Best Boutique and Design Hotels in London: Stylish Stays Near the City Center

The Zetter Marylebone offers exceptional hospitality in a charming, quiet location near Oxford Street. Guests praise the spacious rooms with large windows, comfortable beds, and excellent showers. The unique townhouse design creates character throughout. The Parlour bar impresses with creative cocktails, live music, and cozy atmosphere. Staff members like Mercy and Breno provide personalized, attentive service that makes stays memorable.

Reviews provided contain no significant negative feedback about The Zetter Marylebone. Guests only express minor regret about not having enough time to fully enjoy all amenities, such as missing the Thursday evening entertainment in the Parlour. Overall satisfaction appears consistently high across all aspects of the hotel experience.

Visitors praise the quality food with excellent small plates and standout chicken dishes. The bartender provides exceptional service, being attentive and observant throughout the experience. The venue offers an elegant atmosphere with old-world charm and classy decor that creates a refined dining environment.

High prices typical of London dining scene, with afternoon tea costing £45 per person. While the food quality is decent, the overall experience falls short of being truly memorable or exceptional, leaving guests feeling the value doesn't match the premium pricing structure.

Guests praise the hotel's distinctive character, exceptional cocktail bar, and personalized service from attentive staff. The unique room designs featuring vintage furniture and quirky details create memorable stays. Location receives high marks for easy access to shopping, dining, and transport links.

Some guests find rooms smaller than expected and note that vintage charm comes with occasional quirks like older plumbing. The intimate size means limited hotel amenities compared to larger properties. Pricing considered high relative to room size by budget-conscious travelers.

This boutique hotel offers stylish, comfortable rooms with excellent staff service. Located conveniently near train and bus stations. The restaurant serves delicious food and coffee quickly with friendly service. Unique wall art creates great atmosphere for dining or casual visits.

Misleading pet policy advertising caused booking issues. Hotel charged extra fees for dog-friendly rooms despite initial listing suggesting all rooms allowed pets. Management showed poor customer service and inflexibility when addressing the booking error.

Guests love this hotel's relaxing atmosphere and quiet location near Victoria Station. The creative design inspires visitors while comfortable beds with quality linens ensure great rest. Staff provide friendly, personal service. The restaurant serves delicious food including tasty burgers and snacks. Clean rooms have everything needed for a home-away-from-home experience.

Service issues mar some visits. Staff lack menu knowledge and make cocktails poorly, causing 20+ minute delays. Wrong food orders require additional waiting without apologies or bill adjustments. Management responds rudely to complaints about outdated website information. Rooms can feel cold despite thermostat adjustments. Poor attention from servers requires constant flagging down.

Guests praise the unique character and artistic design of individually decorated rooms. Staff receive high marks for friendly, personalized service and excellent local recommendations. The cozy bar and restaurant create a welcoming social atmosphere that encourages mingling with fellow travelers.

Some guests find rooms quite small, particularly standard accommodations in the converted Victorian building. Noise from nearby streets and thin walls between rooms can disturb light sleepers. Limited storage space and narrow staircases present challenges for travelers with large luggage.

Excellent Shoreditch location with stylish interiors and clean, decent-sized rooms. Outstanding rooftop restaurant The Llama Inn serves fantastic dishes and cocktails with dedicated chefs. Exceptional staff service, particularly from reception team members Kwaja and Ioana who provide warm, professional hospitality. Hotel balances work and leisure perfectly with vibrant atmosphere.

Hotel has declined since 2012 with rooms no longer serviced daily unless requested. Restaurant change from bar and grill to Italian cuisine limits dining options. Bar now closes early at 11PM even for guests, eliminating the previously lively evening scene. Rooms could use more luggage storage space. Overall feels like property has lost its original appeal.

Staff receives frequent praise for friendliness and helpfulness, particularly front desk team members. Hotel features modern design with cozy lobby and excellent location near Liverpool station. Rooms offer comfortable beds and clean spaces. Rooftop restaurant Llama Inn provides good dining. Fast laundry service available for extended stays.

Rooms lack proper ventilation and drainage issues plague showers with water not draining properly. Very expensive pricing for basic facilities, with small rooms costing £400+ per night. Housekeeping requires app requests rather than automatic service. Poor value for money given the high costs and maintenance problems.

Guests praise the stylish industrial design, comfortable beds, and excellent location for exploring East London's creative scene. The friendly staff receives frequent mentions for their helpfulness. Many appreciate the complimentary snacks and the vibrant lobby atmosphere.

