The best boutique hotels in London

The Ampersand Hotel

Set in the heart of stylish South Kensington, the Ampersand Hotel is one of London’s most fashionable boutique places to stay. It perfectly encapsulates 21st-century British style and is packed with quirky design touches, such as the winged light bulbs and the goose feather installation in the main staircase. Set in the hotel’s vaulted cellars, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Apero is a neighbourhood favourite. With an extensive sharing menu and signature cocktails inspired by nearby Victoria and Albert Museum, this is the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring the city.

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, London SW7 3ER, +44 (0)20 7589 5895, ampersandhotel.com

The Laslett

The Laslett, located in a listed period townhouse in London’s fashionable Notting Hill neighbourhood, feels more like a private home than a hotel. A perfect place to experience west London’s cool and creative culture, the hotel is named after Rhaune Laslett, founder of the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival. Its 51 rooms and suites are furnished with pieces by prominent British designers, mixed among vintage curiosities from local antique dealers, and guests can sample locally sourced London goods such as Workshop coffee, Sipsmith gin and Press London juices. The Henderson Bar and Coffee Shop, which serves simple, seasonal British dishes, first-class cocktails and speciality teas and homemade cakes, is not to be missed.

The Laslett, 8 Pembridge Gardens, London W2 4DU, +44 (0)20 7792 6688, living-rooms.co.uk/hotel/the-laslett

The Kensington

The recently renovated Kensington gives travellers a chance to experience elegant London living in a peaceful location close to some of the city’s finest cultural attractions, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park. Occupying four attractive white stucco houses, each of the hotel’s rooms are individually decorated in a style that seamlessly combines contemporary design elements with the building’s period features. As for food and drink, the hotel’s refined Town House restaurant offers modern English cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal local produce, while K Bar is the ideal spot in which to savour a cocktail or late-night drink.

The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LR, +44 (0)20 7589 6300, doylecollection.com

Ham Yard Hotel

In the middle of bustling Soho and moments from fashionable Mayfair, Ham Yard Hotel has a distinctly urban village feel. The hotel is centred around a tree-filled garden with a bronze sculpture centrepiece by renowned British artist Tony Cragg. Its interiors are designed by Kit Kemp in her award-winning modern British style. Alongside the 91 individually designed bedrooms and suites are 24 apartments which are perfect for longer stays in the city. Public spaces include a restaurant and bar with outdoor dining, a drawing room and library, a spa and gym, a theatre, private event rooms and a 1950s-style bowling alley. To top it all off, the rooftop terrace, one of the hotel’s private event spaces, has sweeping views across the Soho skyline.

Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT, +44 (0)20 3642 2000, firmdalehotels.com

Flemings Mayfair Hotel

Flemings Mayfair Hotel is set in the centre of London’s most exclusive neighbourhood and is one of the city’s oldest hotels. Established in 1851, it has a long history of catering for British aristocracy and gentry. In the past five years it has been given a £15m refurbishment, during the course of which its 129 rooms have been completely redesigned and a new restaurant, Ormer Mayfair, has been opened, with Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin at the helm. The hotel’s gym will be a guaranteed hit with fitness fans. The dedicated concierge team is one of the most attentive in London.

Flemings Mayfair Hotel, 7-12 Half Moon Street, London W1J 7BH, +44 (0)20 7499 0000, flemings-mayfair.com

Batty Langley’s

Those in search of British eccentricity and historical flourishes will find what they are seeking at Batty Langley’s in Spitalfields, east London. The 29 rooms and suites include the Kitty Fisher, named after an 18th-century century courtesan, and the two-level Earl of Bolingbroke, which has its own luggage lift. Furnishings include opulent four-poster beds, wood panelling and rich, jewel-toned damask fabrics. Soak in the generous cast-iron roll-top baths, or relax in front of the large flat-screen TVs, cleverly hidden behind mirrors and in cabinets and writing bureaux. Even in summer, there may be a rainy day in London – ensconce yourself in the hotel’s library, which is home to some 3,500 books. For a nightcap afterwards, the honesty bar in the Tapestry Room offers London-distilled Sipsmith gin and Berry Bros wines.

Batty Langley’s, 12 Folgate Street, London E1 6BX, +44 (0)20 7377 4390, battylangleys.com

11 Cadogan Gardens

Moments from London’s fashionable Sloane Square, 11 Cadogan Gardens is one of the city’s most exclusive hotels and is famed for its unique, luxurious style. It offers just over 50 bedrooms and suites which provide some of the most sumptuous and extravagant accommodation in London. The signature suites are designed to offer guests particularly indulgent and opulent spaces to rest and unwind. The hotel’s bar features an impressive whisky selection that’s sure to impress even the most discerning scotch lovers. For a taste of a distinctly British tradition, the hotel’s afternoon tea shouldn’t be missed.

11 Cadogan Gardens, 11 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2RJ, +44 (0)20 7730 7000, 11cadogangardens.com