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Love it or not, it is undoubtable that the UK’s rainy capital has a lot going for it, and superb hospitality is one of them – and in recent years said hospitality has only gotten more extravagant with some of the world’s finest luxury hotels setting up shop in London.
But, as testament to London’s unwavering hospitality scene, despite the presence of brand spanking new hotels, the city’s most historic properties – including several that date to the 1800s – continue to prosper, deftly reinventing and reimagining themselves to cater to the modern traveler.
Luxury hotels in London are steeped in their own gilded history, and yet totally caught up with the times. Guests can expect the most gorgeous architecture, the most fabulous service, and even a good scattering of Michelin-star eateries.
Step through the doors of some of the biggest names in luxury throughout history with our selection of London’s best luxury hotels.
[See also: How the Prestigious Michelin Star System Really Works]
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The Connaught
The 19th-century red-brick facade of The Connaught is as instantly recognizable as the curious water feature outside. A piece by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, named Silence, it sees a mist of water seep into the air every fifteen minutes. Art aficionados will delight further at the 3,000-strong collection of original artworks from artists like Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and Barbara Hepworth.
The rooms here are contemporary in style and airy in feel. Expect marble televisions, a heated toilet seat and state-of-the-art sound and visual equipment. It is also a haven for foodies. The hotel boasts an excellent restaurant from Hélène Darroze which underwent a full refurbishment in 2019. There is also a signature restaurant from global food mogul, the Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
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You know you’re in for a treat when you see the cobalt-blue, hand-carved front door of The Apartment: Inside the 3,070-sq-ft penthouse, you’ll find double-height ceilings with a fireplace, four-poster king bed in the master bedroom, guest bedroom, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a large living room, dining room with space for eight, separate kitchen, large wraparound balcony and two terraces.
[See also: Top Suites in the World – The Mews, The Connaught]
The Dorchester
The Dorchester is an iconic part of British heritage and a world-renowned landmark on London’s glamorous Park Lane. A 1930s art deco exterior houses 250 rooms and suites designed with classic English interiors, plus three contemporary roof suites with wraparound outdoor terraces overlooking the London skyline.
In recent years, the hotel has proved its place as one of the best hotels in London via an extensive refurbishment that will touch all floors. Designers Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki were brought in to tackle the tricky brief of updating the iconic hotel while retaining every ounce of that historic charm. The risk paid off and The Dorchester continues to revel in its new look.
Dining here is top notch too. For special occasions there is the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, and for equally special but less budget-busting, there is the revamped The Grill by Tom Booton, or the Art Deco-inspired Cantonese restaurant, China Tang. Be sure to stop by the Vesper Bar after dinner for one of its signature martinis.
Top suite: Harlequin Penthouse
All suites at The Dorchester have received special attention in the recent refurbishment, and none shine brighter than the Harlequin Penthouse. Sitting high above the treetops of Hyde Park, the suite has mesmerizing views across the London skyline (best enjoyed from its private terrace, champagne in hand).
Back inside, the penthouse is refreshingly modern, with light-filled interiors and a subtle cream, green and ochre color scheme. The suite covers a total of 1,776-sq-ft and has two bedrooms, a dressing room, lounge and two bathrooms (one of which still has the original pink marble bathroom installed for Elizabeth Taylor during her stay).
[See also: The Dorchester Dazzles After Extensive Revamp]
The Peninsula London
In a city of history-filled hotels, The Peninsula stands out. Opened in September 2023, the brand’s first UK outpost is, by all accounts, brand new: Golden-age Hollywood movie stars have never stayed here; historical British politicians have never conspired here and, so far, no Royals have partied here (we think). But, as we found when we visited last year, that’s all part of the appeal – The Peninsula London offers something different.
Rooms start at a cool $1,650 per night, but the amenities, service, location and in-room mod-cons all edge their way into making it worth every penny. If you have the cash, jump up to a suite for a touch more room – some have outdoor terraces.
