Hotels
The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in London
Small, characterful and full of personality: the London boutique hotels worth seeking out.
In short: our top picks are The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, Hazlitts and The Portobello Hotel. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Not everyone wants a grand hotel. Sometimes the better stay is small and full of character: a townhouse with a story, a room that feels designed rather than decorated, a bar the locals use. These are the boutique hotels in London worth seeking out.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone | Marylebone | £££ |
| Hazlitts | Soho | £££ |
| The Portobello Hotel | Notting Hill | £££ |
| Artist Residence London | Pimlico | £££ |
| The Laslett | Notting Hill | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
Why we pick itA gloriously eccentric townhouse hotel and cocktail bar, all antiques and oddities and a serious drinks list. Stay, or just come for the bar.
For the bar as much as the bed.
-
Hazlitts
Why we pick itA creaky, candlelit Georgian townhouse in the heart of Soho, full of antiques and atmosphere. For people who find big hotels soulless.
Soho atmosphere by the bucket.
-
The Portobello Hotel
Why we pick itA bohemian Notting Hill institution beloved by musicians and romantics, all rich colours and individual rooms. Unmistakably itself.
Bohemian and unmistakable.
-
Artist Residence London
Why we pick itA characterful, design-led little hotel in Pimlico with a cosy bar and a record player in every room. Relaxed and quietly cool.
Relaxed and quietly cool.
-
The Laslett
Why we pick itA stylish, low-key Notting Hill hotel with a great little library bar and a proper neighbourhood feel. Smart without trying too hard.
A proper neighbourhood feel.
Before you book
Boutique hotels live on personality, so read the rooms before you book; they vary far more than the big chains, and the cheapest can be tiny. Book direct, ask which rooms have the space or the view, and treat the bar and breakfast as part of the decision.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone is our editor's choice: A gloriously eccentric townhouse hotel and cocktail bar, all antiques and oddities and a serious drinks list. Stay, or just come for the bar. The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, Hazlitts and The Portobello Hotel lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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