Some guests report small room sizes typical of London hotels and occasional noise from the busy streets. A few mention limited storage space and higher prices during peak periods. The industrial aesthetic doesn't appeal to all travelers.

Guests praise the fabulous quirky decor and excellent service from helpful, friendly staff. The breakfast receives high marks, and the bar offers quality food and drinks. A hidden movie theater on the lower level delights visitors. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between posh and welcoming.

Service quality varies dramatically, with staff treating non-hotel guests poorly. Unexpected charges for bar snacks caught guests off-guard. Staff ignore customers, remove items without permission, and provide unprofessional service. Multiple incidents suggest inconsistent treatment based on guest status.

Guests praise the prime location with walking distance to tourist spots, restaurants, and theatre district. Staff receives exceptional reviews for friendliness and helpful concierge services. The hotel features beautiful decor, excellent accessibility with ramps and lifts, quality dining including afternoon tea, and surprisingly quiet rooms despite street-facing locations.

Some minor inconveniences include difficulty reaching the hotel via email. Room amenities could be improved with extremely small showers in luxury rooms and missing coffee machines or kettles for early morning convenience. Overall complaints are minimal compared to positive experiences.

Guests praise the exceptional personalized service and attention to detail from staff members. The unique artistic decor and individually designed rooms receive frequent compliments. The central location offers convenient access to shopping and attractions while remaining quiet. The Oscar restaurant earns praise for quality dining.

Some guests find rooms smaller than expected for the price point. Occasional noise from the restaurant can disturb lower floor rooms. The artistic decor style may not appeal to travelers preferring traditional hotel aesthetics. Limited parking availability creates inconvenience for guests with vehicles.

The Henrietta Hotel offers exceptional service with friendly, caring staff in London's vibrant Covent Garden. This intimate 18-room boutique property features stylish decor, comfortable beds, and a standout restaurant with creative food and excellent cocktails. The prime location puts guests steps from theaters, restaurants, pubs, and major attractions.

Guests report billing issues including double charges and poor customer service resolution. The new building suffers from street noise every few minutes from Covent Garden crowds. Bathrooms lack heating with lukewarm water, and breakfast portions are insufficient. Some rooms are smaller than advertised with booking system glitches.

Hotel Henrietta offers excellent location steps from Covent Garden Piazza, theaters, restaurants and shops. Guests praise comfortable beds, divine rain showers, large soft towels, and outstanding staff service. The quirky, beautifully furnished property provides quiet rooms despite street location. Pre-theater dinners receive high marks.

Superior rooms appear much smaller than online photos suggest. Some guests experienced unmade rooms upon arrival, surface-level cleaning with leftover hair and stained towels. The second building has tiny elevators and unreliable key service. Staff communication issues led to billing errors for complimentary drinks.

Guests praise the exceptional location within walking distance of theaters and attractions. The stylish rooms receive high marks for comfort and unique design elements. Staff members are consistently described as helpful and professional. Many appreciate the quiet atmosphere despite the central location.

Some guests find rooms smaller than expected for the price point. Limited storage space and narrow staircases in the historic building can be challenging. A few reviews mention noise from nearby streets during peak hours. Breakfast options are sometimes described as limited.

Hazlitt's Hotel offers a magical step back in time with antique charm and old-world elegance. The staff provides exceptional service, going above and beyond to help guests. Located perfectly in Soho's heart, it's surrounded by restaurants and shops while staying quiet inside. Honest bars, room service breakfast, and romantic suites create a home-away-from-home feeling.

Some rooms lack basic amenities like showers, which creates inconvenience for guests. Certain rooms have structural issues including floors on a lean. Room assignments may require changes to get proper facilities. These maintenance and design problems can disrupt what should be a seamless hotel experience.

Quirky Georgian-style rooms create an authentic old English manor experience. Superb location in Soho, five minutes from Oxford Street and perfect for West End shows. Staff are delightful and helpful with directions. Excellent room-service breakfast served on trays with flowers. Comfortable beds with soft pillows and bedding. Library and honesty bars add character.

Reception area feels dated and neglected rather than charming. Some rooms have severely slanted floors, stained carpeting, and cigarette odors. Very dark rooms with thin windows that don't block street noise from busy Soho nightlife. Missing basic amenities like proper bathroom mirrors. Double doors are inconvenient. High price point for the condition.

Guests praise the unique character and historical atmosphere. Many love the antique furnishings and individually decorated rooms. The central Soho location receives excellent ratings for walkability to attractions. Staff service gets consistent praise for being helpful and knowledgeable.

