
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, Belgravia
Artist Residence London
(4 stars)Located in the middle of London’s flashy Pimlico neighbourhood, in the district of Westminster. This small boutique hotel is set up in a recently re-established and modernised Georgian townhouse. The Artist Residence London consists of ten high-ceilinged rooms offering luxury accommodation, a stylish cocktail bar and an all-day restaurant. The décor includes contemporary artwork, bare brick walls and all sorts of elegant clutter – from tea crates, Kilner jars to bespoke milking stools remodelled into bedside tables.
England, Greater London, London, Shoreditch
Batty Langley’s
(5 stars)Return to the splendour of the Georgian era at Batty Langley’s. 29 suites are inspired by 18th/19th-century life and notable characters of the ages. There are two lounges for guests’ use, one with an honesty bar (the epitome of fancy boutique London hospitality) providing a recipe book for cocktail making. Breakfast can be served in these, or in your room. This establishment is certainly a place to lounge in your room till late and order room service at any time of the day or night; Batty’s has a theatrical decadence about it, that’s made for minimooners.
England, Greater London, London, Kensington
At Sloane
(5 stars)Housed in a 19th-century building on Holbein Place, this Victorian mansion now exudes French sensibilities along with an eternal British charm. Hotelier Costes and designer François-Joseph Graf have created a discreet home-from-home with just 30 period bedrooms and suites, ranging from a “Mini” to a two-bedroom apartment. Enter via the Neo-Greek lobby and descend to the lower-ground floor speakeasy bar. Or climb to the top, where you can dine in the candlelit restaurant, surrounded by stained-glass windows, a mosaic floor and an antique collection of Anglo-Chinese vases. Vintage albums and a signature scene throughout create an immersive feel at One Sloane.
England, Greater London, London, Shoreditch
Boundary Shoreditch
(5 stars)The antidote to London’s largeness, the bijou Boundary has but 17 rooms, ensuring a boutique ambience in the surroundings of a former Victorian warehouse. Each has been individually designed in the spirit of Shoreditch’s commitment to creativity, boasting funky, edgy and arty decor that’s entirely unique and very imaginative. And you’d expect nothing less when you discover that this hotel is owned by Sir Terence Conran, himself a design legend. At the top is its Rooftop Bar & Grill, within a glass extension that enables far-reaching views as you dine, whatever the weather.
England, Greater London, London, Canary Wharf
Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel
(5 stars)Despite the fact that Canary Wharf is a very vibrant part of London, you are sure to enjoy an especially tranquil stay at the Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel. The floor to ceiling windows in the guestrooms let in plenty of light and allow guests to enjoy pretty views of the River Thames from the comfort of their large beds. The room décor is a calming blue and white, which makes the most of the natural light that floods into the rooms. Dining al fresco on the spacious terrace of the Quadrato Restaurant, Bar & Lounge during the sultry summer months is a real treat and there is an excellent selection of dishes for guests to sink their teeth into. Those who are in search of pure relaxation will find a large sauna and Jacuzzi onsite, while there is also a pretty swimming pool to splash around in.
England, Greater London, London, City of London
Canopy by Hilton London City
(4 stars)Complete with panoramic views over the City of London, Canopy by Hilton London City echoes the spirit of one of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The UK’s first Canopy by Hilton hotel is set within the multi-million-pound Minories development close to Aldgate station and offers the perfect base for design-conscious visitors looking to immerse themselves in London’s East End.
The hotel’s interior design reflects the rich culture of the area’s historic textile industry inspired by the Huguenot silk weavers who settled in Spitalfields in the 17th century with guest quarters and dining spaces featuring floral patterns and woven fabrics reminiscent of the techniques used by the Huguenots. Artworks created by local artists adorn the public spaces throughout the hotel while inspiration from the area continues throughout the hotel, East End-inspired dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients are served at the hotel’s restaurant Penny Squares, which takes its design inspiration from the quilting technique popular in the textile industry.
Meanwhile, St. Clare Coffee and Bar, provides the perfect place to relax, work or socialise over a craft coffee or East End-inspired cocktail in the hotel’s ground floor. A must-visit is the hotel’s stunning rooftop terrace Florattica which offers uninterrupted views of the City of London and serves delicious small plates with a great selection of drinks against a vibrant backdrop inspired by the floral patterns of the Huguenots.
England, Greater London, London, Victoria
Grand Hotel Bellevue London
(4 stars)The Grand Hotel Bellevue can be found in London’s Paddington area, sitting on Norfolk Square. This Victorian residence has all the charm of a traditional English home and has been expertly designed by Architect Fabrizio Casiraghi. There are 60 luminous rooms with traditional décor and Italian showers by Burlington and the lavish Grand Norfolk Suite with panoramic views over the square and a bathtub and dual shower by Burlington. Guests are invited to relax in the cosy Pondicherry Bar and admire the exquisite furniture and crockery while savouring the seasonal menu. There is a daily breakfast buffet in The Green Room which doubles as a coworking space and private event space. The fully equipped fitness room by Nohrd is also available to guests.
England, Greater London, London, Southwark
Hilton London Bankside
(5 stars)Hilton London Bankside is at the forefront of Hilton Hotels’ innovative, design-focused evolution. Every element of the hotel has been meticulously thought out to echo the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the area, merging raw urban elements with sleek, modern aesthetics. A stone’s throw from iconic London attractions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and Shakespeare’s Globe, The property boasts 292 guest rooms, including 25 suites that offer stunning cityscape views, along with a rooftop penthouse, peloton guest rooms, a vegan suite, and a heated indoor pool and gym. Two dining experiences are onsite too OXBO Bankside and The Distillery.
England, Greater London, London, Clerkenwell
Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell
(4 stars)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, Aldgate
Leman Locke, Aldgate
(4 stars)If you prefer to have your own cooking and dining facilities while staying in London, Leman Locke in Aldgate is a great choice. The self-contained studios and apartments are well placed in the super-cool east, with good transport links into the rest of the city. Each has good views, its own bespoke furnishings, a kitchenette, washing machine, minibar, Apple TV Box and Samsung smart TV. Neutral palettes with pale pastels provide a soothing ambience in the airy, light-filled rooms. For guests wanting to make use of the aparthotel’s shared facilities, there’s also a fitness centre, cafe and bar onsite.
England, Greater London, London, Kings Cross
Kaya Great Northern Hotel, London
(5 stars)Another historical landmark hotel, the Great Northern sits adjacent to Kings Cross station and juxtaposed against the Renaissance Hotel. This Grande II listed building opened in 1854 during the golden age of steam. The property has been skillfully renovated and is one of London’s finest boutique luxury hotels. Rooms feature beautifully handcrafted furniture and original decor set against Farrow & Ball shades with beautiful Lefroy-Brooks bathroom and free wifi, ideal for anyone arriving and departing from Kings Cross Station.
England, Greater London
Locke at Broken Wharf, Millennium Bridge
(4 stars)Locke at Broken Wharf is a boutique aparthotel situated along the River Thames in central London, near the Millennium Bridge. The property offers 113 contemporary studio apartments, each equipped with a fully fitted kitchen, king-size bed, smart HD TV, high-speed private Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and either in-room or communal laundry facilities. Guests can maintain their fitness routines at the on-site gym, known as The Locker, and utilize the co-working spaces for business or leisure purposes. The on-site coffee shop and bar, Frequency, provides a convenient spot for refreshments. The aparthotel’s prime location offers easy access to iconic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, making it an ideal base for travellers seeking a blend of comfort and centrality in London.
