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Top 15 Cool And Unique Hotels In London
Staying on this floating 4-star “superyacht” hotel was a truly unique and elegant experience. Moored on the Thames, here I experienced a one-of-a-kind stay with luxury yacht-style interiors and peaceful riverside views – very far removed from the feel of a typical London hotel!
I was genuinely wowed by the classic, yacht-inspired decor with a hint of Art Deco flair – there were gleaming brass railings, polished teak finishes, a dramatic spiral staircase, and sparkling chandeliers. I loved how the atmosphere felt refined, tranquil, and just a little indulgent, drawing in all kinds of guests seeking a serene waterfront escape.
My cabin-style room featured a plush queen-size bed, polished wood furnishings, a marble-accented en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, minibar, Wi-Fi, touchpad room controls, and air con. I particularly loved the round, nautical portholes where I could gaze out at the Thames from bed!
I also enjoyed the stylish riverside bar and restaurant with panoramic dock views, as well as the onboard Elemis spa offering indulgent treatments and peaceful Royal Victoria Dock location. It was a little off beaten path, but I was only steps away from the ExCeL Centre and a short DLR ride from Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena.
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 large design hotel on the South Bank was an Instagrammer’s dream! Its glamorous ocean-liner-inspired design, paired with a sought-after riverside setting, made it feel truly one of a kind!
The interiors were seriously wow-inducing – sleek and sophisticated, with art deco touches, brass accents, curved walls, velvet furnishings, and nautical elements that blended vintage glamour with modern flair. I loved how the vibe felt effortlessly chic and cosmopolitan, attracting a well-dressed mix of creatives, influencers, and design lovers.
My guest room featured custom-designed furnishings, a plush queen-size bed, a large rainfall shower, smart TV, mood lighting, bespoke artwork, a Nespresso machine, and partial river views. I especially loved the ship-style porthole mirrors and metallic curved walls, which gave the room real personality.
Beyond the room, I discovered a glamorous spa, a 24-hour high-tech gym, a boutique Curzon cinema, a buzzing cocktail bar, an award-winning restaurant, and a rooftop lounge with spectacular river views and live DJ sets on weekends.
I was completely won over by the location too – it was set right on the river with direct access to the Thames Path, and just a short stroll from the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and all the awesome energy of London’s South Bank.
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 trendy, design-forward boutique hotel because it effortlessly blended industrial-chic interiors, creative Shoreditch energy, and a lively lobby culture – so to me, it always felt more like a stylish local hangout than a typical hotel!
The industrial-chic decor featured open fireplaces, leather armchairs, squashy sofas, exposed brick walls, retro lighting, and mid-century furnishings. The vibe was relaxed, creative, and social, and I noticed it attracted a fun mix of trend-savvy guests, freelancers, and locals who treated the lobby like their living room.
My guest room included a comfy bed with high-thread-count linens, a walk-in rainfall shower, industrial-style finishes, a retro rotary phone, a smart TV, and a mini fridge stocked with local treats. I especially loved the Shoreditch-inspired artwork on the walls.
I also made use out of the buzzing all-day lobby with its bar-meets-workspace vibe, rotating art installations, complimentary daily breakfast bags, and the onsite restaurant serving modern comfort food with East London flair.
Shoreditch is one of my favorite areas in London, and being based on Great Eastern Street put me just steps from buzzing bars, indie boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and eye-catching street art.
My highlights…
- I thought the complimentary ‘Lite Breakfast Bag’ which consisted of granola, fruit, and orange juice which was delivered to my room in the morning was a great personal touch!
10. NYX Hotel Holborn by Leonardo
I was completely won over by this sleek, artfully designed 4-star lifestyle hotel thanks to its bold, street art-inspired interiors and party-style vibe set in one of the most central locations in London!
Inside, I found it had a trendy, nightlife-meets-gallery feel. The decor was a complete riot of colour with pop art, neon lighting, rainbow glass panels, quirky sculptures, and retro-modern furniture. To me, it felt youthful, creative, and high-energy, and I saw it attracted a style-conscious crowd.
My funky guest room featured a comfy bed with high-thread-count linens, wooden parquet flooring, trendy retro decor, a Smeg fridge, floor-to-ceiling windows, eco-friendly toiletries, a Nespresso machine, mood lighting, soundproofing, and a rainfall shower. I especially loved the neon slogan sign above the bed and the in-room arcade gaming console!
I also enjoyed the vibrant rooftop bar with city views and live DJ sets, the large art-covered indoor pool and spa with a Romanesque twist, a trendy but relaxed lounge for afternoon tea, and a modern gym.
The location was unbeatable – nestled between Covent Garden and the West End, I was within easy walking distance of London’s top theatres, shops, museums, and nightlife, with quick access to the Central and Piccadilly lines.
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-conscious, sleep-focused hotel housed in the iconic Trocadero building was a truly zen-like experience! It felt unlike any other hotel I’ve stayed in – its unique selling point was its minimalist, tech-free “cocoon” rooms designed purely for deep rest and relaxation.
Inside, I found calming, clutter-free interiors with natural wood finishes, soft lighting, and an atmosphere focused entirely on wellness and sleep (which is very unusual these days)! I loved how it felt peaceful, grounded with an eco-friendly focus.
My standard guest room – called a “cocoon” – featured a comfy futon-style bed, blackout curtains, purified air, soundproofing, and minimalist furnishings with zero tech – there was no TV, no phone, no distractions (which I loved!). The bed frame wrapped around the mattress, creating a quiet, nest-like sleeping pod that felt incredibly soothing.
My other highlights included a holistic wellness studio with yoga and meditation classes, a modern gym, and a minimalist lounge serving affordable, health-focused food and drinks. The central Piccadilly Circus location was just incredible too – I was based right in the heart of the buzzy West End!
My highlights…
- The wellness features – I loved the hypoallergenic bedding, soundproofing, blackout curtains, an ergonomic mattress, the dedicated air purification system!
12. Ruby Lucy, South Bank
I was genuinely impressed by this vibrant 4-star boutique hotel just steps from Waterloo Station! It was cool and unique for its playful carnival-themed interiors, relaxed “lean luxury” concept, and fun in-room details.
I loved how they’d gone all out on the carnival-inspired interiors – I saw playful pops of rich colour, vintage fairground lighting, circus drums, juggling pins, mismatched velvet chairs, and musical elements such as guitars. It felt artistic, and effortlessly cool.
My guest room featured a luxe queen-size bed with crips white linens, retro furniture a large rainfall shower, mood lighting, a flatscreen TV, in-room tablet. I particularly liked the quirky extras such as the Marshall amp which I actually plug into.
During my stay, I also enjoyed the lively 24/7 bar which served up locally sourced drinks, the vintage-style co-working space, and the fun curated in-room playlists and guitars for guests! The whole place was a vibe!
The location was a bonus too – I found myself very near South Bank’s top attractions, including the London Eye, National Theatre, and riverside walks along the Thames.
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
