The Ned London

A historic bank turned hotel in the City of London, the Ned is a brilliant reimagining of Edwardian-era loucheness and a refreshing departure from the minimalist trend. The name is a tribute to the building’s architect, the great Edwin Lutyens (most famous for planning New Delhi) and is a nod to 1920s style, with paisley print headboards, silk tasseled lampshades and floral wallpaper throughout. The lobby, the former banking hall, is marked by a forest of 92 African verdite columns; the basement cocktail bar is lined with more than 3,000 silver safety deposit boxes. The hotel is a collaboration between London’s Soho House and Sydell Group (whose personality-driven properties include the NoMad in New York and the Line in Los Angeles), and comes with a host of enticements: 12 different venues for eating and/or drinking, two pools, a performance space, hammam, boxing gym, spa, barbershop and separate salons for hair and nails. Rooms start small—cozy Crashpads are designed for just that, with special rates if you’re under 30—but our favorites may be the Heritage rooms, on the landmarked fifth floor, with French walnut wall panelling and marble fireplaces designed by Lutyens himself. Don’t miss the rooftop pool, which looks like it’s a lap’s-length to the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Buzzy newcomer with a Roaring Twenties vibe.

A small boutique property—with 252 rooms, 9 restaurants and a resort’s worth of facilities, this is a lifestyle hotel writ large.

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”—and the Ned is the center of the action right now.

You saunter past the 20-ton vault door to Ned’s Club Downstairs, where a live blues band resound in the belly of the room, and the candlelit glint of silvery deposit boxes illuminates the faces of London’s beau monde.

Cecconi’s - All day Venetian brasserie serving northern Italian cuisine in the verdite-pillared first floor Millie’s Lounge - A 24-hour restaurant and bar serving British classics The Nickel Bar - A casual menu of American staples and a wide array of whiskeys in a casual yet ornate setting Zobler’s Delicatessen - A New Yawk style deli, serving up a selection of N.Y. classics Kaia - Asian-Pacific-inspired restaurant specialising in healthy food Malibu Kitchen - Californian delicacies in the heart of London Cafe Sou - Parisian-style cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Lutyens Grill - a steakhouse for Ned members and hotel guests, set in the wood panelling of the old bank manager’s office Ned’s Club Upstairs - heated pool and two bars overlooking London’s skyline Ned’s Club Downstairs - People-watching galore in the belly of the building: the Midland Bank’s old vault