London is a city where history and modern life blend effortlessly. Royal palaces stand beside modern skyscrapers, while quiet garden squares sit just minutes from lively theatre districts. Because of this diversity, choosing where to stay matters just as much as planning what to see. Travelers searching for the best hotels in London quickly discover that the city offers far more than simple accommodation — it offers experiences.
Best Hotels in London
From grand Edwardian landmarks to contemporary skyline retreats, luxury hotels in London are designed to immerse visitors in British culture, comfort, and elegance. Many of the top London hotels are located in Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and the West End, placing guests close to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, museums, and world-class shopping.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, cultural holiday, or business trip, this London hotel guide highlights exceptional stays that define London luxury accommodation and show exactly where to stay in London for an unforgettable visit.
1. The Ritz London — Mayfair
The Ritz London remains one of the most recognizable symbols of British hospitality and consistently ranks among London’s finest hotels. Located on Piccadilly overlooking Green Park, the hotel places guests within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Bond Street shopping, and the West End theatres, making it ideal for first-time visitors seeking central London accommodation.
Inside, the hotel feels like a living museum of elegance. Rooms feature antique furniture, ornate ceilings, rich fabrics, and marble bathrooms, while still offering modern comforts such as climate control, high-speed internet, and attentive concierge service. The famous Palm Court afternoon tea is considered one of the most prestigious dining traditions in the city, while the fine-dining restaurant offers refined British cuisine in spectacular surroundings.
Service defines the experience here. Staff remembers guest preferences, luggage appears in rooms without being seen delivered, and every request is handled seamlessly. Among 5-star hotels in London, The Ritz stands apart for preserving authentic Edwardian grandeur rather than modernizing it. For travelers seeking timeless sophistication and heritage prestige, it represents classic London luxury accommodation at its finest.
2. The Savoy — Covent Garden
The Savoy is one of the top London hotels and a historic pioneer of luxury hospitality. Perfectly positioned on the River Thames near Covent Garden, it allows guests to step outside directly into theatreland, restaurants, and nightlife — making it one of the most convenient options when deciding where to stay in London.
Rooms combine Edwardian elegance with Art Deco style, and many suites feature sweeping river views. Guests can enjoy several renowned restaurants and iconic cocktail bars that have served celebrities and royalty for over a century. A full fitness center, beauty services, and personal concierge support modern traveler needs while preserving traditional charm.
The Savoy’s appeal lies in balance. It offers heritage and glamour without feeling old-fashioned. Visitors can attend a West End show, walk along the Thames at night, and return to a room that feels both historic and comfortable. Among luxury hotels in London, The Savoy is often chosen by travelers wanting location, history, and atmosphere in one unforgettable stay.
3. Claridge’s — Mayfair
Claridge’s represents understated excellence and is frequently recommended in any London hotel guide. Located in the heart of Mayfair, it provides easy access to Hyde Park, Soho restaurants, and designer boutiques, making it ideal central London accommodation.
The hotel’s Art Deco design creates an atmosphere of refined calm rather than spectacle. Rooms are spacious and quiet, featuring custom furnishings, soft lighting, and elegant marble bathrooms. A multi-level spa includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and holistic treatments, offering relaxation rarely found in the busy city center.
Claridge’s afternoon tea is world famous, but the true strength of the hotel lies in its service. Staff is attentive without being intrusive, creating a personalized experience that feels natural rather than formal. Among 5-star hotels in London, Claridge’s stands out because luxury feels effortless and comfortable. Guests often return for the sense of privacy and tranquility — qualities that make it one of the best hotels in London for both celebrities and travelers alike.
4. The Connaught — Mayfair
The Connaught offers a more intimate interpretation of luxury accommodation in London. Tucked into Carlos Place in Mayfair, it feels closer to a private residence than a traditional hotel, appealing to guests who prefer privacy when choosing where to stay in London.
Rooms combine contemporary design with handcrafted British details. Soft lighting, tailored furniture, and generous layouts create a warm residential atmosphere. The celebrated Connaught Bar is consistently ranked among the world’s finest cocktail destinations, while the Aman Spa offers holistic wellness treatments and a tranquil swimming pool.
What makes this property special among London’s luxury hotels is its personalization. Staff quickly learn guest preferences, and returning visitors often find their rooms prepared exactly as they like. The hotel avoids grandeur in favor of comfort and discretion. For travelers seeking exclusivity rather than spectacle, The Connaught remains one of the top London hotels for refined privacy and personalized hospitality.
5. The Langham, London — West End
The Langham helped define modern hospitality and continues to rank among London’s finest hotels. Located near Oxford Circus, it places guests within easy reach of shopping streets, restaurants, and theatres, making it ideal for travelers wanting lively surroundings.
