Guide to cool hotels in London

Henrietta Hotel in the heart of Covent Garden is a four-star boutique hotel with 40 bedrooms. Each is thoughtfully decorated, inspired by Covent Garden's rich history, with a slight nod to Italian design; expect plenty of pink and blue tones. The restaurant, Da Henrietta, plays homage to the Tyrrhenian Sea, including regional favourites like fresh pasta and seasonal vegetables. The hotel is a stone's throw from Covent Garden station and within walking distance of Soho, The Strand, and Leicester Square, so guests have plenty of excellent wining and dining options on your doorstep. If you visit during the festive season, they also have a pop-up bar called Miracle at Henrietta, which transports guests back in time with a nostalgic take on 70s festive decor and quirky cocktails.

The Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green offers a place to stay that oozes old-world charm and modern luxury. Housed in a restored Edwardian building that was once Bethnal Green Town Hall, this boutique hotel blends period features with contemporary design. The hotel boasts beautifully-decorated rooms, each individually designed and complete with one-off vintage pieces of furniture. There's a two-Michelin-star restaurant called Da Terra from Chef Rafael Cagali, where you can indulge in tasting menus with a range of wine and drinks designed to be paired with each dish. There's also Restaurant Elis, which is a little more laid-back and showcases dishes emphasising Cagali's Brazilian-Italian heritage. As for drinking options, there's Silk Weaver, a cosy and intimate cocktail bar, and the Assembly Lounge for a daytime rendezvous.

Artist Residence, an eccentric boutique hotel in Pimlico, boasts only ten rooms, but each one has been curated in its own unique way and kitted out with a mix of vintage elements, including headboards, restored drawers, and parquet floors. Plus, all the contemporary comforts you'd expect in a modern hotel. It's situated in a townhouse, perched above an all-day brasserie serving seasonal dishes and signature cocktails. A speakeasy cocktail bar awaits in the cellar for those seeking intimate late-night drinks. 

The Zetter effortlessly combines modern design, sustainable practices, and a quirky urban style. This boutique hotel in Clerkenwell offers guests an eco-friendly stay paired with an unpretentious yet chic vibe. The Zetter is a trendy and socially conscious choice for travellers seeking a hip and environmentally responsible stay. The hotel's contemporary design, cosy rooms, and welcoming staff create a trendy yet unpretentious base. There's a cool cocktail bar called The Parlour, which serves innovative cocktails, snacks and wine. There's also another Zetter hotel in Marylebone.

Situated in the lively heart of Notting Hill, The Portobello Hotel is a boutique sanctuary in a classic English townhouse. The hotel has been designed to capture the bohemian essence of Portobello Road Market and the diverse spirit of Notting Hill and the swinging 60s, with 21 uniquely decorated rooms. You won't find TVs here; The Portobello encourages you to switch off and embrace the moment. This hotel has been graced by the presence of numerous celebrities; rumour has it that Johnny Depp and Kate Moss once enjoyed a luxurious champagne bath in Room 16. 

Ham Yard Hotel, in the heart of London's bustling Soho district, is a luxurious boutique hotel that blends modern design with a quintessentially British vibe. The hotel's unique and vibrant interior, including a tree-filled garden, makes the space feel warm and welcoming. There's a hip rooftop terrace, an original 1950s bowling alley, and a state-of-the-art theatre – now that screams cool to us. They are also committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly practices woven into everything. 

The Hoxton in the city's trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood is the definition of cool. This stylish and modern hotel offers chic and comfortable rooms decked out in a contemporary vibe with an urban edge, ensuring a trendy stay. There's a real community feel here, enhanced by the hotel's communal spaces, co-working areas, and a lively atmosphere that brings people together. The fact that it's located in one of London's most fashionable districts makes The Hoxton ideal for travellers seeking a stylish stay.

The Mandrake is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Fitzrovia. With its mystical and artfully designed interior, the hotel oozes a sense of wonder. Each room and suite at The Mandrake is a testament to design, making it a haven of both comfort and aesthetic pleasure. The hotel features a lush inner courtyard with a living wall, providing a serene getaway from the bustling city. 

Treehouse Hotel may resemble a standard London office block from the outside, but inside, it unveils a chic and whimsical interior with five floors of contemporary minimalist decor, making it a design lover's dream. Inside, everything is wooden – a nod to the feeling of climbing a tree as a child. Treehouse Hotel also offers a culinary experience with its flagship restaurant, Madera, a sibling of Los Angeles-based Toca Madera, serving reimagined Mexican dishes made from organic ingredients against the breathtaking backdrop of London's skyline. It's also conveniently close to Oxford Street and Bond Street's vibrant shopping streets.

