Our Guide to the Best Hotels in Whitechapel

It may be synonymous with the murders of Jack the Ripper, evoking images of dimly lit alleyways being stalked by shadowy figures, but Whitechapel is actually a fast changing, thriving community that has embraced its colourful past and takes great pride in its importance in the future of London as a whole.

As well as being the location for the best walking tours in London, and more specifically, the Jack the Ripper Tour, the area of Whitechapel contains some beautiful old buildings, great pubs and hidden architectural gems that continue to feed the senses and excite the mind.

It will take more than a day to truly explore and get to know the area, so we have picked out some of our favourite hotels in Whitechapel that you can use as a base for your visit.

Whitechapel Hotel

The Whitechapel is a modern contemporary hotel that was built on the site of an old textile manufacturing company. Though thoroughly modern in design, the architect of Whitechapel Hotel has made a definite nod to its industrial past by weaving elements into the very fabric of the building.

Visitors can stay in one of the 27 bedrooms; alternatively, book into the penthouse suite or one of the boutique-style apartments for a longer stay.

Hotel address: 49-53 New Road, Whitechapel, London E1W 1HH.

Canopy by Hilton London City

Located not far from London Bridge, the Canopy by Hilton is just a short walk away from Tower Bridge and London’s bustling markets, historic landmarks and museums. When your legs are aching after our Jack the Ripper Walking tour of London, the hotel will supply you with complimentary canopy bikes to enable you to continue exploring this vibrant and colourful area of London and further afield.

Moreover, if you want to bring your dog, it is very welcome!

Hotel address: 11-15 Minories Street, London, EC3N 1AX.

The Gate

Art lovers may find this hotel the ideal spot as it is within a short walking distance of Shoreditch, Hackney and Hoxton - where some of the hippest, trendiest and most avant-garde artists are operating. The Gate consists of 189 apartments ideal for longer stays and family groups wanting to spend some quality time in the East End of London. Combining luxury with practicality, hotel amenities include a relaxing members’ lounge and a state-of-the-art boutique gym, and it is also home to its very own art gallery.

With in-hotel catering as well as kitchens in every apartment where you can prepare your own food, The Gate is the perfect base from which to explore the area.

Hotel address: 41 White Church Lane, London, E1 7QR.

One Hundred Shoreditch

Simply stunning, One Hundred Shoreditch places you right in the heart of all that is exciting about the East End of London. Whether you choose to enjoy one of the hotel’s selections of restaurants and bars with panoramic views of London’s Skyline or step outside the front door into the electrifyingly energetic street markets, One Hundred Shoreditch is a truly unique place to stay.

The hotel also gets involved in hosting events for the local community, making it a real hub for the community and giving visitors that genuine insight into East End living.

Hotel address: 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JQ.

St Alexander Houseboat

If you are a family of five and fancy something a little bit out of the ordinary, this heritage boat has been converted into a really quirky self-catering accommodation slap bang on the river. The St. Alexander Houseboat was originally constructed in 1945 and used to transport cargo and troops to larger warships whilst out at sea. When she was converted, the original steam funnel was kept as a feature in the main living room.

Overall, the conversion is truly sympathetic to the history of the boat and gives visitors a totally unique experience during their stay in this part of London. With easy access to Whitechapel, visitors returning from our creepy and atmospheric Jack the Ripper walking tour will be looking over their shoulders until they are back in the safety of the main cabin.

Address: 50 St Katherine’s Way, London E1W 1LA.

If you’re on a tighter budget, don’t forget to check out some of the listings on Airbnb, where some of the rooms are being advertised at less than a third of the hotel prices - and you’ll get a warm welcome from the locals!

So the next step after reading this blog is to find the perfect Whitechapel hotel for you and your family, then book onto the best Jack the Ripper walking tour in London.