The best budget hotels in London 2025: Low-cost stays in the capital

You won't find bland decoration at Mama Shelter. Since the first branch opened in Paris in 2008, the hotels have got a reputation for their bright colours, patterns and kitsch. Of course, the London branch is no different; there's a wallpaper that sends your head spinning, clashing carpets and maybe one too many bejewelled Darth Vadar masks (yep, really). No one could fault Mama Shelter for its fun energy, though. The staff are young, friendly and genuinely keen to chat or offer advice - I was heartily encouraged to try the barman's favourite cocktail, Mama Says Pica Pica. There are karaoke rooms with classic' 50s-style microphones waiting for guests to sing their favourite songs into, at the top of their lungs. There's a small gym and cinema room. And if you want a memento to take away with you, Mama Shelter has you covered - yep, there's a photo booth on site. The rooms are compact but have more personality than your standard budget stay, with lampshades in the shape of the Tasmanian Devil. Breakfast is quite pricey at £22 a head, so we'd suggest heading down the road to Ozone for a cheaper alternative? With its sociable focus, Mama Shelter has the feel of an upmarket hostel. But, honestly, we mean that in the best way.

Time Out tip: Perfectly placed on the eastern edge of Hackney Road, Liverpool Street is just 15-minutes away. But there'slots of things happening even closer to Mama Shelter. Try out Satan's Whiskers for the best cocktails in town. Broadway Market is within walking distance and so is Columbia Road. The sandwiches at Foccacia Mia are some of the best in London. Basically, East London is right on your doorstep. 

Address: 437 Hackney Rd, London E2 8PP

Price: Starting at £90

Transport link: Nearest station is Cambridge Heath

You've probably heard of The Hoxton, the uber-successful, boutique hotel chain. But with its famously plush interiors, you might not expect to see one of their hotels on this list. But, the Shepherd's Bush branch allows guests to soak up The Hoxton's stereotypically buzzy, retro vibe for a slash of the usual price. As soon as you enter The Hoxton, you'll seecrowds of creative-looking twenty-somethings having 'business meetings' while sipping cocktails. No surprise because the interiors are vintage-inspired and fabulous, with swirling art on the walls and velvet sofas to sit back in. Room sizes vary: there are some (called Snug rooms) that are quite small. It's all attractively done, mind you. The beds are comfy and luxurious with embroidered wavy headboards designed by Bute. Curvy lines are the thing here: the chairs have rounded edges, the tables are circular and neat, there's a wraparound bar to perch next to. But, the real joy of The Hoxton is the food. The cult Los Angeles chef Kris Yenbamroong is the brains behind the Thai-Americana diner Chet's, where fiery flavours merge with Californian flair. Order the signature fried pineapple rice, served with crab inside half a pineapple and thank us later. It isn't just open for dinner too. For breakfast you'll have the chance to gobble up eggs served any way you like, or even branch out and try something more adventurous: we highly recommend the chicken and roti waffles. 

Time Out tip: The Hoxton is an ideal base for exploring west London. You've got Shepherd's Bush Market on your doorstep, and you're also a short walk from Portobello Road Market and Notting Hill for even more shopping opportunities. Just down the road you could catch some great new writing at the Bush Theatre or hop on a tube and ride down to Hyde Park for the day. Every Thursday The Hoxton also hosts events with its neighbour Next Door Records every Thursday night if you want to party.

Address: The Hoxton, 65 Shepherd's Bush Green, London W12 8QE

Price: Starting at £174

Closest transport: The nearest station is Shepherd's Bush 

With a prime riverside location, a destination cocktail bar, a plush spa and a cinema, Sea Containers London is a hotel for international travellers and Londoners alike. This South Bank hotel has been a smash since it opened in 2019: firstly, the fabulous interiors, courtesy of Tom Dixon of Habitat fame; think bold colours and design touches that nod to the building's nautical heritage. Then there's the location: bang on the river and great for the Tate Modern and SouthbankCentre and other London landmarks. Plus it has views down the Thames and across to St Paul's iconic dome and over to the City. If you want to indulge in some pampering, head down to Agua London spa in the basement, a serene space with restorative treatments and then chill out in the Curzon-run cinema which screens the latest releases.  Up on the roof,there's 12th Knot, a buzzy rooftop bar that makes the most of its lofty position with huge windows. Icing on the cake? The seriously impressive Lyaness cocktail bar (formerly Dandylyan), from Ryan Chetiyawardana's award-winning Mr Lyan team. Every drink you order here is guaranteed to be a stunner and you get river views as an added bonus.

