P&P RECOMMENDED: LONDON HOTEL DIRECTORY

If we stay in London then it’s normally got something to do with work. Or to break up the commuting week. As stays are mainly for work they err on the practical and functional side of things. Sometimes though, we make a London date night of it and have been working our way around town using up some amassed hotel chain points.

As with my previous hotel directory (that I urge you to read, there’s some incredible suggestions for all budgets), the only places on this list are ones I would stay in again. Whilst these hotels are mainly paid for by work or hotel points, I still wouldn’t recommend somewhere that I didn’t sleep well in. And we all know we sleep less-well in the working week, so these have to be good recommendations!

Aloft Excel

One of my favourites, based on price and if I’m flying into City late one evening it’s super practical. I’ve used Aloft for work a lot in America and it’s nice to see them in the UK. The same quality and standard as anything else by Starwood, including those same comfy beds. But with no fuss or frills. Thankfully no scrimping on space, and there’s even a pool!

Apex Temple Court

The closest hotel to our office so it is often the preferred choice. Especially since there’s a rubber bath duck on each stay. The number I have littering my desk at work shows my loyalty. Rooms aren’t the largest but they are really comfortably decorated. And despite the central location it is always peaceful.

CitizenM Bankside

Another of my favoured locations. Whilst it may look on the basic side, CitizenM are nailing what business travellers want and need. A quiet room, a big bed and a good quality shower. The common areas are also the height of cool. I’d pick here over one of the chintzy big-brands that litter the city any day.

Hilton Bankside

I have stayed in all the Hilton’s in London and this is the nicest. The Doubletree in Westminster follows in 2nd. Hilton Bankside doesn’t feel like a Hilton, it’s far more boutiquey and that’s a good thing. There’s also a really nice members lounge and the bar and restaurant actually have character too.

Indigo Paddington

If you are coming back into London on a late flight it is easy to hop on the Heathrow Express. The hotel is moments from Paddington. Good space and a normal room is more like a junior suite. Quite boutique but not in a fussy way. The room was nicely styled, especially for the price.

Indigo Tower Hill

We were upgraded to the brand new top floor on our stay given Mr P’s IHG status. Excellent amount of space, a quiet room and the decor and furnishings really gave it a feel of being in a luxury hotel. I like this brand, when one of the world’s largest chains includes boutique it will always get my approval.

Intercontinental Park Lane

This is a really lovely hotel. Attention to detail and level of service here is a cut above any other IHG in the city (we’ve done the tour). The bedrooms are a little dated, with quite a bit of dark wood but there’s no wear and tear. The common areas are all very modern and tranquil. The view of Hyde Park is rather special too.

ME by Melia

Definitely on the cooler side of things! But with the occasional rate offer that’s worth investigating! Rooms are the high tech and space has been used well. Despite basically being on a roundabout on Aldwych it is thankfully nice and quiet inside the hotel. A very cool atrium and a nice roof bar, but with slow service.

Mondrian at Sea Containers

I’m not really cool enough for a place like this. And the crystal wine glasses are definitely better quality than in other business hotels. But sometimes there is a good rate available and it’s nice to stay somewhere fancy. The views over the river are excellent and the grey bedrooms are very warm and calming. The roof bar is rather a nice spot too!

Radisson Edwardian Hampshire

The nicest of the Radisson’s we have found in town to date. It is an Edwardian, not a Blu, that’s key. Best bits – amazing sound proofing to the noise of Leicester Square and a high quality and healthy breakfast buffet. Rooms are very big for London, and anytime I see a super king size bed I am happy!

The May Fair

One would not know this was part of Radisson, or it’s luxury Edwardian Collection. It does a very good job of being boutique and part of the Mayfair scenery with attentive service. When we arrived I realised I had actually eaten here with clients. What struck us most was the amount of space we had in our room, with a sofa added it would easily pass as a junior suite rather than a room. And the bed was super comfortable. It was remarkably quiet too, despite the location.

The Montcalm at the Brewery

I stayed here the night before the biggest promotion interviews of my life. So it holds a fond spot. The rooms were lovely and dark, there were Hermes smellies and breakfast in the in-house ‘Jugged Hare’ pub was excellent. I slept well despite a high state of stress and nervousness so that’s a good recommendation.

Z Hotel Fleet Street

The second closest hotel to the office. And definitely the one with the smallest rooms. But, if you are arriving late and leaving early, then all one needs is a quiet room, a comfy bed and a good shower. Z hotels definitely offer this and it is good quality, there just isn’t much space. Food comes from Zest and I have to say it’s a great healthy brand.

Photos from hotels with thanks.

And for a few more ideas on the luxury side check out this post ‘luxury hotels in central London’ on Boutique Travel Blog.

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