Best Urban Hotels in United Kingdom

Like The Gore, this hotel is part of the Starhotels Collezione group, an identity reflected in the otherwise quintessentially British hotel’s Italian basement restaurant. The Pelham’s vintage interiors have been refreshed by designer Kit Kemp, yet retain the original features, stuccoed ceilings and oil painted artworks that nod to its past. Housed in a Victorian townhouse across from the tube station, it’s super convenient for exploring the city. Children love the brand’s VIK (Very Important Kid) programme, with games, activities, menus and amenities. Pets are allowed to stay with you here, too. 

Architect George Dance the Younger conceived this property back in the 1800s. These days it enjoys a spot in one of the capital’s trendiest corners. Rooms and suites hark back to its origin story, with rich jewel tones, patterned wallpapers and Persian-style rugs. Many come here just for the restaurant; Quercus is a destination in itself, with chef Stephen Englefield serving South East Asian inspired dishes prepared using ingredients from our own shores. And it’s well worth stopping for a tipple at the bar, whose cocktail menu uses V.R. Vickers Google Book as its muse.

Found in one of the oldest pockets of the city, Hotel Indigo is your modern base from which to explore the storied history of your Walmgate doorstep. Artwork in mismatched vintage frames adorn the walls, depicting the neighbourhood’s past, notably its connections with the origin of chocolate making in York. Bedrooms have plenty of vintage touches, such as wood panelling and buttoned brown leather headboards, along with contemporary lines and pieces. Pop into No.88 Walmgate, the hotel’s urban bar, use the fitness centre and catch up on some work in the snug.

The London Hilton on Park Lane, a cornerstone of Mayfair’s luxury hospitality since 1963, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a multimillion-pound refurbishment. This extensive renovation introduced two new dining venues, an open-plan social lobby featuring the ‘Falling Still’ art installation by Giles Miller, and comprehensive updates to suites, the executive lounge, and guest rooms. The hotel offers 453 rooms and suites, including the Balmoral Suite on the 27th floor, which provides expansive views of Hyde Park. Guests can enjoy amenities such as the Executive Lounge, the Revery Bar with live DJ sets, and the Park Corner Brasserie serving modern British cuisine. The hotel’s prime location on Park Lane places it within walking distance of Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace, and New Bond Street, with Hyde Park Corner Underground Station nearby for convenient access to central London.

Perfectly positioned between the leafy Inverleith Park and swanky Stockbridge, just 15 minutes walk from the city centre, The Raeburn is an enduringly popular local. But in addition to its log fire-lit bar, cosy restaurant and expansive terrace, this former Georgian family home accommodates 10 bedrooms and a library. Staying guests are greeted with contemporary Scottish furnishings, fluffy robes, classy muted tones, wooden floorboards, large sash and case windows, marble-finished rainfall showers and Victorian-style bathroom fittings (with freestanding tubs in deluxe rooms). Breakfast is provided and The Raeburn’s excellent menu can be ordered as room service.

The Clermont London, Victoria, originally opened in 1862 as The Grosvenor Hotel is a historic Grade II listed railway hotel designed by James Thomas Knowles. Conveniently located next to Victoria Station, it provides easy access to London’s major landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey and Gatwick Airport is easily reached via the Express. The hotel offers a range of accommodation options, from classic rooms to deluxe suites, all featuring contemporary design with a touch of period charm. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including The Soak an elegant setting with sumptuous seating, floor-to-ceiling windows and an eclectic menu, open for casual drinks, light bites to formal dinners. The Réunion Bar was once the first-class lounge for the Brighton Belle and overlooks Victoria Station – ideal for people watching whilst sipping on Champagne and cocktails, and The Tea Lounge is the perfect spot for a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. The hotel caters to both leisure and corporate guests, offering a best-in-class breakfast buffet, corporate dining, and space for meetings and events.

The Franklin, situated in the Egerton Gardens, was established in 1992 when four elegant townhouses were combined to create a luxury hotel. This five-star hotel contains 35 rooms and suites, a fashionable bar that serves the finest wines and spirits as well as an excellent restaurant with Michelin-star status. Those who wish to visit the Franklin on a business trip will be pleased to know that the hotel contains it’s own meeting room, ideal for conferences and other events, that will enable business people to do conduct their affairs among stylish and comfortable surroundings.

The first art’otel in the capital officially entered London’s hospitality landscape in February 2023. Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon is behind the interiors, which take inspiration from the Power Station, while Foster + Partners and Electric Boulevard were responsible for the architecture. The hotel is in Battersea Roof Gardens, part of a whole new district, served by a recently opened tube station. It includes the TOZI Grand Cafe, JOIA, the 15th-floor restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, a spa, a rooftop bar with an infinity pool and 164 arty bedrooms.

Housed in a former printing works which dates from the 1850s, The Nadler is another successful case of a warehouse conversion done right, managing to retain faithful marks of its original history updated for the present. Each of its bedrooms are contemporarily designed with solid, contrasting monochrome features and lots of exposed brickwork. The reception is friendly, the price is very reasonable and the facilities are top notch. This is a top pick for quality-minded guests on a modest budget, situated within and around plenty of dining and drinking spots in the lively Ropewalks area.

The Hyatt Centric is a relaxed and welcoming upscale hotel which is the perfect place for all types of travellers. Perched just 2 miles away from the city centre the Hyatt Centric is the perfect place for travellers wishing to explore both the town and the surrounding countryside. The art deco-inspired rooms are inviting and luxurious with some rooms enjoying charming courtyard views. The hotel’s The Astronomer Bar and Brasserie offers excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner options whilst the Dutch bar provides guests with a place to unwind over a drink and some delicious nibbles. The hotel also has its own artisan coffee shop called Brew, which serves speciality coffees and delectable pastries. Finally, the hotel is home to Douce which is an innovative take on a hair salon as it not only offers haircuts but also offers artisan coffees and craft beers, it is truly a place for any occasion.

Said to be Cardiff’s finest new luxury hotel, the Parkgate Hotel exudes elegance and glamour. Located near to the Principality Stadium, Wales national sports and events stadium and just a short walk from the central railway station makes it a convenient base from which to enjoy all that Cardiff offers. As part of the exclusive Celtic Collection, the hotel offers guests a refined experience. Each bedroom and suite is individually designed seamlessly combine a chic blend of classic-meets- contemporary luxury whilst respecting the hotel’s historic architecture. What was once the old Post Office now sits The Sorting Room, the hotel’s refined restaurant. With twinkling chandeliers, plush furniture, this grand and glamorous space is the social spot to enjoy delicious dining, creative cocktails, Afternoon Tea or champagne at any o’clock.  The spa and wellness centre is the ultimate place to unwind and the fitness centre comprises state of the art-equipment with exclusive use for hotel guests. If grandeur and glamour are on your wish-list this is the place for you.

Need some ME time? Mosey on down to The Strand, where you can check into this slick 173-bedroom hotel, designed by Foster + Partners. It was erected on the site formerly home to the Gaiety Theatre and beside the former BBC (Marconi) headquarters. On its 10th floor, the Radio Rooftop bar and restaurant offers far-reaching views of the city’s skyline from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament. STK is the hotel’s refined steakhouse, serving cuts of USDA prime beef, while Luciano is the Italian all day dining destination restaurant headed up by TV chef Gino D’Acampo. And the Marconi Lounge (named after its neighbour) offers a relaxed and chic place to unwind.