For a city as frequently visited as London, there’s never a shortage of attractive and practical places to stay for business or leisure. Here are several notable London hotel openings that arrived in early 2019, each offering distinct character, convenient locations and modern comforts.
The Great Scotland Yard Hotel
The Great Scotland Yard Hotel marks the Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s entry into the UK. Housed within the historic former headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police, this lovingly restored luxury lifestyle hotel features 153 rooms that blend heritage details with contemporary amenities. The building’s storied past — once the center of investigations into some of England’s most infamous criminals — informs the hotel’s character, while upscale furnishings and thoughtful service deliver a comfortable, refined stay for both business and leisure travelers.
Vintry & Mercer
Located close to the River Thames, Vintry & Mercer draws on the neighborhood’s trading history for its name and identity: “Vintry” references former local winemakers and “Mercer” recalls the silk and textile merchants who once traded in the area. The 92-room hotel combines contemporary design with nods to the local past, creating a polished yet approachable atmosphere. With its central riverside setting and modern guest rooms, the property is well suited to professionals and visitors who want easy access to London’s cultural and business districts.
Mama Shelter Shoreditch
Mama Shelter opened a 193-room property in Shoreditch, having transformed the former RE Hotel London Shoreditch into a lively, design-forward destination. Situated in London’s creative, industrial-leaning east end and within walking distance of Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green stations, the hotel is designed to be more than a place to sleep. Generous restaurant and bar areas, flexible meeting rooms and indoor-outdoor lounges create social spaces that appeal to both travelers and locals — ideal for grabbing a casual meal, getting work done, or relaxing after a day of exploring the city.
Each of these openings reflects a broader trend in London hospitality: restoring characterful buildings and crafting distinct guest experiences that balance local history with contemporary comfort. Whether you prefer a stately property steeped in policing history, a riverside boutique with neighborhood roots, or a vibrant Shoreditch spot built for socializing, these hotels add fresh options to London’s diverse accommodation scene.