Best Urban Hotels in England

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.

Found on the city side of London’s trendy Shoreditch, this diamond-shaped hotel makes for a dazzling landmark. The 288 rooms are a minimum of 25 square metres with Sky TV, mood-lighting and electronic curtains, while bathrooms have underfloor heating, rainfall showers and products by Soap Co. The hotel’s restaurant, Moor + Mead, serves seasonal British food in a casual environment and the bar is found on the mezzanine. A spa incorporates an indoor pool with a hydromassage feature, a sauna, a jacuzzi and treatment rooms. Montcalm East is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. 

If you prefer to have your own cooking and dining facilities while staying in London, Leman Locke in Aldgate is a great choice. The self-contained studios and apartments are well placed in the super-cool east, with good transport links into the rest of the city. Each has good views, its own bespoke furnishings, a kitchenette, washing machine, minibar, Apple TV Box and Samsung smart TV. Neutral palettes with pale pastels provide a soothing ambience in the airy, light-filled rooms. For guests wanting to make use of the aparthotel’s shared facilities, there’s also a fitness centre, cafe and bar onsite.

Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Stratford train station with easy connections to central London, Westfield Shops, Hackney Wick and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park all on its doorstep – this hotel is a great base for those who want to explore East London. Guest rooms and suites are modern and minimalistic in design and offer all the in-room amenities a modern-day traveller would expect from the Hilton name.  A relaxed vibe flows through the hotel which offers guests the choice of three restaurants; the All-Day Lounge Bar and Terrace serves breakfast through to dinner, whilst light bites and creative concoctions can be enjoyed at the Cocktail Bar and the Rooftop Bar, located on the 18th floor really is a premier vantage point. Secured and self-parking is also available for guests choosing to travel by car.

The Royal Horseguards is one of London’s most iconic and historic hotels partially due to it hosting the National Library club whose members included Churchill and Gladstone. The Royal HorseGuards sits right on the Thames in a prime area of central London. The hotel’s rooms and suites are exceedingly luxurious, and guests can choose between river, garden and city views. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, underfloor heating and English spa skincare and beauty products. Every detail has been thought of to ensure the comfort of guests. The Royal Horseguards has its own gym and dedicated concierge service, it also serves an exquisite afternoon tea service every afternoon. The hotel is home to One Twenty-One Two, an exceptional fine-dining restaurant which serves delicious seasonal dishes. The Royal Horseguards is also owns Equus, a sophisticated and quiet bar as well as The Terrace, a relaxed restaurant and bar which serves light bites and refreshing drinks.

One of London’s most iconic hotels in London, The Trafalgar rises out of the eponymous square and is a beacon of luxury and sophistication. The hotel’s rooms and suites are the definition of cool Britannia as they have flair and character. The rooms and suites have glorious views of Trafalgar Square and are equipped with walk-in showers, minibars and many other amenities. The Trafalgar is home to its own state-of-the-art fitness centre and a business centre which has meeting rooms and workspaces. The hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant has arguably one of the best views in London. The Rooftop serves a range of drinks and cocktails and a variety of sharing plates and light bites. The hotel is also home to an exceptional cocktail bar called Rockwell, which serves 11 bespoke cocktails which tell stories of London and its heritage.

This boutique hotel is five minutes away from Sloane Square if you are going by foot. The luxurious bedrooms have marble bathrooms, and you get access to free Wi-Fi so that you stay connected to the rest of the world. The interior design of this hotel leaves a lasting impression on anyone that stays. For interior décor, the hotel has been furnished with antiques collected from all over the world, paintings, as well as classical furniture. All the rooms are air-conditioned to ensure you enjoy comfort and excellent air quality. The Penhaligon’s toiletries and bathrobes provided in every room make you feel at home.

Primely positioned midway between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, The Cadogan is an iconic destination where quintessential British charm effortlessly imbues a modern elegance. An intimate ‘home’ in the heart of the city, where the past and present are intertwined with every detail, the hotel overlooks the private Cadogan Palace Gardens, a botanical haven to which guests have exclusive access. Steeped in history, The Cadogan has an illustrious list of past residents, including Lillie Langtry and Oscar Wilde – the room in which Oscar Wilde was arrested is now the noble Royal Suite. In the 54 individually designed rooms, two-thirds of which are suites, white-on-white linens are offset with vibrant pops of colour, silk and velvet, with captivating artwork and design details honouring the hotel’s rich heritage.

This luxury hotel is in the heart of Chelsea and was originally built by Lord Chelsea as four separate townhouses in the 19th century, this hotel has a rich heritage and an elegant design. The Victorian-style establishment is part of the historical Cadogan Estate, and it offers 56 rooms, 25 of which are individually designed suites. The design seamlessly incorporates contemporary and classic warm tones to bring out elegance and class. The stylish bar offers classic cocktails, and the innovative menu has a variety of foods you can choose from. The top-notch chefs use local produce and fresh ingredients to prepare food. The boutique bedrooms have marble bathrooms as well as Ormonde Jayne toiletries. Quality Italian linen, as well as the fluffy bathrobes, are comfortable and warm. You get access to complimentary Wi-Fi and a gym that is always open.

The Guardsman Hotel, tucked near Buckingham Palace in Westminster, London, is a 5-star boutique establishment known for its luxury and personalised guest experiences. Offering exclusive services akin to a members’ club, the hotel boasts bespoke dining without fixed hours, uniquely designed rooms with high-end amenities, and a prime location conducive to exploring London’s landmarks and transport options. The hotel’s dining experience is tailored, featuring no standard menus and uses fresh, seasonal produce. The Dining Room and Bar, open only to residents and their guests, offer a vast selection of dishes, over 250 whiskies, and an extensive wine list. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the hotel or with an option for a picnic basket to take away whilst exploring the city. Room offerings are diverse, including executive, single, deluxe, and superior double and each are modern and uniquely designed for comfort and luxury, complete with amenities such as bespoke toiletries, and personalised minibars. The friendly team is on hand 24-hours a day highlighting the hotel’s commitment to personalised service and memorable stays.

St. Ermin’s Hotel, an independent four-star deluxe hotel nestled at the end of a tree-lined courtyard in the heart of Westminster, London, offers a unique blend of relaxation within close proximity to the city’s historical attractions. The hotel boasts a wide selection of rooms and suites, including pet-friendly options, catering to a variety of guest needs and as it is conveniently located near St. James’s and Victoria stations, it is the perfect base for exploring the city or combining business with leisure. As part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, guests at St. Ermin’s can earn or redeem Marriott BonVoy points. Dining options include Caxton Bar, a historical meeting spot for influential figures, including Winston Churchill during WWII and rumoured spy exchanges, the bar offers a cosy atmosphere for guests and locals to enjoy a wide range of drinks and classic bar meals. The modern European cuisine at Caxton Grill, inspired by the rooftop garden, showcases seasonal, top-quality ingredients grilled to perfection with an emphasis on first-class ingredients and service. Whilst a traditional and indulgent British Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the Tea Lounge and Library.  St. Ermin’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its local sourcing and use of its rooftop kitchen garden and bee terrace for fresh produce and honey, making it more than just a typical London hotel but a place of historical significance and culinary excellence.