The Best New London Hotels in 2017
21 September, 2017
- Words by
- Jenny Mcfarlane
London
London
is no stranger to first-rate accommodation, but with a
bevy of unique new places to stay, 2017
has proved a particularly exciting year for the capital’s hotel
scene. From an eclectic
Shoreditch property brimming with state-of-the-art amenities to
a Soho
boutique hotel with individually designed rooms, here’s our round
up of the best new kids on the block.
hotel
Mimi’s
Soho, London
Slap bang in the heart of Soho,
the Frith Street hotel’s bohemian decor and design
have been configured with bespoke furniture, cosy fireplaces and
reclaimed oak flooring. The six floors boast a range of rooms, from
compact yet opulent doubles to traditional suites with high-end
finishes and marble bathrooms. Their boudoir-style eatery, Henson’s Bar & Social, has quickly become a
regular haunt among the
Soho crowd and acts as a great meeting place by day before
transforming into a vibrant cocktail lounge at night. Featuring an
extensive and creative drinks menu including handcrafted cocktails
and a thoughtfully curated wine list, it’s the perfect place to
either start or end the night.
hotel
The Ned
Bank, London
This five-star, 1920s-inspired property in the City is a
standalone venture from Soho
House and the Sydell Group. Housed in the historic headquarters
of Midland Bank, 252 bedrooms are done up with vintage grand
chandeliers, vintage mahogany furniture, sumptuous curtains and
brass details, updated with modern touches such as rainforest
showers. The hotel includes nine eating and drinking spaces
including Millie’s (visit for its up
lobster mac and cheese) and Asian–Pacific inspired
restaurant Kaia, which focuses on healthy bites
such as poke. Three of these eateries are for members and guests
only, such as Ned’s Club Upstairs, which offers an
indoor
pool overlooking the
London skyline as well as landscaped gardens, a retractable
roof
and heaters, making it a pleasant year-round. The hotel also offers
a full range of treatments in the design-led spa and grooming
spaces, including the Miguel Perez hair salon, manis and
pedis at Cheeky and makeovers at Trish McEvoy.
hotel
The Distillery
Notting Hill, London
Perhaps one of the quirkiest hotel openings of the year – who
wouldn’t want to stay at a hotel in a gin
distillery? Home to Portobello Road Gin, this unique
destination offers a small number of comfortable guest rooms with
retro furniture and vinyl record players, making it an ideal place
to rest your head after distilling (and drinking) your own blend at
The Ginstitute. Overlooking Portobello Road, its GinTonica
bar and restaurant serves tapas-style small plates using the finest
Spanish produce combined with seasonal ingredients. For a more
peaceful setting, nip over to The Resting Room for bespoke gin
blends alongside other barrel-aged spirits in fanciful flavours
served alongside traditional British
cuisine.
hotel
The Principal
Bloomsbury, London
Opening in early autumn, the former Hotel Russell is undergoing
a multi-million pound makeover to relaunch as the lavish Principal.
Housed in the Grade II-listed terracotta building on Russell
Square, it’s a practical yet glamorous place to stay in
London‘s literary neighbourhood of Bloomsbury. Thoughtfully
designed by Tara Bernerd, the hotel comes with a choice of rooms
that range in size from city singles to The Principal suite. With a
striking colour palette, Fitz’s bar is the perfect spot to sink a
cocktail, while Burr & Co. offers a casual dining
atmosphere.
hotel
Henrietta
Covent Garden, London
You may have already spotted the rose-pink bathrooms on your
Instagram
feed; this little boutique hotel in Covent Garden is the first
London property from the Experimental Group (you’ve probably
fallen China Town’s Experimental Cocktail Club. While the communal areas
boast touches of French elegance – think terracotta tiles and green
velvet seating – the 18 rooms and suites are individually designed
by Dorothée Meilichzon, replete with super king-size beds with
hand-built heads, retro armchairs, statement brass lamps and
bright, airy bathrooms. Book a table at the hotel’s
restaurant and order from the top-notch menu by Raymond Blanc
protégé and Michelin chef, Ollie Dabbous, who launched his first
restaurant Dabbous on Whitfield Street back in 2012. Prepare for an
elaborate bohemian vibe with hand-painted wallpapers and rich
fabrics.
hotel
The Curtain
A new arrival in
East London, The Curtain is giving neighbour Shoreditch House a
run for its money. Each of the slick rooms feature exposed
brickwork, large warehouse-style windows, minimalist colour
palettes, comfy king-size beds and bespoke amenities like fully
integrated technology and carefully curated mini-bars. The hotel
also houses Marcus Samuelsson’s Harlem restaurant, Red Rooster, specialising in American soul food such
as gumbo, cornbread and dumplings and hosting live acts in the
evening. Upstairs, you’ll find The Curtain’s members-only rooftop
pool and bar, which serves up cocktails until late, as well as
a state-of-the-art gym, screening room and nightclub.