Food and drink were also key in positioning The Peninsula as one of London’s best luxury hotels. The flagship restaurant, Brooklands, pays homage to the group’s owning family’s love of cars and planes (there is a Concorde replica suspended from the ceiling), and chef Claude Bosi was brought in to craft the menu. The efforts paid off and the restaurant went straight in at two Michelin stars in the 2024 guide.
Top Suite: The Peninsula Suite
At 5,059 sq ft, The Peninsula Suite means business: On opening, it became London’s largest private accommodation (when conjoined with neighboring rooms). Set on the hotel’s sixth floor, the suite enjoys sweeping views – leafy treetops by day and a twinkling skyline by night – with huge windows and a private terrace making the most of the vistas.
Inside, the suite is elegant and refined with a neutral color scheme. There is a formal dining room, as well a gym, screening room and VIP elevator.
Raffles at The OWO
In the build up to its opening, not-so-hushed whispers of Raffles at The OWO were being spread across London: “It’s going to be the biggest opening in decades,” was the general tone of things. And, since its grand launch party in September, the hotel has been working overtime to live up to these lofty expectations.
Owned by the billionaire Hinduja family but operated by international hotel group, Raffles, the property’s history precedes it: Famously once the headquarters for the Ministry of Defence – and therefore the office of previous Prime Minister Winston Churchill – the building’s walls played witness to some of Britain’s most seismic political decisions.
In this new life – which came to be after an extensive yet sensitive restoration – The OWO has 120 guest rooms (including some mega suites), nine bars and restaurants (including Mauro Colagreco’s first UK outpost), a set of lavish residences and a signature Guerlain spa.
[See also: Mauro Colagreco Makes His UK Debut at Raffles London]
Top Suite: The Whitehall Wing
Raffles at The OWO’s signature suite are each named for a historical British figure, from Haldane Suite, which references Lord Richard Burdon Haldane who was Britain’s first Secretary of State for War to have his office in the Old War Office, to the Lamb Suite, which honors Christian Lamb – a Wren Plotting Officer who worked on the World War II D Day landings from Whitehall. (Lamb, now aged 103, recently made a visit to the hotel to see her namesake suite in person.)
The very top key, however, is the Whitehall Wing – a vast, sprawling set of rooms that occupies the entire west wing of the building. Accommodating up to 12 guests, the apartment spans six unique suites designed by the late French architect Thierry Despont. Expect marble bathrooms, wooden paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing views of the London skyline.
The Corinthia
The Corinthia opened in April 2011, boasting some of the largest standard rooms and suites in the vibrant capital, along with the uncompromising attention to detail and exquisite service that the luxury brand is known for.
Perfectly positioned just off Trafalgar Square and the Thames, on a lovely residential street with no shops, you’re in walking proximity of the city’s great monuments and buildings of State, as well as an easy 15-minute taxi ride to the City. A grand luxury hotel for the 21st century, Corinthia London has been masterfully designed and is packed with the best amenities, including one of the best spas in the city, ESPA, and the beautiful British food of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge. In a city not lacking in luxury accommodations, Corinthia’s London debut is set to stand apart from the crowd.
Top Suite: The Royal Penthouse
At a gargantuan 4,252 sq ft, the two-bedroom Royal Penthouse at The Corinthia is easily one of the biggest hotel suites in London. The suite covers two elegantly decorate stories, connected via a gran spiral stiarcase. The first is dedicated to social areas with a smart lounge area, formal dining room and a separate study. Upstairs, the primary bedroom leads on to a huge spa-style bathroom and treatment room, while the guest room can make use of a second lounge area.
What tops all of this, however, is the suite’s private rooftop terrace. Covering 678 sq ft and accessed via the main bedroom, the huge space overlooks the River Thames and the London Eye, with ample space for dining and relaxing – host cocktail hour here if you’re visiting during summer.
