
Best Urban Hotels in United Kingdom
As a long-established luxury travel publication, The Luxury Editor is known for showcasing hotels that go beyond star ratings alone and focus on what really matters to discerning travellers seeking a memorable stay in a urban hotel in United Kingdom. Service, design, atmosphere, sense of place and the overall quality of the guest experience all play a part in whether a property earns its place in our curated list.
Whether you are at the early stages of planning or already comparing a shortlist, our choice of urban hotels in United Kingdom is a credible and useful guide, with easy booking options too.
Let us help you make searching for the perfect place to stay more inspiring, more informed and more enjoyable.
England, Merseyside, Liverpool, Docklands
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
(4 stars)The rather quirky name alludes to the city’s connection with both the ill-fated ship and Liverpool’s significance to the trans-Atlantic shipping route. Built as a redevelopment project of the historic Stanley Dock, Titanic sits right upon the shore in a striking former warehouse which once played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s industrial prowess. The aesthetic is incredibly captivating, with plenty of walnut furnishings, vaulted ceilings, open brickwork and nautical decor. The rooms are incredibly spacious with large bathrooms and well stocked toiletries. Although several miles from The Royal Albert Dock and the centre of town, Titanic offers a great alternative to the city’s central hotels.
England, Oxfordshire, Oxford
The Store Oxford
(5 stars)The Store Oxford repurposes the iconic Boswells department store building into a modern boutique hotel with 101 uniquely styled rooms and extensive amenities. Featuring three distinct dining options, including the historically inspired Treadwell restaurant and a rooftop bar that serves a great range of creative cocktails, the hotel seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary luxury. The Store also offers a co-working space and an urban spa developed in collaboration with British wellness brand Oskia. Spanning seven floors, the hotel’s interior style ranges from Art Deco to comforting muted tones, with every aspect of the hotel reflecting Oxford’s architectural beauty and vibrant history.
England, Greater London, London, Camden
Rosewood London
(5 stars)Constructed in four blocks between 1912 and 1960, this Grade II listed building is a grand landmark in Covent Garden in the West End. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 2000, the Rosewood’s 262 rooms offer guests an ideal blend of British heritage and contemporary sophistication. Another distinctive afternoon tea is found here. Many visit for the art-themed pastries and sweet treats inspired by the work of sculptor Anthony Gormley and created by Executive Pastry Chef, Mark Perkins. Families are made especially welcome with interconnecting rooms (the second room is complementary), activities, games and cosy dog beds for the furry family members. Take part in the Rosewood Room Hunt and hunt for clues in an immersive scavenger adventure on specified dates. There’s also a Sense Spa for wellness and beauty, incorporating the Face Place and Matthew Curtis Hair Salon.
England, Greater London, London, Knightsbridge
The Berkeley
(5 stars)The Berkley Hotel, located in Wilton Place, is a five-star hotel that boasts stylish interior designs that are guaranteed to impress any patrons that walk through the doors. Those who visit the hotel can enjoy a drink in the elegant Blue Bar, pamper themselves in the luxurious spa, swim in the spacious indoor pool or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s two restaurants. The Collins Room, designed by Robert Angell, offers one of the best fine dining experiences in London while the Marcus restaurant provides Michelin-starred cuisine that will suit even the most sophisticated palate. The hotel’s spacious, elegantly designed and well-furnished bedrooms are divided into Deluxe and Superior categories.
Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow, West End
One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin
(5 stars)Located on a tree-lined street in Glasgow’s West End, away from the hustle and bustle, the One Devonshire Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel with a class that is part of the Hotel du Vin family. Peaceful and classic, this hotel is a nod to the culture and elegance of centuries past. There are just 49 rooms and suites in the five adjoining townhouses that make up the hotel, and guests can enjoy unparalleled service from some of the world’s best hotel staff.
England, Greater London, London, Southwark
Shangri-La The Shard, London
(5 stars)This is an example of modern luxury, being part of the famous Shard building that towers above London. The building was completed in 2012 and was the tallest structure in Europe at the time. The multi-award-winning hotel takes up floors 34-52. It offers stunning panoramic views across the capital from its 202 rooms, decorated in plush silks, satins and cut-pile velvets. The Hong Kong-based multinational hotelier brand is a favourite with business travellers, providing excellent meeting spaces and proximity to the city’s commercial centre. The Shard is now firmly on the London map, so visitors who prefer a sleek, modern Asian influenced style flock to stay at Shangri-La, to swim in the infinity sky pool and dine with a view at TING. There are also packages for wellness, honeymoons and weddings, as well as two funky bars, babysitting, butler and limousine services.
