The Best Hotels to Stay in London: A Guide to Luxury, Comfort, and Style
London, a city of history, culture, and innovation, is home to some of the most luxurious, iconic, and unique hotels in the world. Whether you’re in town for business, a special occasion, or simply to explore the city’s endless offerings, choosing the right hotel can elevate your experience. From timeless luxury to modern chic, here are the best hotels to stay in London that promise unparalleled service, unforgettable views, and extraordinary amenities.
1. The Ritz London
Location: Piccadilly, Mayfair
Style: Classic, timeless luxury
Best For: A quintessentially British luxury experience
The Ritz is an institution in London, epitomising luxury and elegance since 1906. With its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, Michelin-starred dining, and world-famous Afternoon Tea, this grand hotel offers a royal experience in the heart of Mayfair. The hotel’s rooms and suites are decorated with opulent fabrics, antique furnishings, and sumptuous details, combining old-world charm with modern comforts. Whether you’re savouring a cocktail in the Ritz Club or soaking in the view from your suite, a stay at The Ritz feels like stepping into a page of history.
Why stay here: Impeccable service, historic significance, and an unrivalled sense of elegance.
For more information and bookings, visit: theritzlondon.com
2. Claridge’s
Location: Brook Street, Mayfair
Style: Art Deco Glamour
Best for: Glamorous stays with a modern touch
Claridge’s is the epitome of sophisticated glamour, with a history that dates back to 1856. Known for its impeccable service and Art Deco-inspired interiors, Claridge’s attracts high-profile guests, celebrities, and royals alike. Its luxurious rooms and suites combine period charm with contemporary style, and the hotel’s exceptional service is second to none. Claridge’s is particularly known for its afternoon tea, where guests can enjoy delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and a selection of fine teas in one of the city’s most elegant settings.
Why stay here: Stylish Art Deco interiors, impeccable service, and an atmosphere of modern-day royalty.
For more information and bookings, visit: www.claridges.co.uk
3. The Langham
Location: Regent Street, Marylebone
Style: Classic luxury with a contemporary twist
Best for: Luxurious stays in the West End with top-tier dining
The Langham is a perfect blend of classic luxury and modern amenities. Located near the vibrant shopping and entertainment hub of Oxford Circus, the hotel has been a staple of London’s luxury hotel scene since 1865. Its interiors are a mix of traditional elegance and contemporary flair, and it’s renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurant, Rouge, as well as its beautiful Artesian bar, frequently ranked among the world’s best. With a luxurious spa, stunning rooms, and a location that’s just minutes from major attractions, The Langham offers an exceptional London experience.
Why stay here: Classic luxury, top-notch dining, and proximity to major attractions.
For more information and bookings, visit: www.langhamhotels.com
4. The Savoy
Location: Strand, Covent Garden
Style: Art Deco, historic grandeur
Best for: A luxurious stay in the heart of the West End
The Savoy is one of London’s most famous hotels, known for its rich history, stunning Art Deco design, and prime location on the banks of the River Thames. It has played host to royalty, movie stars, and political figures since its opening in 1889. The hotel offers a variety of luxurious rooms and suites, some with spectacular views of the Thames, as well as world-class dining at Savoy Grill (led by Gordon Ramsay) and Thames Foyer. The Savoy’s cocktail bar is legendary, and guests can enjoy a relaxing experience at the hotel’s full-service spa.
Why stay here: Historical significance, riverside location, and legendary service.
For more information and bookings, visit: www.thesavoylondon.com
5. The Connaught
Location: Carlos Place, Mayfair
Style: Refined, contemporary chic
Best for: Chic luxury with Michelin-star dining
The Connaught is one of London’s most stylish and refined hotels, blending understated elegance with a warm, intimate atmosphere. Located in the heart of Mayfair, it is known for its exceptional service, luxurious spa, and Michelin-starred restaurant, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. The hotel’s rooms and suites are modern, spacious, and beautifully designed, with a blend of classic and contemporary touches. The Connaught Bar, with its art-deco-inspired design, is a favourite for cocktails, while the spa offers indulgent treatments in a serene atmosphere.
Why stay here: Modern luxury, award-winning dining, and intimate ambience.
For more information and bookings, visit: www.the-connaught.co.uk
6. Shangri-La The Shard, London
Location: London Bridge
Style: Contemporary luxury with breathtaking views
Best for: Stunning panoramic views of the city
For those looking for a more contemporary experience, Shangri-La The Shard offers an unparalleled stay high above the city. Located on the 34th to 52nd floors of the iconic Shard building, this hotel offers sweeping panoramic views of London, including landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye. The rooms are sleek and modern, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious amenities. The hotel also boasts one of London’s highest pools, a top-floor restaurant, and bar, making it a perfect choice for those who want to experience the city from new heights.
Why stay here: Incredible views, modern luxury, and a sleek, contemporary design.
For more information and bookings, visit: www.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/
7. Rosewood London
Location: Holborn, Covent Garden
Style: British elegance with a modern twist
Best for: A luxury stay close to Covent Garden and Holborn
Rosewood London is a masterpiece of understated elegance and modern comfort. Housed in a grand Edwardian building, the hotel offers an exclusive experience with impeccable service and beautifully designed interiors. The rooms are spacious and elegantly appointed, combining traditional British design with contemporary flair. Guests can enjoy the stylish Holborn Dining Room for classic British fare, unwind in the luxurious Sense Spa, or relax in the chic Scarfes Bar with an extensive cocktail menu. With its location near the West End, Covent Garden, and Holborn, Rosewood is perfect for those who want to be close to London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Why stay here: Elegant design, proximity to cultural landmarks, and exceptional dining.
For more information and bookings, visit: www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/london
8. Hotel Café Royal
Location: Regent Street, Soho
Style: Historic charm meets modern luxury
Best for: A glamorous, central location with modern luxury
Hotel Café Royal has long been a part of London’s cultural fabric, attracting artists, writers, and musicians throughout its storied history. Recently renovated, the hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury, with rooms and suites that feature sleek, contemporary design. Its central location places it just steps from the shopping mecca of Regent Street and the lively atmosphere of Soho. The hotel’s Café Royal Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, while the Green Bar offers cocktails in a sophisticated, stylish environment.
Why stay here: Historic luxury, central location, and a vibrant atmosphere.
For more information and bookings, visit: www.hotelcaferoyal.com
9. The Dorchester
Location: Park Lane, Mayfair
Style: Grand and timeless elegance
Best for: A traditional luxury experience with a top-notch spa
The Dorchester has long been synonymous with luxury and style. Situated in the heart of Mayfair, this grand hotel offers lavish rooms and suites that combine classic design with modern luxury. Its Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, serve world-class cuisine, while the Dorchester Spa offers a serene space for indulgent treatments. The hotel’s luxurious and grand atmosphere has made it a favourite among royals and celebrities alike.
Why stay here: Traditional grandeur, exceptional dining, and world-class spa services.
For more information and bookings, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com/london/the-dorchester
London is a city that offers a hotel for every type of traveller, from those seeking historic opulence to those in search of sleek, modern luxury. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or simply to indulge in a lavish escape, the city’s best hotels provide an unforgettable experience, steeped in tradition and offering every modern amenity imaginable. No matter which you choose, staying in one of London’s top hotels ensures your visit will be as extraordinary as the city itself.
Top photo by Christian Lendl on Unsplash
