Germany's Ruby chain launched in 2013 and has made its way over to London - currently, Ruby has three hotels in the capital. All of them are great, but Ruby Zoe is our top pick. Just a couple of minutes away from Notting Hill station, the hotel is in easy reach of the city and has all the essential amenities. Guests will walk straight into the bar, which doubles as a reception and has a vintage Ford 100E car as its centrepiece. There is a bright communal working space where you'll be sure to find gangs of yuppies making calls. But Ruby is not a standard hotel; there is a huge programme of events including speed dating and games nights. The decorations include a wall of records, and up-and-coming bands perform most nights. There's even a private garden on site, too. The design in the rooms is fairly minimalist, with white sheets and wooden floors, but there's Marshall radios placed in each as a nice extra. There is no spa or gym, but there are small kitchens on each floor where you can make hot drinks, as well as irons and vending machines. A continental breakfast is served between 7am-10am, with croissants, meats, hummus, pastries and bread. Ruby has a youthful soul, but provides sure-fire fun and relaxation.
Time Out tip: With Notting Hill just on your doorstep, why not walk down to the institution that is Portobello Road Market which is London's largest antique market? Here, you can sift through vintage treasures and haggle for one-off bargains. With sections dedicated to secondhand goods, clothing and fashion, household essentials, fruit, veg and other food, as well as the main event - antiques, it has something to entertain everyone.
Address: 146, 164 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3QG
Prices start: 120 a night
Nearest transport: Notting Hill station