14 wonderful London hotels for solo travellers

This post brings together two of my favourite things: London and solo travel! Despite living on the outskirts of London, I adore staying in London hotels to experience the city as a visitor.

I’ve tried and tested some of the best London hotels for solo travellers to bring you this comprehensive guide. I’ve tried to include a range of different options, although my picks do err on the luxury side.

From the east end to the City, Covent Garden, Theatreland and south of the Thames, I assure you that each of these impressive properties packs a powerful punch in terms of style, amenities, service and affordability.

So without further ado, here are my favourite London hotels for solo travellers.

14 best London hotels for solo travellers

1. The Hoxton

Best for: Uber stylish solo travellers

Location: Shoreditch

I really love the Hoxton hotels, and I’ve always had wonderful stays at the different locations.

The Shoreditch property was the first Hoxton, and has since been joined by hotels in Holborn and Southwark, as well as a number of others in Europe and the USA.

Their shoebox rooms are ideal for solo travellers, as they represent very good value and come with everything you could possibly need.

I think the location is also superb, as guests enjoy easy access to cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, Brick Lane, and Spitalfields Market. Old Street and Liverpool Street stations are also just a short stroll away. 

The interior wrote the book on combining retro, contemporary, and industrial style. Even the Shoebox rooms come with monochrome bathrooms and parquet flooring, and can sleep two adults comfortably if required.

The hotel’s Hoxton Grill and bar serves American comfort food and is regularly packed out, so I’d recommend booking a table in advance!

There’s also Maya, the beautiful new Mexican rooftop restaurant that brings you fresh, locally sourced produce and expansive views over East London.

2. The Artist Residence 

Best for: Well connected, contemplative arty types 

Location: Pimlico

Another of my personal favourite hotel groups is Artist Residence. With properties in Brighton, Oxford, Bristol and Cornwall as well as London, the Artist Residence group is growing fast.

The hotel in the capital is located in a Pimlico townhouse in a peaceful street. Chelsea, Westminster, and Millbank are close by, the latter being home to the Tate Britain.

The Artist Residence London has just 10 rooms, with a buzzing neighbourhood cafe bar downstairs. I love how intimate it feels and I think it’s the perfect vibe for solo travellers.

Both the bedrooms and Clubhouse are furnished and decorated in a quirky, arty style, featuring original and vintage pieces.

Free WiFI, Roberts radios, Nespresso machines, TVs and minibars are found throughout.

Victoria train, tube, and bus stations are just minutes away on foot, making this a prime location for accessing not only the London area but the whole of the UK.

3. Dorset Square Hotel 

Best for: Fans of famous fictional detectives

Location: Marylebone

I’d recommend this one as a must for Sherlock Holmes fans! The Dorset Square Hotel is positioned in Marylebone, close to both Baker Street and the Sherlock Holmes museum, as well as good public transport links.

It occupies a Regency townhouse overlooking a quiet, tree-lined square. The on-site Potting Shed restaurant and bar is open daily, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

Designer Kit Kemp is the name behind the decor. Rooms are all equipped with flatscreen TV, minibar, iPod dock, safe and WiFi.

Even single rooms – which are perfect for solo travellers – have elegant en-suites with walk-in showers. These come with single beds, and some offer views over Dorset Square.

Hotel facilities include air conditioning, a smart guest lounge, concierge, and 24 hour room service. Plus, I love that it’s close to many of the top tourist attractions in London.

4. Leman Locke

Best for: Sociable souls who love to self-cater

Location: Aldgate

I’ve stayed in a few of the Locke hotels and I’d highly recommend them for stylish self-catering stays and gorgeous co-working spaces.

Locke Living – as the company calls it – has been a thing since 2016 and Leman Locke in Aldgate was the original property.

Combining space, boutique style, and the convenience of a serviced apartment, it offers elegant living in vibrant East London.

The benefits of staying at Leman Locke are ideal for those who fly solo. Guests are warmly invited to join locals at events like exhibitions, food showcases, and even yoga demos.

Leman Locke also offers the advantage of added space, as units have a living area with a kitchen – and a pink sofa when you opt for any accommodation other than a micro studio.