The Boundary offers a stylish and comfortable stay in trendy Shoreditch, close to some of the city's best restaurants and bars. It's the perfect East London base with 17 individually designed rooms and a rooftop garden that provides breathtaking views of the city. At the hotel's Boundary Bar & Brasserie, the all-day menu is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, and it places an emphasis on the origins of both the food and drinks. There's also the Rooftop Bar & Grill, housed on a large outdoor terrace, and the glass Orangery with breathtaking views of Shoreditch and beyond.

The Standard, opposite the architecturally-impressive St Pancras Station, is a retro-themed hotel with a whopping 266 rooms and suites, including terraced suites with outdoor bathtubs overlooking the station. In the 70s-inspired rooms, guests can expect personalised amenities like custom robes, premium toiletries, plush pillows, Bluetooth speakers, and more. You can hop in the red capsule elevator to head to Decimo, the hotel's rooftop restaurant, where they serve inventive and contemporary Mexican dishes. There's also a bi-weekly chess club hosted by The Chessidency.

An excellent option for travellers using the Eurostar, the Great Northern is based adjacent to St Pancras International. This glamorous hotel was built during the golden age of travel as a base for guests using the all-new steam trains. There are 91 rooms that come in three styles, each kitted out with custom Italian furniture. They come with modern amenities like flatscreen TVs, handcrafted furniture, and comfortable Hypnos beds. The Rails Restaurant & Little Bar serves modern British-French dishes in a laid-back setting. There's also the Manhattan-inspired GNH Bar which hosts a resident DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Situated in the affluent heart of South Kensington, The Exhibitionist Hotel blends art, elegance, and sophistication to create a luxurious base from which to explore the city. This cutting-edge boutique hotel offers a visual feast, where each of the 37 rooms and the corridor serve as a canvas for contemporary art and design. There's a delicious continental breakfast served and a Bar & Lounge with an impressive cocktail menu best enjoyed alongside their Italian-inspired snacks. The Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and Harrods are within a ten-minute walk away.

La Gaffe is a lovely Italian restaurant and boutique guesthouse in leafy Hampstead, run by the warm and welcoming Stella family. The hotel has been a much-loved Hampstead icon since it opened back in the Swinging 60s, initially as a bistro serving French classics, and although the Italian restaurant it turned into is temporarily closed, it has won many awards. In its time, the hotel has hosted many Hollywood stars and famous icons, such as The Beatles.

Good Hotel London is a non-profit floating hotel in London's Royal Victoria Dock. They donate 100% of their profits to help people around the world.  It's known for its innovative concept that combines a comfortable stay with a commitment to social impact, providing employment and training opportunities for the local community. One of the coolest things about this hotel is its awesome waterfront location and rooftop bar, which boasts panoramic views over the city skyline. 

Art'otel London Battersea Power Station is the international brand's first venture in London, located on the 14th and 15th floors with undisturbed views of the iconic Power Station and other London landmarks. Designed by artist Jaime Hayon, the hotel features outlandish decor and has its own dedicated art gallery. Its range of rooms and suites caters to all travellers, whilst the conference facilities, wellness amenities, and dining options make it ideal for both business and leisure guests. There's a rooftop infinity pool and jacuzzi overlooking the Power Station, with a bar where you can grab a cocktail without having to move too far from the water.

For unbeatable views of one of London's most legendary landmarks, the Tower of London, opt to stay at the CitizenM hotel. Perched above Tower Hill station, many of the rooms here boast views of the iconic historic landmark and city vistas. There's also the 7th-floor rooftop bar CloudM, where you can enjoy a drink with the backdrop of The Shard juxtaposed with the Tower.

A hotel meets a record shop at Vinyl Pimp. Located in a converted East London warehouse, this is an appointment-only record store covering the entire musical spectrum. There's a simple but on-trend guest room here as well, and one-night stays are free of charge if you spend a certain amount on vinyl during your stay. This is the ultimate London accommodation for music fans.

Moored at Royal Victoria Dock, four star hotel Sunborn London is the only super yacht hotel in the country. There are 136 tasteful rooms and suites decorated in a classic style and with high-end amenities and great views. Many have their own terrace or balcony. On-site there are conference and meeting facilities, a restaurant and bar, plus it's a sought-after wedding venue.