In a city filled with thousands of hotels and overwhelming choice, it takes a special kind of property to stand out. Forget run of the mill luxury here – we’re talking truly unusual hotels, drenched in character, that offer an experience beyond the norm and make for some of the most unique places to stay in London.
From incredibly designed Instagrammable hotels and boutique boltholes with tonnes of unique features, to luxury hotels filled with English eccentricity and some incredible hotel baths, these are the weirdest, most wonderful places to stay in London.
Mama Shelter
Shoreditch’s Mama Shelter has done what no other hotel in the area has achieved and created a space that feels more like one big, chic, eccentric house – perfect for both work and play. With dazzling interiors, it’s home to a garden bar, a restaurant full of homemade dishes to share, and plenty of co-working space and high speed WiFi. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or not, it’s an ideal option for working in the city in the coolest of surroundings.
But the quirkiest thing about this trendy hotel is the fact is its two private karaoke rooms, perfect for belting out some tunes, and making it one of the most fun hotels in London.
WHERE: 437 HACKNEY RD, LONDON E2 8PP
WEBSITE: WWW.MAMASHELTER.COM
Chateau Denmark
Channelling the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of Denmark Street into a creative, indulgent hotel haven, Chateau Denmark celebrates music, design, art, and fashion with the most incredible rooms and apartments in Central London. The hotel is spread across 16 characterful buildings on London’s iconic Denmark Street, and the décor is a nod to rock music’s rebellious spirit: think velvet headboards, anaconda themed furnishings, a maxi bar (complete with fully stocked wine fridge), roll top bathtubs and a Void and Artcoustic soundsystem in every room.
Your own personal butler (or BTLR) is also on hand to make sure you’ll want for nothing, and the hotel bar Thirteen, is Soho’s newest hidden gem. With soundproof rooms and an atmosphere where back-to-mine partying is actively encouraged, it’s the ultimate city staycation for music lovers.
WHERE: DENMARK ST, LONDON WC2H 0LA
WEBSITE: WWW.CHATEAUDENMARK.COM
Art’otel London Battersea Power Station
Fancy a ringside seat to the Power Station? Look no further than Art’otel, the new Battersea development’s first hotel. The clue is in the name with this one – Art’otel is all about the art, with imaginative interiors and sculptures designed by Jaime Hayon, whose work will be displayed on rotation. Henrique Sa Pessoa is the chef at the helm of restaurant Joia (also behind Lisbon’s two-Michelin-star Alma), with pink and sage interiors and pink velvet banquettes and bucket chairs.
The hotel highlight that makes this stay even more unique? Hotel guests also have access to the rooftop infinity pool, with sweeping views of the Power Station.
WHERE: 1 ELECTRIC BOULEVARD, NINE ELMS, LONDON SW11 8BJ
WEBSITE: WWW.ARTOTELLONDONBATTERSEA.COM
Ruby Lucy
With its artsy industrial style, chic open-plan lounge space and jewel-toned seating, the character of the Ruby Lucy is a dream stay for the city-goer who doesn’t want to break the bank.
Stay in style on the South Bank with “lean luxury” at an affordable price, where rooms have all the amenities and a sprinkling of carnival magic: think juggling pins and circus drums, as well as swing seating in the bar.
WHERE: LOWER MARSH, LONDON SE1 7RA
WEBSITE: WWW.RUBY-HOTELS.COM
The Ned
One of London’s most wow-inducing hotels set in a former bank HQ in the City, The Ned was designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens in 1924, and comes complete with original features like the bank vault on the lower ground level. Drenched in grandeur, the décor is original and bold, with eclectic touches and nods to the 20s and 30s.
It’s also a private members club, so you’ll feel that ‘exclusive stay’ vibe from the get-go, and foodies will rejoice with an incredible number of restaurants under one roof. You’ll find the likes of Asian-Pacific Kaia, Lutyens Grill, Malibu Kitchen, Electric Diner, as well as classic Italian cuisine at Cecconi’s. Afterwards, take a seat by the Nickel Bar – one of the most glamorous places in the city to enjoy some live music. As a hotel guest, you’ll also get access to The Ned’s incredible spa.
WHERE: 27 POULTRY, LONDON EC2R 8AJ
WEBSITE: WWW.THENED.COM
The Standard
A favourite hotel amongst Londoners, The Standard’s vibrant, playful interiors and unique design make the perfect bold colour scheme for an unusual city stay. Bathrooms feature stripy black-and-pink tiled walls, hip guest rooms boast Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speakers, and some suites even have their own terraces, complete with outdoor bathtubs that overlook St Pancras train station.
The exterior alone is as quirky as can be, with a red, bubble-like elevator scaling up and down the building, designed as a nod to London buses, and throughout the hotel you’ll find a host of unique drinking and dining experiences, including a library bar, a beautiful Spanish and Mexican restaurant, and a studio that hosts regular live music and podcasts.