Rooms blend Victorian heritage with contemporary comfort. Amenities include a luxury spa, large swimming pool, modern fitness center, and multiple dining venues. The Palm Court popularized afternoon tea and remains a highlight for visitors seeking authentic London experiences.
Unlike some historic properties, The Langham feels energetic and welcoming. Families, couples, and business travelers all find it comfortable. Among 5-star hotels in London, it stands out for balancing tradition with accessibility — a place where heritage is celebrated without feeling formal. For guests seeking a practical yet elegant base, it remains a favorite in many London hotel recommendations.
6. Shangri-La The Shard — South Bank
For travelers wanting modern architecture and skyline views, Shangri-La The Shard is among the most memorable luxury hotels in London. Occupying the upper floors of the city’s tallest building, it offers panoramic views across the Thames, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, automated blinds, heated marble bathrooms, and contemporary Asian-inspired design. The infinity pool and sky-high restaurant create a dramatic experience unlike any other in central London.
The South Bank location places guests near Borough Market and major galleries. While many top London hotels focus on tradition, Shangri-La emphasizes modern spectacle. Guests don’t simply stay overnight — they experience the city from above. For visitors wanting a futuristic perspective, it easily ranks among the best hotels in London.
7. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park — Knightsbridge
Overlooking Hyde Park, the Mandarin Oriental combines prestige location with peaceful comfort, making it a frequent feature in any London hotel guide. Guests step outside directly into green parkland or walk minutes to luxury department stores.
Rooms reflect classic British design with contemporary refinement. The award-winning spa, indoor pool, and fine-dining restaurants make the hotel ideal for relaxation after sightseeing.
What distinguishes this property among 5-star hotels in London is tranquility. Despite its busy Knightsbridge location, the atmosphere remains calm and restorative. Travelers looking for both shopping access and relaxation consistently rank it among the best hotels in London.
8. Rosewood London — Holborn
Rosewood London is a five-star luxury hotel at 252 High Holborn, ideally positioned between Covent Garden and the City of London. This central location places guests within easy walking distance of the West End theatres, Bloomsbury’s cultural institutions, and the legal district, as well as landmarks such as The British Museum and Covent Garden.
Housed in a grand Edwardian building, the hotel blends historic architecture with contemporary style, creating a refined “urban manor house” atmosphere. Rooms and suites are among the most spacious in central London, with marble bathrooms and bespoke furnishings; select suites include butler service. Facilities include Sense, A Rosewood Spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, and elegant event spaces with a stunning ballroom.
Dining is a standout feature, from the British brasserie Holborn Dining Room to the award-winning Scarfes Bar. Exceptional service, prime location, and distinctive character consistently place it among London’s finest hotels.
9. The Ned — City of London
Located in the heart of the City of London, just steps from the Bank of England and St Paul’s Cathedral, The Ned occupies the former Midland Bank headquarters on Poultry. This grand 1920s building blends historic architecture with contemporary luxury. The hotel features over 250 stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop with a heated pool and panoramic city views, a spa, gym, and members’ club. Guests can choose from multiple restaurants offering cuisines from British to Italian and Asian, along with elegant bars and live music spaces.
Amenities include 24-hour room service, concierge assistance, wellness treatments, and event spaces for private functions. Its prime location provides easy access to landmarks such as the Tower of London and Borough Market. The Ned stands out for its vibrant social atmosphere, architectural grandeur, and seamless mix of heritage and modern indulgence.
10. The Berkeley — Knightsbridge
The Berkeley is a refined five-star hotel set on Wilton Place in Knightsbridge, perfectly positioned between Belgravia and Hyde Park. The location places guests steps from couture boutiques, museums, and elegant royal parks, offering a balance of tranquil greenery and London’s most exclusive shopping district.
The hotel features designer suites and rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, a famous afternoon-tea experience, and a pâtisserie by renowned pastry chef Cédric Grolet. Wellness facilities include access to the Surrenne Belgravia club and two swimming pools, while terraces and stylish lounges create social spaces overlooking the city.
Nearby attractions include Hyde Park, Harrods, luxury boutiques, and cultural institutions across Knightsbridge and South Kensington.
What makes The Berkeley one of London’s best hotels is its blend of contemporary design and classic British luxury, exceptional dining, and highly personalised service. It offers a quieter, more modern alternative to traditional grand hotels while maintaining the exclusivity and prestige expected from a top London address.
11. The Lanesborough — Hyde Park Corner
The Lanesborough — Hyde Park Corner is a prestigious five-star hotel in London’s Belgravia area, standing at the edge of Hyde Park beside the Hyde Park Corner Underground station. Housed in a grand Regency-style former mansion, it blends historic architecture with contemporary luxury.
The hotel features about 90 rooms and suites, each with dedicated 24-hour butler service, marble bathrooms, smart room controls, and refined classical décor. Dining highlights include The Lanesborough Grill, celebrated afternoon tea, and an elegant cocktail bar. Guests also enjoy access to the private Lanesborough Club & Spa, which offers a fitness studio, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam rooms, and personalized wellness treatments.
