Anya Ryan

Need a place to stay in London? We’re here to make it easy for you. Every year, a wealth of new hotels open in the capital which is a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. However, that can make it tricky to decide which hotel to choose. But worry not because we have slept our way across the city and hand-picked our favourites for the ultimate list of London hotels, which covers locations right across the city, and every category from blowout luxury (including having your own butler, might we add) to budget basic and brilliant. In this mega list, we've listed everything from our favourite five-star hotels in Mayfair to more affordable hotels outside of zone 1. Plus you’ll be able to check out one or two of the capital's many Michelin-starred restaurants because yep, loads of them call London hotels their home. But if spending a small fortune on food isn’t your bag? There’s also an ever-increasing number of good-value food options for budgeteers, too. Throw great design and architecture into the mix, plus superb bars, world-class hospitality and the opportunity to have a home-from-home in the best city in the world and, well, you’re laughing.  Which area is best to stay in London? It's not just the range of hotels that's so impressive – you're also spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a neighbourhood to stay in London. The city is made up of a sprawling network of dynamic neighbourhoods, all with their own uniqu

Every year a wealth of new hotels open in the capital which is a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. But, the city can be pretty pricey if you're not careful. Whether you live or work in London or just visit, the spending can quickly add up. From the delicious food that stands on almost every corner and lines up the streets to just having a gander around the city looking for things to do, your wallet might start to feel very, very light. We don't even want to talk about how much a night out costs.  But surprisingly, the UK capital has actually got some wallet-friendly options for spending the night. Both big chains and independent hotel joints (yep, even four- and five-star ones) offer some rooms for under £200 a night – you just have to know where to look. Every hotel highlighted here by Time Out’s experts is good value; whether that be because of its location, design, or quite simply, the price. Staying in one of these will give you the kind of buzz only a good deal can deliver. So get booking and then use all the cash you’ve saved on more important stuff. Like, erm, going to the pub.  Which area is best to stay in London for a good price?  London has so many neighbourhoods, you’re spoilt for choice. But, where should you go for the best deals? Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. There’s cheap options in Shoreditch, just off the South Bank and even in the heart of the West End. So, whether you want t

The UK is in the grip of a Guinness renaissance. Previously known as an old-man’s drink, the black stuff started to appear in the hands of hipsters in east London beer gardens a few years ago. It wasn’t long before normies got involved, then celebs like Olivia Rodrigo and even Kim Kardashian wanted a pint, too. Soon, Guinness was everywhere: on Hinge profiles and on Instagram stories of happy drinkers ‘splitting the G’ or tagging @shitlondonguinness. Even fashion brands like JW Anderson and Carhartt jumped in on the hype with clothing collabs. In 2024 there was no hiding from it: it was cool to be drinking, wearing and being part of Guinness. Then, in December, a crisis hit. Rumours of a Guinness shortage started to swirl – much to our horror. Diageo’s breweries allegedly couldn’t keep up with the demand. Guinness taps were running dry, pubs were plastered with signs saying ‘none left’ and The Old Ivy House in London’s Clerkenwell was even handing out ration cards to punters. What were the Guinness fanatics going to do? But, just when we thought the cult of stout was over for good, another lesser-known Irish import arrived to save the day. Enter Murphy’s. The stout, owned by Heineken and founded in Cork in the mid-19th century, came in fighting with a promotional campaign poking fun at the Guinness slogan and shortage: ‘Good things come to those waiting,’ it read. Heineken even unveiled a handy interactive map with every pub in the UK that was stocking Murphy’s. It worke