Time Out tip: Plump for a river view balcony suite to sit high above the city feeling like you're on a cruise ship.

Address: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD

Price: From £200 a night

Closest transport: Blackfriars station and Southwark tube

The Dutch invasion of stylish budget hotels continues with this Brick Lane offering focused on community and sustainability: the hotel works with local cycling charity Bikeworks and with Food Cycle. We love The Corner: it has more than 170 modular rooms, with comfy beds, decent showers, and is in prime location for exploring London’s East End. The DIY operation – self-service check-in and the free snack continental breakfast – keeps prices low, but there are lobby staff on hand, a hangout lounge with games, and a park view for a few quid more. Rooms that are individually styled in bright tones and determinedly youthful, fresh decor start from just under £140 a night (for the ‘snug’ room with no view). But, all have TVs, rain-shower bathrooms, free tea and coffee and wifi throughout. The hotel is the self-proclaimed ‘greenest in London’ and prides itself on having 41% less water consumption than other UK hotels and 67% less CO2 emissions than the industry average. So, if saving the planet is your thing, there really is no place better. 

Time Out tip: The Corner’s Bar and Kitchen is an excellent option if you’re after something quick, easy and relatively healthy. With a sustainably sourced, vegan menu, it serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. 

Address:  42 Adler St, London E1 1EE

Price: Starting at £140

Closest transport: Whitechapel tube

Fancy a bit of central London living? Bermonds Locke could be just the place. Sold as a home away from home, it is part hotel, part apartment block, and part yuppie community. There are kitchens in each room, equipped with huge fridges, hobs and full sets of pots and pans to get your culinary genius flowing - and there's no cooked breakfast on offer, so you really better get thinking. Still, in Bermonds' co-working space, Shaman, a third-wave coffee shop, has drinks, brunch and pastries on sale. The downstairs foyer is decorated with cool metal panels that gleam in rainbow, while a giant moon hangs above the reception desk. The rooms, however, offer guests a little slice of home. There are laundry facilities, hair dryers and a paranoramaic view of London that would look good on any trendy Instagram feed - on a clear day you'll see from The Shard to the London Eye. With pale wooden floors and sky blue walls, the whole hotel has a sense of calm running through it. And, in the middle of Tower Bridge that is certainly something to savour. 

Time Out tip: If it is a nice day, take a walk down to the river bank and soak up all of the Thames' beauty. There's also the nearby Borough Market that has countless food stalls waiting to be enjoyed - although maybe best to avoid it during weekends because the crowds are quite something. 

Address: 157 Tower Bridge Rd, London SE13LW

Price: From £180

Closest Transport: Borough station.

Calling all wellnes fanatics, this one's for you. Just a five-minute walk from Paddington Station, you'll find Inhabit, where the hustle and bustle of the city stops and zen begins. Sitting inside a Grade II-listed, 19th-century Victorian townhouse, Inhabit might not look like a hotel on first inspection, but if you can live with all the talk of breathwork, relaxation and green juice, it is an unexpected haven. There are daily yoga and pilates classes, a calming art collection, a library and even a vegan restaurant. Of course, there's a meditation pod and saunas, too - this is wellness, after all. Decorated in cool tones, the hotel feels like something you'd traditionally find miles away from London. The rooms are elegant, the beds are hugeand there's a diffuser in each to keep you calm. The mini fridge is stocked with Social Supermarket products, while Who Gives a Crap toilet paper is hung in every toilet. Inhabit seems genuinely committed to sustainability, and right in the heart of the capital, it offers the best of both worlds: a city stay and a retreat. There's another branch of the hotel just down the road, too. 

Time Out tip: If you're staying here you might as well embrace the whole experience and try Yeotown, the plant-based restaurant. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and organic drinks are made to order. No alcohol is served here and you can expect dishes that are titled things like "joy", "balance" and "calm". Maybe you'll leave glowing?

Address: 25–27 Southwick St, Paddington, London W2 1JQ.

