A good stay in London includes three things: historical tours, museum visits, a meal that thoroughly disproves the “all they have is fish and chips” theory, and an unforgettable afternoon tea. As travel to the United Kingdom opens and restrictions ease for US travelers, take advantage of these boutique hotel deals in London this summer and fall.
Experience London’s most unique lodging experience at The Good Hotel
Photo: Good Hotel London (Good Hotel London)/Facebook
London may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of destinations for a floating hotel. But the Good Hotel, moored at Royal Victoria Dock, is exactly that. The four-star property is easily the city’s most unique, combining a hip, Instagrammable ambience and style with a do-gooder’s heart. The hotel employs long-term homeless citizens, so you know your money is going to a good cause. This is the kind of hotel that tempts you to stay, with a lobby fit for lounging over the laptop and rooms that make you feel as though you’ve finally secured that luxury cabin quarters on a river cruise. The on-site restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced vegan and vegetarian cuisine and offers a collection of the city’s best craft beers.
We’d be remiss not to mention that we also love this hotel for its convenience, especially its proximity to the tube and all major attractions. The Mediterranean and Italian-inspired restaurant Zero Sette is adjacent to the dock and worthy of a night out. From the dock you can also head to the riverfront and the acclaimed Windjammer Bar, or stop by the Isle of Dogs on your way into the city center.
Price: From $97
Treat yourself to a piece of telephone history at Brown’s Hotel
Photo: Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel/Facebook
Hotels often lose out to home rentals in the “feel like you’re a local” category. Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair is the exception. Comprised of a series of townhomes, Brown’s puts you within walking distance of Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, in an upscale environment that’s as “ Olde London” as it gets. Being a luxury hotel, Brown’s also provides fancy amenities including The Donovan Bar, one of London’s best spots for a Scotch, and top-notch English cuisine at Charlie’s. Don’t miss out on the experience of having an afternoon tea at the hotel. Overall, this is the best hotel in London to treat yourself.
What draws us to Brown’s Hotel, though, is that it’s an unmistakable part of the quintessential London experience. Being so central, you can access everything in the heart of the city, along the Thames, or anywhere accessible via the tube. You can also experience English history at its finest. The hotel was a favorite of Agatha Christie and is the place where Alexander Graham Bell made his first telephone call — in 1877, before having a “phone number” was even a thing.
Price: From $644
Put yourself close to everything at Number Sixteen
Photo: Firmdale Hotels PLC/Facebook
If museums are part of your London itinerary, then the boutique Number Sixteen hotel is a solid lodging choice. Located right in the City Centre neighborhood and walkable to the museums of South Kensington including the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum, Number Sixteen is London’s most conveniently located boutique hotel. Its Victorian charm is the perfect setting for an English breakfast at The Orangery before heading out for a culture-focused outing.
Photo: Firmdale Hotels
We love the hotel’s entire facade. It uses discerning shades of blues, yellows, and pinks to distinguish each room from another. The rooms are cozy and quiet, but retain the historic charm that makes central London one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. And the afternoon tea is absolutely to die for.
Price: From $232 