The best design hotels in London
From the South Bank to Shoreditch, here’s where to stay when you’re visiting the UK capital
London is one of the most creative cities in the world. Whatever your interiors style there is a hotel that will suit you – from the maximalism of Martin Brudnizki’s recently opened Broadwick Soho to the paint-box palette of the Art’otel in Battersea, overseen by Jaime Hayon, and properties that marry history with contemporary luxuries. Offering world-class culture, diverse design and a continually evolving food scene, from the South Bank to Shoreditch, the city is home to a dizzying array of cool new hotel openings and under-the-radar gems. If you’re planning a trip, these are the places to stay in style.
Art’otel Battersea
Overlooking the refurbished Battersea Power Station, with an infinity pool that affords a stunning view of its famous chimneys, this art-filled hotel was created in collaboration with designer and artist Jaime Hayon. His signature touches bring colour and fun to this industrial setting, ensuring it’s not just the skyline that wows. Be sure to book a table at JOIA restaurant, where award-winning chef Henrique Sá Pessoa serves up Iberian fare with vibrant twists. artotellondonbattersea.com
Broadwick Soho
One of the newest openings in the capital, this hotel is close to Carnaby Street, once the fashionable destination for everyone from mods to skinheads, punks to new romantics. Now, the hotel lives up to the British eccentricity of the area with maximalist interior design by Martin Brudnizki. All of the rooms are cocoons of colour and pattern, while the street-level Dear Jackie (an Italian restaurant with a modern slant) and Bar Jackie are suitably buzzy. broadwicksoho.com
The Peninsula London
This recently-opened hotel may overlook Hyde Park, but its central courtyard, with an elevated English garden feel, is just as impressive. As are the rooms and suites, designed by architect Peter Marino – the man behind the reinvention of Dior’s flagship store in Paris. Enjoy truly British luxuries, in the form of scents by Timothy Han and works by more than 40 artists from The Royal Drawing School. peninsula.com
One Hundred Shoreditch
Positioned as it is on one of the busiest, buzziest thoroughfares in London - Shoreditch High Street - One Hundred Shoreditch has to make a statement to make its presence felt and it doesn’t disappoint. Designed by Jacu Strauss, Lore Group's Creative Director, a dreamy roof terrace with Palm Springs interiors and an unbeatable view of the city is a big draw, but the stylish bedrooms are just as compelling, providing a calm counterpoint to the bustling world outside. onehundredshoreditch.com
NoMad London
The NoMad London sits within a grade II-listed building that was formerly home to the Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, just steps away from the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden. At its heart is a vast glass atrium which is buzzing from breakfast ’til bedtime. Designed by New York based studio Roman and Williams, bedrooms are light, luxurious and comfortable with a relaxed blend of classic and contemporary furnishings. thenomadhotel.com
The Hoxton, Southwark
The newest jewel in the Hoxton group’s crown has a look inspired by the factories and tanneries that used to populate its location in the recently rejuvenated area of the Southbank, near Borough Market’s busy food stalls. Rooms feature Crittall-style windows and a cool collection of art curated by Jealous Gallery. Book the ‘Biggy’ room (pictured) and you can bring your canine friend, too! thehoxton.com
The Standard London
The Standard London occupies part of the old Camden Town Hall in Kings Cross and Shawn Hausman Design’s Seventies-inspired interiors playfully reflect the building’s Brutalist heritage. Bedrooms feature bright tiles and textiles and original curved windows overlooking St. Pancras. Don’t miss chef Peter Sanches-Iglesias’ unique take in Spanish and Mexican cuisine at Decimo, the 10th floor restaurant, then end the night at Sweeties, the authentically groovy discotheque. standardhotels.com
The Londoner
Occupying an imposing block on the south side of Leicester Square, The Londoner makes its presence felt with its gleaming blue tiled facade – designed by artist Ian Monroe – mirroring the changing light and sky. The location couldn’t be more convenient, with galleries, restaurants and bars galore on the doorstep, but the luxurious interiors are equally compelling. There are 350 bedrooms across 16 floors, but despite its vast scale, cosy spaces and thoughtful design details mean it still has the feel of a boutique hotel. thelondoner.com
The Beaumont
Situated as it is in possibly the world’s most glamorous former car park (a 1926 Art Deco marvel on a quiet Mayfair garden square), The Beaumont offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Oxford Street. New York-based designer Thierry Despont gave the interiors a gentle refresh in 2021, adding Le Magritte Bar for classic cocktails and a dining terrace. For a truly unique stay, book Antony Gormley’s extraordinary sculpture-meets-suite, ‘ROOM’ – a monumental stainless steel cuboid sculpture that dominates the façade of the building. thebeaumont.com
Beaverbrook Town House
While the original Beaverbrook is located in Lord Beaverbrook’s former home in the Surrey Hills, its chic city sibling, which opened on Sloane Street in 2021, channels the press baron’s London lifestyle. Nicola Harding designed the interiors, which play with rich jewel tones, opulent fabrics and lacquered wood to create a cosy yet glamorous cocooning effect. If the bedrooms aren’t spoiling enough, the Fuji Grill Japanese restaurant and Sir Frank’s cocktail bar will make it very hard to leave. beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk
Redchurch Townhouse
Part of the Soho House group, Redchurch Townhouse is right in the heart of the Shoreditch buzz. Bedrooms are inspired by design from the 1950s to 70s (velvet sofas, vintage chandeliers, brass mirrors) while downstairs, Cecconi’s restaurant excels in northern Italian favourites, including spaghetti lobster. Note the hotel’s art – the walls are decorated with 40 paintings by east London-based artists, all under 40. redchurchtownhouse.com
Sea Containers London
Situated on the edge of the Thames, Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio is behind the memorable interior at Sea Containers London, named after the shipping company that once had an office in American architect Warren Platner’s 1970s building. You can sense the maritime history from the moment you are greeted at the vast copper-clad reception desk. seacontainerslondon.com
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