The Best Hotels in West London

An artisanal design. A chilled restaurant-cum-coworking space. An unbeatable location in trendy Chiswick. And yet, the true pull for room2 is its eco credentials. This is the first whole-life net-zero hotel in the world, which means the carbon footprint of the hotel (from open to the eventual dismantling of the property) will be offset. That doesn’t impinge on the quality of the retreat either – custom marbled wallpaper follows you throughout, and freeform handcrafted mirrors provide a quirky-yet-refined style. There’s bespoke furniture in the rooms, too, plus a gym with Peloton bikes.

The Ampersand – just one of many swish hotels in South West London – promises room (or skyline-view suite) decor featuring Chesterfield headboards and creative wallpapers. For ultimate pampering, opt for a deluxe studio with an in-room, windowside tub. Wake up to a full English breakfast in the chic restaurant downstairs or weekend Italian-style brunch washed down with an Aperol spritz. Looking for some fun? Head to the drawing room for Kensington’s Science Museum-themed afternoon tea (adult- and kid-friendly) complete with chocolate spacemen and jam served in petri dishes.

This boutique hotel is a favourite of business travellers who are tired of constantly checking into chains. With a top-notch Japanese restaurant on-site, you can dig into authentic dishes such as the udon-suki or vegetarian gobo tempura. A botanical theme runs throughout, with miniature terrariums placed among the soft ocean-blue furnishings, and dusky floral art decorates the walls. Rooms range from compact, cosy spaces to the expansive deluxe garden studio where you can enjoy a romantic night in, drinking red wine on the plant-filled terrace. It’s as appealing for play as it is for work, being next door to the bucolic sights of Kew Gardens and Richmond Park.

Offering a variety of spacious rooms and suites, this stylish hotel is perfect for discerning travellers and gastronomes. Unwind in the hotel’s beautiful hammam before enjoying a themed afternoon tea, which in 2019 included one inspired by the Tim Walker exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Later, savour modern Italian cuisine by Michelin-star chef Alfredo Russo in the Franklin Restaurant, and learn how to create cocktails in a masterclass taught by an award-winning mixologist.

A chic, boutique hotel with contrasting fabrics, vibrant colour schemes and a hip clientele make Number Sixteen in South Kensington a must for social-media mavens. Though set in the heart of one of London’s busiest tourist areas – the Science and Natural History Museums are just a stone’s throw away – you’ll find a haven of quiet corners behind the hotel’s white Georgian facade. Take afternoon tea in the beautiful walled garden in the summer, or curl up in the drawing room next to the Christmas tree during the festive season.

There’s a dramatic elegance to Blakes in Kensington that you won’t find anywhere else in London – thanks to interior designer Anouska Hempel, who is known for her opulent style. It’s a supremely romantic hotel – particularly if you book into one of the signature suites, which are decked out in a dreamy combination of white muslin and bleached wood. Partnered with the South Kensington Club, it’s the ideal spot to indulge in some pampering.

Exhibitionist by name and exhibitionist by nature, this hotel in South Kensington enjoys bold interiors that beautifully offset its Georgian-townhouse setting. Though the hotel enjoys an exhibition space and regular art shows, you’ll stumble upon intriguing contemporary artworks in every room; pop-arty Las Vegas-inspired welcome signs, life-size silver cows and flower-adorned mannequins are just some of the delights to look forward to. It’s not all novelty garishness, though. Devilish cocktails are served in the bar each evening, and an excellent breakfast spread is available at first light.

Coined by the founder as “affordable luxury,” the Resident Kensington offers a boutique hotel experience for the price of a budget chain. After all, why blow your budget on the accommodation when Central London is just a short walk away? Rooms enjoy handy facilities such as kitchenettes equipped with Nespresso machines and plush, minimalist furnishings that make the most of the space. Pops of primary colours add a homey edge, while sustainable luxury is injected with recyclable Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. If you decide to splash out on a superior room, make the most of the room service and order in some champagne for a romantic evening on the private outdoor terrace.

Just a few yards from the bustling Westfield London shopping centre, Dorsett Shepherds Bush puts a modern spin on classic luxury. Plush velvet chairs line the stretch of the bar, while polished silver pillars complement the gilded lobby. In the executive lounge, antique trunks are repurposed as drinks cabinets. In the rooms upstairs, traditional Asian patterns adorn the golden wallpaper, and bed runners feature intricate metallic branches and hummingbirds. For dinner, slide into the white leather booths of restaurant Shikumen and tuck into Asian dishes like the xiao long bao soup dumplings.

Boutique meets bohemian at this popular West London hotel – an established celebrity haunt with its regular intake of rock stars and film icons. The romantic hotspot consists of two converted Neoclassical mansions that house over 21 rooms between them – each designed to reflect the vibrancy of Notting Hill. The single-bed Box rooms pair tartan curtains with burnt-coral walls, and exotic murals take centre stage in the Cosy rooms. The sunny-yellow Signature rooms have what feels like acres of space. In the morning, you can either indulge in breakfast in your four-poster bed or head down to the bright sitting room to graze on a Greek-inspired platter.