Price: From £130

Nearest Transport: Paddington Station

With its free Wi-Fi, on-site bar and glitzy furnishings, the Motel One in the City is one of the more luxurious budget hotels around. Single rooms start at just £98, which really isn’t much considering the location and facilities availble. And it isn’t just cheap rooms that Motel One has on offer. Guests can enjoy exclusive discounts at nearby restaurants – some of which amount to a whopping 50 percent off. Just a stone’s throw away from the Tower of London, Motel One is right in the centre of things, and has a real metropolitan feel. The hotel even pays homage to its royal neighbour with a collage that depicts the history of the coronation - so if you’re a fan of The Crown this might be the place for you. The 24-hour foyer is suitably swanky; there’s dark lighting and leather sofas you could quite comfortably sit on for hours. You can add a continental breakfast onto your stay for an extra £9.99 where a selection of pastries, different types of bread, cheese and meat is served. For a central budget stay, we think this is pretty excellent and is in easy reach of pretty much all the touristy stuff imaginable. 

Time Out tip: For the full royal experience, why not walk down to Westminster Abbey and visit the Tower of London, too?

Address: 24-26 Minories, EC3N1BQ London

Price: Starting at £98 for a single room.

Closest transport: Tower Hill tube

A polished hotel from a brand that knows what it’s doing, the relatively new Hyatt Place London City East (catchy name, huh?) is a bona-fide bargain. Just off the eastern end of Brick Lane, the location’s great for exploring the arty streets of Shoreditch, The City or Spitafields and everything is slick and well-run, with rooms starting at around £89. And god, the transport links are good. There’s a swanky ninth-floor roof bar and terrace, where you can kick-back with a cockatil, relax and take in the views, as well as a 24-hour gym. Feeling hungry? Why not try the grab and go food market which sells Starbucks coffee. Or, if you fancy a sit-down meal, the onsite Sotto Cucina & Bar will take you right to the heart of Sicily, with its romantic vibes, fine wines and authentic dishes - the costolette di Agnello (grilled lamb cutlets with lamb croquettes and lamb jus) is just excellent. The design has a creative feel to it with art by Olly Fathers whose work also hangs in Soho House, there’s free WiFi and the rooms are simple, clean and stylish. Really, what more could you want?

Time Out tip: World-class art is on show at Whitechapel Gallery, just two minutes down the road, and Tayyabs, still the best place in London for Punjabi cuisine, is an easy walk, too.

Address: 45 Whitechapel Road, Black Lion House, London, England E1 1DU

Price: Starting at £89

Closest transport: Aldgate East tube station

Germany's Ruby chain launched in 2013 and has made its way over to London - currently, Ruby has three hotels in the capital. All of them are great, but Ruby Zoe is our top pick. Just a couple of minutes away from Notting Hill station, the hotel is in easy reach of the city and has all the essential amenities. Guests will walk straight into the bar, which doubles as a reception and has a vintage Ford 100E car as its centrepiece. There is a bright communal working space where you'll be sure to find gangs of yuppies making calls. But Ruby is not a standard hotel; there is a huge programme of events including speed dating and games nights. The decorations include a wall of records, and up-and-coming bands perform most nights. There's even a private garden on site, too. The design in the rooms is fairly minimalist, with white sheets and wooden floors, but there's Marshall radios placed in each as a nice extra. There is no spa or gym, but there are small kitchens on each floor where you can make hot drinks, as well as irons and vending machines. A continental breakfast is served between 7am-10am, with croissants, meats, hummus, pastries and bread. Ruby has a youthful soul, but provides sure-fire fun and relaxation.

Time Out tip: With Notting Hill just on your doorstep, why not walk down to the institution that is Portobello Road Market which is London's largest antique market? Here, you can sift through vintage treasures and haggle for one-off bargains. With sections dedicated to secondhand goods, clothing and fashion, household essentials, fruit, veg and other food, as well as the main event - antiques, it has something to entertain everyone.

Address: 146, 164 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3QG

Prices start: 120 a night

Nearest transport: Notting Hill station

Andalay Andalay! This Mexican-themed family-run hotel in the heart of Camberwell is fun, funky and friendly, thanks to the work of craftsman José Raido, who designed rooms that are bright and eclectic, with beautifully tiled bathrooms. A fine organic breakfast is served, there’s an honesty bar, with an impressive range of rums, in the Havana lounge, and staff can happily recommend local pubs and eateries. Single rooms come with a shared bathroom, there is free Wi-Fi throughout and each bedroom is uniquely decorated with throws and art. Church Street is fantastically kitsch and distinctive and all for prices that start as low as £55. Colourful decoration is quite literally everywhere here - one room is cobalt blue, while another is painted in lime green - but that only adds to the holiday feeling of Church Street. This hotel may be a little rough around the edges, but it is arty to its core.

