The Hotel Guru
16 Quirky and Unusual Hotels in London

16 Quirky and Unusual Hotels in London

A collection of the zaniest, wildest, trendiest and most colourful hotels and boutiques in the sprawling great capital of the United Kingdom, London. Featuring everything from chic art hotels for those on a budget, to classically styled hotels based on a boat bobbing on the Thames. Ideal for couples looking for a memorable break in the Big Smoke or travelling businessmen seeking something a bit more idiosyncratic than your bog-standard corporate chain. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next city break?

For a boutique

40 Winks is wild and beautiful, furnished like the home of an eccentric time traveller: fading Japanese samurai-era artworks hang in rooms aglow with fluorescent magenta lighting. The hallways are adorned with statues, the rooms with black velvet sofas and the walls are covered with floral patterns seemingly plucked from a Minoan fresco. Strange, exciting and quite sexy — it's perfect for couples on a getaway.
Zetter Townhouse is an intimate boutique with eclectic vintage decor. Expect wooden four-poster beds draped in the Union Jack offset by walls adorned with bright splashes of modern art; it makes for a fun place to enjoy a romantic break.
The Exhibitionist Hotel is a hip luxury boutique with fabulous quirky design in high-end South Kensington. A range of rooms and suites are uniquely styled with sculptures, artworks, velvet fabrics, and plush headboards. With a lively cocktail bar and restaurant — this is a trendy base.

For luxury

Ampersand Hotel is a five-star boutique located in upmarket South Kensington. Rooms are designed with a mix of modern elegance and whimsical charm. Expect throne-like velvet bedheads, dove-grey carpets and bold feature wallpapers. The restaurant Apero offer fresh Mediterranean cuisine and The Drawing Rooms serve wonderful traditional afternoon tea. A fun, yet luxurious, British stay.
Courthouse Hotel is a stylish five star set in a converted Magistrates Court and police station. The building's converted cells (where the Kray twins were held) and court spaces give this property a unique and historic spin. However, interiors are seriously stylish and there are excellent facilities including a wellness centre, indoor pool, cinema, and bowling alley.

For an art hotel

The newest of the Dutch budget hotel chain, citizenM Shoreditch, has interiors adorned like any of the many hip designer shops of Shoreditch: shelves are stacked with cute objets d'art and anime-inspired toys, and sofas are crammed with cushions emblazoned with the iconic red lolling tongue of the Rolling Stones and Marvel superheroes. Conversely rooms are simple, bright, and minimalist boasting wall-to-wall beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and an iPad to control mood lighting, temperature and the TV. Trendy, modern and colourful, citizenM is so Shoreditch.
A hymn to the London music scene, The Megaro Hotel stands distinct in Kings Cross because of its colourful exterior facade. The underground bar has popcorn and jellybeans on tap and it doubles up as a music venue, plus there's a steam-punk-style double-storey eatery serving the best of British cuisine. With rooms inspired by various historic London music scenes. A good choice for those on a lively city break.
Artist Residence London has a homely lived-in feel. Rooms feature exposed brick walls adorned with Warhol-esque pop art, desk lamps standing on old wooden crates and wood-panelled bathrooms that resemble Alpine saunas. A neon-lit café/bar opens from breakfast till late. It's a cool and colourful place, perfect for longer stays.

For hip design

Mama Shelter London is a chic design hotel in London's hip Shoreditch area. Dion & Arles designed rooms are minimalist, comfortable, and each boasts high-end tech. There's a lively restaurant and terrace bar plus fun additions such as a karaoke room. Modern living, styled with the young in mind.

For a budget stay

You needn't take a plane to Mexico when you could just stay a few nights in the Church Street Hotel — a patch of Mexico nestling amidst the bustling streets of Camberwell. With top-of-the-range tapas served in the wood-panelled restaurant and high-end cocktails served at the blue-and-white-tiled bar, the interiors are of a strikingly Latin nature, while the rooms, simple, elegant and colourful, make this one of the best value quirky hotels in London.

For period design

Hazlitt's is in the heart of the West End, surrounded by a selection of quality bars and high-end restaurants. A gorgeous Georgian townhouse near the shopper's paradise of Oxford Street and the historic landmark of Trafalgar Square, the elegant wood-panelled rooms are ideal for a romantic weekend away or a honeymoon.
Stepping into The Rookery feels a lot like stepping into a time warp. An 18th-century townhouse in hip and trendy Clerkenwell, it is draped in so much period charm it could've been stolen from the set of Downtown Abbey. The rooms are crammed full of antiques and boast roll top baths, four-poster beds, and regal red curtains. A grand stay.
Once the home of the poet Edward Lear, Zetter Townhouse in Marleybone is the newest addition to Zetter's London collection. With period wooden four-poster beds, individually designed rooms adorned with objets d'art, curios and antiques, this chic and elegant boutique is famed for its cocktails, luxurious drapes and beds, and sumptuous cuisine.
Batty Langley's is a beautifully converted 18th-century townhouse in the effortlessly cool Spitalfields district. It features plushly furnished rooms adorned with oil paintings, baths with brass taps, and busts of Greco-Roman gods. There's also a library overspilling with beautiful old books and comfy chairs and a marbled entrance lined with works of classical art.

