Our Ultimate Guide To The Best Hotels In London
AFFORDABLE
The Pilgrm, Paddington
The Pilgrm offers a modern stay for a modest price. Rooms are stripped back and vintage-inspired, with striking design features, such as the original 200-year-old parquet flooring in all 73 rooms. Medium rooms have uber-comfy double beds, while Large ones (the most spacious in the hotel) have city views and start from just £99 per night. There aren’t any en-suites, but guests can make use of a utilitarian shower room, complete with Egyptian cotton towels and 100% natural toiletries. The best part? Brunch is served until 3pm – ideal for late risers – and The Terrace has outdoor heaters if you want to dine al fresco or pop down for drinks in the evening. Plus, all in-house guests receive 25% OFF food and drink during their stay.
Rooms from £95 per night.
Visit ThePilgrm.com
Lime Tree Hotel, Belgravia
This boutique hotel is housed in a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, which reopened following a complete renovation during lockdown. Offering unbeatable value for its location, the hotel has just 26 rooms, ranging from singles for solo travellers to spacious doubles and triples for families or groups. All have warm interiors and modern bathrooms stocked with Bramley toiletries. When the owners reopened four years ago, they added The Buttery, a popular neighbourhood café that serves crowd-pleasing breakfast and brunch dishes. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the terrace during the summer months. The hotel is less than a mile from Buckingham Palace, while Sloane Square and some of London’s prettiest streets are within walking distance.
Rooms from £170 per night.
Visit LimeTreeHotel.co.uk
The Laslett, Notting Hill
Inspired by its famous neighbourhood, The Laslett – named after Rhuane Laslett, one of the founders of Notting Hill Carnival – is another boutique hotel to have on your radar. Loved by insiders and locals, the building was converted from five former Victorian terraced houses, and now features modern interiors contrasted with curious antiques sourced from nearby Portobello Road. Guests can spend an afternoon reading a book in the library or relaxing in the lounge, before heading out to explore the local area. Henderson Bar serves a great all-day breakfast and has an extensive selection of spirits and cocktails, while afternoon tea can be requested in the library or on the terrace.
Rooms from £195 per night.
Visit Living-Rooms.co.uk
Artist Residence, Pimlico
An intimate offering but one that doesn’t lack in style and sophistication, Artist Residence is a ten-bedroom townhouse that offers a great location for visitors wanting to see the capital’s main sights. Taking influence from its flagship artist-designed venue in Brighton, the London outpost retains the same sense of eclectic style – think industrial lighting, unique artwork and bespoke, quirky furnishings. Its all-day restaurant offers seasonal dining, while the weekend brunch menu is popular with locals. There’s also a subterranean cellar home to an impressive selection of world wines and spirits.
Rooms from £180 per night.
Town Hall Hotel, Bethnal Green
Set in a former Edwardian town hall and right in the heart of the East End, this award-winning hotel mixes modern design with art deco and period details. Individually designed rooms come with sheepskin rugs and one-off pieces of vintage furniture, music docks, and even a loan of the hotel's goldfish (on request). It’s also one of the few hotels in London that allows dogs, and there’s also a resident greyhound. Elsewhere, the hotel has a beautiful pool, which looks like something you’d find in an Italian palazzo. The main highlight, though, is the food offering – namely its two Michelin-starred restaurant De Terra, headed up by Italian-Brazilian chef Rafael Cagali. Its retro soundtrack helps set a relaxed atmosphere, while the food speaks for itself.
Rooms from £125 per night.
Visit TownHallHotel.com
The Zetter, Clerkenwell
An award-winning, independently owned hotel with plenty of personality, The Zetter Hotel occupies a contemporary, converted Victorian warehouse in Clerkenwell. Set among cobbled streets, historic churches, hidden gardens and some of the SL team’s favourite restaurants – think Luca, St. John and Brutto – The Zetter is a short walk from Exmouth Market, Smithfield Market and the Barbican. Ranging from well-appointed to spacious, each of the hotel’s seven rooftop hotel rooms come with their own private terrace with panoramic views across London. Don’t forget to pop over the road to Seymour’s Parlour at the Zetter Townhouse for a cocktail or two.
