Best Urban Hotels in United Kingdom

Locke at Broken Wharf is a boutique aparthotel situated along the River Thames in central London, near the Millennium Bridge. The property offers 113 contemporary studio apartments, each equipped with a fully fitted kitchen, king-size bed, smart HD TV, high-speed private Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and either in-room or communal laundry facilities. Guests can maintain their fitness routines at the on-site gym, known as The Locker, and utilize the co-working spaces for business or leisure purposes. The on-site coffee shop and bar, Frequency, provides a convenient spot for refreshments. The aparthotel’s prime location offers easy access to iconic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, making it an ideal base for travellers seeking a blend of comfort and centrality in London.

As the name implies, this Grade II listed building used to be the city’s Stock Exchange (between 1904 and 1906). Tom Kerridge has since taken up culinary residence, with his new in-house restaurant and bar, The Bull & Bear. Here guests can experience grand, yet informal all-day dining under the impressive domed ceiling. Tom has two further dining options in the hotel – The Vault and The Bank Private Dining. The Stock Exchange Hotel’s architecture is fitting with an Edwardian Baroque style, and sleek, contemporary interiors hint at the hotel’s heritage. Push the boat out by booking The Residence, a fully serviced apartment complete with its own roof terrace.

Located in the middle of London’s flashy Pimlico neighbourhood, in the district of Westminster. This small boutique hotel is set up in a recently re-established and modernised Georgian townhouse. The Artist Residence London consists of ten high-ceilinged rooms offering luxury accommodation, a stylish cocktail bar and an all-day restaurant. The décor includes contemporary artwork, bare brick walls and all sorts of elegant clutter – from tea crates, Kilner jars to bespoke milking stools remodelled into bedside tables.

Hotel du Vin offers an exquisite blend of luxury and heritage. Once a poorhouse and later an asylum, this beautifully restored building now houses 47 character-filled rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy custom-made sleigh beds, Egyptian cotton linens, monsoon showers, and in-room roll-top baths. Dine al fresco in the picturesque courtyard during summer or savour classic French cuisine in the Bistro du Vin during cooler months. The hotel also features a Whisky Snug, a heated Cigar Bothy, and versatile function rooms perfect for meetings or celebrations. Located just steps away from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Hotel du Vin is the ideal base for exploring the city.

Kids and pets are welcome at this 150 room townhouse hotel. Enter from the bustling Old Brompton Road, into a haven of calm. In-suite Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, Nespresso machines and a minibar help guests to unwind in their own private space. Or there’s the softly lit classic club-style K-Bar, where you can relax with a cocktail on one of its divinely cosy sofas (look out for the bar’s brass doors, which used to belong to Dublin’s General Post Office, the backdrop for the Easter Rising in 1916). Be sure to make a booking at its restaurant, Town House, too. The Kensington is super stylish, sporting statement lighting and plenty of sumptuously tactile textiles. 

Book a room with a view, in this all-Scottish destination hotel, where the traditions of the highlands are blended with contemporary style and amenities. Situated along the tranquil waters of the Firth of Lorn, the Oban Bay Hotel offers a stunning backdrop for a getaway in the west of Scotland. Just a short walk from Oban’s town centre, it’s perfectly located for those seeking a peaceful retreat, yet close enough to explore the local attractions such as Oban Distillery and scenic ferry trips to the Isles. Enjoy the finest Scottish seafood and beef in The Grill Room and book a one-of-a-kind outdoor spa experience in their Thermal Spa.

The Fellows House Cambridge is a modern and stylish experience offering guests the ultimate contemporary luxury experience. Its rooms are all modern studio and one-bedroom apartments which have fully equipped kitchens making The Fellows House the perfect destination for professionals. Though for guests not wanting to cook the hotel has the excellent The Folio kitchen which serves British classics which are locally sourced and healthy. The Folio Bar offers guests a place to relax and rewind over exquisite cocktails which take inspiration from the Fellows of the University. The Hotel also boasts a tranquil garden for guests to relax in with an indoor meeting area called the Observatory at one end. For guests wishing to stay active throughout their visit, the hotel has a gym, and indoor swimming pool and even offers guests the opportunity to rent bikes on which they can explore the majesty of Cambridge.

Set just 7-minutes from Liverpool’s beautiful Waterfront in the heart of North John Street, Aloft is an urbane hotel with ultra-modern touches throughout. Set in the stunning (former) Royal Insurance building, the 116 rooms preserve features from its Edwardian working spaces, yet pull its aesthetic right into the 21st Century. The tasteful blend of classic dark-walnut furniture with new and modern metal features and simple (but bright) colour schemes, offers loads of personality and punch. Guests are greeted with airy room, complimentary coffee and water, modern docking stations and walk-in showers with Bliss Spa toiletries. The real bonus here is the fantastic breakfast which runs a global gastronomical gamut.

This 18th century, twenty-two-room boutique hotel, is centrally placed to reach many of Oxford’s attractions within a few minutes walk. Recently renovated, modern quirky accessories complement a makeover of soft décor and dark wood. Rooms include Wi-Fi, and there is a bar, restaurant and room service available.

TRIBE London Canary Wharf has recently opened its first property in the UK, in the capital’s premium business district. This design-led hotel boasts 320 rooms all of which offer outstanding bedding, a comfortable sleeping experience, and quality bath amenities whilst its public spaces are stylish and functional and appeal to a cosmopolitan crowd. The 24-hour hotel guest-only social Hub’ occupies the ground floor and is a place to work, play, eat and meet. For a relaxed dining experience, the all-day restaurant Feels Like June, serves a varied menu inspired by Europe-meets-West Coast flavours using locally sourced ingredients and welcomes both local residents and hotel guests.  The 24-hour Grab & Go counter offers everything to satisfy modern travellers’ needs when time is of the essence.

A former bank, this restored 19th-century building on St Andrew’s Square now accommodates high-end apartments. These range in size from studios to three-bedroom residences, providing a home-away-from-home experience during a longer stay. The apartments are serviced daily and include Nespresso machines. Cook in your own space, or eat in-house at The Register Club, with its top-floor (and top drawer) Art Deco ambience and creative libations. And you’re only steps from multiple eateries for fine or family dining. Travelling with your four-legged friend? They’ll get their own bed, blanket, toys and treats on arrival. 

Petite in size at just 24 rooms, this former Georgian townhouse is located in the heart of Marylebone. The hotel oozes personality and charm with each room individual in style and complete with antique furniture and curios. If you like to finish the day with a cocktail, head to Seymour’s Parlour for some of the best drinking in the city.