Best Luxury Hotels in Greater London

Primely positioned midway between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, The Cadogan is an iconic destination where quintessential British charm effortlessly imbues a modern elegance. An intimate ‘home’ in the heart of the city, where the past and present are intertwined with every detail, the hotel overlooks the private Cadogan Palace Gardens, a botanical haven to which guests have exclusive access. Steeped in history, The Cadogan has an illustrious list of past residents, including Lillie Langtry and Oscar Wilde – the room in which Oscar Wilde was arrested is now the noble Royal Suite. In the 54 individually designed rooms, two-thirds of which are suites, white-on-white linens are offset with vibrant pops of colour, silk and velvet, with captivating artwork and design details honouring the hotel’s rich heritage.

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. 

Located close to Buckingham Palace, the Goring was first opened in 1910 and is now the only hotel in London that is still owned and run by the family that built it. At the time of its construction, it was the first hotel in the world in which each of the 69 rooms had a private bathroom and central heating. The Goring, featuring classic English design, is very popular with the Royal Family (recent royal guests include HM The Queen). It was also the hotel of choice for the Duchess of Cambridge, then Kate Middleton, and her family the night before her nuptials with Prince William. Understandably, this placed the hotel firmly on the Royalist tourist trail. The recent opening of Siren was the first new restaurant addition to the hotel for over 100 years. There’s also an elegant main dining room, bar and refined Bollinger afternoon tea service. Live like a monarch by booking the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Royal Suite, with your own dedicated footman, decanter bar and walls lined with silk from the First Class Dining Room of RMS Titanic 1912.

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.

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.

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.

Slick service, glittering chandeliers and the tinkle of a coral red grand piano await, at the Four Seasons Park Lane. Many of the rooms have their own balconies, reached via glamorous warming corridors lined with photo portraits of Golden Age Hollywood stars. Lauded interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon is responsible for much of the art deco meets modern styling. Climb to the 10th floor where glass-walled treatment rooms offering curated wellness journeys and a vitality pool are located. Its rooftop relaxation pods are divine and a trip to the sauna affords views over Hyde Park.

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.

Period features meet contemporary interiors in this hotel opened in 1837. Interior design by Olga Polizzi was inspired by literary works and former guests – Rudyard Kipling wrote many of his novels here and it’s believed that The English Tea Room was the inspiration for Agatha Christie’s ‘At Bertram’s Hotel’. As such, the Afternoon Tea is popular with history lovers, seeking to retrace the steps of heroes and heroines in this award-winning, wood-panelled establishment. Now owned by Rocco Forte, modern comforts in the 33 suites and 82 rooms abound. Elegant muted shades are offset with pops of colour and unique artworks. The in-house restaurant Charlie’s, named after the founding Forte Lord Charles, is all about British cooking. While Donovan’s bar (named after photographer Terence), is an intimate and playfully decadent spot to enjoy a bespoke sixties-themed cocktail.

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.

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.

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.