The best hotels in Soho

Soho Hotel, like may of the Firmdale hotels, nails cool, casual luxury. The vibe is very much celeb-on-a-day-off, so nobody is going to give you a funny look if you pitch up for breakfast in tracksuit bottoms and slippers. The design throughout, however, is knowingly and appropriately exclusive: check out the Fernando Botero cat in the lobby or the sumptuous marble bathrooms, which go some way to explaining the hotel’s appeal with famous folk. The two small cinemas on-site might help too. Not to mention the award-winning bar, gym complete with personal trainer, and beauty treatment rooms. Plus you're right in the heart of Soho here, as you'd expect. Not really much more you could ask for. 

Much like Soho Hotel, this one is another Firmdale Hotel that oozes contemporary class. The group’s co-owner Kit Kemp does a trademark line in bold colour, which is in evidence throughout this block of hotel apartments and boutiques. The central courtyard is well-populated with diners and drinkers on warm days, and although it’s a cavernous endeavour that could feel a little corporate, touches like an on-site library, and cinema/theatre and even a bowling alley make the whole thing far more loose-collared. You can also go ham when it comes to partying, as there's a 24-hour front desk. Why not use the sauna to revive the day after? Why not indeed. And room service. This is a holiday, people. 

Straight off the bat: it’s not all about fancy-high hotels in Soho. SoHostel is perfect for those who aren’t bothered about frills. You’ll find dorm rooms, twins and doubles, plus a roof terrace and guest-only bar and roof garden, free wi-fi and breakfast (at a small extra charge). But really, it’s the location that’s the real sell: you’re right in the thick of it, meaning that you could spend days exploring central London from your base here on Dean Street and never have to set foot on – or have to pay for – public transport. There's a 24-hour front desk, too, so no worrying about not having a bed for the night, and an on-site bar to chill out from between stints around soho.  

With a name like Sanctum, you might expect a spa-like, cocoon atmosphere rather than what you get here, which is a former MI5 research building turned into what looks like a club. In fact, it can feel like a club too, with a 24-hour bar (yup, welcome to soho) with a multi-level terrace housing a hot tub. It’s all very rap video – some of the beds in the rooms even rotate – or should that be rock video? There’s even a guitar tuning service at reception. Should you ever need to leave the pad you'll find you're just a five minute walk from Oxford Street. 

As you’d probably expect from the name, this Grade II-listed, 116-room, five-star hotel is based in what used to be a magistrates court. It’s just off London’s main shopping nerve, Oxford Street, so perfect if you have retail therapy on your mind. When you’re done with that, among the attractions back in the hotel are a spa and sauna, a rooftop cocktail bar and, quite wonderfully, a 100-person private cinema which hosts a regular cult film club. Rooms are modern and well-equipped but it’s in the traditional that the hotel shines, such as its restaurant, Silk, which is housed in a wood-panelled converted courtroom, the site for the trials of John Lennon, Oscar Wilde and Mick Jagger, no less. Their asian cuisine based menu is crimially good. There's also a lovely cocktail bar and rooftop terrace to steal some cracking views of the London skyline from. 

If you’re working to a tightish budget, but would still like a little comfort, take a look at this branch of the Z chain, which is just off Old Compton Street. The rooms are admittedly small, and the beds aren’t ideal for those taller than six foot. And there are no phones or proper wardrobes. But all the same: at this price, for this location, you cannot complain. It's authentic London living, baby. En-suite rooms can be had for terrific values, and come with organic wool mattresses and duvets from Devon. There’s also free (yes, free!) wine and cheese in the evenings, what a life. What a dream. You're also very close to iconic bars such as Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, should you want to keep the refined (well, ish, it's still Soho) vibes going. 

If you prefer period charm to contemporary style, try the four Georgian townhouses that this form this lovely hotel. It’s named after William Hazlitt, a spirited eighteenth-century essayist. It’s full to the brim with louche touches and staggering attention to detail: think heavy fabrics, fireplaces, free-standing tubs and exquisitely carved half-testers. Modern luxuries are in abundance, too: air-conditioning, double-glazing, free wi-fi and even TVs in antique cupboards. There's also an actual library lounge, to read essays (or comics, no judging!) in. But, given you're in heart of the West End, we imagine you'll be enjoying the time out plenty. The hotel even helps you there, as there's a 24-hour front desk, so the show can go on for as long as you like!