For a floating hotel

Moored on the Thames and just a stone's throw from Canary Wharf, Sunborn Yacht Hotel conveys a sense of Old World glamour. The entrance is breathtaking with a great glass stairwell and a ceiling crowned with a golden chandelier. The light-filled rooms — or cabins — are plush, classical and snug, with cream-white walls adorned with nautical paintings. If you're after a dreamy, elegant and romantic escape pad, climb aboard!
Opposingly, Good Hotel offers a more contemporary experience. This trendy floating hotel offers both a chic city pad and the opportunity to give back. A social enterprise that originated in Amsterdam and is now set up in London's Victoria Docks. Expect industrial contemporary cool style, a great restaurant, fantastic and friendly staff and a lively rooftop bar. Ideal for the young and hip.

Still not sure?

Check out our collection of 10 Unusual UK hotels
or great value London hotels
or contact one of our Gurus for advice.
- 40 Winks London (Stepney Green) 2 rooms from £195
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Easy access via underground to sights like the London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
  Hideaway  -  Tranquil and intimate.
  Full of character
  Restrictions on children
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  This original micro boutique hotel, set in a 300-year old Georgian townhouse, offers a truly unique experience for those with an appetite for something refreshingly different. Reservations are essential. Definitely not for the faint-hearted. Couples and singletons only. See More
  
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- The Zetter Townhouse London 13 rooms from £246
  
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  Restaurant  -  Guests can dine in the main hotel's top restaurant across the road.
  Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection
  
  Intimate boutique townhouse offshoot of the modernist Zetter, with quirky and eclectic vintage decor and just 13 rooms. See More
  
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- CitizenM Shoreditch London (Hackney) 216 rooms from £129
  
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  Local exploring  -  Ideally located for exploring London's trendy East End and great transport links to the rest of the city.
  Sights nearby  -  Walking distance from Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane.
  Restaurant  -  Open for food 24hours per day
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  
  CitizenM's East London outpost in trendy Shoreditch. You'll find the usual "luxe for less": large comfy beds, stylish designer furniture, contemporary artworks and generally trendy vibe in the friendly and lively lounge/bar/restaurant area. Excellent value in a truly hipster part of town. See More
  
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- The Megaro London 54 rooms from £150
  
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  City Style  -  Ideal base for city slickers and holidayers alike, close to trains and the City as well as to sights and dining options
  Business Hotel
  Sights nearby  -  The Wellcome Collection & British Museum are nearby; it's also worth visiting Granary Square's mesmerising light-fountain
  Great walks  -  You'll find this exciting borough great to explore by foot, heading to Caledonian Road and on to the buzz of Camden
  
  Standing out from the crowd with its distinctive mural façade, the ethos of this family-run King’s Cross hotel is to offer a departure from typical corporate hospitality and welcome a more whimsical approach for guests. Ideally located for business people and those who like a properly urban base. See More
  
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- Artist Residence London London 10 rooms from £255
  
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  Great walks  -  Through nearby Hyde Park, London's largest park, where one can go horse riding, boating, cycling and picnicing.
  Sights nearby  -  The London Eye, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and St Paul's Cathedral are all within easy reach.
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Regency property from the outside; full of fun, character and modern art inside. Individually decorated rooms and bathrooms are of a good size. Popular restaurant ‘The Clubhouse' and just a short walk from Victoria. A design lover’s dream! See More
  
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- Church Street Hotel London 31 rooms from £90
  
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  City Style  -  A totally unqiue experience with quirky and meticulously thoughtout design, bold colours and unique charm.
  Value chic  -  Excellent value for money- top quality service, decor, cuisine and vibes for a reasonable price tag.
  Local markets  -  Borough Market on the weekend is a fantastic food heaven with stalls from all over Europe and places to catch a quick bite.
  Great walks  -  South London is full of parks, walk ways and beautiful buildings full of history.
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Fodors, Good Hotel Guide
  
  This wonderfully vibrant Mexican themed hotel is a shining light in Camberwell. Bright, cheerful rooms are full of character and thoughtful touches. Make sure you sample the to die for tapas, as well as the knockout cocktails in the Havana Lounge. A new wave of affordable and stylish hotels. See More
  
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- Hazlitt's London (Soho Square) 27 rooms from £209
  
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  Full of character
  Lively area - In the thick of the action.
  Traditional
  Boutique
  Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide
  
  This charming Georgian boutique hotel is full of character and literary associations. Since 1718 Hazlitt's has been in the thick of it on vibrant Frith Street in the heart of Soho. Elegant wood-panelled rooms are the perfect base, relax with a book or explore the city. See More
  
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- The Rookery London (Cowcross Street) 33 rooms from £282
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Barbican is a cultural hub worth checking out for performances, screenings and more.
  Full of character
  Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
  Boutique
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet
  
  Fashionable Clerkenwell is home to this intimate, period charm City bolthole which prides itself on homely atmosphere across three 18th Century houses. Rooms are full of character, classic antiques, open fires and roll top baths. Breakfast in bed or in the garden is the perfect way to start the day. See More
  
