The Best Hotels in London
London Calling
Are you planning a trip to one of the most iconic cities in Europe? Summer is here, and as both a frequent solo traveler and someone who has worked with many hotel brands both in the USA and Europe, I am sharing some of my favorite hotels in London and Paris. (This is part one for London, and I will follow soon with part two on Paris.)
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, finding the perfect accommodation can make all the difference, so I am sharing both luxury stays to charming boutique hotels in the heart of the city. And while the eight Taylor Swift concerts in London are selling out hotels left and right, you will get your chance to explore. Here are my top picks, so get ready to experience the charm and elegance of this world-renowned destinations. And if you prefer apartment rentals, I have had multiple wonderful stays using One Fine Stay (which is now part of Accor). As the previous head of communications at Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, and the Four Seasons UK Collection in London and Hampshire, I like to think I know a thing or two…
Read my previous posts Paris x Olympics 2024 + London City Guide + my favorite luggage brands +
Shop some of my travel essentials + my children’s travel book + Travel Aunties + my Plannin Hotel Recommendations
London
The amount of hotels in London is staggering. When I was working at the Four Seasons UK Collection, I regularly got reports on the market and it was the longest list of excellent hotels I have ever seen. London is a very international city, so both the business and leisure travel numbers are off the charts. So while there are other wonderful hotels, especially in the luxury category, these are my top recommendations. As with any large city, chose wisely in terms of location so you can best plan your days, or must-have amenities (spa, dining, etc) in this wonderful city.
Four Seasons: First, a shout out to my old team at both Four Seasons London at Park Lane and Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square. Four Seasons continues to be the best of the best, whether you are a business or leisure traveler (you can even add a stop to the Countryside to Four Seasons Hampshire and live your best Jane Austen life). The Park Lane property was the first outside of the FS home in Canada, and is a bit smaller, best for business or solo travel, but it also has one of the best locations in Mayfair, right by both Kensington and Buckingham Palace, and recently had a lobby renovation and its new restaurant, Pavyllon, is one of the hottest tables in town with French chef Alléno modernising French cooking, and earning a Michelin Star in 2024.. Ten Trinity Square is in a historic building with large, beautiful rooms, two restaurants, a private club, and is located further east right by the Tower of London. You can expect 5-star spas, service, dining, and stays.
Maybourne Group: Their London hotels - Berkeley, Claridge's, The Connaught, The Londoner, The Emory - are considered quintessential British luxury properties. Claridge’s (founded in 1812, frequented by Queen Victoria) just underwent a massive refurbishment, and is my recommendation to stay out of the three, and also enjoy Afternoon Tea there of the Connaught, whereas the Berkeley and the Londoner have a more boutique stay feel. The latest, The Emory, looks across Hyde Park and is London’s first all-suite hotel.
The Lanesborough: Part of the Oetker Collection, it has long been a luxury staple, fully embracing the style of regency splendor. Great location, plus The Library Bar and cigar terrace are there, and The Lanesborough Grill
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: A historic (refurbished) location on Hyde Park, it features a state-of-the-art spa, a restaurant from Heston Blumenthal alongside the buzzy Aubrey, and popular bars
Rosewood London: The location is over by Covent Garden, featuring lovely traditional yet contemporary rooms, courtyards, Scarfe's Bar, Mirror Room, and The Holborn Dining Room
The Savoy: Still one of my favorite places for cocktails, it is old school and offers a lot of history. Rooms are large and traditional, the Savoy Grill is excellent and The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay brings the best of British seafood and shellfish; and the hotel is blessed with two of the finest watering holes in London, The American Bar, granddaddy of London's cocktail bars, and its younger, sassier sibling, The Beaufort Bar.
The Dorchester: The 45 Park Lane property is right next to Four Seasons, recently had a fantastic refurbishment, and a fun Artists’ Bar.
The Goring: Just around the corner from Buckingham Palace, it boasts a lovely private garden, very English vibes, and a cozy afternoon tea.
Raffles London at the OWO: This just opened in 2023 in a historic building (from 1906 to 1964, this was the War Office), and offers a wide range of rooms, nine restaurants and three bars
Peninsula London: Also opened in 2023, it offers a sense of nostalgic Britishness at play, and is already Michelin-starred for its modern British dishes by Bibendum’s Claude Bosi,
The Langham: Looking as grand, sophisticated and elegant as it did when Napoleon III spent the night, and it would be difficult to name a finer hotel restaurant than Chez Roux
Corinthia: Features a four level spa, and is a convenient base, within striking distance of Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Theatreland and the South Bank
Bulgari Hotel: A gem from the great Roman jewelry house in Knightsbridge, it’s very glam and spa is among the biggest and best in the city.
1 Hotel Mayfair: This nine-story hotel is a sustainable sanctuary slotting naturally among London’s oldest hospitality icons, features cafe and co-working space by day which transforms into a wine bar by night, as well as a cocktail bar leading on to London’s most talked-about new restaurant, Dovetale.
Broadwick Soho Hotel: A vibrant and fun boutique property, the 57-room hotel is owned by a group of friends, features the Flute rooftop bar; Dear Jackie restaurant, little sister Bar Jackie, and a gusts-only The Nook
Firmdale Hotels: I love Kit Kemp’s design of both Ham Yad Hotel and The Soho Hotel. These both have the boutique feel, but offer all of the extras you love
The Nomad: Also a newer property located in Covent Garden, it is in the palatial former magistrates’ court opposite the Royal Opera House. Cool decor with an intimate hotel feel. (P.S. While Ace Hotel departed from the city, there’s something of a American revival going on in London, with The Standard landing in King’s Cross and the Mondrian just launched in Shoreditch)
Mondrian Shoreditch: Per the last post, this property recently got a facelift, offers a members'-only rooftop restaurant with its own pool, a co-working space, and Spanish chef Dani García has opened the first UK outpost of his renowned BiBo brand downstairs.
The Standard Hotel: While this was never my favorite hotel in NYC, they have done a good job with this location. Rooms drastically range in price, from the singles aimed at students and early-bird Eurostar travellers, to much more for terraced room with an outdoor bathtub overlooking St Pancras.
Nobu London Portman Square: Featuring fresh, minimalist rooms, and featuring one of the best restaurants in London
The Ned: Still chic and design focused, it was dreamed up by Soho House founder Nick Jones, The Ned has nine restaurants, 15 bars, a spa, two pools and a members’ club.
The Hari: This is cute and a good personable London base tucked away in Belgravia that feels like a secret hotel for romantic liaisons or a weekend break
Kimpton Fitzroy: Always a reliable stay in a lovely building, just in an odd location.
Shangri-La at the Shard hotel, which is a good stay but in particular, it does feature fantastic city views, given it occupies floors 34 to the 52 of Renzo Piano's 87-storey London landmark
*You may hear the Ritz London come up, but the rooms desperately need a renovation (which it is getting in 2026), so skip the stay for now, but definitely have a lovely Afternoon Tea there.
*Soho House London: Members only, but had to add it into the roundup. They have great club locations in and around the city, so IYKYK
Want more? Check these out from Conde Nast Traveller:
And for food, Eaters essentials restaurants in London list
Part two on Paris coming next!
I miss my friends in London, and I hope to see you all again very soon!
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