[See also: The Best Private Dining Rooms in London]
Rosewood London
Situated in the bustling Holborn area, Rosewood London is at the heart of the action, but inside it is another world. Enter through a grand archway and carriageway into a quaint courtyard (during the winter holidays you’ll see an enormous Christmas tree adorned with baubles and fairy lights). The hotel is a restored Edwardian mansion with beautiful architectural details throughout.
The Holborn Dining Rooms is a popular restaurant with Londoners and is busy at all times of day. Its beautiful Art Deco style is an Instagrammer’s dream and staff (dressed in tartan trousers) are used to being asked for photos. It’s also worth visiting The Pie Room which famously produces some of the best savory pies in the city.
Top suite: The Manor House
The Manor House is the only suite in the world with its own zip code, and it has its own entrance from Holborn Street, as well as a private elevator. The 1,990-sq-ft, one-bedroom suite is filled with curious trinkets, books and sculptures, and it feels far more like a chic city apartment than a hotel suite.
The bathroom is spectacular with a large freestanding marble tub as a striking focal point to the lacquered space. Need more bedrooms? There are six connecting rooms available, creating the palatial Manor Wing.
The Ritz
Opened by renowned hotelier César Ritz in 1906, The Ritz still retains all the original excitement and glamour and is routinely named as one of the best luxury hotels in London – and for good reason. Situated in the heart of Mayfair on the grand Piccadilly, The Ritz puts its guests right in the middle of London’s buzz – the Royal Academy, Fortnum & Mason and Buckingham Palace are all short strolls away.
The 136 guestrooms combine Louis XVI-style interiors with modern technology, while fine dining facilities include the magnificent Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, the opulent Palm Court for afternoon tea, and the stylish Rivoli Bar. The Ritz is not only a paragon of luxury, however; famous guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Sir Winston Churchill, the Queen and author Evelyn Waugh, making it an important part of London history.
Top suite: The Green Park Suite
It is the Trafalgar Suite that so famously featured in Richard Curtis’s beloved movie, Notting Hill, but The Green Park Suite is the hotel’s top key. A beautiful apartment-style penthouse, this suite includes its own hallway and cloakroom, two bedrooms, a dining room with space for six, a drawing room, a butler’s kitchen and two marble bathrooms.
The bedrooms feature delicate period woodwork and each of the two bathrooms has a bath-controlled TV. With champagne on arrival, transfers in a Rolls-Royce Phantom and daily butler service, this truly a suite fit for royalty.
[See also: How The HVN is Shaking Up London’s Wellness Scene]
Brown’s Hotel
Owned and operated by Sir Rocco Forte, Brown’s Hotel sits in London’s Mayfair just a stone’s throw from Bond Street. First opening its doors in 1837, Brown’s holds the enviable title of London’s first hotel and counts royalty, Oscar winners and musicians among its past guests. It was also the site of the world’s first telephone call, made by inventor Alexander Graham Bell. The hotel’s age gives it a huge dose of charm with creaking floorboards and narrow corridors creating a palpable sense of legacy.
The Donovan Bar is widely considered to be one of the best places to drink in the city. Its stained-glass window panel dates back to the 1830s while the beautiful bar area and plush velvet armchairs throw you back to old-school glamour. For dinner, head to Charlie’s – a wood-paneled, European-inspired restaurant helmed by chef Adam Byatt.
Top suite: Kipling Suite
In what is another absurdly good anecdote, Rudyard Kipling is said to have written The Jungle Book while staying at Brown’s Hotel. In honor of the novelist, the hotel has dedicated its most distinguished residence to his name. The tribute begins outside the front door where a statue of a cheeky monkey greets residents.
Inside, a sublime space awaits: Elegantly decked in a duck egg blue and sage green palette, the one-bedroom suite is light and airy, and comes with a host of additional experiences and services. Otherwise, the recently launched Sir Paul Smith Suite continues the hotel’s relationship with British culture and art with a suite designed by the designer himself.
The Langham
The Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865, when it opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality, and from the outset, it has occupied an unrivaled location in the heart of London, just moments from the tranquility of Regent’s Park and the buzz of Oxford Circus.