England, Greater London, London, Kensington
Jumeirah Carlton Tower London
(5 stars)With gardens, tennis courts and its own health club (The Peak Fitness Club) with a 20-metre naturally-lit indoor pool, this feels more like a resort than an urban hotel. The Carlton Tower has an enviable Knightsbridge address on Sloane Street. Inside, are 186 guest rooms, of which the three-bedroom Royal Suite is the pièce de résistance, with incredible views. Dine on modern-meets-classic Italian dishes at Al Mare. And don’t miss the award-winning nature-inspired afternoon tea in The Chinoiserie Lounge. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is the sister hotel to the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
England, Greater London, London, Belgravia
COMO The Halkin
(5 stars)Escape the noise of the capital, with this Belgravia townhouse as your base. The grand building, formed of arched windows, portland stone and Georgian brick, has been reimagined inside, by Milan-based architecture studio Laboratorio Associati and Linzi Coppick. 41 bedrooms and suites channel the elements, in a sophisticated, warm, elegant and upscale home-like style. The COMO Shambhala philosophy is evident throughout, be it in the healthy cuisine options, or the in-room therapeutic treatments (there’s no spa onsite, but guests have access to the Halkin’s sister property’s wellness facilities, a ten-minute walk away). Families are catered to with mini bathrobes and COMO the Halkin teddy bears for little ones.
England, Greater London, London, Nine Elms
Park Hyatt London River Thames
(5 stars)With 203 rooms including 34 suites, Park Hyatt London River Thames marks the arrival of the Park Hyatt brand in the United Kingdom. Located within the evolving Nine Elms district, between Battersea Power Station and Westminster, the hotel offers contemporary design and sweeping river views to create a calm yet connected retreat in the heart of the capital.
Designed as a modern interpretation of classic English style, interiors feature William Morris-inspired wallcoverings, soft leather and brass accents, and curated artworks by British and international artists including Ian Rayer-Smith and Jo Taylor. The entrance is defined by Charlie Whinney’s sculptural installation Ebb and Flow, evoking the movement of the Thames, while neutral tones and bespoke furnishings bring warmth and serenity throughout.
Dining is led by Executive Chef Fabrice Lasnon, whose 35 years of culinary expertise shape an impressive selection of restaurants and bars. Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace celebrates seasonal British ingredients, Yú Gé offers refined Cantonese cuisine, while The Nine Elms Bar & Lounge provides a stylish space for cocktails and light bites.
Wellness is central to the experience, with an entire floor devoted to relaxation and renewal. The spa includes a 20-metre indoor pool with natural light and river views, six treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, a serene relaxation lounge, and a 1,550-square-foot fitness centre equipped with Technogym technology.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
The Biltmore Mayfair
(5 stars)Located in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair, is part of LXR Hotels & Resorts and is the essence of style and opulence. Guests immediately feel the distinctive character of this hotel which showcases splendid décor and unrivalled service. These qualities flow throughout the entire hotel which comprises of 250 stylish rooms and 57 curated suites with stunning views of London’s iconic skyline, personalised touches and extra comfort for the discerning traveller. Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, leads the team to present guests with a superb choice of both formal and casual dining options; from brunch at the tranquil Café Biltmore & Terrace through to a sophisticated evening at The Pine Bar or celebratory Afternoon Tea in the Tea Lounge there is a delicious culinary creation to tantalise every appetite and to fit any occasion. Guests can also take advantage of one of Mayfair’s largest gyms within the hotel – with 24-hour access to the latest fitness technology and a private workout studio.
Scotland, Lothian, Edinburgh, West End
The Bonham
(5 stars)Just off the beaten track, but a stone’s throw from the major attractions, this quiet and stunning four-star boutique hotel is a gem for any visitor. Juxtaposing bold colours, rich textures and contemporary art with original features and architecture, their 49 rooms are a blend of historic elegance with modern-day design. Each room, whether standard doubles or junior suite, gives guests a place of serenity and calm in the heart of this beautiful city. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, you must book one of their two executive suites. You’ll be rewarded with plenty of space, beautifully finished modern furniture, stunning bathrooms with period features, Freeview TV and free WiFi. And don’t forget to peek your head out the window for magnificent views over Drumsheugh Gardens.
England, Greater London, London, St James
The Stafford Hotel
(5 stars)Stately five-star luxury in the heart of London is exactly what guests can expect when they visit this historic hotel. The hotel is conveniently located in the regal St James’s, Mayfair area and is just minutes from many of London’s iconic landmarks and must-see attractions. Accommodation is set across four distinct areas; within the main Victorian house, the Mews Suites, the Carriage House and the Gate House. Rooms are stylish with sumptuous furnishings – some with four-poster beds and the hotel’s suites are truly elegant boasting a range of unique and exclusive services for guests. The Game Bird, is the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, presents a modern British menu, delivered with great flair and creativity. The ambience is cool and sophisticated. The American Bar is for those in the know, serving a range of creative cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Its cosy corners are perfect for intimate meetings, the atmosphere encourages lively chats and the private courtyard is perfect for al fresco dining. The Wine Cellar is a fascinating space; built in the 17th Century and used as an air-raid shelter during WWII it is now home to a collection of over 8,000 of the world’s finest wines.
