Best Luxury 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, Knightsbridge
The Lanesborough
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, Soho
W London
Bright and bold with a neon interactive veil-like façade, the W London’s commanding positioning on the most prominent corner of Leicester Square crowns it as one of London’s most visually striking hotels.
The hotel opened in 2011 and since then nothing quite like it has been built in London – the hotel embraces a minimalist futuristic look using curved glass panels to soften its imposing form whilst simultaneously reflecting the pulsating lights of Soho and the West End. Inside, the W London continues its bold, contemporary aesthetic with interiors designed to evoke the brand’s signature mix of ultra-contemporary detailing and playfulness. Each of the 192 guest rooms and suites features modern furnishings, smart technology through their DigiValet tablet system, generously sized W MixBar, disco ball and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of Soho below, think of this as your own private party pad.
Head down to level one where you can mix and mingle over a playful brunch, dinner or afternoon tea in the W Lounge and enjoy an innovative cocktail at The Perception. Break a sweat at FIT, then recharge at AWAY Spa before premiering a blockbuster in their Screening Room and use the hotel’s Whatever/Whenever® service to take care of everything else.
England, Greater London, London, Westminster
Raffles London at The OWO
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, Kings Cross
The Standard, London
A contemporary landmark in King’s Cross, combining bold design with a vibrant social scene. This 266-room hotel occupies a former Brutalist building overlooking St Pancras Station, providing an energetic base for exploring the capital. Inside, eclectic interiors feature retro-futuristic furnishings and playful details, creating a lively yet stylish atmosphere.
Enjoy a diverse dining experience with Double Standard, an all-day bar and restaurant; Isla, a relaxed indoor-outdoor space with seasonal dishes; and Decimo, a high-rise restaurant offering Spanish-Mexican flavours alongside panoramic city views. The rooftop bar provides a lively setting for evening drinks with sweeping vistas.
A well-equipped gym caters to fitness needs, while various event spaces host cultural and social happenings. The hotel is within walking distance of major transport links, Regent’s Canal, and vibrant neighbourhoods filled with galleries, boutiques, and nightlife, making it an ideal choice for modern urban explorers.
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, Knightsbridge
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
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
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, Clerkenwell
Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell
With 143 rooms, Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell brings neighbourhood-inspired charm and IHG’s boutique flair to one of the capital’s most creative districts. Located on Clerkenwell Road, just five minutes from Farringdon Station, the hotel draws on the area’s heritage of clockmakers, goldsmiths and architects, with interiors layered in textured finishes, playful patterns and local design motifs.
Rooms come with espresso machines, Urban Apothecary toiletries and comfortable workspaces. Dining includes Wilderness Kitchen, offering Mediterranean-inspired, vegetarian-friendly dishes crafted from seasonal British produce, Sabini Bar serving signature cocktails and curated wines, and the Grade II-listed Hat and Feathers pub for classic British fare and local ales.
England, Greater London, London, Victoria
The July
The July London Victoria apartment-hotel is located just a five-minute walk from Victoria Station. Designed for modern lifestyles, the property offers 114 rooms, including family apartments with interconnecting spaces ideal for longer stays and multi-generational travellers. Interiors reflect Art Deco influences and Victoria’s rich architectural heritage with bespoke lighting, parquet flooring, marble details and an adventurous palette inspired by nearby royal parks. Each guest room is equipped with multifunctional oak joinery, integrated kitchen facilities and bathrooms with a distinctive chequered tile design.
The Idler Restaurant, led by Chef Jay Campbell, serves modern British cuisine with Mediterranean touches, complemented by a stylish bar for cocktails and wines. Guests can enjoy a deli for gourmet sandwiches, a dedicated co-working area, meeting spaces, an honesty bar, a fitness studio and wellness facilities including a sauna and cold room. Sustainability is central to the hotel’s concept, with BREEAM Excellent certification and eco-conscious materials used throughout.
The property’s “neighbourhood key” provides access to curated events and perks across all The July properties. Located near Buckingham Palace, St James’ Park and West End theatres, the apartment-hotel is well positioned for exploring central London.
England, Greater London, London, Covent Garden
Page8
Page8 is a minimalistic bolthole offering comfort and style in a prime London location, perfectly tucked away between Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. It offers guests an extremely comfortable base, with all the in-room facilities a modern-day traveller would expect. A complimentary minibar is available for Superior Double, Deluxe Double, Junior Suite & Family Rooms room categories. Page Common is the ideal place to enjoy a light breakfast, a coffee or wine, and local beers.
England, Greater London, London, Covent Garden
One Aldwych
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.
England, Greater London, London, Covent Garden
St Martins Lane Hotel
St Martins Lane Hotel is located in the heart of London. The original design was made in 1999 by Starck, an award-winning architect. The building was reconstructed in 2014. It still has its original allure, just with modern technology and facilities. The place has a simple decor with calm colours. Around the recessed bedheads, there is a lighting system that allows you to pick a green, blue, pink or yellow light. With this system, you can match the lighting with your mood, and it only takes a simple flick of a switch.