Rooms from £130 per night.
Visit TheZetter.com
Mama Shelter, Shoreditch
Often voted as having one of the best rooftop bars in the city, Mama Shelter has everything you need for a fun weekend with the girls, from quirky bedrooms to a lively restaurant that’s always packed to karaoke rooms which can be hired for the night. The bedrooms are compact but have everything you need, from luxury linens and toiletries to light-up mirrors ideal for getting ready for a night out. Guests can work out in the gym, head to the Garden Bar for sundowner drinks and enjoy live music sessions at the bar with cocktails. If that wasn’t enough, Mama Shelter also hosts regular events like drag nights and themed brunches.
Rooms from £75 per night.
Visit MamaShelter.com
The Hoxton, Southwark
With four hotels across the capital – including a newcomer in Shepherd’s Bush – booking a stay at the Hoxton is always fun, but its Southwark location just has the edge over its other sites, thanks to its location and F&B offering. Rooms are homely and chic, with interiors other hotels around the UK have taken inspiration from – think scalloped headboards, panelled walls and pretty soft furnishings. Communal spaces are equally inviting and filled with modern art. Seabird, which serves Latin-inspired seafood dishes, is one of the best rooftop restaurants in the city, while ground floor terrace Albie is the place to go for cocktails and chef takeovers.
Rooms from £150 per night.
Visit TheHoxton.com
MID-RANGE
One Hundred Shoreditch, Shoreditch
One Hundred Shoreditch took over the modernist building previously occupied by Ace Hotel. With a Palm Springs-inspired rooftop and bedrooms and suites filled with modern artwork and vintage furniture, it feels like a true east London escape. As well as views, cool bedrooms and rotating art displays, the hotel has another trick up its sleeve: Seed Library. In the low-slung and lounge-y 70s-styled basement of the hotel, Ryan Chetiyawardana and his team takes a ‘lo-fi, analogue’ approach to cocktail making – and we’ll vouch for the results. The inventive menu changes seasonally and regular events and takeovers keep locals coming back for more. You’ll also find low-intervention wines and craft beers here, as well as easy going DJs. The hotel recently relaunched its Lobby Lates. Every Thursday and Friday from 6pm, the Lobby Bar is the place to kick off the weekend with £10 cocktails, as a selection of emerging artists provide the soundtrack for the night. The lobby is also a great place to grab a flat white the next morning – the in-house coffee shop comes courtesy of Origin.
Rooms from £160 per night.
Visit OneHundredShoreditch.com
Henrietta Experimental, Covent Garden
Just two minutes’ walk from Covent Garden Market, Henrietta Experimental is a small, Italian-inspired boutique hotel. There are 40 rooms decorated in Insta-worthy baby blues and pinks, where guests can make use of 24-hour room service, high-speed Wi-Fi, a small mini bar and luxury toiletries. Even the smallest rooms (Little Covent Garden) are fairly spacious and offer great value for money, while the larger suites have private terraces and views of London’s skyline. The hotel is now also home to Jackson Boxer’s latest restaurant, Henri, which serves Parisienne-inspired dishes in its smart, candlelit dining room.
Rooms from £200 per night.
Visit HenriettaHotel.com
Kimpton Fitzroy, Bloomsbury
Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin recently closed their smart Galvin Bar & Grill at Kimpton Fitzroy, but there are still plenty of reasons to visit. Rooms are simply designed and smart, with far-reaching views of the city. Guests in the Fitzroy Suite can take advantage of its four-poster bed, spacious marble bathroom, roll top bath and late 4pm check out time. Guests can now dine at Fitz’s Brasserie to enjoy modern British dishes made with seasonal produce, before heading over to the bar and parlour, awash with dark-wood panelling, opulent fabrics and fringed velvet furnishings.
Rooms from £250 per night.
