Bordered by the River Thames to the north and green spaces such as Putney Heath and Wimbledon Common to the south, Putney is a district known for its balance of outdoor space and city convenience. Set within the Borough of Wandsworth, and about five miles from Charing Cross, the area is well-connected. Putney station offers fast trains to Waterloo, and East Putney station links directly to the Underground’s District Line.
The neighbourhood is strongly associated with rowing, as Putney Bridge marks the official start of the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Its riverside is lined with boathouses, walking paths, and pubs that draw both sports enthusiasts and weekend visitors. Putney has also become a residential hub for professionals, offering a lively High Street of restaurants, cafés, and independent shops. For visitors, it provides a quieter alternative to central London districts whilst having the West End, Chelsea, and Kensington within easy reach.
This mix of accessibility, riverside character, and village atmosphere extends to its hotel scene. Putney’s best hotels combine reliable transport connections with thoughtful accommodation, making it a practical and appealing choice for a sophisticated stay in the capital.
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1. The Lodge Hotel
Located within Putney’s most inviting stretch, The Lodge Hotel stands as a boutique retreat on Upper Richmond Road. Its proximity to East Putney Tube Station means that central London is just 20 minutes away, while the area’s riverside charm lies mere minutes from the door. For guests arriving by car, the rare luxury of on-site parking is readily available, and the hotel also offers a lounge with a library, an in-house gym, and on-site restaurants. Guests can dine at the Lodge’s Hide & Seed, a stylish eatery serving modern European dishes.
Featuring 73 renovated guestrooms, the property uses floral details, bold fabrics, and luxurious bedding to create an atmosphere that is chic and welcoming. The Cosy Rooms suit short stays with compact layouts, whilst the Deluxe Rooms feature details such as Maison Pierre Frey wallpaper and indulgent roll-top baths. Designed with a balance of style and practicality, The Lodge is a savvy base for both city adventures and riverside rambling.
2. Putney Hotel
Part of Best Western’s Signature Collection and positioned along Upper Richmond Road, the Putney Hotel brings modernity and reliable service to the local hospitality scene. The hotel is just a two-minute walk from Putney railway station, making travel across London convenient and seamless. Guests have everything needed for a smooth stay, with secure parking and a 24-hour front desk, all of which enhance the ease of the experience.
Double, Superior and Executive King Rooms are available, or guests may elevate their stay with a balcony room overlooking the neighbourhood. In the Putney Tearoom, a menu of speciality teas and coffees awaits, with ingredients sourced from leading local suppliers. The Putney Hotel is tailor-made for travellers valuing discreet professionalism and consistency, a polished choice with everything exactly where you’d expect it.
3. The Alma Hotel
Resting above a well-loved Victorian pub in nearby Wandsworth, The Alma Hotel ensures speedy access to Waterloo, putting central London within 10 minutes. Guests can also explore the riverside, local parks, or reach sports landmarks such as Stamford Bridge or Twickenham with ease.
At The Alma, the ground-floor pub offers a classic British stay with a contemporary twist. Expect a lively venue of real ales, gastropub fare, and a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel also caters to business or event stays with conference facilities, laundry services, and 24-hour front desk support. The warmth continues throughout its 23 boutique bedrooms. Each room features designer wallpaper, fluffy bathrobes, luxury toiletries, including Nespresso machines and minibars. Rooms on the second floor house roll-top bathtubs, and the most generously appointed room, The Feature Boutique, stands out with its own private garden and outdoor seating. For a stay where charm meets comfort, and the pub is part of your living room, The Alma delivers a blend of English tradition and boutique hospitality.
4. Rafayel Hotel & Spa
Just a short riverside stroll from the centre of Putney, Rafayel Hotel & Spa offers an eco-conscious retreat on the Thames. The hotel occupies four floors within the architecturally distinctive Falcon Wharf development, an eco-conscious design by James Burland, recognised with multiple architectural awards. Rafayel’s wellness credentials shine through with its River Wellbeing Spa, complete with a gym, sauna, steam room, hot tub, and massage therapies including Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy options. The hotel also houses Banyan on the Thames, a riverside restaurant offering Indo-French fusion cuisine in both indoor and garden seating.
Rooms are notably spacious for London. Standard and superior doubles offer partial river views, whereas the 550 sq ft Emperor Suites promise Thames views, a separate bathtub and shower, sitting areas, and king beds. Some rooms also include jet-lag recovery lighting or spa baths upon request. On the sustainability front, the hotel is intentionally designed to reduce its carbon footprint by committing to a plastic-free policy and using recycled-material furnishings. Rafayel Hotel & Spa stands out with its contemporary design, wellness amenities, and environmental stewardship, offering an attractive retreat for guests seeking a calm and conscientious stay in London.
Putney’s proximity to central London ensures that travel times are short and predictable for visitors, yet far enough away to provide calm streets, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Its lively High Street, independent shops, and the hotels here all reflect that balance. The Lodge Hotel offers a boutique stay, The Putney provides modern efficiency and reliable service, The Alma Hotel blends historic charm with contemporary comfort, and the Rafayel Hotel & Spa adds another dimension, with wellness facilities, river views, and a strong environmental ethos.
Together, these options give travellers a meaningful choice. Putney is where guests can enjoy the capital at their own pace, all before returning to a hotel that suits their style.
