The Best Hotels in Shepherd’s Bush, London

Given its chic interiors and cosmopolitan vibe, it’s hard to believe that the K West Hotel used to be a BBC office and recording studio. Though it’s shaken off the corporate demeanour, K West has honoured the space, with even the smallest room treated to a cool 23 square metres (250 square feet) and almost an entire floor dedicated to the in-house spa. There’s a smartphone in every room full of information about local points of interest, and the bathrooms are kitted out with White Company products. Whether you’re looking to put a dent in your credit card at the nearby Westfield Shopping Centre or simply de-stress with a hydrotherapy session in the spa, K West is a must for the luxury-loving traveller.

Once home to a cinema then a bingo hall, the Grade II listed Pavilion building (in which the Dorsett is housed) is something of a local legend. Though each room has been demurely decorated with a fusion of Chinese elegance and British grandeur, the bar is the real star of the show here – with its glass roof, Art Deco carpentry and seven-floor vaulted ceiling, it perfectly showcases China’s sleek industrialism and offers a truly spectacular spot for a morning coffee or pre-dinner cocktail. Loosen up with a massage in the top-floor spa before heading for a feast of Asian cuisine down in the hotel restaurant.

No one likes a spoilt story, so all you need to know about this hotel’s most infamous tale is that it involves a supermodel, an actor and a bathtub full of champagne. Having hosted a number of notable guests over the years, it’s no great surprise that the rich and famous still favour the Portobello today. Inside, it’s like a cross between a classic period home and a modern townhouse, with details like mahogany four-poster beds and turquoise chandeliers. Eschew pre-dinner drinks elsewhere in favour of a beverage from the well-stocked honesty bar, and ease any morning hangovers with a freshly cooked breakfast delivered via room service.

Holland House is certainly not your average hotel in Shepherd’s Bush. Located in a former aristocratic home, it features private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, as well as classic dorms. This makes it a great budget option for the penny-conscious traveller – and yet also for those looking to avoid noisy hostels, thanks to the quiet courtyard and absence of an on-site bar. The historical house has been renovated in the hostel chain’s typically flamboyant style, with splashes of colour and humorous paintings like a riff on Van Eyck’s Girl With a Pearl Earring adding plenty of character. Holland Park is literally on the doorstep, so you barely have to move to spend a sunny afternoon relaxing on the grass.

This chic, townhouse-style hotel makes for a luxe base from which to explore London. Earl’s Court Tube station is just a short walk away connecting you with both the District and Piccadilly lines. The surrounding area, however, is well worth more than a few moments of your time. One of London’s best-kept secrets, Addie’s Thai, is right around the corner and, according to locals, serves up some of the best Thai food outside of Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, nearby Evans & Peel Detective Agency is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar where you’ll have to offer a good story to get through the door. Next morning, start the day right with a healthy al fresco breakfast in the hotel’s comfy courtyard.