2 Best Hotels in Clerkenwell, London

The five-story atrium and Art Deco staircase hint at the delights to come in this converted warehouse—a breath of fresh air with its playful color schemes, elegant wallpapers, and wonderful views of the city from the higher floors. Thoughtful little touches, from the plethora of gadgets in every room to the exclusive 1,500-foot borehole from which the hotel draws its mineral water (yes, really) raise this place to something truly special. Across the street is the 13-bedroom Marrable's Hotel, a sister hotel offering the same quirky style with a touch more intimacy—and an excellent cocktail bar, too.

A stylish period masterpiece in the heart of laid-back Clerkenwell, The Rookery is a luxury boutique hotel with a hefty dollop of Downton Abbey charm. Huge, wood-paneled bedrooms have heavy raw silk drapes, antique furniture, artfully scattered antiquarian books, and white marble bathrooms with deep claw-foot tubs big enough for two. The elegant, Regency-style drawing room has a well-stocked honor bar, and the conservatory, with its small patio garden, is another relaxing place to unwind. There's no restaurant, but 24-hour room service is good quality and reasonably priced. Breakfast, served in your room, features a large basket of freshly baked breads and pastries, juices, and yogurts.