Home to more of the capital’s landmarks than any other borough, Westminster encompasses Trafalgar Square, Horse Guards Parade, the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. Buckingham Palace is only just beyond the boundary, ensuring this pocket of London has been the backdrop to many state occasions and royal weddings. It’s been featured in countless blockbuster movies and is the driving seat of British politics. As such Westminster sees floods of international tourists, keen to see some of the most iconic spots on the planet; of whom a lucky few stay in some of these top hotels.
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located near the picturesque banks of the Thames, near London’s most iconic landmarks, The Westminster London, inspired by Ian Fleming’s James Bond, reopened in May 2021 following an extensive multimillion-pound refurbishment. The hotel features 464 beautifully designed guestrooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites, all equipped with modern-day essentials such as flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bottled water. Guests can enjoy the on-site gym rooftop gym with Peloton equipment and incredible views or indulge at the Westminster Bar & Grill, a modern steakhouse with a carefully curated wine list along with its own unique bowling alley. Additionally, the Westminster Café on the ground floor offers casual dining with a selection of hot drinks, juices, sandwiches, snacks, and canned cocktails, perfect for a quick breakfast or a pre-dinner drink.
Conrad London St James
Less than a mile from the iconic attractions of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, the Conrad London St James is set within two 19th-century townhouses which were once Queen Anne’s Chambers and government offices. This property has been the Conrad London St. James since September 2014 and part of the Hilton Worldwide group, it became the brand’s 24th hotel, taking on the US chain’s upscale approach to international hospitality. There are plenty of nods to its past connections, not least in its fascinating and thoughtfully curated art collection as well as plenty of dining experiences from its themed afternoon teas, an art deco-inspired dining concept The Pen, The Hedgerow bar and a traditional London pub. This property oozes luxury and is one of our favourites in London.
The Guardsman Hotel
The Guardsman Hotel, tucked near Buckingham Palace in Westminster, London, is a 5-star boutique establishment known for its luxury and personalised guest experiences. Offering exclusive services akin to a members’ club, the hotel boasts bespoke dining without fixed hours, uniquely designed rooms with high-end amenities, and a prime location conducive to exploring London’s landmarks and transport options. The hotel’s dining experience is tailored, featuring no standard menus and uses fresh, seasonal produce. The Dining Room and Bar, open only to residents and their guests, offer a vast selection of dishes, over 250 whiskies, and an extensive wine list. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the hotel or with an option for a picnic basket to take away whilst exploring the city. Room offerings are diverse, including executive, single, deluxe, and superior double and each are modern and uniquely designed for comfort and luxury, complete with amenities such as bespoke toiletries, and personalised minibars. The friendly team is on hand 24-hours a day highlighting the hotel’s commitment to personalised service and memorable stays.
St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection
St. Ermin’s Hotel, an independent four-star deluxe hotel nestled at the end of a tree-lined courtyard in the heart of Westminster, London, offers a unique blend of relaxation within close proximity to the city’s historical attractions. The hotel boasts a wide selection of rooms and suites, including pet-friendly options, catering to a variety of guest needs and as it is conveniently located near St. James’s and Victoria stations, it is the perfect base for exploring the city or combining business with leisure. As part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, guests at St. Ermin’s can earn or redeem Marriott BonVoy points. Dining options include Caxton Bar, a historical meeting spot for influential figures, including Winston Churchill during WWII and rumoured spy exchanges, the bar offers a cosy atmosphere for guests and locals to enjoy a wide range of drinks and classic bar meals. The modern European cuisine at Caxton Grill, inspired by the rooftop garden, showcases seasonal, top-quality ingredients grilled to perfection with an emphasis on first-class ingredients and service. Whilst a traditional and indulgent British Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the Tea Lounge and Library. St. Ermin’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its local sourcing and use of its rooftop kitchen garden and bee terrace for fresh produce and honey, making it more than just a typical London hotel but a place of historical significance and culinary excellence.