Half a century’s worth of history squashed down into just 80 minutes is a mission so ambitious that it feels doomed to fail. Which is a particular misfortune in the case of Shanghai Dolls. Amy Ng’s play about the little-known relationship between Jiang Qing, the wife of Mao Zedong and Sun Weishi, the first female director in China, is ripe with dramatic potential. But, with so much ground to cover, the result is a play that feels like a swirling tornado of the past.  Shanghai Dolls rushes haphazardly through years of change, sprinkling the names of various political figures in the process. But, if it's a history lesson you’re hoping for, you’ll come out no better informed. The detail in Ng’s script is hurried over, while her dialogue is stiffly functional. The actors, Gabby Wong and Millicent Wong, pour all their energies into bringing the historical figures to life. But, their characters remain 2D sketches. Their delivery feels like pantomime, with wild, extending hand gestures and rising shouty tones. All at once, Jiang Qing switches from an excitement-seeking stage lover to a cold, commanding political figure. Exactly why is anyone’s guess. The true story is undeniably deeply fascinating. But, rather than digging into the reasons behind Jiang Qing’s transformation, Ng serves up a surface-level retelling. Awkward renditions of Oklahoma! songs are shoehorned in next to references to famine and abuse. Jiang Qing and Sun Weishi’s individualities are wiped from their characters

What is it? A copy of every single publication produced in the UK and Ireland is sent to The British Library – an institute that has amassed a collection of more than 170 million items and adds some 3 million new items each year. Built in 1973 and designed to look like a ship from a certain angle, this vast cornucopia is the national library of the UK. Beyond centuries worth of books, there's millions of newspapers, maps, manuscripts, sound recordings and stamps. It’s oldest item is a roughly 3,600-year-old Egyptian stela, containing a hymn to Osiris, the god of the underworld, in hieroglyphic.  In 2026, the literary landmark is lined up to get a ‘groundbreaking’ £1bn makeover. The extension will open the library up across three sides, adding 100,000 square feet of public space, including new exhibition rooms and a learning centre. All that’s expected to be unveiled in 2032.  Why go? The public can apply for access to the reading rooms, or simply explore the permanent and temporary exhibits in the John Ritblat Gallery. Here, some of the most famous written and printed items in the world are displayed, and you might see the Lindisfarne Gospels, Shakespeare’s first Folio, Handel’s Messiah, the Gutenberg Bible, drafts of the Magna Carta and the Beatles’ manuscripts. Don't miss: The British Library also hosts events, with a programme of talks by world-class speakers and courses to broaden your horizons.  When to visit: Monday - Thursday 9.30am-8pm; Friday 9.30am-6pm; Saturday 9.3

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 Book Now

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 theme. Of course, the London branch is no different - although the hotel's outside might fool you; it is stylish, metallic and chique. Of course inside is a different story; 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 during my stay. There are karaoke rooms with classic 50s-style microphones waiting for guests to sing their favourite songs into. 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 and even merch available to buy on site. The rooms are compact but have more personality than your standard budget stay, with lampshades in the shape of Tweety Bird and the Tasmanian Devil, a TV with the option of literally hundreds of films and a free porn collection. 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. Neighbourhood: L

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 about what to make. Still, in Bermonds Locke is basically the perfect place to kick back and relax. The downstairs co-working space, Shaman, a third-wave coffee shop, has drinks, brunch and pastries on sale through the day. The foyer is decorated with cool metal panels that gleam in rainbow, while a giant moon hangs above the reception desk. On the day I visit, the guy at the reception tells me i've come to the "right place to chill out". He's not wrong. The rooms offer 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 right 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.  Neighbourhood: Bermonds Locke has an array of pubs, indie shops and markets just a few minutes away. 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 c

Take a journey into the future at Stylotel - and on a budget, too. This 2004 Paddington hotel has a post-milenniun design scheme that looks and feels like…a spaceship. Or is it a submarine? Basically, the place is coated in metal; the floors and walls are about as shiny as you can get. There’s pleather seats in the reception area that look as though they could have been picked out by Captain Kirk. Still, as Stylotel’s manager Andreas points out, you might love or loathe the retro-futurist quirks of this trendy hotel, but you can’t deny that it’s a clean and convenient resting place for travellers who might be too knackered to notice the decor anyway. The perks of this weird and wonderful hotel certainly outweigh its peculiarities. Standard rooms are small and slick, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, TV, pod bathrooms (shower-only), free Wi-Fi, wood flooring, chic furniture and a switch-controlled ‘do not disturb’ sign. Suites also come with kitchenettes and couch beds – useful for longer trips. You might want a comfier bed, but it still offers a decent kip. The morning’s breakfast buffet, which was a classic fry up served in metal trays works as sustenance alone – nothing more, nothing less – served in a dining room that’s gone OTT on the design front again. But it’s nothing if not memorable, which is exactly how to classify a stay that was pretty first-rate for a budget lodging: may it live long and prosper. Neighbourhood: The location is also a major plus. Split across two sit

