Beyond Hotels: London's Most Unique and Instagram-Worthy Accommodation Options

London's landscape is dotted with historical buildings that have been thoughtfully transformed into luxury accommodation spaces while preserving their original character. The Landmark Trust manages several architectural gems across the city, including a Gothic folly in Hackney and a medieval merchant's house near the Tower of London.

My personal favorite remains The Water Tower in Kennington, a 19th-century brick structure that's been converted into a five-story vertical home with a rooftop hot tub offering 360° views of the London skyline. The juxtaposition of Victorian industrial architecture with sleek modern interiors creates a photographer's dream – I spent hours capturing the interplay of light through the circular windows at different times of day.

For literature lovers, Battersea Power Station's new Bankside development includes apartments in the former home of the Penguin Publishing House. The original printing press mechanisms have been incorporated into the lobby design, while the library lounge features first editions behind glass cases.

When booking these architectural conversions, I've found that a quality noise-cancelling headphones is essential – these spaces often retain original features like exposed brick or concrete that can create interesting acoustics, especially in open-plan designs.

Having grown up in California where houseboats are rare, I was initially skeptical about staying on water in London. That changed when my husband needed to interview a cricket player near Little Venice, and we booked a converted Dutch barge for the weekend. The gentle rocking motion and the unique perspective of watching London life unfold from the water completely won me over.

The houseboats along Regent's Canal and various Thames moorings range from rustic narrowboats to ultra-luxurious floating penthouses. For couples seeking romance, I highly recommend the glass-roofed barges at Blomfield Road, where you can stargaze from bed on clear nights.

The most impressive floating accommodation I've experienced is the 'Harrington' at St. Katharine Docks – a converted 1920s coal barge that now features a copper bathtub in the master suite, a wood-burning stove, and a deck perfect for morning coffee as the marina comes to life. The owners have thoughtfully preserved nautical elements while incorporating modern luxuries.

If you're planning a houseboat stay, a quality waterproof camera is invaluable for capturing the unique perspectives and light reflections on the water without worry. I've gotten some of my most compelling London footage from these floating vantage points.

One important note: while most luxury houseboats are permanently moored and offer full amenities, check whether your booking includes cruising options. Some offer captain services for sunset cruises along the Thames, which adds an extraordinary dimension to your London experience.

Few accommodations have surprised me more than discovering fully-equipped luxury treehouses hidden within London's urban landscape. These elevated escapes offer a surreal juxtaposition – the feeling of forest seclusion while being minutes from the Underground.

The Treehouse Hotel near Regent Street represents the high-end of this category, with its sustainability-focused design and panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. However, my videographer's heart belongs to the more intimate treehouse structures in Shoreditch and the surprisingly lush canopy rooms at Kew.

Last autumn, I stayed at the 'Nest' – a private treehouse built within the walled garden of a Georgian townhouse in Highgate. Accessible via a spiral staircase wrapped around an ancient oak, this handcrafted wooden sanctuary featured stained glass windows, a copper soaking tub, and a tiny professional kitchenette where we prepared meals using herbs from the garden below. The host, a former set designer for the Royal Opera, has created theatrical touches throughout – including a telescope perfectly positioned for urban stargazing.

For morning coffee enthusiasts like myself, these treehouses often feature balconies or terraces perfect for savoring the first cup of the day. I bring my travel coffee kit to maintain my coffee ritual regardless of accommodation style. There's something magical about brewing coffee among the treetops while watching London come alive below.

What makes these spaces particularly special for couples is their inherent privacy and the childlike wonder they evoke – even the most sophisticated travelers can't help but feel delighted by a beautifully designed treehouse.

My husband's cricket obsession once led us to a completely unexpected accommodation experience – a meticulously restored 1960s Routemaster bus parked permanently in the private garden of a cricket enthusiast in Dulwich. The iconic red double-decker had been transformed into a two-level suite with a bedroom upstairs and a living space below, while maintaining many original features including the driver's cabin (now a mini bar).

This sparked my interest in London's collection of transport-themed accommodations, which has grown significantly in recent years. Beyond buses, you'll find converted railway carriages near Kings Cross, a reimagined river ferry in Battersea, and even a decommissioned London black cab transformed into a quirky studio apartment in Camden.

The most impressive in this category is the 'Pullman Suite' – a restored 1920s train carriage permanently stationed on a private siding near Greenwich. The owners, former film set designers, have recreated the golden age of rail travel with marquetry paneling, brass fixtures, and period-appropriate details, while discreetly incorporating modern amenities. The carriage windows frame views of the Thames, creating perfect natural frames for photography or videography.

These spaces are undeniably photogenic but can be compact by nature. I've found that a packing cube set helps maximize the limited storage space while keeping belongings organized. The structured cubes slide perfectly into vintage luggage racks and under-seat compartments that weren't originally designed for modern suitcases.

What makes these converted transport accommodations special is their ability to transport you to another era while providing a completely unique London story – one that's guaranteed to stand out in both memories and social media feeds.

As someone who works in the visual arts, I'm naturally drawn to spaces where creativity and accommodation intersect. London offers several opportunities to stay within working artist communities or gallery spaces that double as boutique accommodations.

The most established is the Artist Residence in Pimlico, where each room has been designed in collaboration with a different contemporary British artist. However, my insider tip for couples seeking something truly special is to look for the rotating 'creator spaces' – apartments above or adjacent to working studios that are periodically offered to visitors when not occupied by resident artists.

Last spring, I stayed in a loft above a ceramics studio in Bermondsey where the bedroom wall featured a large window overlooking the workshop below. Watching skilled artisans at work while enjoying morning coffee created an immersive cultural experience that no hotel could match. The space itself was a masterclass in thoughtful design – from the handcrafted tableware to the textiles created by neighboring studio artists.

For photography enthusiasts, these spaces offer exceptional natural light and visually interesting compositions at every turn. The Gallery Apartment near Whitechapel rotates its collection quarterly, allowing regular visitors to experience different artwork with each stay.

When booking artist residences, I recommend bringing a travel journal to document inspirations and creative ideas that inevitably flow in these stimulating environments. Many of my best video concepts have emerged during stays in these artistically charged spaces.

Beyond the visual appeal, staying in these creative hubs offers opportunities to connect with London's artistic community through studio tours, workshops, and exhibition openings that might not be accessible to regular tourists.