Visit KimptonFitzroyLondon.com
The Standard, King’s Cross
With hotels across the States, The Standard’s 2019 King’s Cross launch marked the first international opening for this cool hotel group. Since it launched, the hotel has made a name for itself when it comes to fun nights out. Taking over the historic Camden Town Annex across the street from St Pancras Station, the ultra-modern hotel fuses brutalist architecture with warm, mid-century styling – making it a must for anyone who loves on-trend 70s Californian interiors. For the ultimate night in, look at booking one of the junior terrace suites, which come with their own bar, terrace and outdoor bath overlooking the capital. Another reason to visit is the hotel’s numerous dining options. Of the lot, we love its top floor Mexican restaurant Decimo, as well as its fun disco-inspired bar, Sweeties.
Rooms from £199 per night.
Visit StandardHotels.com
The Mandrake, Fitzrovia
The Mandrake is home to one of the best rooftop bars in London, but it’s also a boutique hotel where those in the know like to escape to for a child-free stay. On Newman Street in Fitzrovia, each aspect of the hotel has been designed to offer an immersive experience, from the beautiful three-story flower walls in the middle of the building to an impressive art collection that includes works from Salvador Dali and Francesco Clemente. The Mandrake has 33 rooms, including three suites and an ultra-high-spec penthouse, each of which has its own style with eclectic interiors with bespoke furniture. Book a table at Yopo for South American-inspired dishes, the Jurema terrace for light dishes.
Rooms from £285 per night.
Visit TheMandrake.com
The Mayfair Townhouse, Mayfair
From the team behind Cliveden House and Chewton Glen, The Mayfair Townhouse has all the glamour and luxury touches you’d expect, from quirky decorative accessories to an impressive bar and drinks menu. Rooms are opulent, but the suites are the real stars of the show – the Garden Suite has a beautiful marble bathroom and a private patio. With a range of all-day dining options, guests are spoilt for choice at The Dandy Bar, where dimly lit interiors create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere for breakfast, coffee, lunch or evening drinks. Look out for playful interior touches throughout the hotel – including the house’s mischievous motif, the fox.
Rooms from £270 per night.
Visit TheMayfairTownhouse.com
Charlotte Street Hotel, Fitzrovia
Part of Kit Kemp’s Firmdale hotel group, Charlotte Street Hotel is our favourite of the brand’s London outposts, partly thanks to its location – the hotel is within walking distance of some of the capital’s best restaurants and independent galleries – and more affordable rooms. There are 52 rooms and suites, all of which are individually designed and feature signature Kemp fabrics, bold colours, original artwork, and luxurious bathrooms with double basins and deep-soaking tubs. The hotel’s Oscar Restaurant & Bar is a popular spot for locals and guests alike, offering a menu of modern British dishes in a bright, relaxed space that spills out onto the terrace during warmer months. And for a cosy retreat, the wood-panelled drawing room and library are inviting spots for afternoon tea or cocktails by the fire. Movie buffs will also love the in-house screening room, which hosts regular film nights and industry-led events. Best of all, the team goes the extra mile to ensure you have a memorable stay, providing personalised in-room treats and recommending their favourite neighbourhood spots.
Rooms from £440 per night.
Visit FirmdaleHotels.com
LUXE
Broadwick Soho, Soho
Broadwick Soho is an independent luxury hotel which aims to channel the ‘grit, glamour and wild energy’ of London’s most storied neighbourhood through a contemporary 57-room retreat. Opulently decorated, the hotel’s townhouse aesthetic was created by world-renowned interior designer Martin Brudnizki (of Annabel’s and Scott’s Restaurant) and fuses a range of inspirations, from the Jazz Age to travels around Italy and the era of disco. Each bedroom features bespoke furniture and individually selected artworks, with custom-designed beds, heritage-inspired herringbone floors, tassel-trimmed furniture and sustainable luxury amenities by Ortigia. Downstairs, there’s an eclectic range of restaurants and bars. Dear Jackie, the hotel’s flagship lower-ground restaurant, serves classic Italian gastronomy with a modern twist; Bar Jackie is a vibrant street-level café; the resident-only lounge, The Nook, is a relaxing space with a fireplace and vinyl player for guests to enjoy. Up top, the hotel’s rooftop dining bar and terrace, Flute, offers incredible views over the capital.
Rooms from £495 per night.