Guests will delight in The Langham’s copious culinary offerings. Set to open later this year is Mimosa – a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant intended to transport guests to the South of France – while The Wigmore remains a long-standing favorite. Come here for a taste of classic pub food. After dinner, retreat to the award-winning Artesian bar for some of London’s best cocktails.
[See also: The Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2024]
Top suite: Sterling Suite
A long-standing fixture in our Top 100 Suites ranking, the Sterling Suite is one of London’s grandest hideaways. The penthouse-level accommodation covers 4,844 sqft and can be configured to include up to six bedrooms, as well as a large dining room, media lounge, piano room and butler’s pantry.
Guests are privy to plenty of little extras, too. Langham Club access, 24-hour butler service and personalized welcome amenities all come as standard.
The Lanesborough
With its enviable location in the heart of London, situated on the borders of Knightsbridge and Belgravia and with panoramic views of Hyde Park, The Lanesborough has long been considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
Its elegant décor, exquisite cuisine, unsurpassed attention to detail and world-renowned service are second to none. For a taste of classic British cooking, look no further than chef Shay Cooper’s The Lanesborough Grill or, for cocktails, grab a table at The Library Bar – don’t miss the hotel’s signature gin.
Top suite: The Royal Suite
As befits its name, this lavish suite is kitted out royally with three uniquely designed bedrooms, a drawing room, dining area, study and kitchen. The drawing room and dining area, in regal gold and blue tones, can accommodate up to ten dining guests, whilst just around the corner the red-and-gold-colored study provides a private, cozy space for the handling of any personal affairs.
VIP services include a 24-hour personal butler, business facilities, music system and a digital TV with films on demand, two-line telephone (private and operator-assisted numbers), dedicated facsimile, mobile phone and voice mail.
Claridge’s
With its grand red-bricked façade, Art Deco black-and-white floored lobby and world-renowned service, Claridge’s is, by all standards, an icon. While many institutions rely on their history to get by, Claridge’s embraces its reputation while still keeping one eye on the future.
Recent years have seen serious renovations touch virtually every floor, with the spa receiving particular attention. Reimagined over seven years, the project involved digging five floors below ground to create a serene space well below London’s hustle and bustle.
Also new is Claridge’s Restaurant (we saw “new,” but the hotel’s signature restaurant did previously hold this name over 20 years ago) which re-opened to much acclaim in 2023. Elegantly decked in the hotel’s signature Art Deco style, the space serves up classically-inspired dishes with a posh twist – the decadent lobster thermidor has deservedly been doing the rounds on Insta. Head to The Painter’s Room for a nightcap.
Top suite: The Penthouse at Claridge’s
The hotel’s recent refurb stretched all the way from below ground up to the very top floor, with The Penthouse at Claridge’s emerging as a skyline-skimming architectural marvel. Designed by Rémi Tessier, the four-bedroom suite is wrapped with glass, creating a light-filled airy space.
A new detail emerges at every turn; from the gym pavilion and the water garden to the private pool and the ten-seat dining room, few suites in London can compete.
The Savoy
A British icon since 1889, The Savoy once again took its place on the world stage after a 2010 restoration believed to have cost well over $100m. The hotel seamlessly blends elements of the original and the new while the stunning Edwardian and art deco interiors sparkle with timeless elegance and glamour.
Intriguing easter eggs hide at every corner of this hotel, from being home to London’s first electric lift (known then as the “ascending room”) to its entranceway being hailed as the only road in the UK where you drive on the right.
The 268 guestrooms and suites are the last word in style, luxury and discreet technology with stunning views of London and the River Thames. Nine ‘signature suites’ have been styled after some of The Savoy’s most high-profile guests.
[See also: Savoy Grill: London’s Historic Dining Room Rejuvenated]
Top suite: The Royal Suite
The Savoy’s Royal Suite is one of the capital’s finest and most well-appointed accommodations. Spread over the front of the entire fifth floor, the suite’s enfilade arrangement makes the most of the dramatic views over the River Thames.
