuine connections among individuals. The London property Page8 boasts 138 exquisitely furnished rooms spanning from 17 to 34 square meters, Page8 stands as a design-driven hotel that includes a rooftop bar. Seamlessly integrated with Page Common, an expansive space serving as both a bar and a coffeehouse, the lobby becomes a destination in its own right. Nestled in the midst of London’s chic and innovative Covent Garden district, the property finds itself conveniently bordered by the world-renowned Royal Opera House and the dynamic energy of Trafalgar Square.
Artist Residence London
10 bedrooms at this creative hotel in Pimlico are each individually designed with limited edition artwork. Ranging from “Small” to the “Grand Suite”, they include family and dog-friendly options, and all offer Roberts radios, Nespresso coffee machines and organic Bramley bath products. The public spaces have an immersive modern gallery-like atmosphere that sparks inspiration at every turn. The bar, cafe and kitchen is a buzzy, relaxed venue that accommodates those catching up on some work over breakfast, grabbing a morning coffee, or settling in for a night of cocktails and a multiple-course meal.
Hazlitt’s
This fine Regency townhouse looks out onto the private garden square once home to the Thomas Lord’s cricket ground. Owned Kit Kemp has stamped her style onto the property’s interior, with each of its 38 bedrooms uniquely designed and replete with Frette bed linens and Tivoli Radios. On the ground floor, a firelit drawing room provides a place to relax after a day’s sightseeing, while The Potting Shed Bar & Restaurant serves meals through the day and evening, including afternoon tea. Family rooms, a children’s menu and a range of thoughtful amenities make Dorset Square a great choice for parents.
Dorset Square Hotel
This fine Regency townhouse looks out onto the private garden square once home to the Thomas Lord’s cricket ground. Owned Kit Kemp has stamped her style onto the property’s interior, with each of its 38 bedrooms uniquely designed and replete with Frette bed linens and Tivoli Radios. On the ground floor, a firelit drawing room provides a place to relax after a day’s sightseeing, while The Potting Shed Bar & Restaurant serves meals through the day and evening, including afternoon tea. Family rooms, a children’s menu and a range of thoughtful amenities make Dorset Square a great choice for parents.
Batty Langley’s
Batty Langleys is nestled in one of the oldest historical boroughs of London, Spitalfields. Batty Langley’s hotel is set in an intricately renovated and modernised Georgian mansion offering relaxing accommodation in the trendy corner of Old London, few steps from the Square Mile. It is surrounded by some of London’s coolest bars, pubs, restaurants, shops and street markets. It is also close to the underground stations, Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street and this provides easy access to the rest of the city.
The Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone
Eclectic and bohemian, with a glamorous vintage atmosphere, The Zetter Townhouse will transport you to a hedonistic era. 24 bedrooms are packed with character, decorated with curiosities and antique pieces. And Seymour’s Parlour, the hotel’s cocktail lounge (inspired by the fictional host, Wicked Uncle Seymour, with beverages to match) is a cosy public room in which to unwind on a plush velvet sofa, surrounded by oil paintings and lavish decor; tuck into breakfast, small plates or nibbles to the sound of jazz. The Zetter Townhouse also serves one of the best afternoon teas in the capital.
Henrietta Hotel
Just steps from Covent Garden, yet in a decidedly peaceful street, the Henrietta is set across two Victorian townhouses. Designer Dorothée Mellichzon has brought together elements of chic Italian style to the interiors, with the neoclassical aesthetic of the environs. All 40 bedrooms come with Revo sound systems, Nespresso coffee machines and pre-mixed cocktails and the top suite has a balcony with a view. Guests can take advantage of a complimentary shoe shine service from Joseph Cheaney & Sons and there’s a restaurant, Da Henrietta and bar, the latter specialising in dramatic cocktails.
The Laslett
The Laslett occupies a total of five Grade II listed Victorian Townhouses in the ever-trendy borough of Notting Hill and is named after the founder of its famed carnival. Bedrooms – of which there are 51 – range from singles to suites offering up to two bedrooms and a living space. The Recharge Rooms offers cutting-edge spa treatments and wellness/fitness classes. And there’s a library, The Henderson Bar and a lounge – guests can order food to consume in any of these, or the bedrooms – as well as a boutique selling arty pieces worthy of its location.
The Rookery Clerkenwell
Established in 1764, this City of London abode retains its wood panelling, stone-flagged floors, portraits, open fires and antique furniture for a historic feel. It’s a sister hotel to Hazlitt’s and like its sibling, has a resident cat for an extra homely atmosphere. There are 33 bedrooms decorated in a theatrical Georgian style. While there’s no restaurant (not a problem with so many to choose from in the vicinity), guests can order classic English fare to their room, from the menu. And in terms of public areas, there’s the Conservatory, housing an honesty bar.
York & Albany
Owned by Gordon Ramsay, this 19th-century townhouse is somewhat of a restaurant with rooms, within easy reach of Camden and Regent’s Park. Fashion designer Russell Sage took the lead on creating the contemporary interiors of the eight exclusive bedrooms, all of which are named after local points of interest and exude a sense of Britishness. Naturally, the dining is a highlight here, with the main restaurant serving gastro-pub fare (accessed directly from the hotel, as well as from the street) and a pizzeria set in a former coaching house.
The Montague on the Gardens
Take a step back in time with a stay in this Georgian townhouse (seven Grade II listed properties combined into one), with private and tranquil gardens. Found in Bloomsbury, it exudes period elegance, with rich heritage colours, heavy drapes, chandeliers, oil paintings and antiques. But there are plenty of up-to-date features too, such as seasonal pop-ups, like a beach bar, on the al fresco terrace. Guests can eat in the bistro, drink in the Leopard Bar to the sound of live jazz and take a traditional afternoon tea in the conservatory.
The Egerton House Hotel
Two red brick Victorian townhouses combine as one, to form The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge. 28 plush bedrooms come with Savoir beds, bespoke handpicked furnishings, Floris toiletries, 200 thread-count Belgian linens, Belu mineral water, fresh fruit and flowers. Of these, the four-poster suites add espresso coffee machines and views over Egerton Gardens. Forbes Five Star rated since 2012, the hotel presents an award-winning afternoon tea and a famous signature martini. You’ll find original artworks by the likes of Toulouse-Lautrec and Erte, and cartoons by Charles M. Schulz, JAK and Sem.