Time Out tip: If you want a cheap-eat to go alongside your cheap hotel, do not miss out on the incredible Falafel and Shawarma just down the road. There’s pretty much always a queue, but for a very good reason. And if that doesn’t quite tickle your taste buds, Camberwell has some other great foodie options, too. Time Out favourite Mondo Sondo does the menu at the Grove Tavern, and Silk Road has some of the best Sichuan food in the whole of London.

Address:  29-33 Camberwell Church Street, London, SE5 8TR

Price: Starting at £55

Closest transport: Oval tube

If you’re after a classic hotel, head to this Bloomsbury stalwart, occupying two Georgian townhouses overlooking Cartwright Gardens which, along with nearby tennis courts, are available for use by guests. Common areas are elegantly stylish, while comfortable, homely rooms feature everything you’d expect in terms of amenities, including free Wi-Fi. The hot buffet breakfast is free too. Nearby sister hotel Jenkins, offers even cheaper options but The Judd is the one we’d recommend. Refurbished in 2019, the decoration gives the feel of regal wealth - but at half the price. And just a 20-minute walk away from the gorgeous Regent’s Park, you’re perfectly placed to step out of London’s hustle and bustle  into the green and quiet. The rooms are brightened up with flashes of dark blue and gold - but are mostly neutral (no points for originality). Still, they’re more than pleasant and they remain the ideal central place to lay your head after a long day exploring the big city. 

Time Out tip: The beautiful British Library is right on The Judd Hotel’s doorstep. But, if you want to venture out of London, nearby St. Pancras is a key terminus for Eurostar (with direct trains to Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris) and high-speed rail in the UK.  Kings Cross station is just next door and if you’re a Harry Potter fan, don’t forget to look out for Platform 9 ¾.

Address: 24-26 Minories, EC3N1BQ London

Price: Starting at £128 for a double room

Closest transport: King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground tube

In the heart of bustling Dalston, this modern family-run B&B is located in a converted printing press warehouse. In a stylish loft space four modern en suite rooms, have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and Nespresso facilities. But, fear not - The Luxury Inn is far from being pretentious and manages to balance an arty interior with a genuinely friendly vibe. Guests have free run of the cool shared dining room-lounge area, with a kitchen on hand for your free self-service breakfast, which includes an array of fresh fruits and yoghurts. The courtyard garden is a plus, the building retains an air of its industrial past, and the location is great for Dalston’s trendy cafés and restaurants. With rooms starting at £140 The Luxury Inn is an absolute steal. But best of all? Humans aren’t the only species invited to join in with all the fun at The Luxury Inn. This hotel is pet friendly, too! So, come along with your furry friends in tow and take a walk around the nearby Clissold Park for a breath of fresh air.

Time Out tip: Be warned, if you’ve chosen to stay in Dalston you might never want to leave. There are countless things to do just a few minutes away from The Luxury Inn’s doors. Fancy a sandwich? Why not try one of the mammoth focaccia offerings at The Dusty Knuckle. Want to go to a legendary London club? You’ve got Dalston Superstore just down the road. Want a cocktail? Well, Three Sheets will have you sorted. 

Address: 156 Tottenham Road De Beauvoir, London, N1 4DY

Price: Starting at £140 for a double room

Closest transport: The nearest station is Dalston Junction.

It’s all in the name: beyond the 19th-century exterior, there’s plenty of futuristic design here, including aluminium panelling and stylish lighting. Clean and modern rooms have ensuite pod bathrooms complete with rain showers and mood lighting, and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout. Rooms - which are contemporary and comfortable, start at £118 and are inclusive of a full English. In each, there’s a satellite TV and work area, too. But for more space and privacy, check out StyloSuites, around the corner above a pub. The hotels are both just a five-minute walk from Hyde Park, which means it is easy to escape into one of London’s best green spaces. If you stay here, don’t forget to take a walk round the Serpentine to take in the views. 

Time Out tip: Just around the corner on London Street, you’ll find Sussex Arms Bar, which is London’s only modern aviation themed bar (yes, you read that correctly). Aircraft parts have been repurposed and there’s a huge selection of local and imported lagers and ales to enjoy, as well as wines and spirits. You can enjoy a tipple as you sit back and relax on original Concorde seats. Stylotel guests even get a complimentary drink to have at any point during their stay. What more could you want? 

