Top 15 Cool And Unique Hotels In London
Staying on this floating 4-star “superyacht” was a very unique experience—moored on the Thames, it offered luxury yacht-style interiors that felt very far from a typical London stay. I was wowed by the nautical-meets–Art Deco design which featured gleaming brass railings, polished teak, a dramatic spiral staircase, and large sparkling chandeliers. The whole atmosphere felt refined, tranquil, and a touch indulgent too!
My Executive King Room had a classic super-yacht feel with teak panelling, brass accents, touchpad controls, a marble-accented en-suite, and a balcony overlooking the Royal Docks. My favourite feature was the round nautical portholes! I enjoyed a Chapel Down Brut in the glam bar and restaurant and an Elemis Thousand Flower Detox Wrap in the spa! It was a little off beaten path, but I was only a short DLR ride from Canary Wharf.
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying a mushroom arancini and spring vegetable risotto in their The Lands End Restaurant while gazing the Thames – the gentle movements of the lapping waves added to the whole dining on a yacht experience!
8. Sea Containers
My short video of outside the SeaContainers Hotel…
I thought this stylish 5-star superbly located South Bank hotel was an Instagrammer’s dream — a glamorous and creative, ocean-liner-inspired retreat right on the river. Inside, the décor felt like stepping onto a modern cruise liner — a copper-hull reception desk, curved ship-like walls, walnut panelling, rope-inspired lighting and a gold-leaf bar ceiling echoed 1920s transatlantic glamour!
Even my River View Balcony Suite felt like a yacht-inspired cabin with slate-grey panelled walls, oak floors, and magenta velvet accents. I really liked the burgundy wingback chair, and the sleek brass console that added a touch of nautical glamour! I caught a Curzon screening of La La Land, ordered a gourmet Forest Mushroom Orecchiette in their very popular restaurant, sipped a Smoked Negroni on the rooftop listening to live house-and-disco DJ sets! Not the cheapest option, but an amazing choice for a splurge!
My personal highlights…
- Indulging in their innovative signature Reparative Facial treatment which used the patented skin-care complex the NAC Y2 formula at their cocoon-like Luxury Spa by Agua!
9. The Hoxton, Shoreditch
My short video of inside the Hoxton Hotel…
I was a big fan of this design-forward boutique hotel because it combined industrial-chic interiors with creative Shoreditch energy. The communal areas had exposed brick walls, wire shelves brimming with books, squashy mid-century sofas, and I loved how the rows of artisan spirits were lit from below! The atmosphere felt relaxed, creative, and social, attracting a fun mix of trend-savvy guests, freelancers, and locals who treated the lobby like their living room!
My Cosy Double had a retro–meets–industrial look, with pale sage wall panelling and a huge circular mirror that made the space feel very bright. I loved the mid-century touches — the tan-leather desk chair, the powder blue vintage-style radio, and the cone pendant lights overhead — it was unfussy and compact but yet still very well-designed! I dined on rigatoni smothered in basil and then hung out by the open lobby fire, cradling a Vespa Primo!
My highlights…
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I thought the complimentary ‘Lite Breakfast Bag’—granola, fresh fruit, and orange juice delivered to my room each morning—was such a lovely personal touch!
10. NYX Hotel Holborn by Leonardo
NYX Hotel Holborn had a photogenic, urban-glam aesthetic with neon lighting, pop-art murals, gold accents, and teal and magenta velvet furnishings that made it feel like a boutique nightclub meets art gallery. I loved the statement features—especially the rainbow-lit bottle wall, gold crackle-effect tables, and graffiti-inspired artwork—which gave the whole place a high-energy vibe!
My Superior Double Room had a glossy, cosmopolitan-cool look with its inky abstract feature wall and deep plum blackout curtains. It was all about the details here though and the “It Was All a Dream” light, cherry-red SMEG minibar and the arcade gaming console gave the whole space a fun feel! I enjoyed a live DJ house set in the rooftop bar, swam in the art-adorned indoor pool, and gorged on pistachio macarons and smoked-apple scones in their afternoon tea!
My personal highlights…
- Indulging in a fragrant Aromatherapy Massage which used a mix of sweet almond, jojoba and thistle oil in their Insta-worthy Rena Spa!
11. Zedwell, Piccadilly Circus
Staying at this budget-friendly, sleep-focused hotel in the old Trocadero felt surprisingly zen — softly lit tunnel-like corridors, minimalist lounges, pale birch-style timber, and warm amber lighting created a tranquil retreat just steps from all the craziness of Piccadilly Circus!
My minimalist “Cocoon 2” featured a comfy futon-style bed tucked inside an oak alcove so it felt like nest-like sleep pod! The purified air, blackout setup, soundproofing, and purposely zero-tech layout — no TV, no phone, no visual clutter — really helped me switch off! I also joined a Morning Flow yoga class in the holistic wellness studio and then relaxed in the minimalist lounge with a quinoa–avocado bowl and a soothing turmeric tea!
My highlights…
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The wellness-focused details — the hypoallergenic Egyptian-cotton bedding and the supportive Hypnos mattress (designed to follow the contours of the body and alleviate pressure points) helped me drift into a very deep, blissfully uninterrupted sleep!
12. Ruby Lucy, South Bank
I was genuinely impressed by this unique 4-star boutique hotel just steps from Waterloo Station. Its mischievous carnival theme and relaxed “lean luxury” vibe made it feel refreshingly unique — with splashes of pillar-box red, vintage fairground lighting, circus props, jewel-tone velvet chairs, and even guitars just hanging around!
My “Wow Room” mixed bright minimalism with fun retro touches — floor-to-ceiling sheers, a floating white-linen bed, a weathered-leather armchair, and a bicycle-wheel wall sculpture. I loved the mood lighting, in-room tablet, and the Marshall amp I actually plugged into with its curated playlists! There was no restaurant but the 24/7 bar was lively and I plugged into the retro-style co-working space!
My highlights…
- Trying their innovative sleep-inducing “Lucy’s Lullaby” cocktail which was infused with chamomile and agave and helped me unwind before bed!
13. CitizenM, Tower Bridge
