The 15 best Airbnbs in London from the trendy East-End to the swanky west

Do you need much more than this from your London Airbnb? Trust us, it’s a pretty special way to spend your time, out on the Thames with the centre of the capital buzzing about beside you. And don’t think of this as just some little boat bobbing about on the water, because it’s basically a proper house, with four beds (all cabins are above water) and some pretty serious kit inside; we’re talking vintage furniture (including a 1920's oak dining table designed for Churchill’s Chartwell House), Egyptian cotton on the beds, Sky Q, a Sonos system and authentic artwork from names you’ll probably recognise. Plus it comes with a bundle of history. It’s pretty cool, we have to say.

Rooms? Four bedrooms. Sleeps 10 guests. 
The mood? A classic vintage feel with spacious interiors.  
Location perks? Situated on the iconic Southbank, home of the National Theatre and BFI. 
Budget range? An economic stay in central London. Ideal for large groups. 
Time Out tip: Head over to the Tate Modern – it's just down the road.

Bold and beautiful in a way that has ‘class’ written all over it, this ground-floor flat in west London will have you at all the museums within minutes. Nestled into the heart of Sloane-ville (it’s not really called that) you get to experience the lovely upper-crust ‘village’ feel of the area while also having very quick tube access to everything West End. We love the use of those black and white stripes, and how they’re echoed in the muted grey and white verticals of one bedroom. Extra points for the understated wall art and that beautiful writing desk/cabinet in the living room. Given the seriously ace location, we’d expect anyone who stays here to spend a good whomp of their time in the gastropubs, restaurants and boutiques of the surrounding streets (the Kings Road is but a gentle stone’s throw). However, there’s a hidden gem of a suntrap terrace that just might tempt you to have a few home-bod hours as well. Like on a sleepy Sunday morning, perhaps.

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps five guests.
The Mood? My Fair Lady (the posh bits) meets Exhibition Road.
Location Perks? All the museums, plus Royal Court Theatre and other Sloane-y faves.
Budget range? Higher-end but you’re in Kensington & Chelsea.

Hoping to see all the sights on your trip to London? Stay in this stunning loft in the heart of Covent Garden for central ease. Kitted out in high-end specs and luxury amenities, this London Airbnb is ideal for a group of friends or a family looking for a peaceful retreat from the city – while having direct access to it. Each of the three bedrooms features queen-size beds, and two have ensuite bathrooms, while the kitchen is fully equipped for you to cook up a storm in the comfort of your own home-away-from-home. If you're not up to playing chef, head out to Covent Garden Market to choose from one of the many food stalls, along with dozens of bakeries, designer boutiques and more to explore.

Rooms? Three bedroom. Sleeps six guests.  
The mood? State-of-the-art, cosy, modern cove. 
Location perks? The very best of London's West End on your doorstep.   
Budget range? A moderately-priced luxury stay for a group booking.

Ready for your close-up? You don’t need to fancy yourself as the next Lord Snowdon to have a whale of a time at Fossil Stills, a one-of-a-kind daylight photography studio in Hackney. Located just two minutes from Clapton overground station, this converted industrial loft space (yes, so very Hackney) is achingly cool but also surprisingly cosy. Its big-ticket items include an all-white piano for late-night Elton John moments, a circular hanging seat in the living room, and a big projector screen that descends from the ceiling to watch films on. The open-plan kitchen is ready and waiting for you to whip up some eggs but, if you can’t be bothered with the washing up, head out instead to an East London eatery for one of the best brunches in London. While the main spaces are bright white and filled with light, the bedrooms here sink you into deep shade darkness – perfect for those mornings when you’ve spent quite a lot of time out partying in Hackney the night before.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four.
The Mood? One-of-a-kind hipster hang out (with hanging chair to boot).
Location Perks? Heart of Hackney for a very East London stay.
Budget range? A bit of a splurge for a special long weekend.

OK, so this one is just flat-out gorgeous. A former lodge for Fulham Cemetery, this neo-Gothic abode has been transformed into the kind of dream house that features its own swimming pool, sauna, wine cellar and deliciously stocked bar. Yes, it drips with decadence and every room feels a bit like an art installation but its also surprisingly… liveable? For all its undeniable wealth, this is a house you actually could imagine kicking back in and having a proper good time. Big points for the more ostentatious parts of the interior design scheme, particularly the underwater cosmology bathroom and that gorgeous sunset artwork in the hall. This place is genuinely unique – and we heart it.

