Best Luxury Hotels in London

This Grade II-listed property (formerly a bank) places you within walking distance of major sights, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Theatreland. Grand inside and out, high ceilings, polished marble floors and period features are complemented by dramatic flower arrangements, antiques and Persian rugs. Enter your room and you’ll notice a step-change; these evoke a more midcentury feel as designed by Pierre Yves-Rochon, plus there’s funky artwork, Nespresso machines and Diptyque amenities. Pay a visit to the Sofitel’s Michelin-star restaurant Wild Honey St James by Chef Anthony Demetre, the Rose Lounge for afternoon tea, a vintage style bar and the spa.

There is so much to entice the weary traveller at this luxury 5-star boutique hotel with a private members club, nestled in the heart of St James’s. The hotel oozes Victorian charm blended with contemporary style. The eye for detail, visible in every piece of high-end furniture, upholstery and general décor is a thing to behold. In addition to the usual accommodation options, St James’s offers terrace suites and a Penthouse with its own private lift. There is a range of food options which include, Michelin-starred 7 Park Place under the watchful eye of William Drabble. There is also a Bar and Bistro.

This recently launched 16-storey establishment on the corner of Leicester Square is defined in a new category of accommodation: super boutique. While large in size, the hotel is intimate in nature. Operated by the privately owned Edwardian Hotels London group, it blends style with sustainability and high-end facilities. Guests unable to sleep – or those who like to socialise into the night – can frequent The Y Bar, The Drawing Room, and The Whisky Room.  A Japanese restaurant, bar and terrace are found on the eighth floor. While below ground, lies The Retreat, a wellness sanctuary with holistic therapies for body and mind, as well as a soothing hydro pool.

The first JW Marriott branded hotel in the UK, this elegant townhouse overlooking Hyde Park, was once home to the Grosvenor family/Dukes of Westminster. While its heritage stems back to the Roaring Twenties, the interiors display a classic contemporary panache. Bedrooms boast king-sized beds, fully stocked minibars, marble bathrooms and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries. It has an American-style steakhouse on the ground floor and a fine dining restaurant by chef Richard Corrigan, as well as two additional eateries and bars. Do stop by The Great Room – now a meeting hall, it was once an ice rink, where none other than our monarch, Queen Elizabeth, learned to skate.

This luxury hotel is in the heart of Chelsea and was originally built by Lord Chelsea as four separate townhouses in the 19th century, this hotel has a rich heritage and an elegant design. The Victorian-style establishment is part of the historical Cadogan Estate, and it offers 56 rooms, 25 of which are individually designed suites. The design seamlessly incorporates contemporary and classic warm tones to bring out elegance and class. The stylish bar offers classic cocktails, and the innovative menu has a variety of foods you can choose from. The top-notch chefs use local produce and fresh ingredients to prepare food. The boutique bedrooms have marble bathrooms as well as Ormonde Jayne toiletries. Quality Italian linen, as well as the fluffy bathrobes, are comfortable and warm. You get access to complimentary Wi-Fi and a gym that is always open.

Reward yourself with 5-star service and luxury amenities at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House. Located in one of the capital’s best addresses Park Lane Mayfair and moments away from many of the city’s best attractions like Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace and Knightsbridge. Make yourself at home in their elegant rooms and suites, featuring plush pillow-top beds, marble bathrooms and many with views out to Hyde Park. Savour delicious dining at JW Steakhouse and start the evening off with a cocktail at Red Bar and the Bourbon Bar. This landmark hotel is perfect for business travellers and guests who appreciate a touch of contemporary British design and style without the stuffiness.

Standing like a sleek glass-fronted sentinel in the City of London, Pan Pacific London offers a striking departure from the familiar stately bastions of Mayfair and Knightsbridge. Since opening, it’s brought refined, contemporary Singaporean hospitality to the Square Mile, where high urban energy outside combines with a zen-like calm inside. Offering 237 rooms and suites, a two AA-rosette restaurant, an afternoon tea lounge and an entire floor dedicated to wellness, complete with an 18.5m infinity pool offering a meditative vantage point over the city buzz below.

Pan Pacific London’s commitment to excellence has been further cemented by their retention of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star status, its fifth consecutive win in less than five years of operation.

So named as its bedrooms and terrace are sky high, Treehouse offers panoramic views over the landmarks of London and one of the quirkiest, yet fanciest hotel stays around. It’s designed to engender the same kinds of cosy, adventurous feelings of childhood clubhouses that were built among the branches, with vintage furnishings and pops of colour. But it’s all very upmarket and bang on trend. The Nest is the big event here; a hip, bohemian day and night spot, offering sublime food, mixology, DJ beats, interior foliage trailing from the ceilings and 360-degree skyline views. There’s also a Mexican restaurant, a pizzeria and the Backyard cafe hangout.

It is located within sight of the Marylebone, the Dorset Square Hotel is the perfect accommodation option for both business and pleasure when in London. This boutique hotel is set up in a spectacularly renovated regency townhouse. It offers luxury accommodation for couples with top class-cuisine. It also has a magnificent view of a lush private garden square which was the first Marylebone Cricket Club ground.The rooms exquisitely pair scintillating design with minimalist, gadget-lit comfort. The interior also includes vibrant colours with contrasting eccentric fabric.

Hotel 41 is a hidden gem located near Buckingham Palace, exuding the intimate ambience of a private members’ club with a prestigious Forbes Five Star rating. This intimate hideaway of a hotel features 30 exquisite rooms and suites, relaxed social spaces and a chic ambience made for discerning travellers. At the heart of the hotel is the sophisticated lounge and historic dining room which offers around-the-clock refreshments along with the unique ‘plunder the pantry’ – a delightful daily treat of sweet and savoury snacks for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Each room is individually styled in black and white, adorned with mahogany panelling, sumptuous bedding, marble bathrooms, accented with playful prints by René Gruau and drawings by French caricaturist Sem. Scented candles and many other fine and indulgent details make for a relaxed and luxurious stay. For a truly special sleep-over, book the Master Conservatory Suite which is set over a split level with a glass ceiling so guests can sleep under the stars in the utmost of comfort. Known for its personalised service, attentive team and sophisticated style, Hotel 41 is an elegant and discrete escape set in a royal location.

This hotel is located on Henrietta Street, and this street is known for its fine architecture. The hotel is owned by a Paris-based business group, but it does not feature French designs. In fact, the rooms have a traditional English and highly unusual design and feel. The general mood in the place is calm, professional and friendly. In total, the hotel has 18 rooms, and one of them is specially designed for visitors with disabilities. There is also an exquisite cocktail bar and a remarkable restaurant.

Hazlitt’s is located in Soho and takes it’s name from William Hazlitt the 18h century essayist. Prepare to step back in time to a bygone era of old world English opulence, the minute you step through the door you won’t believe you are right in the heart of central London. Hazlitt’s is popular with creatives coming to the city and remains very much low key with much of it’s success based solely on word of mouth reviews. Very much a home from home, relax in the library with a good book, have a drink from the honesty bar or unwind in your rooms Victorian roll top bath.