WHERE: 10 ARGYLE ST, LONDON WC1H 8EG
WEBSITE: WWW.STANDARDHOTELS.COM
Holmes Hotel
By far one of London’s most unique hotels when it comes to décor, Marylebone’s Holmes Hotel is a boutique hotel with design inspired by Baker Street’s most famous resident, Sherlock Holmes.
Spread across the four Georgian houses, expect record players in the rooms, bowler hats, book excerpts and magnifying glasses over the beds, cocktails served in pipes, and “Piggy Doyle’s” – the best-looking gym we’ve ever seen.
WHERE: 83 CHILTERN ST, LONDON W1U 6NF
WEBSITE: WWW.HOLMESHOTEL.COM
The Mandrake
Promising a unique, immersive and unforgettable experience, luxurious hotels in London don’t come much more weirdly wonderful than the stunning Mandrake. Creativity runs through the hotel’s walls, with surrealist sculptures, striking art and gothic chandeliers being just some of the unique touches you can expect. Don’t miss your chance to sip a cocktail on the hotel’s incredible terrace either, draped in a three-story canopy of hanging plants.
The Fitzrovia haunt has become the place to go for ethnobotanical cocktails, and a South American feast in restaurant YOPO, but it’s also a thriving cultural hub, with a regular schedule of performances, events and workshops to get involved in – from live music and Sunday morning yoga, to sound healing and oracle card reading.
With just 34 rooms and 3 suites and a jaw-dropping penthouse, you’ll want to book well in advance.
WHERE: 20-21 NEWMAN ST, LONDON W1T 1PG
WEBSITE: WWW.THEMANDRAKE.COM
nhow London
nhow London is by far one of London’s most original hotels when it comes to décor. Expect a giant Big Ben rocket, a London Underground themed gym, a striking LED fireplace, and pop-art – just a few of the hotel’s attention-grabbing design details.
The space is bright and creative, the perfect spot for snaps with an eye-catching background, or a day of inspirational coworking from their colourful lobby.
WHERE: 2 MACCLESFIELD RD, LONDON EC1V 8DG
WEBSITE: WWW.NHOW-HOTELS.COM
The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell
From a lavish cocktail lounge where no surface has been left undecorated with trinkets, to drinks inspired by herbal remedies, made behind an apothecary-style bar, a stay at Aunt Wilhelmina’s townhouse is a unique affair, full of English eccentricities.
When it comes to the rooms, you couldn’t be anywhere but the U.K: expect Union Jack flags over the beds and a little more discreetly, in the colours chosen for the bedding.
WHERE: 49-50 ST JOHN’S SQ, LONDON EC1V 4JJ
WEBSITE: WWW.THEZETTER.COM
Treehouse Hotel
One of the most unique hotels in London, The Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone not only has super stylish décor, but also stunning views of the London Eye, The Shard, Regent’s Park, and Canary Wharf. When you’re not looking out the window, you’ll be taking notes on how to make your interiors just as Insta-worthy as its hip rooftop oasis, from retro-inspired wicker furniture to hanging botanicals.
Located near the iconic BBC Broadcasting House and a short walk from Regent Street and Bond Street, it’s in a brilliant location in the heart of London – but with interiors like that you’ll never want to leave.
WHERE: 14-15 LANGHAM PL, LONDON W1B 2QS
WEBSITE: WWW.TREEHOUSEHOTELS.COM
Andaz London Liverpool Street
With what’s quite possibly London’s most instagrammable lobby, step inside Andaz London and take in the graffiti-style artwork adorning the walls, cosy up in the cushioned corners for a photoshoot, and enjoy a sip or two at the lobby bar. It’s the perfect spot for guests who have just got in at Liverpool Street Station and want to be immediately wowed.
Another of our favourite spaces at this hotel is Rake’s Bar – inspired by classical architecture and a sprinkling of modern East London style.
WHERE: 40 LIVERPOOL ST, LONDON EC2M 7QN
WEBSITE: WWW.HYATT.COM
Batty Langley’s
Live like royalty at Batty Langley’s, a unique hotel (with an even more unique name) that’s armed with interiors to transport you to another time.
Book in for a night in the Earl Of Bolingbroke Suite, relax on the huge, sunny terrace with views to the Olympic Park, and soak in the antique marble bath, before getting cosy in the enormous canopy bed that was built for a bishop.
WHERE: 12 FOLGATE ST, LONDON E1 6BX
WEBSITE: WWW.BATTYLANGLEYS.COM
By The Handbook
Mama Shelter
Chateau Denmark
Art’otel London Battersea Power Station
Ruby Lucy
The Ned
The Standard
Holmes Hotel
The Mandrake
nhow London
The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell
Treehouse Hotel
Andaz London Liverpool Street
Batty Langley’s