Some guests find rooms quite small by modern standards. Noise from busy Frith Street can be an issue for light sleepers. A few mention that bathrooms feel cramped. The historic building means no elevator, which challenges guests with mobility issues.

The Z Hotel Piccadilly offers exceptional value in central London's prime location near Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Guests praise the modern, clean rooms with comfortable beds and excellent showers. Staff provide outstanding service with genuine care. The complimentary evening wine and cheese creates a welcoming atmosphere. Despite compact rooms, the clever design maximizes space efficiently.

Rooms are extremely small with limited space for movement. Some budget-level issues include broken window blinds and poor hairdryers. The compact size means minimal facilities compared to larger hotels. Ground floor rooms may lack privacy despite being surprisingly quiet for central London location.

Excellent central London location perfect for theatre and shopping. Staff are friendly and accommodating. Rooms are small but comfortable with good beds and basic amenities like tea/coffee facilities. Great value for money in an expensive city. Good water pressure and hot showers on first floor.

Rooms are very small and many have no windows, which can feel claustrophobic. Shower floors can be gross and spongy. Toilets have weak flush and clog easily. Basic accommodations with minimal amenities - you get what you pay for at this budget price point.

Guests consistently praise the unbeatable central location and modern, clean rooms. Staff receives high marks for friendliness and efficiency. Many appreciate the comfortable beds, excellent shower pressure, and thoughtful design details that maximize small spaces.

Room size generates the most complaints, with many guests finding spaces cramped for luggage storage. Some report noise issues from busy streets and thin walls. Limited breakfast options and higher prices for food and drinks also draw criticism.

The Ned offers an exceptional Sunday Feast buffet with outstanding seafood, roasts, and desserts that's constantly replenished. Staff provide attentive, friendly service in a stunning 1920s building with beautiful interiors. The hotel rooms feature quality period furniture and modern amenities. Multiple dining options and lively evening atmosphere with live jazz create a grand experience worth the premium price.

At £110 per person, the Sunday Feast comes with a hefty price tag that's only suitable for special occasions. The 2-hour time limit is strictly enforced, with pushy hosts rushing guests to leave even when still eating dessert, which significantly impacts the dining experience and creates unwelcome pressure during what should be a leisurely meal.

The Ned Feast offers a unique dining experience with live music and friendly staff. Food quality is generally fresh and tasty, with attentive waiters keeping plates cleared and glasses topped up. The venue provides a good selection of buffet items, all perfectly cooked. Great for special occasions with beautiful location.

Extremely overpriced at £110 per head for average buffet food. Long queues detract from exclusivity. Poor hygiene issues including fruit flies and questionable water quality. Inconsistent service with some staff being inattentive or hard to understand. Limited food variety and lacks proper condiments.

Guests praise the stunning architecture and impressive banking hall conversion. The rooftop pool and bar receive excellent ratings for atmosphere and city views. Service quality consistently impresses visitors with attentive staff throughout the property.

Some guests find rooms smaller than expected for the price point. Noise from busy streets and club activities can disturb sleep. Restaurant reservations prove difficult to secure, and dining costs are notably high even by London standards.

This hotel offers great location and friendly staff throughout. Rooms feature comfortable beds and cozy atmosphere. The breakfast buffet provides varied options with excellent selection. Karaoke rooms create fun entertainment with good drinks. Amenities are high quality and the overall vibe is enjoyable for most guests.

Rooms are small and dark, falling short of 4-star standards. Paper-thin walls allow noise from neighboring rooms and the garden roof area. Bathroom ventilation issues and saggy pillows detract from comfort. The hipster concept may not suit all travelers, and breakfast coffee quality disappoints some guests.

Mama Shelter London delivers excellent food served hot and fast. Staff provide outstanding service with welcoming, upbeat energy that enhances the vibrant atmosphere. The breakfast ranks as exceptional, while the stylish design and good music create an appealing dining environment. Flexible staff accommodate early arrivals and ensure guests maximize their experience.

Burgers are cooked more thoroughly than some international visitors expect, following standard UK preparation methods. The brunch operates under a 90-minute time limit which may feel restrictive for leisurely dining experiences.

Guests praise the trendy design, excellent location for nightlife and dining, friendly staff, and unique Philippe Starck interiors. Many highlight the rooftop terrace views, comfortable beds, and the hotel's vibrant atmosphere that captures Shoreditch's creative energy.