Address: 160 Sussex Gardens, Paddington, Westminster Borough, London, W2 1U

Price: Starting at £118 for a double room

Closest transport: Paddington tube

Hate checking in? You'll love The Pilgrm. With this affordable 73-room hotel, Jason Catifeoglou – formerly of the Zetter group – has done away with reception, minibars and phones to create a hotel that has a personal feel and features superfast wi-fi, Marshall speakers, 24-hour pantries and natural toiletries. (Plastics begone, we're using soap on a rope!) He has sensitively retained and restored original Victorian fixtures and fittings while adding interesting reclaimed ones to create a unique space that's a real winner. 

You'll struggle to find many hotels as stylish as The Pilgrm, which combines throwback details such as parquet flooring and iron radiators with modern touches to create a warm, lived-in feel. There's not a huge amount of space, which is why wardrobes have been done away with in favour of wall rails and some rooms come with sinks by the bed. But if anything, this just adds to the hotel's satisfyingly pared-back aesthetic.

Follow the maze of corridors to the lounge and terrace, where they serve breakfast first thing and cocktails and snacks later in the day. You couldn't be closer to Paddington station here which makes it super easy for anyone travelling to and from there. Plus this is a great base to explore west London, with tourist faves like the Royal Albert Hall, 

Time Out Tip: There is a cute little terrace here overlooking the buzz of Paddington, with blankets for cooler days. 

Address: The Pilgrm, 25 London Street, Tyburnia, London, W2 1HH

Price: From £116 per night

Nearest transport: Paddington Station

Set within 12 converted Georgian townhouses, Z Soho is a total bargain for this central location. Stylish en suite rooms, with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, start from £118. The upsides are the organic wool mattresses and duvets, and free cheese and wine between 5pm and 8pm, but rooms are quite small, some are windowless, and there’s no decent storage space. But, like with all the Z Hotels - there are 5 others in the capital,  Z Soho is crammed full with character. The corridors have floor to ceiling windows, filling the hotel with light. There are plenty of gorgeous wood features that give the space a warm and welcoming feel. All of the 85 rooms have 48-inch TVs with complimentary Sky Sports and Sky Movies installed - so you’d be fully set for a night in, if you want one. But why would you? The best thing about Z Soho is undoubtedly the location. On its doorstep, there are theatres galore and endless restaurants and bars to choose from.

Time Out tip: While you’re in the area, it would be foolish not to book tickets to a West End show. Why not check out some of our favourites? Or if none of those take your fancy, Soho Theatre offers a rich and varied programme of both theatre and comedy. 

Address: 17 Moor St, London W1D 5AP

Price: Starting at £118 for a double room

Closest transport: Leciester Square station

This one’s a bit out of the way, but it’s not that far from proper central London. Wood Green tube is under 20 minutes from the West End and half an hour from the City. If you can bear the (not that inconvenient) travel time, you can find yourself a bunk bed in a dorm room at Green Rooms for just £18. Prices tend not much higher for your own double room either - they start as low as £30 and in a spectacular art deco building, with loads of on-site events and restaurant pop-ups, it’s a great deal. Green Rooms is the creative brainchild of Nick Hartwright, who also set up The Mill Co Project and Kurt Bredenbeck, the man behind the Hoxton Hotel - so you’re in safe, experienced hands staying here. But, Green Rooms do things a little bit differently; the hotel organises its own programme of activities which include yoga sessions, Q&As and networking events. Community is right at the heart of everything they do - it prides itself on being a good a place to socialise as sleep. And with an onsite bar and Japanese restaurant, you might never want to leave. Who needs to be central anyway? 

Time Out tip: If you’re an artist, we couldn’t recommend this place strongly enough. There’s even acting classes you can get involved with! And for half the price of most of the hotels on this list, you’re getting everything you need and more. 

Address: 13-27 Station Road, Wood Green, N22 6UW 

Price: Starting at £18 for a dorm room

Closest transport: Wood Green station

With Happy Land, it's in the name. This adults-only stay situated in a quiet neighbourhood in North West London is great for those who like a home-from-home kind of stay to relax and unwind after whizzing through your daily itinerary. Style-wise, this place is decked out in full boho glam, with wooden floors, earthy tones, coral blues, potted plants and a tonne of space for both luggage and lounging. Each unit has its own private bathroom, while some have access to a terrace and a balcony with a garden view where you can drink and watch the sunset. Microwaves, kettles and fridges are available, too. Get into the city in 40 minutes tops via the Thameslink. We think all that is pretty good for a room that will cost you around £110 a night. This is a proper bargain of a hotel that is relaxing to its core.

