The Best Hotels in the City of London
The City of London (the capital’s central business district) offers some of the most convenient places to stay, thanks to its proximity to Covent Garden, Liverpool Street and St Paul’s. Despite what you might think, hotels in the Square Mile aren’t all corporate bores; these City of London hotels, at least, come with plenty of character and style – bookable on Culture Trip.
Simultaneously a business and nightlife centre, London is a city of paradoxes, and nowhere is this more apparent than in this historic central district. By day the streets bustle with busy professionals; at night the lively atmosphere of pubs, clubs and restaurants takes over. It’s this work-hard-play-hard mentality that sums up what the Big Smoke is all about. Dive into the midst of it all with a stay at one of the best hotels in the City of London – each with its own distinctive personality.
1. CitizenM Tower of London Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Business Hotel
CitizenM offers the amenities you might expect in a luxury hotel, but at a fraction of the cost. Here, you’ll find king-size beds, rain showers and flat-screen TVs in each of the rooms. But it’s the co-working spaces, cool bars and travel-inspired decor that really stand out. Designed with digital nomads and world travellers in mind, the crowded lobby feels part living room, part workspace, part social club. The hotel sits right next to Tower Hill – making it ideal for hopping into the city for meeting clients or friends. Be sure to pop up to the rooftop bar for a well-earned drink after downing tools for the day.
2. Rockwell East
Boutique Hotel
Ultramodern Rockwell East is a series of apartment-style hotel rooms that fuse the perks and benefits of both accommodation types, with full kitchens and dining spaces. With decor plucked from the pages of an interiors magazine – think whitewashed walls, black accents and contrasting colour palettes from mustard yellow and cobalt blue to violet and royal purple – the rooms are as chic as they are practical. All in all, this is a perfect choice for those wanting to benefit from hotel amenities while holding on to their home comforts.
4. South Place Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Fun and lively yet refined and classy, this hotel is perfect for both business travellers and those looking for a base from which to sample the revelry of London. Rooms feature luxe monochrome decor – think black marble bathroom vanities and plush faux-fur throws – sprinkled with jewel-hued touches like feature walls, cushions and rugs. There’s ample choice when it comes to drinking and dining, from Michelin-star cuisine to a secret garden bar. When you do decide to venture out, you’ll find yourself right behind Liverpool Street Station – just seconds from the bustling Broadgate Circle, and a short hop away from anywhere else in the city.
5. The Ned
Spa Hotel
A favourite of Bank’s well-heeled professionals, this hotel and private members’ club offers one of the most exciting places to stay in the City. It’s part of the Soho House group, so, as you’d expect, it comes with perfectly pitched interiors and a laidback charm. The original features of this former bank have been jazzed up and no longer appear so austere, and a podium in the midst of the ground floor dining space becomes a stage for live music to keep things fun throughout the week. Take a trip to the Roof Bar for views across London or head down to the Vault Bar (for guests and members only) through a safe-style circular door.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Bianca Barratt.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
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