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Whether you love the rainy capital or not, it is undoubtable that London has a lot going for it, and luxury offerings is one of them. Whether it’s the gastronomic brilliance of its world-renowned restaurants, or the old-school opulence of the members’ clubs, the Big Smoke is a haven upon the international stage for its unapologetic and seemingly limitless magnificence.
Naturally, it also boasts one of the best hotel scenes across the world. 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 of architecture, the most fabulous of 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]
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.
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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 (two Michelin stars) which underwent a full refurbishment in 2019. There is also a signature restaurant from Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who runs a global food empire.
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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. The on-site restaurant Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is one of only three London restaurants to boast three Michelin stars while The Grill at The Dorchester also benefitted from a relaunch in 2019. The Bar at The Dorchester is also led by expert mixologists, who have served many celebrity guests including Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, the late Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga.
Top suite: Harlequin Penthouse
The Harlequin Penthouse boasts elegant décor of silk and leather, a freestanding bath, fireplace and large outdoor terrace with stunning views over London. Discreetly reminiscent of the Hollywood glamour long associated with the hotel, the design of these suites emulates the style in which The Dorchester was originally built in the 1930s while remaining fresh, modern and luxurious. In fact, it was in this very room that Elizabeth Taylor first heard she would star in the movie Cleopatra, and the original pink marble bathroom installed for her use remains to this day.
The Corinthia
The Corinthia opened in April 2011, boasting 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 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 Suite at Corinthia London
The truly majestic, two-story Royal Suite, the largest in London, will embrace guests with rich comfort and timeless elegance. Enter through an oval rotunda that leads to a curved living room with breathtaking panoramic vistas and a grand, 10-seater dining room with a gold-leaf ceiling befitting of the most regal of affairs.
Upstairs (take the dramatic circular staircase or the private one-story elevator), luxuriate in a spectacular master bedroom—located in a turret along with a dressing room—featuring a heavenly bed, views of the Thames and London Eye and a terrace with a fire-pit to keep you warm on cooler evenings. This sprawling suite comes complete with a private study, kitchen with a walk-in wine cellar, a second guest bedroom with hidden den, versatile entertainment room, gym, private spa treatment room and a marble-lined bathroom with a fireplace and free-standing carved stone bath. You’ll find that every detail has been seen to in this princely home away from home.
The Egerton House Hotel
A stay at The Egerton House Hotel gives you style and exclusivity in equal measure. With Harrods just around the corner, and views over Egerton Gardens and the Victoria and Albert Museum, this select hotel enables its guests to experience the city from a luxurious yet homely base in the very center of London. All the suites are individually decorated in a palette of rich, welcoming colors, and can be prepared according to each guest’s specific needs, whether this be a pot of refreshing tea at the ready for arrival, a TV guide turned to the desired page, or the preparation of a hot, soothing bath after a long day out.
Top suite: Victoria and Albert Suite
Furbished with fine fabrics and antique Italian furnishings, the Victoria and Albert Suite conjures up the grandeur and exclusivity of the townhouse of which it was once a part. Featuring a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed and a comfortable sofa bed, plus separate lounge area, the suite also opens on to a private garden terrace where guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast or an afternoon tea surrounded by quietness and privacy, with views on to the quintessentially English Egerton Gardens.
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. Its also worth visiting The Pie Room, which is run by pastry expert Nokx Majozi, and 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 Manor Wing.
The Ritz
Opened by renowned hotelier César Ritz in 1906, The Ritz still retains all the excitement and glamour synonymous with this legendary hotel.
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 Prince of Wales Suite
A beautiful apartment-style penthouse, this suite includes its own hallway and cloakroom, two bedrooms, a dining room, 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. Truly, a suite fit for royalty.
Brown’s Hotel
Owned and operated by Sir Rocco Forte, Brown’s Hotel sits in the heart of 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 amongst its past guests. It was also the sight 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. The hotel is also home to Charlie’s, a wonderful restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt. Read our review of Charlie’s here.
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. The suite also contains several framed handwritten letter from the author himself as well as other nods to Kipling throughout.
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 Langham London 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. This remains the case today; with its position at the top of Regent Street and a short stroll to Bond Street, it is one of the most centrally-located luxury hotels in London.
Top suite: Infinity Suite
Overlooking All Souls Church and with wonderfully high ceilings, this large two-bedroom suite features a master bedroom – complete with inviting four-poster bed and two dressing rooms – second bedroom with ensuite, separate lobby and cloakroom, kitchen, bespoke furniture and the newest Bose audio technology to enhance each guest’s experience. The suite is also noteworthy for a magnificent infinity bath which offers the sublime relaxation of a spa in your room. The infinity bath cleanses, revitalises and harnesses the powerful effects of colors on mood to provide the ultimate chromotherapy experience.
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. The hotel’s restaurant, Céleste, is renowned for being among the best in the city and boasts a Michelin star.
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 24hr personal butler, computer with email and internet 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.
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The Savoy
A British icon since 1889, The Savoy has once again taken its place on the world stage after a 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. 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.
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 – in-suite check-in and an unpacking and repacking service, ideal for those who wish for a quick, seamless voyage.
