Where to stay in London

Having grown up in London and lived in the city practically all of my life (minus my years at university), I’m not often in a situation where I need to stay somewhere other than home. However, over the years, the opportunity for a ‘staycation’ in the city has occasionally arisen, and I’m not one to turn down a good opportunity…not only does a staycation provide the perfect excuse to press pause and relax, but also allows you to experience staying in a new neighbourhood. I hope the selection of hotels below will act as a helpful guide to anyone visiting London, or to Londoners looking for somewhere new to sleep in the city.

Kettner’s Townhouse, Soho

Kettner’s Townhouse is a boutique hotel by the Soho House group, located in central London. Expect old school glamour and plush furnishings here, as well as all the usual Soho House luxuries: rolltop baths, fluffy dressing gowns, and homemade cookies. For dinner options, you’re spoilt for choice given the location in the heart of Soho, but head to the hotel’s in-house restaurant and bar for a classic British menu and cocktails; amazingly, the rooms are peacefully quiet despite the Soho crowds outside.

The Hoxton, Holborn, Shoreditch, and Southwark

Having now expanded globally to many locations across Europe and North America, this hotel group has had a rapid expansion rate since its inception. I’ve stayed in all of their London outposts, including many times at the Hoxton branch: it’s only a stone’s throw from Tottenham Court Road, and flanked by Covent Garden and The Strand. The style here is primarily functional, whilst still retaining the original ‘cool’ factor that is central to the Hoxton brand.

The rooms are cosy in size but equipped with everything you might need: a Roberts radio, some tips on the local neighbourhood, and a complimentary breakfast bag in the morning, with yoghurt, granola, and a banana. If you prefer a cooked breakfast, the hotel’s lobby restaurant Rondo serves up a classic all-day menu, whilst the spacious lobby and bar is a great place to drop in and work remotely from throughout the day.

I also recently booked myself a staycation at the hotel group’s latest outpost in Southwark, which opened in September 2019, and is the slickest Hoxton in the capital yet. You’ll find plush velvet furnishings and terrazzo tabletops throughout the lobby, (home to all-day restaurant Albie), and a stunning rooftop restaurant Seabird, that offers incredible views and a seafood-inspired menu. Rooms are slick yet chic, and you’ll find pastries from St John in your breakfast bag.

Beaverbrook Townhouse, Chelsea

A stone’s throw away from Sloane Square and the King’s Road, you’ll find Beaverbrook Townhouse, the chic and contemporary little sister hotel to luxurious country pad Beaverbrook. Elegant bedrooms here are designed by Nicola Harding, and provide a visual riot of colour and print. You’ll find complimentary minibars to raid in all of the bedrooms, luxurious Bamford toiletries, and TVs that pop out from the end of your bed. Downstairs, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant The Fuji Grill, serves a delicious 20-course omakase menu.

Artist Residence, Pimlico

I’ve only visited rather than slept at this hotel, but having stayed at all of the Artist Residence’s other hotel locations, I can fully vouch for this boutique hotel group. Their branch in Pimlico is just as beautifully designed as you’d expect, with quirky and characterful touches, and is home to what is possibly the most beautiful hotel bedroom in London (their Grande Suite). Downstairs, the hotel’s restaurant, The Cambridge Street Kitchen, also offers up a satisfying brunch and all-day menu.

The Ned, Bank

I’ve loved The Ned ever since I stepped through its polished oak doors and into the wonderland that this incredible hotel in the heart of the city offers (a joint venture from Soho House and The Sydell Group). With live jazz in the lobby every night, and nine different restaurants to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice; my favourites restaurants are Kaia for it’s Sunday brunch spread (unlimited sushi? Yes please!) or Malibu Kitchen for Californian-inspired healthy eating. The rooms here are just what you’d expect: glamorous, old-school, and luxurious, featuring fluffy bathrobes, deep bathtubs, and homemade cookies. As a guest at the hotel, you’ll get access to the hotel’s Cowshed spa (complete with indoor pool and Moroccan hammam) as well as The Ned’s Club members’ areas, including the rooftop pool, and the fine dining restaurant in the basement (the set menu here is insanely tasty).

Belmond The Cadogan, Chelsea

You can expect 5-star luxury at this slick Chelsea townhouse by the Belmond group. Rooms are designed minimally with plush furnishings in muted tones, and marble bathrooms glistening with golden taps and mosaic showers. Slip downstairs to The LaLee, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, while the sleep concierge (yes, really!) prepares your bedroom at turndown with your pillow of choice (chosen from a pillow menu of 7 different options), as well as chamomile tea: you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep here. The following morning, order a lavish breakfast in bed, in true Belmond style.