Best London & UK Hotels to Visit for Interior Inspiration

Fortunately, London’s best design hotels have stepped up to the mark. As we tire of cookie-cutter guest rooms (often pre-fabricated, natch), no self-respecting newcomer to the scene opens without the services of a designer or two to bring some style and individuality to your stay. It’s no longer enough to deploy a Le Corbusier copy or a glass wall or two: for real designer bang, look for innovative new-builds, refurbs of historic buildings, artsy goings-on, and even the opportunity to engage in stimulating conversations through stranger chat sessions held within the hotel's stylish communal spaces.

The Best Design Hotels in London & UK

1. Eden Locke, Scotland

Hotel decor of our dreams! Tapping into a Wes Anderson colour palette, the interiors at Eden Locke are incredibly clever and beautiful. Eden Locke has given themselves the moniker aparthotel, meaning not quite an apartment but not quite a hotel either. Undoubtedly, Eden Locke’s interior is worthy of it’s own Pinterest page. A design-led and lifestyle-luxe Edinburgh aparthotel - mixing mod with retro, chic with cool, vintage with luxe, and monochrome with sorbet-shade pastels (think mint greens, sorbet-soft pinks, and warm greys).

2. Beaverbrook Townhouse, London

Exuding quintessential British Charm with Japanese allure and the flamboyant personality of Lord Beaverbrook, the Sloane Street town house shows us exactly how to clash colour and pattern. From combining pinks and greens with delicate vintage-inspired fabrics and plenty of tasselled details, to vibrant throws and art déco furniture, the carefully considered mix brings delight to the eye.

3. The Nomad Hotel, Covent Garden

This Spring saw the most exciting hotel opening in London since The Ned. Designed by New York ‘Starchitects’ Roman and Williams responsible for Ace Hotel NY, New Orleans, and the Standard - Nomad with boutique blowholes in New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, has made its international debut at the heart of London's theatre-land Covent Garden. Rooms feature vintage Bakelite phones, marble-topped desks, mosaic-and-marble bathroom, and eclectic artworks.

4. Chapel House, Cornwall

Once an 18th-century admiral’s town house, Chapel House is now a chic and contemporary B&B by the sea. Still, just enough of its original features shine through to give it character. Lots of white walls and soft blue furnishings give this house a beachy vibe. And the walls serve as a revolving gallery of works curated by the Newlyn School of Art. Dark wood antique furniture sits beautifully against the understated colour schemes, while views take in the harbor and Mount’s Bay all the way to Lizard Point.

5. Barnsley House, Gloucestershire

This handsome and intimate late 17th century former home of inspirational horticulturalist Rosemary Verey is the setting for this Cotswold hotel. Eschewing a chintzy or old-timey decor scheme, the house provides the ideal bolt-hole for stressed-out Londoners. It’s a holistic hideaway for those seeking some pastoral downtime with the mod cons of their urban lives still intact. With only 18 rooms, it’s boutique-y, and also the spa (which is reached by a picturesque woodland walkway) is a big draw.

6. Pig on the Beach, Dorset

This gloriously-named 23-bedroom retreat occupies a restored 16th century manor house, situated by the beautiful sands of Studland Bay. One in a string of pig-related venues, this particular little piggy offers a relaxing rural location with stunning views, together with an interesting selection of gargoyles, antiques and furniture. Choose from a range of comfortable rooms featuring the words 'snug', 'comfy' and 'luxe', many of which include 'monsoon' showers and either countryside or sea views.

Conclusion

In conclusion, London's best design hotels are raising the bar with their unique and individualized interior design. They are moving away from cookie-cutter guest rooms and embracing innovative new builds, refurbs of historic buildings, and artsy goings-on. From the Wes Anderson-inspired Eden Locke in Scotland to the quintessentially British Beaverbrook Townhouse in London, and the recently opened Nomad Hotel in Covent Garden, these hotels offer a pleasingly luxe and louche vibe. With their carefully considered mix of vintage and modern design elements, these hotels offer guests an unforgettable and stylish stay.