Visit BroadwickSoho.com
Nobu Portman Square, Marylebone
Celebrity chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa once said that a hotel room should always have two things: a large TV and a large bed. And guests are guaranteed both at the hotelier’s UK flagship at Portman Square. This is a hotel that gets it right from the moment you step inside, with its friendly, attentive service. All rooms and suites have minimalist Japanese-inspired décor, including ink-brush artwork and lantern-style lighting, as well as thoughtful amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. If you can steal yourself away from the uber-comfy bed, the signature restaurant awaits downstairs for black cod, sushi and sashimi, as well as a typical Japanese breakfast in the morning (though a generous spread of Western food is also on offer). The hotel is also home to one of the best Pilates studios in the capital, alongside a small spa where you can enjoy facials, body wraps and more.
Rooms from £425 per night.
Visit NobuHotels.com
The Londoner, Leicester Square
It doesn’t get much more central than The Londoner, which is right on Leicester Square. Step inside, and you’ll find some calm away from the crowds. Well-placed for a luxe staycation or weekend treat, the property bills itself as the world’s first ‘super boutique hotel’, offering guests the personal touches you’d expect from a smaller property with the facilities of a much bigger one. Yabu Pushelberg (whose work includes the iconic Four Seasons hotel in Manhattan) is behind the design, so expect slick interiors with an NYC edge. There are 350 rooms and suites to choose from – all stocked with Alessi appliances, Roberts radios, Miller Harris products and binoculars for looking out over the National Gallery and beyond. There are also two restaurants and a ground-floor tavern which hosts daily live music performances. On-site spa The Retreat is a relaxing space for a swim and offers treatments from massages to blow-dries and manicures.
Rooms from £379 per night.
Visit TheLondoner.com
1 Hotel Mayfair, Mayfair
On Berkeley Street, overlooking Green Park, this nine-storey hotel is right in the middle of all London’s highlights, from Regent Street to royal parks. Guests can choose from 137 rooms and 44 suites, including an eye-catching one-bed penthouse with incredible views. The hotel is also home to Dovetale, a ground-floor restaurant from two-Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers (Leonardo DiCaprio was recently spotted here), and a wellness area on the first floor, where guests can work out in an uplifting space and relax with treatments from Bamford Wellness Spa. Through biophilia-inspired design and practices, nature is at the core of everything: there’s a 500 sq m living green-trellised exterior wall; all bedrooms feature moss walls, British oak flooring and Welsh slate bathroom vanities; and there are more than 200 plant species and 1,300 individual plants across the property.
Rooms from £500 per night.
Visit 1Hotels.com
Henry’s Townhouse, Marylebone
Discreetly occupying a Grade II-listed townhouse on Upper Berkeley Street, Henry’s was once owned by Jane Austen’s brother. A design collaboration between owners Jane and Steven Collins and the award-winning Russell Sage Studio, Henry’s is an intelligent and glamorous re-imagining of the Regency period, featuring an array of carefully chosen colour palettes, abundant fabrics and beautiful furnishings – think modern four-poster beds, roll-top baths and antiques and artwork that tell a story. There are seven bedrooms, along with a reading room – where complimentary aperitifs are served each evening – plus the Carriage Snug, where guests can mix up a cocktail and play backgammon. Downstairs, you’ll find the kitchen and pantry, which serves an excellent breakfast. Best of all, the townhouse is run almost like a lovely family home, with someone on hand to look after you as much or as little as you like.
Rooms from £450 per night.
Visit HenrysTownhouse.co.uk
NoMad, Covent Garden
It only opened three years ago, but the NoMad London has established itself as a go-to destination for celebs and those in the know. Inside, the former home of Bow Street magistrates’ court and police station has been transformed into a sophisticated space offering everything you’d expect from a top hotel. New York-based design studio Roman and Williams is behind the interiors and the rooms and suites are some of the chicest on this list – we’d book the Royal Opera Suite which overlooks the famous Royal Opera House and has a generous living area, plus a free-standing clawfoot bathtub. Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed or have it in the library before making the most of the cultural highlights on the hotel’s doorstep. If you’re not staying overnight, book a table at its light-filled atrium restaurant.
Rooms from £495 per night.
