The 7 Best Hotels in North London

The Standard has always been the purveyor of ultra-hip hotels meant to attract an equally cool crowd. The London iteration is no exception; housed in a refurbished Brutalist-style building, it contains three glass-enclosed floors and a cherry-red external elevator that resembles a pill you’d take the morning after a heavy night out. The rooms are no less funky, with bedsheets inspired by London’s iconic Tube seats and curved lines both in the furnishings and the architecture itself. The hotel also lives up to the American hotel group’s reputation for being a party hotspot – the rooftop bar and restaurant not only serves up finger-licking Mexican-influenced dishes, but is also known to host revellers until the wee hours, while the Lobby Lounge hosts weekly live performances.

The Megaro in King’s Cross is perfect if you’re itching to throw yourself into London’s underground arts scene. The cool decor pays homage to Britpop, while its underground piano bar and locally sourced menu are truly patriotic. The hotel has partnered with Diesel and Doc Martens to create unique fashion-forward rooms that range from modern minimalism to mod rock. Make sure you check out the self-serve ‘minibar’ in the lobby, where you can mix a potent cocktail before immersing yourself in live music.

There’s something rather wistful about the decor at this luxury hotel opposite King’s Cross St Pancras station – fashioned after traditional railway sleeper carriages, it’s a vision of crisp white sheets, wood panelling and shuttered table lamps. An ideal stopover on your way to Europe, you can fill your boots in the elegant brasserie, Plum + Spilt Milk, before bedding down in the cosy plushness of the luxury bedrooms. Just be careful not to get so comfortable that you miss your train – although, with the station less than 25 metres (82 feet) away, that’s highly unlikely.

Modern luxury with an Art Deco flair is the look and feel of Sakkson House. Rooms combine chic features like Crittall shower doors and upholstered headboards with brushed metal and mid-century style furnishings. Plants and flowers work to brighten up the open spaces, while coffee table books and fashion-brand influences create a sense of personality. With Kentish Town on your doorstep, you’re never more than a few steps from some of the city’s leading music venues – including the O2 Forum Kentish Town. Let your nose lead you to Camden Market – overflowing with street-food style eateries, it’s the go-to for hangover cures like pomegranate-and-yoghurt-smothered halloumi fries and burgers that will drip juices to your elbows.

This Gordon Ramsay-owned inn offers regency-style luxury near leafy Regent’s Park. The restaurant features sophisticated comfort food, an eclectic wine menu and local ales made even more enjoyable by the squashy chairs and cosy corners. The bedrooms boast four-poster beds piled high with cushions, open fires and showers big enough for two. Offering romance and relaxation, it’s a great option for weekend getaways.

Green Rooms sits somewhere on the border between hotel, hostel and cultural enterprise. For all intents and purposes, it functions like a hotel but comes with the added bonuses of dorm-style rooms and decorative for-sale artwork by local artists. Reinforcing this artistic allure, furniture is mid-century in style and kept to a minimum to inspire an overall chic look. It brings numerous creatives flocking to the hotel – using it as a place to work, sleep and play – creating a lively and inspirational atmosphere. It’s not a bad place to eat either, thanks to Oita’s Kitchen – a pop-up-style restaurant that specialises in Japanese dishes such as karaage chicken and fresh sashimi. Whatever draws you in, it’s unlikely you’ll be in any rush to leave.

The rooms at STAY Camden appear plucked from the Scandi-inspired pages of an IKEA catalogue. Light and bright, with blonde wooden floors, Crittall windows, mid-century furnishings and a muted colour palette, they have a warm and welcoming vibe. The fully equipped kitchen – bigger than most in many London flats – and spacious dining table are perfect for hosting local friends for a dinner party. If eating out is more your thing, however, Camden Market and its many street-food eateries are quite literally next door. The hotel’s canalside location makes it perfect for quiet morning walks before the crowds arrive – if you go far enough, you’ll emerge in Islington, where Popham’s Bakery will tempt you with hot coffee and flaky pastries before the slow meander back.