Malmaison London

Set on Charterhouse Square in Farringdon, this hotel gives you a brilliant base for seeing a different side of the capital. The Barbican is around a 10-minute walk away, while Farringdon’s bars, cafés and transport links make it easy to zip between the City, Covent Garden and beyond. It’s the kind of location that feels central without being full-volume tourist central, which is always a bit of a win in London.

Expect a bold and grown-up vibe back at the hotel, with plenty of boutique character. Housed in a refurbished Victorian building, it feels stylish and slightly tucked away, with the kind of low-lit atmosphere that makes heading back after a day out feel like part of the plan. Free fast Wi-Fi keeps things easy, and the whole place has that polished Malmaison energy without tipping into anything too try-hard.