Rooms? Five bedrooms. Sleeps nine.
The Mood? Wow. And then wow again as you settle into the sauna.
Location Perks? Enjoy the laidback vibes of leafy Fulham and Parsons Green, and all the great pubs therein.
Budget range? Go wild! Blow the whole budget.

If you're into your brutalism (you know, funky window positioning, concrete and stuff) then this is the temporary home for you. Welcome to a Grade II-listed building, designed by famed British Architect Patrick Hodgkinson in the mid-sixties, building started in 1967 and finished in 1972. The building is known as the Brunswick Centre, this angular structure juts out over the streets of Bloomsbury on one side while overlooking its own collection of shops, restaurants and more on the other. Previously it was a row of Georgian-era terraces which had become a little run down. Anyway, if that hasn't stolen your heart – at this location (right next to Russell Square station) you're within walking distance of the British Museum, and the West End. All of the things! There's room for up to 11 people at this abode too, so it’s ideal for larger groups (or a lot of person space). 

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps 11 guests. 
The mood? Modern and clean with skyline views of the city.  
Location perks? Excellent travel links to Oxford Circus, St Pancras and Eurostar via Tube and bus. 
Budget range? A budget-friendly short-stay for larger bookings.

If you're after class and sophistication, we've got you. This beautiful mews apartment in Kensington, London, is a feast for the eyes. Full of vintage and antique charm, but still super sleek and modern, you'll get the best of both worlds in this Airbnb. Surround yourself with books and gold furnishings, you'll be feeling like a royal in no time. The Airbnb caters for three adult guests in one king-sized bed and a sofa bed. There's a fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom with a gorgeous shower. So pretty, you won't want to leave. 

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps three. 
The mood? Vintage-lux. 
Location perks? Take your pick of charming local shops, cafes and restaurants on High Street Kensington. 
Budget range? Enjoy a cosy, lavish stay in one of London's swankiest boroughs. 

In the late nineteenth century, Holland Park became known as the home of a collection of artists known as the ‘Holland Park Circle’. Who really knows what those eminent Victorians would make of this gorgeous art-filled flat close to the green space that gave the group its name, but we think they would probably have approved. Soaring double-height ceilings (not so common in London) ensure the living room is saturated in light and uplifting to sit in. A clever hybrid of vintage and modern furnishings gives the whole place a distinctly ‘West London’ artsy feel without the place being unnecessarily overstuffed with items. There’s a lovely little balcony for you to admire the redbrick Victoriana opposite, plus a soothing white-on-white bedroom to help you drift into peaceful slumber. This flat is so stylish it was once featured in Elle Décor magazine – and yet here is it available to book on Airbnb. Pretty cool, huh?

Rooms? 1 bedroom. Sleeps two.
The Mood? Carefully curated elegance befitting its swanky address.
Location Perks? On one of those tree-lined squares.
Budget range? Holland Park prices (and there’s a seven-night minimum booking policy). But it is beautiful.

This very British (read: posh but mud-splattered) flat is the perfect crash pad for anyone looking to combine the charms of a specific neighbourhood – in this case, Taylor Swift’s namechecked Highgate – while still being able to get to all the major London attractions in a jiffy. Its well-lit rooms are filled with slightly eccentric artworks and inviting cosy furniture. This place caught our attention specifically because it’s a tiny bit rough around the edges. It feels ‘real’ in a way only a true home can. Hidden perks? A little south-facing terrace with a vintage-style bench; lovely European-feeling shutters on the windows and a funky lighting system that allows you to play around with different colours. Oh, and in the summer months, it’s not all that far to the bathing ponds of Hampstead Heath either.

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps four.
The Mood? North London boho eclecticism. With lots of pictures.
Location Perks? The highs of Highgate Village, including proximity to Hampstead Heath and Highgate Cemetery.
Budget range? High-er, but fair price for High-gate.

Get this one: not only is it in super swanky, uber fashionable Shoreditch, within a few metres of the area’s finest nightlife spots, but the flat itself is also exceptionally swish. Decked-out with mesmerising artworks and decorated with immaculate taste, this place captures everything that’s great about one of London’s most on-trend neighbourhoods. Sure, it’s a little pricey, but it is hella glamorous.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps three guests. 
The mood? Cosy cool-toned hipster's paradise.  
Location perks? A gold dust location – close to Spitalfields Market, Liverpool Street Station and Brick Lane. 
Budget range? Boujie price tag for the hippest part of town. 

