London’s Most Unique Accommodations: From Houseboats to Historic Stays

Sure, you can stay in a hotel in London, and I’m sure it’ll be lovely. But on your next trip, shake up your hotel routine with a stay in a houseboat or check into a historic property and sleep with ghosts. Here are some of London’s most unique accommodations, where the stay becomes part of the story.

London’s accommodation scene is as diverse as its rich history and culture. When I go to London, I look for new and unusual places to stay that will make the trip unforgettable. From waking up to river views to relaxing in rooms filled with centuries of history or channeling my inner wizard, here are my favorite accommodations that offer more than just a place to sleep.

Houseboats

I take in London from the deck of a houseboat, where the city flows past at a slower pace and the river becomes part of the experience. It’s peaceful, scenic, and still connected to everything.

The Harpy Houseboat

The Harpy sits moored near Tower Bridge and is one of the oldest houseboats on the Thames. Built in 1904, it was once a customs and excise vessel. Now fully restored, it offers private, self-catered stays in a sleek, contemporary interior with panoramic views of the skyline. I enjoyed how its original features, from exposed beams to brass fixtures, blend with luxury touches like plush beds, rainfall showers and fast Wi-Fi.

The Boathouse London

The Boathouse offers a quiet, design-forward stay on the water. This floating one-bedroom hotel blends clean, Nordic style with a warm, natural interior with soft wood finishes, brass accents and thoughtful touches throughout. I loved how they offer curated experiences and picnic boxes, and it turns the stay into a personal retreat, not just an overnight stop. The space keeps peaceful energy, building sustainability into everything, from their materials to the way they design the guest experience.

Tulana Taggs

Tulana Taggs floats on the inner lagoon of Tagg’s Island, offering one of the most serene stays in London. This architect-designed, luxury floating home brings together smart design and comfort with warm, natural interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows that open right onto the water. It includes a wood-fired Swedish hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen and curated touches that make the space feel personal and relaxing. Surrounded by greenery and birdlife, it’s a peaceful riverside escape just a short drive from central London, ideal if you want something truly different without leaving the city.

Boutique Stays

Boutique hotels are stylish and packed with personality. Each one offers something distinct, whether it’s a quirky art piece, a bold design choice or a hidden courtyard I wouldn’t find anywhere else.

The Hoxton, Southwark

The Hoxton in Southwark mixes industrial style with a polished, lived-in feel with concrete ceilings, comfy beds and brass details. I spent time in the lobby lounge that doubles as a coworking space, and the rooftop restaurant, Seabird, became my go-to for oysters with skyline views. Their flexible check-in and check-out options gave me breathing room in my schedule and the free bike rentals allowed me to explore the South Bank without missing a beat.

Broadwick Soho

Broadwick Soho brings together maximalist interiors, vintage glam, and bold personality right in the heart of the West End. Every corner is curated with custom-designed furniture, rich textures and art that spans decades. The entire stay balanced comfort with theatrical flair. Every detail played a role in the experience, like stepping into a bold, cinematic version of London life.

The Mandrake Hotel

Bold, immersive design sets the tone from the moment guests step through the floral-draped entrance of The Mandrake Hotel. Lush hanging gardens fill the central courtyard, and curated contemporary art adds a surreal energy throughout the space. The plant-based restaurant delivers thoughtful, beautifully plated dishes, and the private gallery layers in that artistic edge. Still, the wellness side left the biggest impression. Sound healing, spiritual therapies, and energy treatments turn the stay into something deeper than luxury, a refreshing break from busy city life.

Playful & Themed Stays

For trips where I want to have fun and lean into something whimsical, these themed stays keep the experience light and creative.

Georgian House Hotel – Wizard Chambers

Tucked away in Pimlico, the Georgian House Hotel transforms part of its historic 1851 building into an immersive, wizard-themed stay. The Wizard Chambers sit behind a hidden door, styled with four-poster beds, stained glass, stone walls, and trunks at the foot of each bed with every detail built to transport you into a fantasy world. Their Wizard Afternoon Tea adds to the experience, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just want to indulge your inner child.

Treehouse Hotel London

Treehouse Hotel brings a sense of play into everything, from its design to its skyline views. Located in Marylebone, it uses reclaimed materials, retro decor, and treehouse-inspired details like hanging chairs and wood finishes to create a cozy, nostalgic feel. I headed up to The Nest, their rooftop bar, for sweeping views of The London Eye and The Shard. Sustainability drives much of the experience here, from thoughtful sourcing to green operations built into the hotel’s design.

Zedwell Piccadilly

Zedwell Piccadilly strips things back to the essentials and builds a calm, wellness-focused space right above Piccadilly Circus station. The rooms, called “Cocoons,” use soundproofing, purified air systems, and blackout lighting to shut out the chaos of the city. With no TVs or tech distractions, the hotel encourages total rest and mental clarity. That pause from screens and noise gave me the kind of rest I didn’t realize I needed, all while staying in the heart of the city.v

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Responsible travel matters to me, and staying at eco-conscious hotels helps me follow through on that. They give me comfort and ease without leaving a heavy footprint.

room2 Chiswick

room2 Chiswick sets the bar as London’s first net-zero hotel, designed to generate as much energy as it uses. Everything from the solar panels and ground source heat pumps to the sustainably sourced furniture reflects a commitment to low-impact living. Natural materials and thoughtful design create a calm, modern space that invites a slower pace. You can track the building’s energy use on the lobby screen and start the day with their plant-based breakfast, which ties the whole ethos together.

The Corner Hotel

Tucked between Shoreditch and the City, The Corner Hotel (formerly Qbic) blends smart design with sustainability. The rooms feature upcycled furniture, energy-saving systems, and filtered water stations, all part of the hotel’s mission to cut waste and conserve energy. The bright, colorful interiors feel playful without being overdone, and the casual vibe makes it easy to settle in. I liked how the hotel supports local social impact projects, where the value goes beyond just design.

When the Hotel Is Half the Trip

Every stay tells a different version of London, one that can’t be captured from a chain hotel window. From the creak of a Georgian staircase to the hush of the Thames outside a houseboat, these places offer details that linger. Experiencing history firsthand or sleeping gently rocked by the Thames has forever changed how I see travel. These stays aren’t just accommodations; they’re an invitation to live in London differently.

Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket list adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery, and shares it all with a global audience as co-founder of Can Do Travel. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press Wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and many more.