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- Courthouse Hotel London (335–337 Old Street,) 128 rooms from £279
  
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  5* Luxury  -  Well considered extras including a bowling alley, cinema rooms, wellness area, and indoor pool ensure true indulgence
  City Style  -  With stand-out contemporary design, a hip East London position, and a noteworthy bar — this is a very stylish stay
  Restaurant  -  A wood-pannelled restaurant serves British classics produced with real finesse
  Local markets  -  Scour the vintage stores and market stands in Brick Lane
  
  A hip luxury hotel in a converted Magistrates Court & police station in Shoreditch. Interiors seamlessly merge the building's grand original features with period furniture and sleek modern style. With superb facilities including a cinema, bar, bowling alley, & indoor pool — this is a stylish stay. See More
  
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- Zetter Townhouse Marylebone London (Westminster) 24 rooms from £246
  
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  Local exploring  -  Great location with easy access to the best of London's attractions
  Sights nearby  -  Close to London's West End
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  The newest addition to Zetter's growing collection, whose ethos is great cocktails, delicious food and a super-comfy bed! In the Marylebone outpost you'll find individually designed bedrooms with an eclectic mix of antique furniture and curios, huge beds, luxurious drapes and deluxe bathrooms. See More
  
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- Batty Langley's London 29 rooms from £170
  
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  Sights nearby - The property is minutes from Liverpool St so there's easy access to all of London's highlights.
  Local markets - Old Spitalfields market is just round the corner
  Full of character
  Opulent
  
  Opulent, sumptuous and quirky converted 18th-century townhouse in the trendy Spitalfields district. Gorgeous over-the-top rooms and suites offer stunning traditional interiors and equally impressive bathrooms. A romantic bolthole in the city of London perfect for a cosy getaway! See More
  
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- Sunborn London Yacht Hotel London (Western Gateway) 135 rooms from £127
  
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  Short break  -  Located just 15 minutes away from London City Airport
  Local exploring  -  Spend your days seeing all that London has to offer
  Local markets  -  Camden Market and London Bridge Borough Market are both well worth a visit
  Great walks  -  Wander all over this bustling city's streets getting a feel for the place
  
  Sunborn Yacht Hotel is moored on the Thames, just a short distance from Canary Wharf. This super-yacht hotel boasts smart, classically-styled rooms as well as a restaurant and a spa. Perfect for those who fancy something different! See More
  
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- Good Hotel London (Royal Victoria Dock) 148 rooms from £82
  
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  City Style  -  A chic industrial style hotel, complete with buzzy rooftop bar and Thames views.
  Local markets  -  Wake early and visit the bustling Bilingsgate fish market.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  
  A trendy floating hotel offering both a chic city pad and the opportunity to give back. A social enterprise that originated in Amsterdam and is now set up in London's Victoria Docks. Expect industrial contemporary cool style, great restaurant, fantastic and friendly staff and a lively rooftop bar. See More
  
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- The Ampersand Hotel London 111 rooms from £234
  
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  Great walks  -  Both Hyde Park and the Royal Kensington Gardens are nearby for great walks
  Sights nearby  -  The Ampersand is well placed for a visit to the iconic Albert Hall
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels, Good Hotel Guide, Tablet
  
  An impressive, elegant hotel in the heart of South Kensington. Rooms are individually designed, and themed bold wallpapers reflect the museums which are close by. In-house restaurant Apero offer fresh Mediterranean cuisine and The Drawing Rooms serve wonderful traditional afternoon tea. See More
  
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- Mama Shelter London London (Tower Hamlets) 194 rooms from £172
  
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  Families  -  The larger rooms at this hotel are great for families travelling with children; kids love the hotel's colourful interiors
  Local exploring  -  With great transport links into the city centre, this hotel makes the perfect base for exploring the capital
  City Style  -  With quirky rooms set in the heart of London's east end, this hotel has reams of local London style
  Local markets  -  Head to the nearby markets on Brick Lane to find unusual souvenirs and to sample great food from across the world
  
  Nestled in the heart of East London, this chic hotel offers guests a friendly home-away-from-home. The eclectic and colourful guestrooms have quirky soft furnishings and a cosy seating area, in addition to luxury bedding. Sample cocktails in the hotel bar; a smart hotel. See More
  
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- The Exhibitionist Hotel London (South Kensington) 37 rooms from £189
  
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  Local exploring  -  Well located in South Kensington within walking distance of the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and Harrods
  Romantic Break  -  Pick one of the sexy Splash Suites with moody design and enormous hot tubs — perfect for a romantic hideaway
  City Style  -  A hip art hotel with truly quirky (yet luxurious) design
  Private Hot Tub  -  Squint Splash Suite Room and the Drop Dead Gorgeous Splash Suite have spacious hot tubs in their bathrooms
  
  A quirky luxury hotel located in upmarket South Kensington. A range of doubles and suites are all individually styled with bold design; think plush headboards, velvet fabrics, sculptures, & modern artwork. The best have terraces and hot tubs. With a cocktail bar and restaurant, this is a hip stay. See More
  
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