Boutique hotels in London: small city hotels with a big impact

This London boutique hotel, The Pelham, is a top choice if you are looking for elegant accommodation in the style of a classy English townhouse but also want to experience the cosiness of a country manor. The trendy establishment is in a whitewashed Victorian townhouse, blending in perfectly with its surroundings in the upmarket South Kensington neighbourhood.

The boutique hotel has just 52 guestrooms, so you are always guaranteed an exclusive service. Once you’ve visited the nearby museums including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum – and of course the posh Harrods department store – you can simply sit back and relax in the elegant salon or in the hotel library.

If you are looking for a love nest in London, the Adria Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice for you. With only 22 guestrooms, the boutique hotel is an exclusive retreat, even though the Victorian townhouse is right in the middle of London’s hustle and bustle.

Although the 22 guestrooms of the hotel are each dedicated to a different theme, the unique architectural features such as high ceilings, sash windows and wooden floors remain a constant. A piece of advice: forget shopping at Harrods and choose the Queen Suite for your stay. You can look forward to a four-poster bed, a fireplace for romantic hours together and a luxurious walk-in rain shower in the marble bathroom.

The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell does not feel like a hotel, but rather like the private residence of an eccentric and fabulous great-aunt. At least according to the hotel itself. You’d best find out for yourself and stay at this boutique hotel in London.

If you just can’t say no to a fantastic cocktail, then keep an evening free to explore the award-winning cocktail bar at the hotel. Here, at least, you won’t be able to deny that you feel right at home. The bar boasts an open fireplace, heavy leather armchairs paired with vintage colours like mustard yellow, oriental carpets, antique pictures in golden frames, elegant wall lamps as well as lavish printed wallpapers and dark wooden furniture. The cocktail menu is a homage to the culture of distillation. If you find yourself overwhelmed with the choice of fancy creations then we can recommend a Cologne Martini.

Modern or traditional – what’s your flavour? London’s The Westbridge boutique hotel lets you choose between these two design styles. The traditional rooms are by no means overloaded with kitsch, but classically furnished in an unobtrusive way and full of thoughtful details. This room type boasts, for example, mirror chests, antique bedside lamps, baroque cupboards, cosy wing chairs and decorated golden mirrors. Particularly appealing are the king-size beds with ornate headboards, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a night-time read or a nightcap (aka wine). The beds in the contemporary guestrooms are equally comfortable and trendy. Despite the modern touches, this boutique hotel has not lost any of its character.

By the way, this boutique hotel is ideal if you want to unleash your inner groupie and take a friend to see your favourite band in London, as the accommodation very near the O2 Arena.

La Dolce vita in trendy London. The Baglioni Hotel London is no traditional kitschy boutique hotel, but modern, chic and glamorous. Like many other boutique hotels in London, this accommodation sits in elegant South Kensington and nestles between Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall. Visit the quiet Hyde Park, which starts directly behind the hotel, where you can enjoy a freshly brewed hot coffee in the morning.

A hotel, which is located directly next to a royal building, naturally sets high standards for itself. So its elegant appointments will come as no surprise: black parquet flooring, black marble floors in the bathroom, copper washbasins and four-poster beds. Nothing less awaits you in the sophisticated guestrooms, some of which also have a private terrace with a view of the park.

The five-star hotel is especially distinguished by its luxurious extras. In addition to scented candles, you’ll also find fresh fruit platters in your room and beauty products in the bathroom. This boutique hotel impresses not only with individual furnishings, but also with personal service, such as the Sports Buddies Service. If you would like to practise your favourite sport during your stay, you can get in touch with a Sports Buddy and work out together.

This London boutique hotel is particularly service-driven when it comes to your four-legged friends. Hotel 41 not only accepts animals, but welcomes them as special guests. Your furry companions can expect a welcome package with a toy, a treat and a ‘41’ pendant. In the room, there is also water, food and a bed for them.You can also hire a dog sitter, book in at the dog hairdresser or order birthday surprises. Your pet’s security and health is also ensured and a vet is available in case of emergency. However, these are just a few examples and this service offers much more – truly setting the standard for other hotels!

Our list wouldn’t be complete without this London boutique hotel. After all, it is one of the first boutique hotels worldwide and still a leader in its category. No matter whether you are a newcomer to boutique hotels or have already stayed in several establishments of this kind, Blakes London is certainly a special treasure. The designer gem is located in the charmingly quiet Roland Gardens and yet you are still close to London’s action.

As befits an exemplary boutique hotel, all guestrooms are individually furnished. You probably won’t even know what detail to focus your eyes on first. The extravagant decorative elements, the extraordinary wallpapers, the diverse pictures on the walls, the huge opulent bed or the elegant bathroom facilities?

Check this out: The Goring is London’s last family-owned luxury hotel. The hotel describes itself as an impeccable English hotel, and this is also reflected in its style. The 69 guestrooms are furnished with elegant antique furniture and fine fabrics that do justice to the cosy English country house style.

Speaking of “impeccably English”, let’s not forget the traditional afternoon tea! This is best enjoyed in the luxurious Lounge&Bar, where traditional sandwiches, scones, sweet snacks, tea and champagne are served. Alternatively, you can visit the Lounge&Bar later in the day and be amazed by the huge selection of champagne and wine on offer.

A stylish lesson in cosiness this chic boutique hotel includes antique pictures, polished dark wood furniture, stunning artwork, carved oak beds or Victorian four-poster beds, a conservatory and flickering log fires.

One of the suites is housed in the tower. A spiral staircase leads you to the upper floor, where you’ll have breathtaking views of the Old Bailey Criminal Court and St Paul’s Cathedral. There is also an antique bathtub in the middle of the room, separated by lace curtains. So if you want to take a special city trip with your partner, remember The Rookery and its The Rook’s Nest Suite.

Have I already mentioned that boutique hotels in London like to set up shop in Victorian townhouses? Indeed, these beautiful elegant buildings perfectly match this type of accommodation. The Number Sixteen is also at home in one of these graceful Victorian stucco buildings.

Fresh, modern and English – that’s the style of this boutique hotel. From most of the guestrooms you can take in views over the hotel garden and enjoy a little break from the pulsating city. Traditional afternoon tea is available both in the garden, where there’s a fish pond, and in the salon. The salon is adorned with unique art, and you will feel like you are in a friend’s cosy dining room.