Aparthotels offer the best of both worlds for a stay in the capital, giving you the hotel experience with the added freedom that comes with your own private place in London. Plus the chance to live like a local in some pretty chic postcodes. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious place to call home for three nights or three months, we’ve rounded up some of the best aparthotels in London for a self-catering holiday – from super-central crash pads to luxury apartments in historic buildings.
As well as the obvious benefits of accommodation with a comfortable sofa and the ability to prepare your own meal occasionally, you can expect chic interiors, five-star service, facilities such as gyms, lounges and swimming pools and buzzing neighborhood restaurants in locations such as London. Bridge, Mayfair, Kensington, Chelsea, Bermondsey and Bethnal Green.
How we assess
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, usually hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have to offer.
The best aparthotels in London at a glance
Right opposite Green Park, with views over the treetops (and even the city from the top floors), this is a sleek, contemporary option among the behemoths of Park Lane and Mayfair. There are the usual hotel room categories to book, but when it comes to the serviced apartments they really step it up a notch. Each room is fully equipped with a kitchenette, dining table and spacious living area. Separate bedrooms have California King beds (covered in dreamy Hypnos mattresses), fold-out bunk beds for children and a bathroom with underfloor heating and a smart toilet. Adjoining apartments can be interconnected upon request, making them ideal for families, groups and longer stays.
A luxuriously equipped aparthotel with a deliberately simple approach to service and a 24/7 grab-and-go pantry. A handful of tube lines are just minutes away, as are some of London’s most vibrant cultural highlights. Ideal for anyone who likes the finer things, but not all the formal bells and whistles. Rooms rise on a price and space barometer from ‘crash pad’ to ‘premium’, but each room is impressively equipped with a kitchen and dining table worthy of a true show-home, stocked with eco-friendly dishwashing essentials (dishwasher tablets, soap, scouring pads and rubber gloves). They provide all the daily necessities you need. Well almost. Bring toothpaste. It’s the only item they haven’t checked off yet.
Cheval Three Quays is known for having some of the best aparthotels in London due to its spectacular location – right on the Thames, next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, and directly opposite HMS Belfast and the City Hall, with The Shard also above the river towers. South bank. The look inside is entirely contemporary, with clean lines and simple color schemes, and oak floors and white lacquer finishes throughout the apartments. The living areas include an L-shaped sofa, flat-screen TV and binoculars (to make the most of the views), plus a dining area and white kitchen with wine fridge, cookbook of the month and an Abel & Cole welcome basket.
• The best luxury hotels in London
An aparthotel like no other, with thoughtful design, competitive prices and, best of all, a location on the north bank of the river, overlooking some of London’s main attractions (Millennium Bridge, St Paul’s, Tate Britain, Shakespeare’s Globe). All 113 studios are finished in a sage-mint color, with accents of butterscotch and burnt orange. The kitchens are marble and birch wood and full of Hay kitchenware. They have a single hob, toaster, kettle and fridge. The bathrooms have power showers, good lighting and great Kinsey Apothecary shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. The rooms are wonderfully quiet, thanks to the fact that this part of London is not very busy in the evenings.
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Accommodations in this mahogany-infused Grade II listed corner building on London’s Square Mile are among the finest luxury serviced apartments in London. White walls contrast with dark wood parquet floors, cabinets and door frames, which are elevated by pastel-colored mid-century modern-style furnishings, including millennial-pink beetle dining chairs from GUBI, a ‘drink cart’ side table, herringbone patterned rug, hanging lamps from Flos, plus faux fur rugs laid over neatly dressed king-size beds. Heritage features have been retained where possible (cornices on walls and ceilings, some beautiful and tall, and beautiful iron fireplaces), while modern comforts provide everything you need for a short or long stay.
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Housed in what was once the headquarters of the Bethnal Green district, the Town Hall Hotel is a captivating blend of historic architecture and contemporary flair. There is a fitness center and swimming pool, and guests can dine in the Corner Room (for sublime small plates in a refined setting) or order room service. With these facilities, plus good service, an evening turndown service and L’Occitane toiletries, bathrobes and slippers in the room, this is a good option for those looking for hotels with apartments in London, rather than self-contained suites , although they do have fully equipped suites. equipped kitchenettes. Please note that internal noise can sometimes be an issue.
