The best hotels in Soho, London

With a name like Sanctum, you might expect a spa-like, cocoon atmosphere rather than what you get here – which is a former MI5 research building turned into what looks like a club. In fact, it can feel like a club too, with a 24-hour bar (yup, welcome to Soho) with a multi-level terrace housing a hot tub. It’s all very rap video – some of the beds in the rooms even rotate – or should that be rock video? Should you ever need to leave the pad you'll find you're just a five minute walk from Oxford Street. 

Mood: Kitsch rock 'n' roll. 
Time Out tip: There’s even a guitar tuning service at reception.

If you prefer period charm to contemporary style, try the four Georgian townhouses that form this lovely hotel. It’s named after William Hazlitt, a spirited eighteenth-century essayist. It’s full to the brim with louche touches and staggering attention to detail: think heavy fabrics, fireplaces, free-standing tubs and exquisitely carved half-testers. Modern luxuries are in abundance, too: air-conditioning, double-glazing, free Wi-Fi and even TVs in antique cupboards. But, given you're in heart of the West End, we imagine you'll be enjoying the time out plenty. And there's a 24-hour front desk, so the show can go on for as long as you like! 

Mood: Ornate charm. 
Time Out tip: There's an actual library lounge to read essays (or comics, no judgement!) in.

Soho Hotel, like many of the Firmdale establishments, nails cool, casual luxury. The vibe is very much celeb-on-a-day-off, so nobody is going to give you a funny look if you pitch up for breakfast in tracksuit bottoms and slippers. The design throughout, however, is knowingly and appropriately exclusive: check out the Fernando Botero cat in the lobby or the sumptuous marble bathrooms, which go some way to explaining the hotel’s appeal with famous folk. The two small cinemas on-site might help too. Not to mention the award-winning bar, gym complete with personal trainer, and beauty treatment rooms. Plus you're right in the heart of Soho here, as you'd expect. 

Mood: Elegantly classic. 
Time Out tip: Film Club takes place on Sundays, which involves new films being played each month in the two plush screening rooms. 

Much like Soho Hotel, this one is another Firmdale Hotel that oozes contemporary class. The group’s co-owner Kit Kemp does a trademark line in bold colour, which is evident throughout this block of hotel apartments and boutiques. The central courtyard is well-populated with diners and drinkers on warm days, and although it’s a cavernous endeavour that could feel a little corporate, touches like an on-site library, cinema/theatre and even a bowling alley make the whole thing far more loose-collared. You can also go ham when it comes to partying, as there's a 24-hour front desk. Why not use the sauna to revive the day after? Why not indeed. And room service. This is a holiday, people. 

Mood: Whimsically elegant. 
Time Out tip: Each year brings a winter pop-up to the terrace, featuring exclusive cocktails and a tasty food munu. 

As you’d probably expect from the name, this Grade II-listed, 116-room, five-star hotel is based in what used to be a magistrates court. It’s just off London’s main shopping nerve, Oxford Street, so perfect if you have retail therapy on your mind. When you’re done with that, among the attractions back in the hotel are a spa and sauna, a rooftop cocktail bar and, quite wonderfully, a 100-person private cinema which hosts a regular cult film club. Rooms are modern and well-equipped, but the real charm of this hotel lies in its history; its restaurant, Soho Wala, is housed in a wood-panelled converted courtroom (the site for the trials of John Lennon, Oscar Wilde and Mick Jagger, no less). And the flavour-packed Indian street food menu is unbeatable. There's also a lovely cocktail bar and rooftop terrace that offers cracking views of the London skyline. 

Mood: Playfully historic. 
Time Out tip: There's a lovely cocktail bar and rooftop terrace that offers cracking views of the London skyline. 

If you’re working to a tight-ish budget, but would still like a little comfort, take a look at this branch of the Z hotel chain, which is just off Old Compton Street. The rooms are admittedly small, and the beds aren’t ideal for those taller than six foot. But all the same: at this price, for this location, you cannot complain. It's authentic London living, baby. En-suite rooms can be had for terrific value, and come with organic wool mattresses and duvets from Devon. You're also very close to iconic bars such as Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, should you want to keep the refined (well, ish, it's still Soho) vibes going. 

Mood: Back to basics. 
Time Out tip: Hit up the free (yes, free!) wine and cheese buffet on Tuesday and Saturday evenings, between 5pm and 8pm.