10 Best Airbnbs in London With Brilliant Design (2026)

If London excels at anything, it’s lodgings with soul—from the silver-service glamour of Claridge’s to the shiny new scenes of At Sloane. But these days, it’s the city’s next generation of stays—creative, design-led rentals that might include a sweet stay tucked into a mews, a contemporary warehouse with exposed brick, or a period town house on a leafy street—that capture the true spirit of living like a local. In a place where nightly rates can soar well into four figures, claiming your own corner of the city feels more like the move. Here are the London Airbnbs where you can carry on like a local—homes that are made for sinking back into after a morning finding the best coffee or after a late night in Soho.Japan-Inspired Guest HousePerks: Sauna, sound system, fully-equipped kitchen, curated book selection, washer and dryer, centrally located near St. Pancras train stationTucked away on a quiet corner in Islington, this three-story, Japanese-inspired stay is filled with wabi-sabi design moments you’ll want to steal for your own space. Guided by a minimal color palette, light-toned wood weaves cohesion throughout the interiors, which are outfitted with architectural details and decor accents. On cloudless days, sunlight bathes the upper levels, giving the wood flourishes a warm glow. The main living area trades a traditional sofa for tatami mats, where you can perform traditional tea ceremonies or simply enjoy a morning matcha. In the upstairs bedroom, camouflaged closets and drawers surround a grounded bed frame, while a freestanding tub placed right in front of the sleeping arrangements invites you for a relaxing soak.The downstairs kitchen serves a helping of maximalism with its striking red marble center island and coordinating stove backsplash. Just steps away from the refrigerator, a hidden walk-in shower, sauna, and spare bathroom are discreetly tucked away. The owners describe this home as a “domestic gallery,” but its beauty doesn’t make it any less liveable. “Every detail is thoughtfully considered,” says shopping editor Audrey Lee. “A Space Residence reimagines mundane fixtures into modern design moments that make you feel like you’re living in art. Relaxing in the tub with a good book, enjoying a slow morning watching television in the kitchen, or taking a steam in the sauna are just a few ways the days will quickly pass in this lovely home away from home.” From $549 per night.The Portobello HotelPerks: Garden views, elevator, luggage drop-off allowed, proximity to Notting Hill landmarksThis hotel, available to book on Airbnb, is situated in one of London’s most scenic neighborhoods. Surrounded by Notting Hill’s pastel town houses, the Portobello Hotel’s interiors are their own draw, sporting vibrant colors and unexpected textural pairings. The property has a cohesive design thread in its use of maximalism, though no two guest rooms look quite alike, providing a sense of unique eclecticism. Each room features elaborate headboards, lush textiles, and curated wallpapers, among other design elements that will greet you after a long day spent perusing Portobello Road Market’s endless stalls or snapping a picture with the famed Notting Hill (1999) door. With buzzy restaurants like Core by Clare Smyth and Eel Bar Sushi near the hotel, it’s quite easy to spend the entire day nearby, without ever leaving the neighborhood. From $456 per night.Holland Park DuplexPerks: Portable fans, board games, washer and dryer, security system, pet-friendly, housekeeping available for a feeNot only is this three-bedroom duplex in Holland Park a centrally located, elegant stay, but it’s also an architectural landmark. Nestled in London’s Royal Crescent, this apartment occupies space in a Robert Cantwell–designed Victorian building that dates back to 1839. The structure is a Grade II listed building, meaning it carries historical significance in original detailing, like a sweeping stucco façade, grand porticoed entrances, and tall sash windows. Contrastingly, the duplex’s interiors couldn’t be more modern, with skylight windows, sleek kitchen appliances, and poured concrete floors that add a brutalist touch. King or double-sized mattresses in each of the minimally designed bedrooms provide the perfect respite after long days spent visiting London sights like the nearby Japanese-inspired Kyoto Garden and Fukushima Garden, as well as Hyde Park and Kensington Palace just a short walk east. From $721 per night.Artists’ WarehousePerks: Underfloor heating, gallery-like, architecturally designedOnce a studio, now an elegant hideout, this one-bedroom space was designed by award-winning architect Julius Taminiau, balancing raw structure with comfort. The lounge, dining, and