Visit TheNomadHotel.com
Benoit Linero
Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge
Perched between the 34th and 52nd floors of The Shard, Shangri-La offers some of the best views of the city. This five-star hotel marries Asian-inspired luxury with sleek, modern design. Each of the 202 rooms and suites is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can spot Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the River Thames and beyond. Rooms are elegantly decorated, blending soft neutral tones with luxurious materials, while marble-clad bathrooms feature deep-soaking tubs and heated floors. Dining is equally special, with TĪNG Restaurant serving a sophisticated menu inspired by both Asian and British cuisine. For something more casual, Bar 31 is a lively spot for cocktails and light bites. Another highlight is the hotel’s infinity pool on the 52nd floor, where guests can swim while taking in panoramic cityscapes. Attentive service ensures every need is catered for, while the location – steps from London Bridge station – couldn’t be better for exploring the city and Borough Market’s excellent restaurants.
Rooms from £475 per night.
Visit Shangri-La.com
Hotel Café Royal, Piccadilly
Hotel Café Royal is an iconic luxury hotel that’s steeped in tradition. It’s been a favourite among royals, celebrities and artists since its opening in 1865. Today, the hotel has 159 rooms and suites, each elegantly designed with sleek marble bathrooms, soft fabrics, and bespoke furniture. The grand, gilded Oscar Wilde Lounge – once a meeting place for the likes of Wilde and Winston Churchill – is the perfect spot for traditional afternoon tea, while the hotel’s Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre is home to a pool, sauna, and treatments. Guests can enjoy fine dining at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its contemporary French cuisine, or sip cocktails at the stylish Green Bar. The hotel is also a great option for families; its kids’ club is complimentary during school holidays, offering activities like cookie decorating, balloon crafting and slime making.
Rooms from £600 per night.
Visit HotelCafeRoyal.com
Beaverbrook Town House, Chelsea
Tucked away on Sloane Street, Beaverbrook Town House is a boutique hotel that brings the charm of the English countryside to Chelsea. Housed in two Georgian townhouses, this 14-suite property is the sister hotel to the award-winning Beaverbrook estate in Surrey. Each suite is individually designed, inspired by classic London theatres, and features lavish fabrics, antique furnishings, and curated artwork. The attention to detail extends to the marble bathrooms, where heated floors and luxurious toiletries await. The hotel’s Japanese restaurant, The Fuji Grill, serves beautifully crafted dishes, from sashimi to delicate tempura, in a sleek, elegant space. For drinks, head to Sir Frank’s Bar, where creative cocktails are crafted with a nod to the hotel’s eclectic heritage. There’s also a dedicated concierge team offering personalised recommendations, ensuring guests find the area’s hidden gems.
Rooms from £555 per night.
Nicola Harding/Paul Massey
ULTRA-LUXE
Claridge’s, Mayfair
With its handsome art-deco exterior, tail-coated doormen and Mayfair location, Claridge’s is the epitome of timeless elegance. Step through its impressive lobby and you’ll find bedrooms that are among the largest in London (we love the pretty-in-pink Bryan O’Sullivan Mayfair suites). Hand-stitched fabrics, antique furniture, marble bathrooms and luxurious details might not encourage you to leave your room, but the drinking and dining options here are renowned. In the centre of the Foyer & Reading Room, a striking Chihuly sculpture hangs like a chandelier and the walls are decked in original art deco mirrors. Its bar, The Painter’s Room, sits alongside the dark and glamorous Fumoir and the iconic Claridge’s Bar. With just 24 covers, the bar’s name pays homage to its space which was created in the 1930s with murals by renowned artist Mary Lea. More recent additions include the launch of the Claridge’s Spa, following a six-year project that saw teams of experts excavate five floors below; Claridge’s ArtSpace Café, a café designed by the renowned John Pawson with an Insta-ready patisserie counter and entry down to Claridge’s ArtSpace; plus, Claridge’s Restaurant, a striking space serving elite breakfasts and lunches worth lingering over.
Rooms from £795 per night.
