Best Luxury Hotels in London

It’s hosted the stars of Hollywood and members of the Royal Family for over two centuries. Spencer Tracy commented that he’d rather go to Claridge’s than to heaven when he dies. And Gordon Ramsay opened a restaurant here. This hotel is grand and British, with elements of its heritage – notably its art deco years – evident in the decor. Highlights include the Davies & Brook restaurant and The Fumoir, a sultry speakeasy-style glamorous bar. There’s a swish outdoor dining area, a spa and a famous afternoon tea. The kid-glove service is top-notch and attentive, with butlers in suites and the penthouse.

In recreating the rooms at the Connaught, Guy Oliver and Guy Collins have fused modern styling with retro touches which help keep the overall impression in harmony with this hotel’s architectural roots. Every room is generously apportioned, particularly the suites; the Sutherland Suite has its own Baby Grand Piano. Restaurant Helen Darroze at the Connaught offers a package that won her two Michelin stars. Relax in the restaurant’s magnificent interior, designed by India Mahdavi. Alternatively, dine at Jean-George’s where British classics blend with Southeast Asian flavours. The hotel also has a spa that offers a range of treatments and alternative therapies.

A hotel that needs little introduction. Since opening in 1931, it’s had its own TV docu-series, hosted the Foyles Literary Luncheons as well as the inaugural Pride of Britain Awards and was declared to be one of the safest buildings in the city, during the WWII bombings. Stars such as Barbra Streisand, Edith Sitwell and Alfred Hitchcock have dined here. The Dorchester has five restaurants in total, The Grill, The Spatisserie, The Promenade, China Tang and Alain Ducasse – the latter being one of the few eateries to hold three Michelin stars. And its famed two-course silver-service afternoon tea is unmissable (the hotel went as far as creating its own Dorchester Blend cuppa). Its opulent spa is another highlight, as are the amazing displays by florist-in-residence Philip Hammond. 

One hundred and twelve years after first opening as the brainchild of Cezar Ritz, The Ritz, London is still one of the world’s finest hotels. It was awarded the Royal Warrant in 2002, the only hotel to hold it. Staying at the Ritz is a five-star experience that combines old-world opulence with the highest level of customer service available anywhere. Eat in the Michelin-starred restaurant, still regarded by many as the most beautiful dining room on the planet or take afternoon tea on the terrace. The hotel is close to Green Park and the West End.

A member of the Dorchester Collection, 45 Park Lane has somewhat of a more boutique feel than some of its neighbours. It may have just 45 rooms but doesn’t skimp on size or style; the stunning penthouse suite, accessed by private lift, presents breathtaking panoramic views from its wrap-around balcony, whilst all other rooms and suites are as equally as glamorous with their own unique features. The recently launched Spa offers guests a haven of tranquility where they can indulge in some quiet time by the pool, sauna or steam room or enjoy a well-deserved spa treatment. The building is art deco in design, a theme that continues on within the interiors of the hotel.  Dinner here is an event. Think juicy Wagyu steaks savoured while surrounded by Damien Hirst artworks; this is Wolfgang Puck’s esteemed CUT restaurant – his first venture in Europe. 

One of the most famous hotels in London, if not the world, the Savoy opened in 1889 on The Strand, as the first luxury hotel in Britain. It quickly became a byword for elegance and grace, with interiors designed by Collinson & Locke. Now owned by the Fairmont group, it has an illustrious history – Frank Sinatra, Geroge Gershwin and Noel Coward all entertained here, while Oscar Wilde, Laurence Olivier, Edward VII, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles and many other legends have counted among its guests. Hosting royalty and a wide variety of celebrities is all in a day’s work for this titan of the hotel industry. Many of the 268 rooms provide stunning views across the nearby River Thames, and the hotel also has 7 restaurants for a wide variety of fine dining options. As an English icon, The Savoy is very popular with tourists seeking a quintessentially classic British stay.

Period features meet contemporary interiors in this hotel opened in 1837. Interior design by Olga Polizzi was inspired by literary works and former guests – Rudyard Kipling wrote many of his novels here and it’s believed that The English Tea Room was the inspiration for Agatha Christie’s ‘At Bertram’s Hotel’. As such, the Afternoon Tea is popular with history lovers, seeking to retrace the steps of heroes and heroines in this award-winning, wood-panelled establishment. Now owned by Rocco Forte, modern comforts in the 33 suites and 82 rooms abound. Elegant muted shades are offset with pops of colour and unique artworks. The in-house restaurant Charlie’s, named after the founding Forte Lord Charles, is all about British cooking. While Donovan’s bar (named after photographer Terence), is an intimate and playfully decadent spot to enjoy a bespoke sixties-themed cocktail.

The five-star Bulgari Hotel, built by the Sir Robert McAlpine construction company between 2010 and 2012, had the distinction of being London’s most expensive hotel when it was first opened and remains one of the most prestigious places to stay in the capital. The hotel contains 85 rooms and suites as well as a ballroom, cigar shop, cinema, fitness centre and gymnasium while the Rivea restaurant offers some of the best French and Italian cuisine to the hotel’s patrons. The bedrooms are separated into Superior, Deluxe and Executive rooms while the apartments are divided into Junior, Studio, Deluxe, Knightsbridge and Bulgari suites.

This hotel first opened in 1997, bringing the brand’s Nobu Japanese-Peruvian dining experience, popular with the A-list, to London. Rooms here are all about space and light. The Como Metropolitan is clutter-free and deeply calming, contrasting the bustle of the streets below. Everything is activated via the touch of the button – from climate control to the smart media system, lit rainfall showers and the thick silk blackout drapes. This serene ambience extends into The Como Shambhala spa, renowned the world over for its acupuncture and shiatsu. Alongside more traditional treatments, top visiting therapists also offer osteopathy and energy healing. 

You’ll find the Corinthia London where Northumberland Avenue meets Whitehall Place. Positioned on a landmark triangular site, it’s between Trafalgar Square and the Thames Embankment. The building once served as British Government offices and as the Hotel Metropole in the 19th century. Nowadays it’s home to the award-winning ESPA Life at Corinthia, a new 1920’s inspired theatrical cocktail bar named Velvet, The Northall restaurant with its designer dining room, Michelin-starred celebrity chef Tom Kerridge’s Bar & Grill and a glittering lounge, where 1,001 Baccarat crystals provide chandelier lighting for your afternoon tea. Corinthia London accommodates 283 bedrooms including 51 suites and seven penthouses.

Slick service, glittering chandeliers and the tinkle of a coral red grand piano await, at the Four Seasons Park Lane. Many of the rooms have their own balconies, reached via glamorous warming corridors lined with photo portraits of Golden Age Hollywood stars. Lauded interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon is responsible for much of the art deco meets modern styling. Climb to the 10th floor where glass-walled treatment rooms offering curated wellness journeys and a vitality pool are located. Its rooftop relaxation pods are divine and a trip to the sauna affords views over Hyde Park.

Designed in the Beaux-Arts style and opened in 1922 as the Port of London Authority building, this hotel is now a Grade II listed building. At its opening, it was one of the tallest structures in the capital and the 100 current rooms still command excellent views. This member of the legendary Four Seasons chain popular with business and leisure travellers offers a number of fine dining options. Creative French cuisine can be enjoyed in Anne-Sophie Pic’s Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic London. Contemporary Chinese and Japanese dishes are served at Mei Ume. And the stunning domed Rotunda Lounge and bar, at the hotel’s heart, is the setting for a unique Crown Jewels-inspired afternoon tea. Below ground, the lavish contemporary spa contains one of the most dreamy pools in the city.