Best Design Hotels in London
London, a city where history and modernity intertwine like the threads of a royal tapestry, offers an unparalleled experience for the luxury traveller. From the regal splendour of Buckingham Palace to the sophisticated charm of Mayfair, every corner of this illustrious city whispers tales of opulence and grandeur. As you stroll along the Thames, the iconic skyline — punctuated by the Shard’s glassy spire and the timeless clock face of Big Ben — serves as a reminder of the city’s ability to gracefully blend centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Indulge in world-class cuisine at the best fine dining restaurants, explore the treasures in its world-class museums, or shop at the luxurious boutiques lining Knightsbridge. Here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels to stay at in the UK capital.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
45 Park Lane
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.
England, Greater London, London, Knightsbridge
Bulgari Hotel London
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.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
COMO Metropolitan London
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.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
The Beaumont
If you love all things vintage, you’ll adore the Art Deco interiors at this five-star property. It’s packed with 1920s era antiques, with lashings of mahogany furnishings, over a thousand original artworks (as well as notable modern pieces from Turner prize winners) and literary works from yesteryear. The building itself is a piece of history, built during the previous roaring ‘20s and now carrying a Grade II listing – even the D.R. Harris bath products nod to this heritage. But there are modern amenities too; like a shiny new spa and salons. Set beside Brown Hart gardens, there’s a tranquillity that belies The Beaumont’s central location.
England, Greater London, London, Knightsbridge
The Berkeley
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.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
The Chancery Rosewood
The Chancery Rosewood in London is an all-suite sanctuary where heritage architecture and modern design converge on Grosvenor Square. Comprising 144 suites crafted by French architect Joseph Dirand, this extraordinary property occupies the restored former U.S. Embassy, originally designed by Eero Saarinen and meticulously reimagined by Sir David Chipperfield. Interiors reflect timeless sophistication through warm tones, bespoke furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing Mayfair’s skyline.
Eight distinctive restaurants and bars include Carbone, the cult New York import, Serra, celebrating Mediterranean warmth, Tobi Masa, marking Chef Masayoshi Takayama’s London debut, and Jacqueline, a tea and dessert salon by Marius Dufay. The expansive Asaya Spa by Yabu Pushelberg features a 25-metre pool, The Taktouk Clinic, MoodsPro treatments, and EviDenS de Beauté rituals. Guests enjoy flexible check-in and use of a chauffeur-driven House Car, with private butlers for suite guests.
England, Greater London, London, Belgravia
COMO The Halkin
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
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
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.
England, Greater London, London, Southwark
Shangri-La The Shard, London
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
Beaverbrook Town House
Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses in swanky Sloane Street provide the setting for this art-filled boutique hotel, a sister property to the Beaverbrook Hotel in Surrey. Inside is a gem of a destination restaurant, the Japanese Fuji Grill. Sample the 12-course omakase tasting menu, or take a leather seat at the sushi bar for some of the best sashimi in the capital. Meanwhile, 14 bohemian bedrooms follow a theatrical West End theme, with fringed and canopied beds. Guests also have their own Chromecast, Roberts radio, a complimentary minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, East India Company teas and Bamford bath products.
England, Greater London, London, Covent Garden
Covent Garden Hotel
The Covent Hotel is housed in a building that served as the Frech Hospital back in the 1890s. It features a fusion of traditional British designs with contemporary architecture. The hotel has 58 rooms and suites. The Covent Garden Loft suite is probably their most luxurious suite. This suite covers two floors and has a vast drawing-room. This hotel is situated at the heart of the theatre district, and that makes it ideal for pre and post-theatre dining. In the basement, there is a 48-seat cinema with red leather seats. You can score a discount on the tickets and food on Saturdays.