Utilizing its reputation for cutting-edge style, structure and art, it’s no wonder London hosts many of the funkiest design-led hotels on earth. Here is our own pick of the top 5 London hotels where the surroundings will definitely be as remarkable as the service
Sanderson
A hidden gem in the West End, the Sanderson London hotel’s an intriguing blend of unique, trendy and refined. Where else could you see Salvador Dali’s iconic red lips couch along with vintage 1960s mosaics and hand-crafted African furniture? The 1950s building that houses the 5-star hotel has been developed into a stunning, dreamlike environment by legendary French designer Philippe Starck. An extra design highlight is Philip Hicks’ open-air Courtyard Garden, an exclusive place filled with luxurious vegetation, fountains, mosaics and a reflecting pool.
Charlotte Street Hotel
A night at the delightful Charlotte Street Hotel London, built just north of Soho, is really a must for literary and creative types touring London. Motivated by the well-known ‘Bloomsbury set’, a 20th century group of artists and writers of which included Virginia Woolf, interior designer Kit Kemp has introduced original art work from the group’s own illustrious artists: Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry. Their fascination with Matisse and other vibrant French painters meanwhile forms the foundation for the drawing rooms, while the inspired design carries on within the brasserie with a mural of present day London life.
The Zetter
In a previous life, this kind of sophisticated boutique hotel in east London would have been a Victorian warehouse. Renovated by restaurateurs Michael Benyan and Mark Sainsbury, The Zetter opened in 2004 to instant acclaim and was voted one of the world’s 50 coolest hotels by Cond© Nast Traveller. Every one of the London hotel’s 59 rooms ” including the lush roof-top pad ” is individually designed using an assortment of vintage and modern. The attention to detail and design persists all over the hotel and in the adjoining Bistrot Bruno Loubet and Atrium Bar.
St Martin’s Lane
Having encouragement from the theatrical surrounds, St Martins Lane hotel is a remarkable supplement to London’s West End. Found in Covent Garden, the snappy design combines the modern and baroque with a playful sense of humour. From the extra-large luminescent yellow-glass revolving doors to the jam-packed art columns of the Asia de Cuba restaurant, there is certainly lots of eye candy to feast upon. While for those who want to communicate their creativity, many of the London hotel’s rooms incorporate a distinctive light installation with a colour to reflect your every mood.
The Mandeville
Located in London’s trendy Marylebone Village, The Mandeville Hotel recently underwent a £15million refurbishment. Interior designer Stephen Ryan has given the London hotel’s public areas an innovative, modern twist with French upholstered walling, Venetian masks, witty paintings and neon lights. At the same time in the bedrooms, the marriage of traditional and modern continues with luxurious fabrics from top design houses such as Canovas, Zubor Catherine Huntley and Brunswick.
Click here for more information on London Hotels