Claridge’s
In the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s hotel is perfectly placed for London’s shopping districts and leafy Hyde Park. With award-winning service and business facilities, Claridge’s is a sumptuous retreat for the business traveler – or a luxurious indulgence if you want to spoil yourself or a loved one. Stars, socialites and the crowned heads of Europe have enjoyed this five-star hotel for over 100 years, lounging in its elegant art deco interior and taking afternoon tea in The Foyer. Recently, it became the sight of restaurant Davies & Brook, the first London venture for world-renowned chef Daniel Humm. Humm is best known for his work at the three-Michelin-starred Eleven Maddison Park in New York, which topped the World’s 50 Best Restaurants award in 2017.
Top suite: Brook Penthouse
Designed by Veere Grenney, this elegant and luxury apartment is decorated in gentle lilac with light oak floors and original 1930s fittings. Relax in the large luxurious bedrooms, splendid marble bathrooms, and beautiful sitting room overlooking your private roof terrace. Or entertain friends in the elegant dining room with cloakroom and cocktail bar. Sweeping south, the terrace can host lavish cocktail parties and dinners.
Dukes London
Set amid one of London’s most discerning districts, in a quiet courtyard in St. James, is Dukes London a hidden gem that has been welcoming distinguished guests for well over a century. From the moment you walk through the lobby, you get the feeling that you’re somewhere rather special. Revered by regular guests and locals alike, this iconic hotel is a delightful mix of quintessential English charm and exacting standards – nothing short of Mayfair living.
The luxurious rooms and 12 opulent suites are unsurpassed when it comes to the finer details, such as delectable hand-made chocolates and fabulous organic toiletries. Not to be missed are the legendary Martinis in Dukes Bar, quoted by the New York Times as one of the world’s best.
Dukes London is just moments away from The Royal Academy, Green Park and Buckingham Palace, so if you want to make the most of its regal surroundings – and of course, the great British weather – the hotel can book a Royal Package Tour or prepare a luxury picnic, including champagne.
If you fancy spreading your wings, you’ll find shopping on Bond Street, fine restaurants and many of London’s most famous attractions on its doorstep. There are also excellent links to the city and Canary Wharf for business guests.
Top suite: The Duke of Clarence Suite
Featuring an emperor size bed, as well as a separate living room and dining room, this Penthouse Suite offers apartment-style living with all the benefits of luxury hotel. The black marble bathroom with its deep bathtub and a 24-hour butler, on request, make it a very special home from home. A separate living room and dining room are available, and the décor is soft and airy, with lots of natural light flooding in from the Suite’s huge windows. You also enjoy a private terrace with views over Green Park and Hyde Park.
45 Park Lane
Opened in 2011, this sister hotel of The Dorchester has fast become one of the chicest hotels in London.
The contemporary 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. The façade has become an instantly recognizable feature of Park Lane—the bold horizontal ‘fins’ are eco-friendly, resisting solar gain to the hotel, thereby reducing the power required to run the hotel’s air conditioning system. The environmental theme continues with the location of 45 Park Lane—opposite the sprawling Hyde Park, the hotel offers scintillating views from all of the suites. Wolfgang Puck has brought his celebrated CUT concept to London with a restaurant on the ground floor, which alongside the sleek Bar 45, brings a bit of Beverly Hills glamour to the London dining scene. Within walking distance of Regent Street and Piccadilly, this state-of-the-art hotel offers instant access to London shopping.
Top suite: The Penthouse 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 coming 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
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has risen gloriously from the ashes following a devastating fire in 2018. The luxury hotel was nearing the end of a two-year restoration project when an electrical fire tore through the stunning Edwardian building. It took another year to repair the damage, but it is now back and better than ever.
The restoration 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.
The spa can be found below ground and spread across two floors. There is a fully-equipped gym and a brand new Pilates/yoga studio. Book in for a bespoke programme designed by award-winning trainer Hollie Grant. If swimming is more your thing, there’s a 55-ft twin lane indoor swimming pool complete with a lap timer.
It is also a haven for gourmands, boasting two Michelin-starred restaurants in the form of Bar Boulud and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. But if neither of those take your fancy, you don’t have to wander far to find a plethora of alternatives. The hotel is located in the heart of Knightsbridge with many rooms overlooking Hyde Park.
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. Have dinner at, well, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Order the tipsy cake for dessert.
The Berkeley
Located in fashionable Knightsbridge, The Berkeley is a London institution. 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’, a cocktail paradise frequented by the likes of Madonna and Leonardo di Caprio, and its two-starred Michelin restaurant Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley.
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: Pavillion Suite
Featuring a king-size bedroom, en-suite bathroom, spacious sitting room, dining room, guest bathroom, and – best of all – private access to the hotel’s roof terrace, the Pavillion Suite is the height of luxury. Decorated in clean, modern tones of cream and caramel, the suite’s elegant lines melt seamlessly into the timeless grandeur of the hotel. Moreover, each guest will receive, in addition to the usual extensive media and 24/7 service amenities, their own personal iPad for exclusive use during their stay. This small but important touch brings The Berkeley firmly into the 21st century and is the cherry on top of the cake.