From each of the eight windows, guests can enjoy a magnificent London vista from Canary Wharf to the Houses of Parliament and beyond with seven of London’s bridges visible. Services to guests in this suite are extensive and include – in addition to the customary five-star amenities – welcome champagne, in-suite check-in and an unpacking and repacking service, ideal for those who wish for a quick, seamless voyage.
45 Park Lane
Opened in 2011 as the little sister to The Dorchester (which sits just over the road), 45 Park Lane is one of London’s glitziest hotels. The Art Deco interior design is provided by world-renowned architect Thierry Despont, who has created a décor that focuses on personal living — the idea is to create an atmosphere that feels like a private residence.
Chef Wolfgang Puck has brought his celebrated CUT concept to London, which alongside the sleek Bar 45, brings a bit of Beverly Hills glamour to the hotel (the Hollywood connection runs deep — 45 Park Lane’s excutive chef Elliot Grover has helped Puck conjure up the Oscar’s menu for two years running).
Bolstering the hotel’s culinary offering is the newly opened Sushi Kanesaka – a singular omakase experience tucked away in an intimate, discreet back corner of the hotel. Recently awarded its first Michelin star, the restaurant is already regarded as one of the city’s finest Japanese eating experiences in the city.
Top suite: The Penthouse Terrace Suite
If having a fantastic view over one of the most iconic locations in London sounds like your idea of perfection, then the Penthouse Suite may be for you. Situated on the ninth floor of the hotel and accessible only by a private elevator, the suite offers beautiful views over the park from the 360° wraparound terrace.
The décor carries on the theme from the rest of the hotel—warm colors and light textures come together to create a deeply personal living space. The master bedroom features a king-size bed, the living room is packed full of high-tech gadgetry and the dining area is great for entertaining guests.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
A grand fixture amid the bustle of Knightsbridge, The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has risen gloriously from the ashes following a devastating fire in 2018.
The restoration that followed saw the rooms and suites completely reimagined with the classic English luxury switched out in favor of Mandarin Oriental’s signature style. They have also been brought up to date with high-tech offerings and very comfortable beds.
While the hotel’s locale offers plenty in the way of fine dining, guests need not stray far to eat at one of London’s best restaurants: the two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal sits on the hotel’s first floor while The Aubrey – a moody Japanese-style izakaya experience – sits one floor below. Try to squeeze in a trip to both.
Top suite: The Mandarin Oriental Penthouse
This suite is sublime, with three en-suite bedrooms, two salons (each with dining space for eight) and two kitchens. There are views of the Shard and the London Eye from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom, and the third bedroom has a private balcony with views over leafy Hyde Park.
[See also: A Guide to All Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants in the UK]
The Berkeley
Also located in fashionable Knightsbridge is The Berkeley – a London institution since the late 1800s. Elegant, airy and exclusive, it is one of the best places to experience your stay in complete luxury. Among The Berkeley’s many attractions are its famed Blue Bar and Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley, which surely takes the title of being London’s most glamorous bakery – expect out of this world cakes and pastries.
On the eighth floor is a roof-top health club and spa, which boasts panoramic views of Hyde Park. On sunny days, the roof retracts with the push of a button creating the capital’s ultimate Roman-style outdoor swimming pool.
Top suite: Crescent Pavilion Penthouse
Designed by revered interiors mastermind André Fu, The Crescent Pavilion Penthouse is styled to feel more akin to a swanky London apartment than a hotel room, with plenty of entertaining space, from the Bang & Olufsen sound system to the subtly separate living and dining areas.
The interiors are contemporary without ever feeling cold, while the two outdoor terraces beckon for al fresco breakfasts or sunset cocktail hours. As standard, the suite has two bedrooms but for those needing a touch more space – be it for family and friends or staff and security – a further two bedrooms can be adjoined.
[See also: The Best Luxury Hotels With Private Yachts]