Nearby attractions include Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch, Green Park, Harrods, and Knightsbridge shopping, all within walking distance.
Its exceptional service, residential atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and one-to-one hospitality consistently place it among London’s finest hotels, offering both traditional British grandeur and modern comfort in a prime central location.
12. Brown’s Hotel — Mayfair
Brown’s Hotel — Mayfair is a historic five-star hotel at 33 Albemarle Street in London’s elegant Mayfair district, moments from Piccadilly, Green Park, and Bond Street’s luxury boutiques. Opened in 1832, it is often considered London’s oldest luxury hotel and combines restored Georgian townhouses with refined contemporary British interiors.
The hotel offers about 115 rooms and suites, the celebrated Drawing Room for traditional afternoon tea, a fine-dining restaurant, a stylish bar, spa treatment rooms, a fitness centre, meeting spaces, and attentive concierge service. Guests also enjoy in-room dining, luxury toiletries, and personalized butler-style hospitality.
Within a short walk are the Royal Academy of Arts, Buckingham Palace, Fortnum & Mason, and West End theatres.
Brown’s stands out for its intimate atmosphere, literary and royal history, and exceptionally warm service. Rather than grand opulence, it delivers understated British elegance, making guests feel like residents of a private Mayfair residence — a key reason it consistently ranks among London’s finest hotels.
13. The London EDITION — Fitzrovia
The London EDITION — Fitzrovia, London is a five-star boutique hotel on Berners Street in central London’s lively Fitzrovia district, bordering Soho and moments from Oxford Street, Tottenham Court Road, and the West End theatres. Housed in restored Georgian townhouses, it combines historic architecture with contemporary minimalist interiors by designer Ian Schrager’s team.
The hotel features 173 stylish rooms and suites with oak floors, marble bathrooms, rainfall showers, plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, and smart technology. Facilities include the famous Berners Tavern restaurant, a grand dining room known for modern British cuisine, the Punch Room cocktail bar, a lively Lobby Bar, private event spaces, and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Nearby attractions include the British Museum, Covent Garden, Chinatown, and major shopping streets. The London EDITION stands out for its fashionable atmosphere, exceptional dining, central walkability, and vibrant social scene, making it both a luxury retreat and a cultural hotspot — widely regarded as one of London’s most stylish hotels.
14. The Beaumont — Mayfair
The Beaumont — Mayfair is a refined five-star Art Deco hotel located on peaceful Brown Hart Gardens in London’s prestigious Mayfair district, moments from Bond Street, Selfridges, Oxford Street, and Hyde Park. Despite its central position, the square offers a rare sense of calm in the West End.
Rooms and suites combine 1920s elegance with modern comfort, featuring marble bathrooms, bespoke furnishings, and attentive housekeeping. The hotel offers a full spa with a hammam, sauna, steam room, and plunge pool, along with a well-equipped gym and 24-hour concierge and valet services.
Dining is a highlight: guests enjoy classic British cuisine in an elegant grill restaurant, cocktails in a glamorous bar, and traditional afternoon tea in a period-style salon.
Nearby are luxury boutiques, galleries, and theatres, making it ideal for both leisure and shopping.
Its discreet service, residential atmosphere, spacious rooms, and tranquil location in busy central London make it widely regarded as one of the capital’s finest boutique hotels.
15. Ham Yard Hotel — Soho
Ham Yard Hotel — Soho in London’s vibrant Soho is a stylish boutique retreat renowned for its design-led charm, superb service, and unbeatable central location. Nestled in Ham Yard just off Piccadilly Circus, it’s a short stroll from iconic West End theatres, Regent Street and Oxford Street shopping, Leicester Square and Mayfair attractions.
The hotel blends contemporary British interiors with playful colour and art, offering around 90 individually designed rooms and suites, many with city or courtyard views. Facilities include the buzzing Ham Yard restaurant and bar with outdoor courtyard dining, a Soholistic spa and gym, a leafy roof terrace, cosy library and drawing rooms, a private 190-seat theatre, and even a 1950s-style bowling alley.
Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden, a terrace, and easy access to London’s transport hubs. Its mix of creative spaces, luxurious comfort, and proximity to key attractions make it one of the city’s most celebrated hotels.
Choosing among the best hotels in London depends on the experience you want. Some travelers prefer historic elegance, others modern design, and many want a blend of both. Fortunately, the city offers an extraordinary variety — from skyline towers to royal residences.
No matter which you choose, staying in one of the top London hotels turns a trip into an immersive cultural experience. London is not just a destination; it’s a living story, and the right hotel becomes part of that story — the perfect answer to where to stay in London.
Top Recommended Hotels in London
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