Best Design Hotels in London

Complete with panoramic views over the City of London, Canopy by Hilton London City echoes the spirit of one of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The UK’s first Canopy by Hilton hotel is set within the multi-million-pound Minories development close to Aldgate station and offers the perfect base for design-conscious visitors looking to immerse themselves in London’s East End. 

The hotel’s interior design reflects the rich culture of the area’s historic textile industry inspired by the Huguenot silk weavers who settled in Spitalfields in the 17th century with guest quarters and dining spaces featuring floral patterns and woven fabrics reminiscent of the techniques used by the Huguenots. Artworks created by local artists adorn the public spaces throughout the hotel while inspiration from the area continues throughout the hotel, East End-inspired dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients are served at the hotel’s restaurant Penny Squares, which takes its design inspiration from the quilting technique popular in the textile industry. 

Meanwhile, St. Clare Coffee and Bar, provides the perfect place to relax, work or socialise over a craft coffee or East End-inspired cocktail in the hotel’s ground floor. A must-visit is the hotel’s stunning rooftop terrace Florattica which offers uninterrupted views of the City of London and serves delicious small plates with a great selection of drinks against a vibrant backdrop inspired by the floral patterns of the Huguenots.

Located in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair, is part of LXR Hotels & Resorts and is the essence of style and opulence. Guests immediately feel the distinctive character of this hotel which showcases splendid décor and unrivalled service. These qualities flow throughout the entire hotel which comprises of 250 stylish rooms and 57 curated suites with stunning views of London’s iconic skyline, personalised touches and extra comfort for the discerning traveller. Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, leads the team to present guests with a superb choice of both formal and casual dining options; from brunch at the tranquil Café Biltmore & Terrace through to a sophisticated evening at The Pine Bar or celebratory Afternoon Tea in the Tea Lounge there is a delicious culinary creation to tantalise every appetite and to fit any occasion.  Guests can also take advantage of one of Mayfair’s largest gyms within the hotel – with 24-hour access to the latest fitness technology and a private workout studio.

This recently launched 16-storey establishment on the corner of Leicester Square is defined in a new category of accommodation: super boutique. While large in size, the hotel is intimate in nature. Operated by the privately owned Edwardian Hotels London group, it blends style with sustainability and high-end facilities. Guests unable to sleep – or those who like to socialise into the night – can frequent The Y Bar, The Drawing Room, and The Whisky Room.  A Japanese restaurant, bar and terrace are found on the eighth floor. While below ground, lies The Retreat, a wellness sanctuary with holistic therapies for body and mind, as well as a soothing hydro pool.

A few minutes walk from Trafalgar Square is this relatively unassuming, Edwardian fronted 153-bedroom hotel. But this was in fact, the original HQ for Scotland Yard, now a five-star refurbished property, that’s part of the Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. The interiors are modern, yet effectively pay homage to the building’s past, with copious memorabilia and artworks. The Yard is the hotel’s aptly named restaurant, plus there’s a cosy colonial style Parlour and a whisky bar evocative of the art deco era. It’s also pet friendly, offers valet parking and has an onsite fitness centre.

Located near the picturesque banks of the Thames, near London’s most iconic landmarks, The Westminster London, inspired by Ian Fleming’s James Bond, reopened in May 2021 following an extensive multimillion-pound refurbishment. The hotel features 464 beautifully designed guestrooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites, all equipped with modern-day essentials such as flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bottled water. Guests can enjoy the on-site gym rooftop gym with Peloton equipment and incredible views or indulge at the Westminster Bar & Grill, a modern steakhouse with a carefully curated wine list along with its own unique bowling alley. Additionally, the Westminster Café on the ground floor offers casual dining with a selection of hot drinks, juices, sandwiches, snacks, and canned cocktails, perfect for a quick breakfast or a pre-dinner drink.

This glorious 4-star hotel located across from Kings Cross station breathes a breath of fresh air into Kings Cross with it graffiti fronted facade and newly refurbished Design Rooms. The Megaro is independently run and integrates, design, fashion, cinematography and music together with a big dose of British pop culture! Design Rooms come in 4 different styles with our favourite rooms being Backstage Britannia. The hotel has an all-day dining restaurant ‘The Eatery’ as well as a speakeasy basement bar and the lobby doubles up as the hotel’s mini bar too!

Return to the splendour of the Georgian era at Batty Langley’s. 29 suites are inspired by 18th/19th-century life and notable characters of the ages. There are two lounges for guests’ use, one with an honesty bar (the epitome of fancy boutique London hospitality) providing a recipe book for cocktail making. Breakfast can be served in these, or in your room. This establishment is certainly a place to lounge in your room till late and order room service at any time of the day or night; Batty’s has a theatrical decadence about it, that’s made for minimooners.

Step away from the urban sprawl and into an urban oasis; the tree-filled garden at Ham Yard features a bronze sculpture centrepiece by Tony Cragg. Inside you’ll find eclectic interiors by designer Kit Kemp, with vintage elements, bold patterns, bright colours and an array of art. Each room has its own personality, alongside handmade mattresses, rain showers and custom-designed furniture. Dine in a rooftop terrace bar, the Mediterranean-inspired Orso restaurant and take drinks in the bar. Guests also have access to a screening room, a spa and a fitness centre, plus a bespoke hat service where you can design their own headwear.

This modern glass-fronted building has 249 naturally styled bedrooms and suites, each with traditional Japanese tea sets, Grown Alchemist toiletries, 4k ultra HD TVs, contemporary detailing and the brand’s own luxury mattresses. A wellness centre includes a Pilates Reformer studio and treatments such as Nobu Zen, the brand’s signature ritual incorporating stretching and massage. Whether you stay here or not, do eat here. Nobu’s international range of restaurants have a trademark style, incarnated by the highly acclaimed Tokyo-based Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. There’s a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea, lounge, bar and Laurent-Perrier Terrace overlooking Portman Square and serving Nobu’s signature dishes.

Get a taste of Japan in the heart of London at The Prince Akatoki. A stay here is a minimalist and mindful, yet five-star experience. The interior design evokes calm and tranquillity with lots of natural materials across 82 premium bedrooms. Alongside the ethos of Japanese hospitality, the property is full of furnishings and decorative touches that evoke the feel of Japan. And of course, the food follows suit. Guests can dine on fusion cuisine or bottomless brunch and take a sushi masterclass at TOKii, as well as enjoying an Asian whisky at The Malt Lounge and Bar.