
Best Historical 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.
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England, Greater London, London, Marylebone
Montcalm Mayfair, Autograph Collection
(5 stars)Following an extensive two-year renovation, Montcalm Mayfair, Autograph Collection brings a fresh vision of “Sensitive Luxury” to the capital. Located in the prestigious district of Mayfair on Wallenberg Place, this flagship hotel from the Montcalm Collection redefines contemporary hospitality with a restorative approach rooted in sustainability, elegance, and wellbeing.
Designed by award-winning architectural firm Holland Harvey and interiors teams Studio Est and Studio Mica, the 151-room hotel merges Georgian heritage with refined, modern British aesthetics. From the meticulously restored façade to interiors inspired by historic garden salons, the hotel blends artistry with comfort. Signature suites include the Botanical Suite, complete with a private entrance and immersive artworks, and the Presidential Suite, adorned with works by Joan Miró.
Guests can dine at Lilli by Akira Back, where the Michelin-starred chef brings his signature East-meets-West flair to seasonal British ingredients. The Yatra Signature Spa offers Ayurvedic-inspired rituals, a serene plunge pool, and treatments developed with Mauli Rituals and QMS Medicosmetics. Public spaces include a 400 sqm Grand Ballroom, the Bloom private dining room, and a lounge adorned with hand-painted murals and bespoke chandeliers.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
(5 stars)With a prime address overlooking Green Park and onto Buckingham Palace, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has been a hospitality icon ever since it first opened in Mayfair in the 1920s. Evoking the golden age of travel, upstairs, rooms and suites subtly echo the era with curved furnishings and mirrored panelling, while downstairs, the newly refurbished Palm Court brings contemporary energy and elegance to this historic social hub. Pair this with their Italian-inspired Mercante restaurant and the playful spirit of their Smith & Whistle bar, and you have the ideal base for a glamorous stay in the capital.
England, Greater London, London, Bethnal Green
Town Hall Hotel & Apartments
(5 stars)Occupying a beautifully restored Edwardian building in the heart of Bethnal Green, Town Hall Hotel offers 97 rooms, studios, and suites that blend heritage architecture with modern craftsmanship. Once the local council chambers, the building retains original marble staircases, ornate mouldings, and Art Deco details. Interiors feature clean lines, bespoke furniture, and carefully curated artwork, creating a balance between London’s historic soul and cutting-edge style.
Dine at Corner Room, a neighbourhood restaurant serving refined seasonal British cuisine, or unwind in the elegant cocktail bar. Facilities include an indoor pool with skylight ceiling, a 24-hour fitness suite, and versatile event spaces that celebrate the building’s civic past.
With the City, Shoreditch, and Spitalfields all nearby, Town Hall Hotel provides an inspired base for those seeking culture, creativity, and understated luxury in East London.
England, Greater London, London, City of London
Threadneedles, Autograph Collection
(5 stars)Housed in a former Victorian bank, Threadneedles, Autograph Collection blends heritage grandeur with contemporary sophistication in the heart of London’s financial district. The hotel features 74 rooms and suites, each elegantly designed with bespoke furnishings, marble bathrooms, and thoughtful touches that reflect the building’s storied past.
The domed glass ceiling above the lobby, once part of the banking hall, sets a tone of refined drama. Guests can dine at The Trading House Restaurant & Bar, where modern British cuisine is served in a stylish setting that honours the site’s mercantile roots. Located moments from The Royal Exchange, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Bank Station are close by making this boutique hotel an ideal base for exploring the City of London.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
The Chancery Rosewood
(5 stars)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, Westminster
The London EDITION
(5 stars)Hotelier Ian Schrager designed this one-of-a-kind Fitzrovia hotel, set in a row of Georgian townhouses. It’s ideal for those who want to stay in true luxury but with West End and Soho nightlife on the doorstep. Past and present are blended in this boutique space, where period features are complemented by forward-thinking innovative furnishings and decor. Step inside one of the 172 rooms and suites, and you could imagine you’re aboard a private yacht. Dine at Berners Tavern hosted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jason Atherton and drink in the Punch Room. Many guests visit for the ‘happenings’, a programme of events for adults and families, including immersive gong sound meditation retreats and cocktail masterclasses. But the pièce de résistance has to be the 2098 square foot Penthouse with wraparound landscaped terrace and 360-degree views of the capital.
