Guide to the best hotels in East London

The iconic, op art-inspired Montcalm East building houses a refined five-star hotel, overflowing with artistic creativity and present-day comfort. The elegant interior displays works of art and photographs by acclaimed local creatives, and includes a bookable Photo Lab where you can print your photos. The 288 rooms and suites feature modern amenities and are bathed in natural light thanks to the unique architecture of the building. A luxurious spa, pool, restaurant and other facilities are available as well.

This four-star hotel in the heart of Shoreditch boasts a stylish heated rooftop, where you can enjoy stunning views all year round, as well as treat yourself to a Mediterranean lunch in the sunshine – or some Alpine-style fondue when winter rolls by. The Boundary also offers 17 individually designed rooms and suites, each inspired by an iconic designer or design movement and furnished with all the contemporary amenities you might need.

The Town Hall Hotel in a former town hall building, first opened in 1910, combines original Edwardian and Art Deco interiors with contemporary solutions, providing a unique, memorable setting that has also been immortalised in films such as Snatch. The rooms and suites range from standard doubles to one of the largest suites in the entire city, and all are fitted with vintage furniture pieces. The hotel also boasts a pool, gym, Grade II listed event venues, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Providing guests with a taste of affordable luxury in the heart of London's creative community, The Hoxton encompasses 210 industrial-styled rooms, as well as an additional nine that have been designed by local artists. All are fitted out with large mirrors and contemporary amenities, including guides to the surrounding area. Facilities at The Hoxton include a pair of restaurants, meeting and party venues, and more.

The colourful Batty Langley's Hotel in Spitalfields offers beautifully appointed rooms, full of vibrant character, restored antiques, rich fabrics and modern amenities such as flatscreen TVs, media hubs and WiFi. The breakfast here is prepared in collaboration with the famous Brick Lane Beigel shop and can be enjoyed in your room or in the lovely communal areas in the ground floor, including a sunny courtyard.

More than just a hotel, the glam Shoreditch House establishment is a trendy spot to eat, drink, socialise and even swim, with one of its major draws being the rooftop pool with dazzling views of East London. The former warehouse encompasses a bar, restaurants, a members' sitting room with games and books, a health club, and snug guest rooms for up to two people. You can also hold meetings and different events here.

The attractive interior of the buzzy One Hundred Shoreditch hotel is full of eye-catching art pieces and striking design. The pet-friendly hotel offers expansive studio rooms with plenty of space to work, rest and unwind. The hotel also includes the renowned Seed Library cocktail bar by globally acclaimed mixologist Mr Lyan, as well as a rooftop terrace, a Peloton fitness studio, Theragun massage devices and more.

Offering stylish, fully serviced apartments with all the necessities for a flexible and pleasant stay, the Locke aparthotels let you be a part of the local community at their shared spaces and events. The Leman Locke location in Shoreditch, accompanied by the short-stay Buckle Street Studios, with Kingsland Locke providing East London accommodation as well. In addition to the well-appointed apartments, you can take advantage of the in-house facilities such as the coffee shop, gym or co-working space.

This quaint family-run establishment in Stoke Newington complements the downstairs pub offer with seven charmingly appointed rooms above. The guesthouse accommodation is spacious and includes amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, wi-fi and air conditioning, as well as a complimentary continental breakfast. Guests can also enjoy splendid views of London from the roof terrace.

This quintessential East London pub is a favourite among locals for its wining and dining options, as well as the rooftop terrace where the proprietors grow their own vegetables for use in the kitchen. On the second floor of the building, however, you'll find a number of shabby-chic guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms and modern amenities such as WiFi, TVs and more. Breakfast is included in the price.

The Gantry London in Stratford encompasses a gym, on-site dining facilities, parking and pet-friendly accommodation in a range of sizes. Modern amenities such as HD TVs, mini-fridges and free WiFi are available, and the hotel has an ideal location for shopping sprees at the nearby Westfield Stratford City mall. Good public transport connections to other parts of London are available as well. The instantly recognisable hotel building also features a chic rooftop bar, 18 floors up.

This design-led hotel in Tower Hamlets exudes style throughout its 194 rooms. The bespoke design features and meticulously chosen decor, organic toiletries and free in-room films combine for a luxe contemporary living experience that's effortlessly cool. Mama Shelter also encompasses a restaurant, garden bar, karaoke rooms, a gym, and meeting and event spaces. It hosts DJs nights on the regular, too.

The Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch is housed in a Grade II listed building, combining heritage and a rich historical background as a former courthouse and police station with contemporary design choices and amenities. The modern home away from home encompasses 128 comfortable rooms and suites, as well as facilities such as a dramatic rooftop bar, a bowling alley, spa treatments, a pool, and its own cinema.

The Stratford branch of Marriott's affordable brand might not offer the same luxuries as some of the other hotels on this list, but if you plan on spending your time – and money – in the adjoining shopping mall or strolling through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the location is hard to beat. The reasonably priced rooms include contemporary amenities such as TVs and ensuite bathrooms, and the hotel has great public transport connections to other parts of London and the broader area via Stratford Station.

This unique floating hotel complements accommodation with a progressive social mission, investing all of its profits back into the communities through training programmes, supporting the local economy, and a global foundation. The rooms follow minimalist Dutch design principles, but don't lack any of the amenities guests have become used to, providing modern, comfy lodging with splendid views. Hotel facilities include meeting spaces and a sustainable plant-based restaurant.

Whitechapel's budget-friendly New Road Hotel is distinguished by its great location for exploring East London. The former 1950s textile warehouse was converted into a stylish boutique hotel with 79 bedrooms, fitted with contemporary amenities such as flatscreen TVs, air conditioning, and a rainfall shower. You'll also find a bar, restaurant, social areas, meeting spaces and hot-desking facilities on the premises.

Rising above Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this striking skyscraper is styled after New York's famed long-stay hotels. The five-star Stratford Hotel features a Scandinavian interior with rooms and suites that include all the five-star amenities one would expect, from a minibar and daily housekeeping to in-room spa treatments and more. You can also have a meal on the sky terrace of the hotel's destination restaurant Allegra or a cocktail in the bar, host a meeting, or take advantage of the other facilities on offer.

Set in an eclectic, joyfully quirky Georgian townhouse, Clerkenwell's Zetter Townhouse is an independently owned hotel that houses 13 rooms and suites with fluffy bathrobes, premium cotton linens, comfy slippers and all the expected modern amenities. The hotel also boasts an award-winning cocktail lounge, Wilhelmina's, and can host weddings and other events as well.

A standout Leytonstone pub, The Red Lion welcomes patrons with a vibrant atmosphere, good drinks and traditional pub grub. Above the main pub area and the live events venue, it has a number of pet-friendly boutique guestrooms with basic amenities such as television, a bathroom and WiFi. The pub is next to Leytonstone Station with a direct tube line to Central London, and also offers a pleasant garden.

Another Whitechapel textile warehouse-turned-hotel, The Whitechapel is a sleek East End establishment with rooms in crisp white, black and red colours. Exuding contemporary stylishness, the range of smart rooms and apartments on offer provides a trendy setting for business travellers and creative types alike. The rooms include quality linens, a flatscreen HD TV, WiFi, a minibar, air conditioning and more.

Enjoy a luxury stay in unique surroundings at Sunborn London, the only super yacht hotel in the country. This four star hotel has 136 classic rooms and suites with great views and upmarket amenities. On-site you'll also find a restaurant serving global dishes and a laid-back lounge bar. Moored near ExCeL London, it's popular with business travellers and is a sought-after wedding venue.