Some guests report noise issues from nearby streets and neighboring rooms, limited storage space, and occasional maintenance problems. Others mention that rooms can feel small and the industrial design may not suit all tastes, particularly for longer stays.

Guests praise the hotel's prime location near the tube and museums. Rooms feature beautiful design with music themes, comfortable beds, and thoughtful touches like welcome amenities. Staff consistently receive high marks for warmth and helpfulness. The science-themed afternoon tea stands out as exceptional with attentive service and unlimited refills.

Main concerns center on limited food service hours - no dining before 6pm and early bar closure even on weekends. Breakfast options are restricted for guests with dietary restrictions like gluten and dairy allergies. Some guests found the concierge unable to recommend nearby late-night dining options.

Exceptional location just steps from South Kensington station makes everything walkable. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with fresh, spotless decor. Staff provides outstanding service with warm, helpful attitudes. Excellent breakfast variety and quality. Family-friendly touches like child amenities and science-themed afternoon tea. Hotel feels recently renovated throughout.

Room 417 is extremely small and feels claustrophobic for the high price point. The cost seems excessive given the limited space in some accommodations.

Guests praise the exceptional location opposite major museums and the unique, Instagram-worthy interiors. The personalized service and attention to detail consistently impress visitors. The afternoon tea receives high marks for quality and presentation. Staff knowledge and helpfulness stand out in reviews.

Some guests find rooms smaller than expected for the price point. Noise from busy Exhibition Road can disturb light sleepers. The restaurant service occasionally receives criticism for slow service during peak times. A few reviewers mention maintenance issues in older rooms.

This stunning art deco hotel blends historic architecture with contemporary design beautifully. Staff are exceptionally helpful and professional, creating smooth experiences for weddings and stays. The elegant interiors feature natural light, rich textures, and unique room personalities. Elis restaurant serves outstanding food, while the pool area impresses families. Located near great East London cafes and close to the Tube.

The Club100 gym partnership creates significant access issues with poor customer service. Hotel management shows little responsibility for resolving collaboration problems. Communication failures occur when guests raise concerns, with emails going unanswered. The gym partnership damages the otherwise excellent hotel's reputation through unresolved terms breaches and false statements.

Excellent location near Bethnal Green tube station with easy access to Central London and East London neighborhoods like Shoreditch. Helpful, professional staff provide reliable service. Modern, comfortable rooms feature kitchenettes and washing facilities. Well-maintained facilities include gym and pool. Great transport links make it convenient for exploring the city.

Breakfast at Elis restaurant offers poor value with restrictive menu options and unclear pricing. Some rooms have tired furniture, difficult shower controls, and safety issues like protruding nails. Hotel adds discretionary service charges. Deep sunken baths can be difficult to navigate, making showers challenging for some guests.

Guests praise the unique Art Deco architecture and stylish room design. The spacious accommodations, particularly apartments, receive excellent feedback. Staff professionalism and helpfulness consistently earn high marks. The East London location appeals to those wanting authentic neighborhood experiences.

Some guests find rooms lacking luxury amenities expected at this price point. Noise from busy roads occasionally disrupts sleep. The East London location feels too far from central attractions for some visitors. Limited on-site dining options disappoint certain travelers.

Located right outside Paddington Station with easy airport access and train connections. Excellent breakfast service and coffee bar with rooftop balcony for cocktails. Clean, modern rooms with quality linens and amenities. Close to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and local restaurants. Friendly, attentive staff.

Extremely small rooms with no space to sit except on beds. No air conditioning during summer heat waves, requiring open windows that let in street noise and downstairs bar smells. Online check-in only with tiny elevator. Some guests reported bug bites in beds. Poor room design overall.

Beautiful lobby and dining spaces showcase fine restoration work. Rooms are clean with adorable, well-designed interiors. Excellent location next to Paddington Station makes travel convenient. Tasty breakfast available. The style and building restoration receive positive marks from guests.

Extremely small rooms with no storage space or temperature control. Multiple flights of narrow stairs and slippery outdoor bridges between wings create safety hazards. Faulty facilities include stuck sinks and broken showers. Bug infestations reported in beds. Poor maintenance, no basic amenities like tissues or slippers.

Guests praise the stylish modern design and excellent restaurant quality. The convenient location near Paddington Station receives frequent compliments. Staff service consistently earns positive mentions for being helpful and professional. Many reviewers highlight the comfortable beds and well-designed rooms.

Some guests report noise issues from the busy restaurant and street traffic. Room sizes receive criticism for being smaller than expected. A few reviews mention inconsistent housekeeping standards. Limited storage space in rooms disappoints some visitors.