England, Greater London, London, Kings Cross
St Pancras London, Autograph Collection
(5 stars)One of Britain’s most important and finest Neo-Gothic buildings is home to the incredible St Pancras London, Autograph Collection. Originally designed in 1873 at the Midland Grand, the hotel is now a 5-star powerhouse combining modern conveniences with the elegance of yesterday’s grand accommodation offerings. Relax in spacious luxury guest rooms, unwind in the spa and pool and dine and drink in the hotel’s excellent restaurants and bar options. This is one of our favourite hotels in London!
England, Greater London, London, Knightsbridge
The Lanesborough
(5 stars)Awarded the No. 1 Hotel in London by the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, the Lanesborough is part of the Oetker Collection. Found in the centre of Knightsbridge the hotel is comprised of 93 suites and bedrooms, an opulent spa, dynamic bars, a ‘Withdrawing’ room and its Michelin-starred restaurant, Céleste. Here you receive dedicated butler service 24/7 – no matter what grade of the room you choose. Following a major refurbishment in 2015, the interiors have been aligned with Regency and Georgian style by renowned design agency Albert Pinto. Lying just a short stroll from Harrods, this hotel is ideal for an upmarket combined shopping and spa stay in an ambience of timeless classic elegance. The hotel is known as the most expensive in London, and with one of the finest suites setting you back a cool £20,000 per night, it doesn’t get much more special than this.
England, Greater London, London, Westminster
Raffles London at The OWO
(5 stars)Raffles London at The OWO, the first Raffles hotel in London, has officially opened its doors at the iconic Whitehall address. This magnificent new destination features 120 rooms and suites, a luxurious Guerlain Spa, and an array of restaurants and bars curated by acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco. The OWO, a building with a storied history, has been meticulously restored and transformed into a haven of timeless luxury. Guests can explore its grand spaces, including Heritage Suites once occupied by influential leaders, and enjoy three unique dining experiences by Chef Colagreco. The hotel also offers two atmospheric bars, extensive spa facilities, and grand event spaces, making it the ultimate venue for memorable celebrations. Raffles London at The OWO represents a new era for Whitehall, now a vibrant hub for fine dining, entertainment, and opulent living.
England, Greater London, London, Knightsbridge
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
(5 stars)Originally built in 1889 as an exclusive gentleman’s club, the building was opened as a grand hotel in 1902 and extensively refurbished in 2000. The Mandarin Group has hotel across the globe and their London residence is situated in fashionable Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park. The hotel has 141 rooms, 40 suites and 3 restaurants and over the years has played host to a number of events involving royalty and celebrity guests. Many stay here to enjoy the oasis of calm at the spa. Chinese medicine treatments, Bastien Gonzalez manis and pedis, the Rasul Water Temple and anti-ageing Nescens facials are all popular items from the wellness menu, while the 17-metre stainless steel pool provides a truly urban luxury style dip. Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant is also a big draw and meals can be taken in the dining room, at the chef’s table or in a private room.
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, Covent Garden
One Aldwych
(5 stars)One Aldwych is a five-star hotel located about 5 minutes from The Covent Garden. This location makes it ideal for people who are visiting the city for the first time. It also makes it great for pre-theatre drinks. The building has an Edwardian style as it was constructed in the 1900s. It is still noted for being one of the earliest buildings to be constructed using steel in London. The hotel has 105 rooms and suites, and each of these has a Nespresso machine, Hypnos mattress, and free Wi-Fi.