Visit Claridges.co.uk
The Cadogan, Chelsea
From hotels and trains to river cruises and safaris, Belmond is synonymous with luxury escapes. And from the moment you enter the light-filled lobby, The Cadogan’s affiliation with travel is clear – there’s a gorgeous wood-panelled train timetable and station clock that draws the eye on the way to the hotel’s pretty bar and the LaLee restaurant, which specialises in modern European dishes. In a striking corner building in Chelsea, each bedroom has high ceilings, luxury amenities and views over Cadogan Place Gardens. The hotel recently launched a wellness package with super facialist Teresa Tarmey. Recently appointed on the advisory board of the British Beauty Council, Teresa has long been the expert of choice for an incredible array of A-list celebrities and beauty aficionados, seeking a results-driven approach to skincare. Home to Teresa’s only London residency, The Cadogan offers guests the chance to experience one of Teresa’s cult treatments. Don’t forget to flick through the latest issue of Belmond’s excellent in-house magazine Monde while you’re saying – preferably in one of the suites’ extra-large bathtubs.
Rooms from £1,090 per night.
Visit Belmond.com
The Connaught, Mayfair
When it comes to five-star luxury, The Connaught gets it right. The Mayfair hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay, from private butlers to its stunning Aman Spa. Interiors are traditional yet elegant: rooms and suites feature four-poster beds, plush decorative accents and contemporary artwork. The hotel recently unveiled The King’s Lodge, an opulent suite designed by Guy Oliver which has Mughal-inspired décor, paying homage to artisans from south Asia. Elsewhere, the food is the star of the show – there are several fine dining restaurants and bars to choose from. Hélène Darroze’s three Michelin-starred restaurant serves exceptional dishes in its smart dining room; The Connaught Grill offers elevated British classics; and afternoon tea is served at Jean-Georges’ restaurant. It’s also home to some of London’s finest bars, including Connaught Bar, famous for its martinis, and Red Room, a romantic spot filled with beautiful artwork by a string of female artists.
Rooms from £625 per night.
Visit The-Connaught.co.uk
The Twenty Two, Mayfair
The Twenty Two is one of the capital’s hottest destinations right now, with everyone from Tom Cruise to Kate Moss spotted there since it opened two years ago. This hotel, restaurant and members club has transformed an Edwardian manor on Grosvenor Square into a richly decorated west London hideaway with 31 bedrooms and suites – including a mews house – in addition to the public restaurant and private club. The boldly designed bedrooms are made for romantic getaways – think red velvet furnishings, marble baths and well-stocked minibars. When it comes to food and drink, the restaurant is a striking blue space that serves everything from stylishly plated breakfasts to Sunday roasts. The private dining room is the place to book for a party where guests can tuck into dishes like Devon crab salad with cucumber, radish and sea greens; slow-cooked beef pappardelle; and a perfect caramel tart.
Rooms from £475 per night.
Visit The22.London
Raffles At The OWO, Whitehall
This long-awaited hotel finally opened last year – and you’ll undoubtedly have seen the jaw-dropping entrance hall and enviable swimming pool all over Instagram ever since. Set in the impressive former Old War Office in Whitehall, the building underwent a monumental transformation over eight years with the addition of 120 rooms and beautiful wood-panelled suites (the prettiest of them is Churchill’s former office, no less). One of the many highlights is the four-floor state-of-the-art Guerlain Spa. Here, the striking pool is surrounded by luxurious loungers, a vitality pool, and steam and sauna rooms. There are also nine beautifully designed treatment suites – we had one of the best massages we can remember in the gorgeously scented space. On the food front, Mauro Colagreco, one of the world’s most respected chefs, has three restaurants in the hotel: Mauro Colagreco, Mauro’s Table and Saison. Earlier this year new rooftop restaurant by acclaimed Japanese chef Endo Kazutoshi was added to the line-up, joining Paper Moon Milano, Café Lapérouse and the atmospheric Spy Bar. Best of all, any guest staying at the hotel can book onto one of the daily history tours of the hotel, which will give you access to some of the property’s most exclusive spaces.
Rooms from £1,000 per night.