kitchen mix beneath beautiful ceilings; the bedroom offers privacy plus underfloor heating, a private courtyard, and a thoughtful material palette—from soft linens to crisp masonry—that combines to give this warehouse more of an artist’s studio feel. Its location in Deptford also lends it a bit of an edge: south east London character, but also home to the much-loved market for weekend perusing. From $374 per night.Hyde Park Town HousePerks: Private roof terrace, kitchen pantry, playroom/yoga studio, across from Hyde ParkSpread across four beautiful Georgian floors, this charming town house is perfect for families needing extra space to spread out. Inside, interiors marry beauty and coziness—think a charming living room for long evenings in front of the fire, a sophisticated kitchen for big breakfast spreads and shared cooking, and a deep soaking tub for relaxing in. Upstairs, a playroom easily converts into a yoga space, while the roof terrace offers a sweet slice of quiet in the city. You’re just steps from Hyde Park (catch conversations at Speaker’s Corner), Mayfair, and Bond Street. From $2,108 per night.Designer’s Flat in Notting HillPerks: Natural light, near Ladbroke Grove station, garden-facing bedroomThis one-bed flat is only a four-minute walk to Portobello Road and just a three-minute walk to the nearest tube station. Ideal for living out a Richard Curtis film, Notting Hill is one of London’s most beautiful corners. Inside, there’s a large bedroom towards the back of the building, which keeps things quiet, but all the natural light will make sitting in the living room the place to be, plus it shines a shadow on the warm woods and textured accents. The table sits six as well, so it’s ideal for hosting. From $523 per night.Period Property in Covent GardenPerks: Air-conditioning, original panelling, two bathroomsStep out the front door of this Georgian home and one way you’ll find the busy scenes of Seven Dials Market, but head the other way and you’ll end up in Covent Garden’s Theatreland, where some of the city’s best sites (including the Royal Opera House) and restaurants have found their footing. Back at base, you’ll find original wood-paneled walls, vaulted living areas, and colorful decorative touches inside. The three bedrooms are fitted with AC and lovely linens, and the open-plan top-floor kitchen meets living room is the perfect place to rest the legs after a day out on the feet. From $1,369 per night.Henry’s Town HousesPerks: Fully staffed, period propertyJane Austen fans will be thrilled to hear that Henry’s Town House was the former home of the author’s brother in the 18th century. A six-bedroom Regency town house in the middle of Marylebone, the space consists of six decked-out bedrooms designed by Russel Sage Studio (four posters, lots of silks, velvets and patterns), plus, if you’re after a total takeover, you can add on a full team to support, including a private chef and staff who will be there for any need or drink creation. It’s wonderfully spacious, discreet, and, despite its age, it’s got plenty of modern touches. From $7,960 per night.Hackney LoftPerks: Industrial features, local East London energy, open-plan livingSituated between London Fields and Victoria Park, this loft is totally cool and fitting of its east London location. Exposed brick, white-washed floors, and generous glazing allow light to flood in. And the furnishings lean eclectic—midcentury, vintage, art-forward—with a living-meets-dining-room layout that accommodates group gatherings and lounging. When you head outside, Mare Street’s best wine bars and bakeries are just a quick walk away, so it’s ideal for guests who want to experience what this part of the city is really all about. From $435 per night.Large Home with BalconyPerks: High ceilings, two en suite bedrooms, Sonos sound system, concierge services by Stay & EscapeRight in the heart of charming Clerkenwell, this open-plan loft offers a dose of London cool behind the gates of a private courtyard. Inside, exposed brick walls lined with art, designer furniture, and 22-foot vaulted ceilings keep things spacious. There’s warmth here too—soft Egyptian cotton sheets, fluffy robes, and all the perks of a hotel without actually being one. Every detail feels considered, from the sleek kitchen to the built-in Sonos system. Managed by Stay & Escape, it’s a home that blends high-level polish with soulful, lived-in comfort. We also love how near it is to Exmouth Market, one of London’s best food-lined streets. From $2,249 per night.The AD Travel EditCraving an escape? From colorful carry-ons to cleverly designed packing cubes (how did we ever travel without them?), shop everything you need to make the journey in style—and as streamlined and stress-free as possible.