London’s 25 Best Character Hotels (2025)

London is a city of contrasts—regal yet trendy, historic yet forward-thinking. Its rich character shines through in a wealth of unique hotels, from grand old dames to stylish boutiques and affordable gems brimming with charm. Our experts have curated the best, selecting hotels for their design, service, and location. Whether you’re seeking classic elegance, modern flair, or something delightfully quirky, London has a stay to match. Explore our hand-picked collection and find the perfect base for your next unforgettable city break.

For grandeur

• An Art-Deco icon in Mayfair, Claridge's marries historic grandeur with modern finesse. Its lobby dazzles with marble floors and mirrored walls, while suites showcase timeless elegance. Michelin-starred dining, refined bars, and meticulous service make it a magnet for those seeking London luxury with enduring character.
• The Goring Hotel- This family-run gem exudes quintessential English charm. Thoughtful gardens, polished rooms, and a celebrated breakfast create a warm, intimate retreat. Attentive long-serving staff ensure every stay feels personal. A storied hideaway in Belgravia, The Goring quietly combines tradition, discretion, and enduring hospitality, making it uniquely London.
• A pillar of Mayfair sophistication, The Connaught Hotel balances classic refinement with contemporary touches. Light-filled rooms feature elegant detailing, while its restaurants and bars serve world-class cuisine and cocktails. Every corner reflects British craftsmanship, offering a serene, stylish escape in the heart of London’s most prestigious district.
• Set in the The City, The Ned channels historic opulence with Art-Deco flair. Expansive interiors house multiple restaurants and bars, while the rooftop offers stunning skyline views. Its mix of old-world architecture and lively social spaces makes it perfect for those wanting grandeur and energy in equal measure.

For a boutique stay

• Broadwick Soho- Disco-meets-maximalism in this vibrant Soho hotspot. Murano glass chandeliers, cork walls, chainmail curtains, and bold prints create a visually striking interior. The restaurant serves inventive dishes, while the rooftop bar and buzzing ground floor make it a lively, stylish spot for cocktails and city views.
• The Zetter Townhouse is a playful, intimate escape tucked in Clerkenwell. Wooden four-poster beds draped in Union Jack linens sit alongside bright modern art, quirky vintage furniture, and cosy nooks. With its eclectic personality and warm, homely vibe, it’s perfect for a characterful city stay that feels entirely unique.
• Henry's Townhouse- This Georgian townhouse offers six rooms steeped in history and charm, once home to Jane Austen’s brother. Period antiques meet eccentric modern touches, while the lounge and dining room provide a cosy setting for private chef dinners or relaxed evenings. Quiet, elegant, and deeply characterful.

For luxury

• The Pelham London is a South Kensington townhouse that exudes timeless charm, with rooms and suites full of intriguing objets and country house-inspired decor. Unwind in the cosy library or drawing-room, then savour authentic Italian dishes at La Trattoria, making it a refined retreat with a personal, lived-in feel.
• Hidden in Knightsbridge, The Franklin London is a discreet gem for those who value elegance with privacy. Rooms and suites feature sumptuous silks, velvets, Frette linens, and marble bathrooms. Guests can stroll through a serene private garden before enjoying refined Italian cuisine on-site.
• Set in a leafy Regency townhouse, Dorset Square Hotel offers 38 individually styled rooms brimming with quirky charm and English country house warmth. Fabrics, patterns, and furnishings delight at every turn, while the on-site restaurant and bar deliver polished dining in an intimate setting.
• Beaverbrook Townhouse on Sloane Street is bursting with character, from jewel-toned rooms to mismatched fabrics and country house flair. The striking reception area and lively bar create a vibrant social hub, making this boutique hideaway both stylish and irresistibly inviting.