The communal spaces are also a draw for sociable types. They include a gym, cafe and terrace, as well as meeting rooms.

Even the smallest micro studios have a kitchenette with dishwasher, fridge/freezer and hob, a compact dining area, and a King size bed.

It’s easily one of the best London hotels for solo travellers.

5. Mimi’s Soho

Best for: Boho style in buzzing Soho

Location: Soho

There are few locations – even in central London – as sought after as Soho, and Mimi’s makes the ideal base for the solo sightseer.

The seven room grades range from ‘tiny’ to ‘lux’, with the former offering incredible value for solo travellers.

The plush, richly decorated interior is warm and welcoming. Think thick velvet, wood panelling, padded headboards, and jewel hues.

If you fancy a little more space than the six square metre single, their mini rooms offer a double bed. Although I’d say that this accommodation is still best for those who travel light. 

Whichever size you go for, rooms come complete with flatscreen TV, luxury linens, free WiFi, rainforest shower and upmarket, fragrant Molton Brown toiletries. 

6. The Resident Hotels 

Best for: Single rooms in prime London locations 

Location: Soho, Kensington & Victoria

With properties in Kensington, Soho, Victoria and Covent Garden, Resident guests are spoiled for choice.

At the Soho, Kensington or Victoria hotels, guests can book single rooms that offer at least 13 square metres of space.

All rooms come complete with a mini kitchen area with sink and coffee machine, comfortable pocket-sprung beds, a spacious en-suite, luxury toiletries, and fast WiFi. Each is decorated in a contemporary style.

Would you rather be close to Buckingham Palace, retail and restaurant heaven, or plentiful parks and museums?

This will determine which Resident Hotel is the right choice for your solo stay in London.

7. The Ned 

Best for: Soaking up the history of the Square Mile

Location: City of London

Enjoy the best of both worlds by booking a bed at The Ned in the City of London – this area is located between the west and east ends of the capital.

I love that the interior harks back to the glamorous twenties and, unusually for London, this property also has an impressive spa. Perfect for a spot of indulgence after a busy day exploring the city.

With eight restaurants, I think it’s wonderful that you can dine out differently every night for over a week while barely moving a muscle!

The eateries share a former banking hall, befitting the location in the beating financial heart of the UK.

Use of the gym and spa are included in all room rates. Options range from Crash Pads (perfect for solo travellers) to more spacious accommodation.

With a minimum square footage of 17 metres, each offers rainforest shower en-suites, Cowshed toiletries, bespoke wall coverings, and effective blackout blinds.

8. Batty Langley’s

Best for: Singles with a Cavalier attitude

Location: Shoreditch

If the Hoxton is fully booked or you fancy staying somewhere out of the ordinary, I’d recommend taking a look at Batty Langley’s, also in Shoreditch.

The moniker honours a handbook publisher from the Georgian era, who advised readers on all matters relating to tasteful decor and garden design.

Batty Langley’s is located just outside the Square Mile, close to the original city walls, a neighbourhood rich in Georgian architecture and cobbled lanes.

Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street Station are nearby, as are plenty of bars, shops, and eateries. 

Solo travellers can book the Box Room for the best value. It pays homage to French Regency design and comes with a desk, flatscreen TV, luxury toiletries, WiFi, and a great view over the London skyline. 

9. The Capital Hotel, Apartments and Townhouse

Best for: Classicists with a penchant for retail therapy

Location: Knightsbridge

It’s surely a bold property that has the front to call itself The Capital, especially in one of the world’s greatest cities.

But I do think that this hotel lives up to the name. Tucked away on Basil Street, it’s right by Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Hyde Park. 

This five star hotel is very much tuned into the needs of solo travellers, providing a list of suitable restaurants to dine at.

Guests can also book a private guide to accompany them on excursions. On site there is a restaurant and bar.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Capital offers a range of elegant rooms featuring antiques, original art and pretty, patterned wallpaper.

There are also suites and serviced apartments available. Even Classic rooms – the smallest – offer 19 square metres of space plus flatscreen TV, high thread count linens, WiFi, and Queen bed.

It’s a strong contender on the list of best London hotels for solo travellers – especially those who like a touch of luxury.

