Last week at the opening of his Regent Street store, Karl Lagerfeld, a man who knows a thing or two when it comes to what’s hot, declared that London is ‘more fun’ and ‘more alive’ than Paris (the only two cities he rates in the world, by the way). We love Paris (check out our review here) but, like Karl, we’re big fans of London, regularly scheduling Rock My Style meetings in the city (nothing to do with the excellent shopping, you understand).

For all of you planning a London city break we’ve picked five suitably-stylish hotels in our favourite neighbourhoods. And even if you’re not planning a visit to the smoke any time soon each one’s packed with interiors ideas worth stealing. All five hotels can be booked at Mr & Mrs Smith or via their travel team (0845 034 0700) for the best available rate, loyalty money back and extra treats on arrival. Have we missed your favourite London bolthole? Tell us below.

The Ampersand, South Kensington

Whether you plan to spend your London break hitting the museums (the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum are all nearby), listening to live music (the Royal Albert Hall is a stone’s throw away) or simply shopping up a storm (Harrods and Harvey Nichols are around the corner) The Ampersand is the perfect place to rest your weary feet. The walls of this chic, personality-packed hotel are decorated with birds, botanical sketches and musical notes as a nod to its cultural neighbours. Bedrooms are big for a city hotel, the beds are blissfully comfortable and bathrooms are stocked with delightfully-scented Miller Harris products. Food-wise make room for an afternoon tea of delicious patisserie in sherbet shades in the pretty tea parlour, or dine in the New York-style basement restaurant Apero (think exposed brick walls, industrial lighting and leather seating) where modern Mediterranean dishes and creative cocktails are the order of the day.
Interiors idea to steal: Add a bold accent colour with bright chair covers and cushions.
The deal: Doubles from £174 a night, room only.

Ace Hotel, Shoreditch

The London outpost of the hip Ace Hotel group opened last year and has quickly become one of the hottest places to hang out in East London, with bistro-style restaurant Hoi Polloi and the buzzy bar quickly becoming destinations in their own right. The bedrooms are as cool as you’d expect with comfy sofas, huge beds, record players and vinyl and even an acoustic guitar. If you’ve hit the bar too hard grab a green juice at Lovage – the hotel juice bar – the next morning and kick your hangover into touch.
Interiors idea to steal: White walls, dark ceiling – why not?!
The deal: Doubles from £179, room only.

Rough Luxe, King’s Cross

You’ve probably guessed that style-wise Rough Luxe combines the rough (peeling paintwork, faded wallpaper) with the luxurious (regularly changing artwork and sumptuous furnishings). A petite boutique hotel, there’s just ten rooms (if you’re feeling fancy you can book several and turn them into a suite!). Apart from brekkie they don’t serve food but, with some of London’s hottest restaurants (Caravan, Shrimpy’s and Grain Store) plus street food market Kerb nearby, it hardly matters.
Interiors idea to steal: Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Think old and new, cheap and expensive, period and contemporary. It’s the clash that’s cool.
The deal: Doubles from £179 a night, including continental breakfast.

The Grazing Goat, Marylebone

We love the idea of this place, a country-style pub with eight country house-style hotel rooms just minutes away from bustling Oxford Street. Bedrooms are all wooden furniture and tastefully painted walls in Farrow & Ball-type shades. A soak in the claw-foot bath is a must after a day of sightseeing or (probably more likely, given the location) shopping. Classic British dishes with a seasonal slant are served in the ground floor and first floor dining rooms.
Interiors idea to steal: Forget the rules. Who cares if you don’t live in the country, country-style interiors can totally work. Ditto if you’re in the country, but hanker after city style. Just do it!
The deal: Doubles from £205 a night, room only.

The Zetter, Clerkenwell

Cutting edge design combined with cosy-comfort at a cheap (for London) price make The Zetter one of the first hotels we recommend to visitors from out of town. Quirky touches and attention to detail such as hot water bottles in knitted covers, vending machines instead of minibars and monogrammed throws add to the experience. Treat yourself to at least one meal at the hotel’s excellent restaurant, run by French über-chef Brunot Loubet.
Interiors idea to steal: Pick statement pieces in bold patterns and colours to take a room from OK to knockout.
The deal: Doubles from £126 a night, room only.