Time Out tip: You might not be right in the heart of London at Happy Land, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find things to do nearby. Just a few minutes down the road, there’s Bagel Delight Bakery for all your bread-based needs. In the hotel itself, there’s a home cinema to keep you entertained. In the summer, Happy Land has a BBQ free for guests to use and there are places to lock up bicycles, too.

Address:  2 Gladstone Park Gardens, London NW2 6JU

Price: Rooms start at £110

Closest transport: Cricklewood station

Zedwell Greenwich is a rare gem in our books – it's a calming, modern lifestyle hotel that captures all the sophistication and swagger of London, that is, minus the busyness and the hefty price tag. Featuring window-free rooms with mood lighting, and comfy cocoon beds to help you zero in on your surroundings and forget the world outside – think of it as a little detox. When you need a change of scenery or a space to work, there's an open-concept communal space decked out with tropical plants and lots of green – it beats the dreary concrete surroundings. The rooms are clean but simple, with air conditioning and high speed WiFi available throughout. On the downside, there are no TVs in any of the rooms - apparently, the designers of the Zedwell prioritsie sleep above enjoyment. But, if it is a serene escape you’re after, at least there'll be no distractions to tempt you. 

Time Out tip: The hotel is right in the centre of Greenwich so you’ll have no shortage of things to do. Get a pint of Meantime ale at The Gipsy Moth or a perfectly brewed cuppa at Peter de Wit’s Café, located in one of Greenwich’s oldest buildings. Stroll down to Greenwich Market to browse the quirky shops and stalls. And why not grab some of the local street food while you’re at it? 

Address: Cavatina Point, 7 Harmony Pl, London SE8 3FB

Price: Starting at £75

Closest transport: Cutty Sark station.

Okay, so you're hoping to stay somewhere cheap, cosy, and fairly close to the centre even though you booked last minute? That may feel like a tall order for the bustling London, but don't worry we've got you. Situated in West Hampstead just moments from the tube station, West End Lane II Aparthotel (previously 198 Studios) offers guests a stylish, comfy and spacious green and gold-themed studio with a private bathroom and a kitchenette that includes a refrigerator, hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and even cooking utensils, all for an affordable price. There’s also hairdryers, a flat-screen TV and fresh towels waiting for you on arrival. Stylish and spotlessly clean too. If you’re a poetry lover the Keats Museum is just over a mile away and Lord’s Cricket Ground is in easy access. How's all that for £78 a night?

Time Out tip: West Hampstead is a boujee paradise. Pop in to elegant art deco café and bistro The Wet Fish for avo on toast and a flat white. Get a slice of musical history in The Railway Pub which previously hosted gigs by Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Cream. We highly encourage you to stock up on fine cheese and meat from The Hampstead Butcher & Providore. Finish the day with cocktails at The Gallery. Or do something else - the possibilities are endless!

Address:198 W End Ln, London NW6 1SG

Price: Starting at £78

Closest transport: West Hampstead station

You'd be forgiven for thinking the lobby of One Hundred Shoreditch was the office of some edgy millennial's start-up, with its fizzy trap-house soundtrack, large statement sculptures and cool twenty-somethings tapping away on their laptops. Head upstairs, though, and it's a very different story. The bedrooms – all whitewashed walls, feature tapestry hangings and pine – radiate an instant calm. The design is subtle, but carefully calculated: curved vases clash with hard corners, rough natural textures sit next to excruciatingly soft sheets. There's an attention to detail here which makes it feel like you're staying in the spare room of some impossibly fashionable friend, what with the cult DS & Durga toiletries and Jacu Strauss artworks. But it's not all about sleeping. Formerly home to the hipster haven the Ace Hotel, this landmark east London building is now as much a social destination as it is a place to rest your head. Head to the buzzy rooftop for drinks – a cacti-dotted terrace with a pink-tiled bar and panoramic skyline views over the city – and you'll see why.

Time Out tip: Nearby, you'll find a tonne of late-night bars, music venues, art galleries and indie fashion boutiques – in addition to Dickensian-era cobblestone streets and a Palladian church with a spooky crypt filled with Tudor-era actors. We suggest trying Manteca: a nose-to-tail Italian resto with proper fresh pasta and ragu you'll be thinking about for days.

Address: One Hundred Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ

Price: From £139 per night

Nearest transport: Shoreditch High Street station