10. Hotel 41 

Best for: Rubbing shoulders with royalty

Location: Victoria

Could there be a more prestigious address in London than Buckingham Palace Road, overlooking the royal residence itself?

Five star rated by Forbes, Hotel 41 offers just that. As well as ‘sports buddies’ for active solo travellers staying there, which I think is a wonderful idea!

Guests are treated to a most memorable welcome, including a glass of champagne and a personal check-in service.

This property even boasts its own signature scent, and allows residents to ‘plunder’ the well-stocked pantry whenever the whim takes them, savouring canapes, freshly baked bread, a cheeseboard, and delicious desserts.

Hotel 41’s restaurants include the English Grill and Curry Room, while the Leopard, rooftop and New York Bars serve drinks until long after dark.

The range of rooms and suites includes monochrome singles, featuring rich mahogany furnishings and an opulent marble bathroom.

11. Montague on the Gardens 

Best for: Lovers of literature and alfresco dining

Location: Bloomsbury

Also bursting with a very British breed of charm is the Montague on the Gardens.

This delightful property is positioned on the edge of private gardens in Bloomsbury, a part of London with a distinctive literary history. It’s also close to Covent Garden and theatreland.

The Montague boasts an impressive range of eateries and bars. During good weather, alfresco dining in the gardens can be a highlight.

Seasonal events and pop up venues are also often a feature of life at the hotel.

Some rooms and suites overlook the peaceful green space. All are elegant in design and sumptuously appointed, with deluxe toiletries, WiFi, super soft bathrobes and beds, flatscreen TVs, and air conditioning.

Single rooms are available at the property, which is why I’ve included as one of the best London hotels for solo travellers – especially if you like a touch of luxury.

12. Beaufort Hotel 

Best for: Traditional afternoon tea in the drawing room

Location: Knightsbridge

If the idea of staying in a leafy square in close proximity to upmarket Knightsbridge and the glorious green spaces of Hyde Park appeals to you, then I’d recommend booking into the Beaufort.

This family-run townhouse hotel occupies a typical London terrace, and offers boutique style rooms as well as a refined drawing room.

I think the four single rooms offer the perfect place for solo travellers to rest their heads. All accommodation includes a complimentary cream tea each afternoon.

Thick fabrics, clean lines, pristine linens and a muted, modern colour palette characterise the rooms at the Beaufort Hotel.

Comforts and conveniences like WiFi, desks, CD players, bathrobes, flatscreen TVs, and White Company toiletries help to make this a special place to stay.

13. The Corner Hotel

Best for: Eco-warriors exploring the east

Location: Shoreditch

The Corner Hotel is an eco-friendly haven close to Aldgate East tube station on the edge of East London and the Square Mile.

If you abhor single-use plastics, adore solar panels and recycled furnishings, and are happy to feast on ugly vegetables, I know you’re going to love this hotel.

Guests can borrow free bikes to explore the area, and can claim a complimentary drink at the bar if willing to skip housekeeping. I think these are such brilliant incentives!

The hotel is a welcoming, innovative and quirky place, with walls decorated by homeless persons’ art, plenty of houseplants, and helpful staff.

The ‘cosy’ room category offers excellent value. Great lighting and cheerful colours keep these small spaces from feeling claustrophobic, making it one of the best London hotels for solo travellers.

14. Z Hotels 

Best for: Budget-conscious types seeking shoestring style

Location: Multiple

If you’re travelling on a shoestring, the final hotel in this list of the best London hotels for solo travellers should tick all your budget boxes.

Z Hotels has a growing resume of residences to its name, spread across the capital in east, central, and west London.  At Z Hotels, it’s all about the clever use of space and offering genuinely helpful service.

Staff can serve drinks, snacks or breakfast at the Z cafe at each site, or point you in the direction of a secret, lesser-known local landmark.

The ethos is to control the price by keeping things compact, so you can still expect top quality linens, HDTVs, cosy beds, WiFi, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Decor, meanwhile, is simple, sleek and ultra modern. I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re looking to save money on your stay.

Let me know any of your personal favourite London hotels for solo travellers, or get in touch on social media! You may also like:

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