For the West End

• Tucked away on a tranquil Mayfair cul-de-sac, The Stafford exudes Edwardian charm with warm wood panelling, classic furnishings, and understated elegance. Its traditional interiors feel inviting rather than formal, while the bar, cigar lounge, and refined rooms create a quietly luxurious retreat in the heart of London.
• Above Soho’s vibrant streets, Hazlitt's offers Georgian grandeur in a serene setting. Each of its 27 rooms tells a unique story, filled with period features, antique furnishings, and charming details. The intimate, artful interiors make it a standout for those who value character, history, and a personal touch in a boutique hotel.
• Once an Edwardian mansion, The Twenty Two now showcases plush Art-Deco suites, marble baths, and moody, intimate lighting. Alongside its restaurant and private members’ club, it offers a refined Mayfair escape with stylish rooms and a sense of occasion, ideal for memorable city stays or special evenings out.

For an art hotel

• Artist Residence London- This London spot feels like a private home with personality. Rooms showcase exposed brick, bold pop-art, and reclaimed wood accents, while bathrooms have a warm, sauna-like vibe. The neon-lit cafe/bar serves all day, making it a vibrant hub for socialising or a relaxed extended stay.

For a pub

• Nestled in lively Farringdon, Fox & Anchor offers a handful of moody, individually styled rooms with deep tones, freestanding baths, and striking artworks. Its restaurant serves hearty gastropub dishes paired with a curated selection of ales, making it a stylish spot for a characterful London stay.

For West London

• The Portobello- Shabby-chic boho charm radiates through every corner of this Notting Hill hideaway. Eclectic furnishings nod to its 70s musician crowd, while cosy rooms offer round-the-clock room service—perfect for late-night cravings. Its intimate vibe and quirky details make it a true London character bolthole.
• Step into Kensington’s historic retreat, The Gore Hotel, Starhotels Collezione, where antiques, prints, and paintings fill every room. Since the late 1800s, it’s been a discreet star favourite. Each suite tells its own story, favouring timeless elegance and atmosphere over modern gadgetry, creating a quietly luxurious experience steeped in history.
• Set in Richmond, The Petersham delivers a countryside escape within London’s reach. Views over the Thames and proximity to Richmond Park, Kew Gardens, and Ham House bring calm and beauty to every stay. Traditional interiors, light-filled rooms, and serene gardens make it a peaceful West London gem.
• Bright, playful, and effortlessly stylish, Ruby Zoe sits steps from Portobello Road Market. Sip cocktails on the rooftop, enjoy vibrant breakfast spreads, and soak up the neighbourhood buzz. Its lively interiors and social spaces make it ideal for those who like their London stays full of personality.

For the location

• Step into three 18th-century townhouses transformed into a Georgian gem at The Rookery. Period details abound—roll-top baths, copper plumbing, flagstone floors, and traditional shutters—offering an authentic historic stay right in the heart of the City of London. Perfect for history lovers who want charm and character under one roof.
• Batty Langley's- This stylish newcomer brings 18th-century elegance to the City with 29 individually decorated rooms featuring classic antiques and rich period touches. A quiet courtyard offers a rare slice of calm in central London, making it ideal for guests who appreciate design, comfort, and a little outdoor escape.
• Set near Sloane Street and South Kensington museums, 11 Cadogan Gardens pairs traditional decor with a modern edge. Think brocade fabrics, Murano chandeliers, and intimate, thoughtfully styled rooms. It’s a refined base for shopping sprees or cultural days out, wrapped in timeless elegance.

For great value

• Set in a converted Victorian townhouse in lively Earls Court, Twenty Nevern Square is a 20-room hotel that surprises with spacious interiors and an Asian-influenced colonial style. The bright bar, featuring exposed ceilings and a vast skylight, invites lingering afternoons or evening drinks. Guests also enjoy a hearty Continental Breakfast to start the day, all at very reasonable rates.
• Bursting with playful Mexican-inspired colours, Church Street Hotel sits on a lively, slightly offbeat street. Its quirky interiors and cheerful detailing give it a real personality, perfect for explorers who enjoy hopping on public transport. A short compromise on location rewards visitors with character, fun, affordability and an authentic London vibe.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in London,
• Consider one of London’s best boutique hotels or one of our top cosy London boltholes,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.