Visit Raffles.com
Rosewood London, Holborn
If great food and drink is top of your priority list, book a stay at the Rosewood London on High Holborn. It has 45 suites and ‘houses’ to choose from, each of which has a beautifully modern look. The suites are some of the best rooms in the building – The Pearl has a stunning bathroom and generous living area, while the Garden House is a smart, wood-panelled mega suite with a cosy reading nook, an area dedicated to cocktails and a killer terrace. We also love that the pillows in the bedroom come monogrammed with guests’ initials. When you’re ready to sit down and eat, there’s plenty to be excited about. From brasserie-style dishes in the magnificently grand Holborn Dining Room to creative cocktails at atmospheric Scarfes Bar – not forgetting the hotel’s special Art afternoon tea, which is currently dedicated to works by Hockney, Kusama, Warhol and Van Gough – you’ll want to make your way around each restaurant during a stay. For fine dining head to the Mirror Room, and for a hearty feast, book a private dinner in the Pie Room to enjoy seafood starters, traditional pies – make sure to order the comte and potato dauphinoise pastry – and delicate desserts. Guests can also escape to the Sense Spa for a bespoke facial at Face Place, which specialises in natural treatments.
Rooms from £550 per night.
Visit RosewoodHotels.com
The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
This landmark five-star hotel has it all: a destination pastry restaurant, a rooftop pool overlooking Hyde Park and two of London’s best bars. One of these is the gorgeous Berkeley Bar & Terrace, which makes a real statement with its modern colour palette of soft corals, creams and pinks. Set away from the main bar is the Snug, which has a spectacular mural, painted by New York-based artist TM Davy, and comes with its own sound system and call-for-service button. The cooler sister to The Connaught and Claridge’s, we recommend kicking off a stay at The Berkeley with a tasting menu at Cédric Grolet’s counter, where you’ll sample all the French star baker’s viral dishes, such as his vanilla flower and lifelike fruits made of confectionery. If you’re after a knockout space to sleep, interior architect André Fu has designed four suites for the hotel. We love the Grand Pavilion Penthouse. With views over Belgravia, the light-filled space has glass walls on three sides and features a striking reception area, living room with an enormous TV, entertaining bar, two outdoor terraces – one with a firepit – master bedroom and stunning marble bathroom, study and two walk-in closets. Trust us, you won’t want to leave, but before you do make sure to book in for a revitalising 111SKIN facial at the spa, order in a room service breakfast from Cédric Grolet – and have a dip in that heated outdoor pool.
Rooms from £700 per night.
Visit The-Berkeley.co.uk
Patrick Williamson
The Dorchester, Mayfair
The Dorchester has been synonymous with opulence since it opened in 1931. Since then, its hosted countless royals, artist and celebrities over the years, who return for its buzzy atmosphere (especially during the festive season) and team of staff who will go to the ends of the earth to ensure you’re looked after. Located on Park Lane with views over Hyde Park, the hotel has nearly 300 rooms and suites, all adorned with rich fabrics, classic furnishings, and marble bathrooms. The hotel’s suites, including the beautiful Prestige Dorchester suites, have expansive living spaces, elegant interiors and palatial bathrooms. A butler service ensures everything, from the moment you arrive, is taken care of. Endless dining options include British fare at The Grill headed up by chef Tom Booton; the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse for unforgettable fine dining; and Vesper Bar, a slick, dimly lit room for excellent cocktails and nibbles. Guests can also unwind at The Dorchester Spa, where luxurious treatments and a relaxation room offer a serene escape.
Rooms from £895 per night.
Visit DorchesterCollection.com
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge
Overlooking both the greenery of Hyde Park and the boutiques of Knightsbridge, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is timeless. This five-star hotel blends Edwardian grandeur with modern luxury across its 181 rooms and suites, each designed with elegant furnishings, bespoke artwork, and marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs. Many suites offer sweeping views of Hyde Park or the city skyline, while the hotel’s Royal Suite has its own private balcony. Dining at the Mandarin Oriental is world-class, featuring Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that reimagines historic British dishes, and The Aubrey, a Japanese izakaya-style bar and restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Guests can unwind at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, where holistic treatments, an indoor pool, and serene surroundings offer a slice of sanctuary away from the busy streets outside. The group also opened a second outpost in Mayfair earlier this year, which is equally impressive.
Rooms from £870 per night.