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 South

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 t

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 s

In Coral Wylie’s nature-driven debut, absence and presence blur and spike. Pip - also played by Wylie – is a non-binary 19-year-old trying to make sense of themselves and their world. To do this, they keep a diary; filling it up with heavy feelings. ‘I don’t know myself. I don’t know how to fix it,’ they write. Pip’s parents, however, prefer to keep their worries and traumas as ungerminated seeds. Twenty years ago, Pip’s father, Craig (Wil Johnson) lost his best friend Duncan (a cracking Omari Douglas) to AIDS. But instead of speaking about their memories, Craig has tried his best to bury Duncan’s existence, deep. Near the beginning of Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew, Pip discovers one of Duncan’s old jackets with an old diary stuffed inside the pocket. Almost immediately they feel an affinity with their parents’ old friend.  The past starts to overflow like running water. Through his writing, Duncan’s personality is released in multitudes; and in these flashes Wylie’s play shimmers into something brilliant. Douglas makes Duncan an almost otherworldly vision; his diary entries pulse with humour and fire, as well as his niggling fears. Duncan’s life feels stolen; the loss of him is cruel and has left a gaping hole. Without Duncan, colour has been sucked out of Craig and his wife Lorin’s days. Max John’s set makes their once dazzling home bland and white; their walls and furniture have no decoration. In scenes from their past though, the couple are powered by their own youth.

He was the boy who nearly made it. So now Martin lives in the shadow of what he could have been – a millionaire, uber-famous film star. In 1999, at the age of 10, he came down to the last two for the role of Harry Potter, but fell at the last hurdle.  The rest is history and his competitor Daniel Radcliffe (or, as Martin likes to call him - He Who Should Not Be Named) went on to become a household name. But, Barney Norris’s adaptation of David Foenkinos’s best-selling novel from 2023 gives us a fictionalised story of the real person who suffered the near-miss. Martin is haunted by his lost potential, the trauma of the Hollywood audition process and the star that is everywhere.  There is a dash of irony thatAsa Butterfield – who plays Martin – is selling-out Riverside Studios’ hefty main space on his stage debut. Unlike Martin, Butterfield has been an actor since his childhood; he was the leading role in both The Boy in Striped Pyjamas and Hugo and gathered an even bigger following after playing Otis in the Netflix hit, Sex Education. You’d be fair to think that the association with childhood screen success might make Butterfield slightly odd casting for Martin - but he gives a totally assured and searing performance. And besides, he apparently lost the role of Spider-Man to Tom Holland. He is the nucleus of Michael Longhurst’s barebones production, which begins with Butterfield frantically thinking back to where things ‘started’ to go wrong. We meet Martin in the hospital w

Sea Containers has many winning qualities like its sweeping panoramic views of London’s South Bank and its close proximity to attractions like the London Eye, Tate Modern and the National Theatre. But, once you’ve stepped inside the hotel’s stylish, metallic interiors - all designed by Tom Dixon - it's easy to feel like you’re far away from London’s busy streets. Taking his inspiration from 1920s transatlantic cruise liners, Dixon’s walls are glossed in rich copper, while the lobby is dramatically shaped like a ship’s hull. The boaty theme does not stop there either - in the toilets, the mirrors are sculpted into portholes, while the curved edges give the whole place the feel of a submarine.  I mean that in the best way because Sea Containers’ otherworldly vibe is part of its charm. The top-floor 12th Knot bar has dark, mystical lighting that adds a dash of glamour. Drinks are made and served on a blingy gold bar. There are big, plush sofas to lean back and relax on. But I’d highly recommend taking one of the flawless cocktails (my Negroni was perfection) out onto the stunning roof terrace to soak up the scenes.  About a third of the hotel’s 359 rooms have views over the river, too. Each is also kitted out with a mini-fridge, coffee machine, hair dryer and steamer for all your needs. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a hotel more fashionable in this prime location. The bigger, voguish suites have stand-alone bath-tubs, marble bathrooms and large comfortable sofas to relax on. Ev