Guests praise this iconic London hotel's unique, cozy rooms and prime location. The Brazilian head bartender crafts exceptional cocktails with old-school expertise. Restaurant service shines with attentive staff like Simone and manager Marta. The dark, sophisticated interior creates a quintessential London atmosphere.

Some rooms show age with dusty conditions and mold around bathtubs. Basic bathroom amenities disappoint given expectations. Cocktail quality varies significantly depending on which bartender serves you. One reviewer suggests the hotel needs updates to return to former standards.

Guests praise the comfortable beds and relaxing atmosphere that feels like an escape from daily life. Staff receive high marks for being friendly yet discreet, with exceptional service for special occasions. The breakfast service earns particular attention, with excellent quality and room service options.

Rooms appear dated with old-fashioned decor and inadequate lighting. Security concerns arise from lack of modern locks. Billing practices raise trust issues, with reports of unexpected charges. Some guests mention noise problems and poor service quality affecting the overall experience.

Guests praise the stunning interior design and unique aesthetic that creates a memorable experience. The personalized service receives consistent acclaim, with staff going above and beyond for guests. The quiet location on a garden square provides peaceful respite from London's bustle while remaining close to museums and attractions.

Some visitors find rooms smaller than expected for the price point. The bold design aesthetic doesn't appeal to all guests, with some preferring more traditional hotel styles. Occasional complaints about room maintenance issues and the need for updates to certain facilities.

Excellent central location in King's Cross with great transport connections. Clean hotel with impeccable service and attentive staff who go above and beyond. Beautiful room decor with striking views of St Pancras station. Outstanding full English breakfast. Thoughtful touches like complimentary birthday treats, turn-down service with chocolates, and welcoming atmosphere.

Rooms are extremely small with minimal floor space, especially challenging with luggage. Very expensive for what you receive in terms of room size. Beware of unexpected charges - some guests were billed for taking loose toiletries without proper notification, requiring disputes to resolve billing issues.

Staff consistently praised for friendliness and helpfulness. Hotel maintains impeccable cleanliness throughout. Rooms feature elegant design with good showers. Prime location next to King's Cross station makes it convenient for travelers. Check-in process runs smoothly under new management.

Management described as rude and unhelpful when problems arise. Uncomfortable mattresses affect sleep quality significantly. Bar service quality declined with poorly made cocktails. Check-in and check-out staff can be cold and robotic. Some guests question the hotel's five-star rating given the service issues.

Guests praise the unbeatable location with direct station access and excellent transport links. The stylish rooms receive high marks for comfort and modern amenities. Staff service consistently earns positive mentions for professionalism and helpfulness. Many appreciate the quality dining options and the historic building's character.

Some guests report noise issues due to the train station location. Room sizes can feel cramped for the price point. Occasional complaints about inconsistent housekeeping standards and slow elevator service during peak times. A few mention limited storage space in rooms.

This pub delivers exceptional food quality with standout Sunday roasts featuring crispy Yorkshire puddings and flavorful gravy. The stunning rooftop terrace provides a beautiful dining setting with woodland views. Staff excel in service, particularly knowledgeable about wines and accommodating dietary needs. The atmosphere creates memorable experiences for special occasions.

Booking can be challenging as the venue fills up quickly, potentially leaving walk-ins unable to dine. The rooftop grill menu offers limited food choices. Tables without shade can become uncomfortably hot on sunny days. Wine prices run high, though quality matches the cost. The limited menu may not suit all preferences.

Staff are friendly and welcoming. The pub offers good atmosphere and drinks with complimentary pints for guests. Breakfast at sister hotel is excellent quality. Daily towel service provided. Fun, unique experience staying above a pub creates memorable atmosphere for travelers seeking something different.

Rooms are extremely cramped and shabby with old mattresses, faded bedding, and musty odors. Bathrooms are tiny with poor layouts. Street noise continues 24/7 requiring earplugs. Carpets appear unclean and furnishings are worn. Safety concerns with incomplete banisters on stairs.

Travelers praise the authentic London pub experience and unique character of each room. The location receives excellent ratings for walkability to markets, galleries, and restaurants. Guests appreciate the quality gastropub food and craft beer selection downstairs.

Guests mention noise from the busy pub below, especially on weekend evenings. Some rooms lack air conditioning and can become warm during summer months. Limited storage space and small bathrooms are common complaints. Street noise from Commercial Street affects lighter sleepers.