Visit MandarinOriental.com
The Corinthia, Whitehall
The Corinthia sits on the Thames in Whitehall. Expect grand interiors with modern furnishings across its 283 rooms, including 51 suites and seven penthouse apartments. A special night is well spent in a Deluxe Room, with a beautiful en-suite bathroom, but if you want to go all out, suites come with complimentary butler service, walk-in wardrobes and generous living areas. Guests can enjoy breakfast in bed and head to one of the many restaurants on site for a special meal, including the Michelin-starred Kerridge’s Bar & Grill. ESPA Life at Corinthia is one of the largest and most impressive spas in London, set over four floors. The dark décor – think black Italian marble, polished chrome and pewter artwork – is cocooning in its warmth, partly thanks to the thermal floor. There’s an indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, marble heated loungers and private sleep pods. Book a Dr Barbara Sturm facial or full-body massage for the ultimate treat.
Rooms from £675 per night.
Visit Corinthia.com
The Emory, Belgravia
The Emory is London’s first all-suite hotel and the latest opening by Maybourne, the group behind Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Berkeley and wellness and longevity members club Surrenne. The hotel has 61 suites, complete with light-filled floor-to-ceiling glass windows set over nine floors, including a spectacular wraparound glass penthouse. Different floors showcase the creative aesthetic of verious world-class designers, including Champalimaud Design, Andre Fu, Pierre-Yves Rochon and Patricia Urquiola. Truly, the bedrooms are some of the best-looking we’ve seen in ages. On the food front, you’ll find abc kitchens from renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, where guests can experience his much-celebrated trilogy of restaurants from New York – abc kitchen, abcV and abc cocina – under one roof. Then, with unparalleled 360° views of the capital’s skyline, The Emory Rooftop Bar on the tenth floor is a special place for a nightcap.
Rooms from £1,620 per night.
Visit The-Emory.co.uk
Bulgari Hotel London, Knightsbridge
Bulgari sets the bar sky-high with its impressive collection of hotels around the world, from Tokyo to London. With sleek, Italian-inspired design, the Knightsbridge has 85 rooms and suites, each with modern furnishings, rich textures, and stunning marble bathrooms. The attention to detail is impressive, from the handcrafted furniture to the in-room amenities that mean you barely have to leave – during the turn-down service, for example, the team will leave you a flask of hot herbal tea to help you wind down and deliver pillows from the pillow menu. As you’d expect, dining is also a highlight, with Sette by Scarpetta serving modern Italian cuisine, and Nolita Social providing an intimate spot for cocktails and live music. For those looking to unwind, the award-winning Bulgari Spa is a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring a 25m pool, vitality pool, and a range of indulgent treatments.
Rooms from £1,400 per night.
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The Peninsula, Hyde Park
Having opened a year ago, The Peninsula London overlooks Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding Belgravia architecture and three royal parks, the hotel has nearly 200 bedrooms and suites, plus a state-of-the-art spa with a 25m pool, saunas and steam rooms, and treatment rooms for therapeutic massages, aromatherapy, and face and body treatments. There are numerous dining options, including a rooftop restaurant offering fine-dining seasonal British cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi. On the ground floor, Cantonese restaurant Canton Blue celebrates the spice-trade union of Asian and British cultures with creative menus by chef Dicky To, and guests can also enjoy cocktails at Little Blue bar. Meanwhile, The Lobby serves afternoon tea, and The Peninsula Boutique & Café offers a relaxed grab-and-go concept.
Rooms from £1,500 per night.
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Four Seasons Park Lane, Mayfair
Just a short walk from the edge of Hyde Park, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is the perfect choice for a special celebration. The hotel’s 196 rooms and suites are spacious and serene, decorated in soft tones with rich fabrics and marble bathrooms, many of which have sweeping views of the park or the London skyline. It’s worth staying here for the rooftop spa alone, where guests can relax with treatments while taking in panoramic city views from the glass-walled lounge. You can dine at Amaranto for modern Italian dishes, and for something more relaxed, head to the Amaranto Lounge for afternoon tea or cocktails by the fire. Friendly and attentive staff ensure guests are well looked after, though if you can steal yourself away from the hotel itself, some of London’s best restaurants and boutiques in Mayfair and Knightsbridge are just a short walk away.
Rooms from £765 per night.
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