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Offering excellent privacy, a prestigious address and all the modern conveniences you could wish for, these serviced apartments are ideal for a longer stay in the capital – although such exclusivity obviously comes at a price. The penthouse is the star of the show (two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a huge living room with balcony), but the regular one and two bedroom homes are also enviable. The bathrooms feature a shower over the bath or separate bath and shower depending on the size of the property, with refillable Bramley toiletries (although no slippers or bathrobes). The furniture is opulent: all dark wood and soft cream sofas, with a combination of wooden floors and thick pile carpet. A handful of artistic trinkets and sculptures complete the show home style.
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A millennial-friendly design with mid-century modern elements by New York-based interior designers Grzywinski+Pons can be found in this 22-storey aparthotel on the eastern edge of London’s Square Mile. From the lobby and restaurant/bars with exposed polished concrete, marble features, spicy potted plants and geometric industrial-style lighting fixtures, to the lilac-hued, space-saving suites with open-plan kitchens and living rooms, the look is design-led and aesthetically pleasing. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer impressive views of the city. There is a gym with weights and machines, as well as free weekly yoga sessions, running clubs and meditation classes.
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Cheval Gloucester Park offers luxury apartments in London for short-stay travelers looking for the comfort and privacy of a home with the convenience and service of a five-star hotel. The 24-hour concierge team are friendly and helpful, welcoming a large number of regular guests and assisting with bookings, grocery deliveries and tourist advice. There is a communal living room, a small cinema, a gym and a VIP Green room. The apartments – all stylish wooden floors, Lee Broom pendant lights and Hermes fabrics – are self-catering (with kitchen), but a limited welcome pack of croissants, crisps, biscuits, Nespresso pods and tea bags is provided.
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You’d be forgiven for thinking that this urban property is more suited to business travelers because of its location, but that’s not the case. Further along in one direction, the Tower of London is less than a 20-minute walk; in the other direction, Covent Garden is a 15-minute bus ride along the Strand. The sleek and functional apartments with hotel service are equipped with all the comforts of a fully equipped functional living space. There is a 24/7 lounge downstairs with magazines, books, board games, newspapers and coffee and tea making facilities. Guests have access to hi-tech fitness facilities, bicycle storage and a laundry room with free detergent. A small welcome pack is provided.
This prestigious address in the heart of Chelsea is not actually the address of the hotel’s apartment offering, which is located just down the road at number 20; a cluster of one, two and three bedroom homes forming the property’s new self-catering offering. However, both are served by one team of employees, ready to assist with concierge services, logistics and midnight snacks – always with good grace and clear passion for the work. On rainy days, the library’s soft armchairs and classic novels beckon; in good weather you might want to take a stroll in Cadogan’s garden – a gated oasis, to which the staff have the key.
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Part of the Ascott Group, this property offers the privacy of an apartment combined with the convenience of a hotel in an unrivaled location. Spacious, modern accommodations with fully equipped kitchenettes, a stylish lobby lounge, parking and access to an adjacent gym attract business and leisure travelers alike. The former will appreciate the computers and printer in the lobby, while families will welcome the chance to check in pets. If you don’t feel like using the kitchenette, drinks and snacks are available in the lobby, where a decent buffet breakfast (£12) – a range of cereals, breads, pastries, porridge and waffles – is served every morning from 7am. 11am.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aparthotels in London cheaper than hotels?
For longer stays, London aparthotels are generally cheaper than hotels. Some aparthotels offer reduced rates per week or month. Having access to your own kitchen will save you money on eating out. With your own washing machine you also save the costs of a hotel laundry service. Most aparthotel accommodations are more spacious than a hotel room, giving you more space for your money.
What is the difference between serviced and unserviced accommodation?
In serviced accommodation, the housekeeping staff cleans the apartment and provides clean linen during your stay. Security or reception staff will be on site to assist you. There may even be a gym on site. Unserviced accommodations generally do not have these benefits.
Contributions from Jade Conroy, Rachel Cranshaw, Robbie Hodges, Kaye Holland, Simon Horsford, Charlotte Johnstone & Nick Trend