Hoarders take note. Many of us always-short-of-storage-space ‘stuff’ fiends should learn a lesson or two from the hosts of this Notting Hill apartment. The whole place has a minimal-ist aesthetic while not being ‘minimalist’ per se. Confused? Think vintage-inspired (or actually vintage) furnishings with just the right amount of plant life, patterned rugs and coffee-table artbooks, but all kept so paired-back it seems like each and every item present has been selected with upmost care (which it probably has). We love that big ol’ velvet headboard on the bed, the breakfast bar and, yes, those books. The hosts are keen to stress its closeness to Portobello Market but it's equally beautifully situated for long walks in the west bit of Hyde Park (the best bit, imo).

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two.
The Mood? Less is more when it comes to real style.
Location Perks? Portobello Market, obs. But also amazing access to the Kensington Gardens end of Hyde Park.
Budget range? Pay a little more for a great west-to-central location.

London is home to some of the most luxe apartments and this one is no different. This luxury London loft Airbnb is close to Finsbury Park and several Tube lines. The space is bright and modern, with exposed brickwork adding an urban vibe. Make use of the high-speed Wi-Fi, two smart TVs, and huge arched windows showing lovely views of the neighbourhood. Get the best of British with this Airbnb, converted from a Victorian former school building. The loft caters to up to four guests in a double bed and two singles, ideal for families or friends.

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests. 
The mood? Industrial, modern, and very very cosy.   
Location perks? 15-20 minutes to Soho, Oxford St and the city.  
Budget range? Enjoy a luxury couple's stay or an affordable stay for four. 
Time Out tip: While you're in the neighbourhood visit the award-winning Cricks Corner – a cracking little coffee shop nearby.

Ah Chelsea, what could be any more regal? Well, actually, maybe this house. Which is on a *famous street* near the riverside in Chelsea, is everything you’d expect of a charming, genteel period property in London. It's beautiful and incredibly old-school London. The boutiques and restaurants of Kings Road are a short stroll away, while Battersea Park is just across the river. If you want to live that chandeliers and patterned wallpaper lifestyle, you'll not find a better place to stay. It runs parallel to the river, and notable residents (past and present) include: David Lloyd George, Bram Stoker, T S Elliot, Ian Fleming, George Best, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards. Woah. It sleeps up to six guests in six bedrooms, so maybe they all hung out together? Who knows?

Rooms? Six bedrooms. Six guests. 
The mood? Regency-style – practically dipped in gold. 
Location perks? Situated in a serene, leafy cul-de-sac with a spectacular view of the River Thames. 
Budget range? An opulent weekend stay for families or friends. 

We love a bold decorating concept and this black-walled Kensington flat can certainly lay claim to that. You’ll have to climb four flights of stairs to reach this third-floor flat, but the views from the spacious roof terrace make the climb oh-so-worth-while. There’s some big masculine vibes going on with the aesthetic (although the other bedroom is totally different) but the unusual inclusion of things like: old carved wooden cabinets and a very cosy reading nook stop it from feeling too cold or too ultra-modern. Our favourite part? The surprise appearance of a bright white ornate metal banister panel. In summary: pure drama. And that’s never a bad thing.

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps four.
The Mood? Bachelor Pad 2.0.
Location Perks? At the intersection of Notting Hill, Holland Park and High Street Ken: so much choice!
Budget range? Good price, great location.

To say this place is kitted out to the max is a bit of an understatement. Not only does this townhouse in the middle of London sleep up to 16 people across six floors and eight bedrooms, it’s also home to some arcade machines, a poker table, a jacuzzi, loads of boardgames, and a rooftop terrace. You may well end up not setting foot outside. (Ideal if there's a lockdown ever, to be fair). Though if you do decide to all get your boots on and wander outside, you'll find yourselves a street from Pall Mall, and a mere stroll from Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Monopoly goals right there! 

Rooms? Eight rooms. Sleeps 16+ guests. 
The mood? Modern, bright interiors. 
Location perks? Centrally located for trotting around the shops, best fine dining, museums, parks, and more. 
Budget range? A budget-friendly stay for large groups.