Gone are the days when holidaymakers only sought out no-frills hotels that offered nothing more than the basics. Nowadays, many of us like to enjoy some bang for our buck, whilst also experiencing rooms that go above and beyond our expectations.
With London being a hub for everything wild and wacky, you never have to travel far to find a unique and unusual accommodation option.
Unusual hotels in London you won’t forget
When searching for unusual hotels to rest my head for the night, London didn’t disappoint. From historical to futuristic options, it’s got the lot.
Hazlitt’s hotel
If you want to feel like you’ve travelled back in time, then Hazlitt’s Hotel in Soho ticks all the boxes. Considered one of London’s most atmospheric stays, it transports guests back to the early 1700s and the beginning of the Georgian era. Boasting brocade sofas, wood-panelled walls and elaborate chandeliers, as well as an antique bathtub, you’ll be forgiven if you forget that we’re actually in the midst of the 21st century.
Stylotel
Akin to a futuristic film, the Stylotel in Paddington is a hotel that sci-fi fans won’t want to miss out on. A great option for budget travellers, this hotel offers cosy, pod-like rooms with metallic walls and neon lights. Situated between two 19th-century townhouses, this hotel bucks the local trend.
Funky hotels in London: Unconventional themed rooms
London’s bursting with funky and unconventional hotels that base their rooms around specific themes. From wizards to royals, you can choose who you want to be for the day.
Georgian House Hotel: Magic-themed hotel
Fancy yourself as a bit of a wizard or witch? Then the Georgian House Hotel has just the room for you. The Wizard Chamber, located behind a concealed bookcase, resembles a Gothic castle. Complete with flickering candlelight and stained-glass windows, you’ll also have a cauldron and four-poster bed in your room. One of the most quirky hotels in London I’ve come across, it’s conveniently located beside Victoria Station.
Rubens at the Palace: Royal-themed hotel
If you’re looking for a hotel that’s fit for a king or queen – quite literally – Rubens at the Palace is the place. Located on Buckingham Palace Road, this 5-star hotel draws inspiration from its regal neighbours and offers rooms that are awash with luxurious touches. From four-poster beds and fancy chandeliers to paintings of various monarchs and views overlooking the Royal Mews. You won’t be disappointed.
Cool stays with quirky architecture and design
If you’re looking for quirky stays in London that embrace the sassy attitude that London embodies, you won’t have to go far. With hundreds of hotels competing for attention, it’s never hard to find one that boasts outlandish architecture and design.
Treehouse Hotel London
Whether you’re fulfilling a childhood dream or just love heights, the Treehouse Hotel London is as wacky as they come. With the design based on a real tree house, the rooms fuse the contemporary features of a modern hotel with the bohemian aspects of, well, a tree house. With each room boasting wood finishes and warm autumnal colours, as well as a botanical communal roof terrace, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of the UK’s largest city.
The Standard London
Another of the unusual hotels in London that tops the charts for architecture and design is The Standard London in King’s Cross. From the outside, you’ll immediately notice the grand Brutalist architecture and an eye-catching red exterior lift. When you’re inside, The Standard London is just as cool. Playful retro décor and a rooftop with breathtaking views sets the tone for the rest of your stay.
Quirky hotels in London: Unusual experiences and amenities
There’s an abundance of unique stays in London, many of which offer panoramic views. However, below I’m going to focus on cool places to stay in London that are on the river, and even underground.
Ask for two key cards when you check in, this means that when you’re out of the room you can leave the electricity on and ensure your laptop, tablet etc are still charging. Just remember to turn of the lights manually to avoid excess use of electricity.
Sunborn London
Let’s start on the River Thames, with the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, which welcomes you aboard at the Royal Victoria Dock. Each room on the boat offers stunning views overlooking the water. With all the amenities of a modern cruise, including a 24-hour sun deck, a restaurant and bar, your stay at The Sunborn floating hotel will be a memorable one.
Zedwell Underground Tottenham Court Road
From above water to below ground, the Zedwell Underground Tottenham Court Road is London’s first underground hotel. Without a doubt, its unique offering makes it one of the most unusual hotels in London. Offering a sleek and minimal design to promote rest and relaxation, this hotel is a sanctuary below the UK’s most fast-paced city.
Quirky hotels beyond central London
Where central London starts and begins is up for debate, but if you’re looking for quirky hotels in London away from the city centre there are plenty of great options available. From zone two outwards, I tested some of the funkiest hotels I could find.
Art’otel London Battersea Power Station
Whilst the tube stop for Battersea Power Station is in zone one, it’s not really considered central London. This paves the way for me to include the Art’otel London Battersea Power Station in my list of quirky hotels outside central London. Imagine looking out your window and seeing the historic chimneys of the power station. Or picture swimming in an infinity pool on the roof, overlooking the London skyline. Or even envisage spending time in an art-inspired room designed to soothe the soul. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? This is all part of the remarkable redevelopment of Battersea Power Station, so go and check it out.
Chessington Safari Hotel
Have you ever dreamt of going on safari? Well, you needn’t dream any longer. Chessington Safari Hotel offers safari-themed rooms, with leopard and zebra prints aplenty. Drawing inspiration from the African safari park, conveniently located next door to the hotel, you’ll be able to eat, sleep and breathe safari at this cool stay.
How KAYAK knows what to put in this guide
Having travelled all over the world, I’m used to finding unique stays and funky hotels. From tree houses in Mexico to yurts in Mongolia, I’ve tried out the lot. With a wealth of experience living and working in London, I’ve also managed to stay at my fair share of unusual hotels in the capital. With a love for the weird and wacky, I’ve combined years of experience racking up hotel stays with KAYAK’s tools to create this guide for quirky hotels in London.
Rest your head at one of these quirky hotels in London
Now that you know my top tips for quirky hotels in London and where to find them, it’s time to try them out for yourself. You can also find the perfect boutique hotel or experience luxury for less. Looking for things to do? Check out these suggestions for what to do in London, the best walks and hikes in London and these great day trips from London.
FAQs about quirky hotels in London
From the Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone to the Zedwell Underground Tottenham Court Road, you can stay in a range of unique hotels in London. My favourite has to be the Sunborn London yacht, which allows you to stay on the River Thames, one of the most well-known rivers in the world.
It’s easy to find unique and quirky hotels in London. Visit the KAYAK and use the search filter to look for hotels and unique stays.
Quirky accommodation in London is suitable for families and solo travellers alike. With nearly all the unique stays catering for families, they are the perfect place to take your children.
