London's top hotels with a view for a staycation in the city
Who hasn’t checked into their hotel, flung open the curtains and been greeted by the view of a brick wall? Sure, of course it’s all about location, but for a really magical stay a view makes all the difference. And in a city like London those views can be incredible, whether you’re looking out across Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament or Buckingham Palace, make sure that the view out of your window is even more stunning than the one on the postcards you write home…
Planning a staycation in the city? Some of the best places to check into are the most stylish London hotels with a view.
A perfect way to spend time in our beloved capital, a stay at these London hotels with views is just the ticket to spring or summer bliss in the city.
As we all know, there's nothing worse than checking into a hotel for a luxurious weekend and finding that – upon opening the curtains – the view just doesn't live up to your expectations. Yes, it's about location, but for a really magical stay a view makes all the difference – and especially in a city like London, where you'll want to see the sights at every possible opportunity.
That's why we think you'll appreciate our selection of London hotels that are all about the views. From the quirky and cool Treehouse Hotel to the utterly indulgent Corinthia, you'll adore waking up in the buzzing capital at these incredible hotels.
With a wide variety of extraordinary views on offer, from the majestic Houses of Parliament to the world-famous waters of the River Thames and the iconic greenery of Hyde Park, a mini-break in the capital just wouldn't be the same without a room with vistas that do the city justice.
So, if you want to carry on experiencing the city after your return to your hotel room, check out our pick of the best London hotels with a view better than a postcard.
Treehouse Hotel, Marylebone - London hotels with a view
This achingly cool, eco-friendly hotel has endless views of London, best enjoyed from its Madera restaurant (where the Mexican food served is an added bonus) and Nest Rooftop Bar on the top floor, where the hanging foliage further adds to the 360-degree views of the capital.
The Treehouse Hotel's rooftop space has wooden and tiled floors, bamboo furniture and foliage – which hangs pleasingly from the ceiling – all bathed in natural light, courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
It’s the sort of place you visit for lunch and end up staying until late into the evening – which brings with it the possibility of capturing beautiful sunsets and staying the night in one of its rooms with a view. The hotel is also an excellent pet-friendly London hotel.
Art’otel London Battersea Power Station, Battersea - London hotels with a view
With a view of the power station (now containing some of London’s finest real estate in the form of the sought-after units at the iconic development), Art’otel Battersea has a rooftop bar with incredible views of the landmark chimneys and beyond. The 16th-floor setting is only enhanced by a heated infinity pool and hot tub.
If you can drag yourself away from those views on the roof, there’s plenty more to look at in the hotel, including lots of artworks as the name hints at.
There’s also a Venetian-style café on the ground floor dispensing cicchetti, plus a restaurant by an acclaimed Portuguese chef with yet more 360-degree views of London and portholes to make you feel like you're at sea.
Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Chelsea - London hotels with a view
When you need a reminder that the capital isn’t just an urban jungle, head up to the aptly named Peak fitness club at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, which was the highest building in London when it opened in 1961, to admire the surrounding greenery.
It’s less lush at the indoor pool (but equally soothing), which has curving windows framing the neighbouring buildings.
The Chelsea hotel is perfectly placed for trips to Sloane Street, Harrods and Harvey Nichols. The spa has joined forces with Tuscan brand Seed to Skin, which has a brilliant line of all-natural products made at its Italian-estate home, the 13th-century Borgo Santo Pietro, a 45-minute drive south-west of Siena.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall, South Bank - London hotels with a view
For a London hotel with possibly the most iconic view in the capital, book a stay at London Marriott Hotel County Hall, which has front-row seats to the London Eye, and the Thames beyond. It is right in the heart of the action at the southerly base of Westminster Bridge, and just across the water from Big Ben.
So, not only can you enjoy beautiful river views from your room, you can also hop on board the famous wheel and enjoy spectacular vistas across the city, too.
Or, enjoy a meander along the South Bank, heading towards the Tate Modern to take in an exhibition. Awaiting you on your return is the hotel's wood-panelled steakhouse, Gillray's.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Mayfair - London hotels with a view
The perfect place to observe the four seasons? Well, it's the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, of course. There are two Four Seasons outposts in London, with the other, Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square, on the other side of town, in the heart of the City.
This one overlooks two of London’s greatest parks, Hyde Park and Green Park – the capital's pair of lungs are forever changing, so your view from this Park Lane pad will look different from one stay to the next.
And if you can tear yourself away from the view, there's a spa and wellness centre offering a sauna and treatments. The hotel’s Pavyllon restaurant serves French-inspired British food from chef Yannick Alléno; and Bar Antoine is an excellent spot to gather around tables and have a thoroughly good time.
Hotel Cafe Royal, Soho - London hotels with a view
If you want to make like luminaries across the ages, from Oscar Wilde to David Bowie and the Rolling Stones, look no further than a trip to Piccadilly's legendary Café Royal. The fabled venue is where Bowie famously retired his alter ego Ziggy Stardust in the summer of 1973.
Today, Piccadilly Circus is still, in many ways, the beating heart of London: a lively hub of theatres, with shops spanning out in every direction and the famous electric billboards mesmerising tourists with their colourful adverts day-in, day-out.
So it's surprising perhaps that once through the revolving doors of Hotel Café Royal, you feel entirely at peace – not to mention privy to a rare view of the renowned junction from above.
Corinthia London, Westminster - London hotels with a view
With a slick underground spa (undoubtedly one of the best in the capital), a restaurant headed up by Tom Kerridge and some of the most welcoming staff you'll find across London, the Corinthia proves it has more than just a glorious view to offer.
But the view in question is rather special. From this five-star hotel, the London Eye glints at you from across the Thames, which flows past right on your doorstep, and some more of London's most iconic landmarks can be seen in the distance. It's setting, on leafy Northumberland Avenue, will take you back in time, too.
Plus, the Corinthia has one of the most plush hotel lobbies we've ever seen.
The Tower Hotel, Tower Bridge - London hotels with a view
Booking a London hotel with a view does not have to mean splashing out on the fanciest property in town, since there are equally well-positioned options for the more budget-conscious traveller, too. The endearing, four-star Tower Hotel has earned itself a fabulous reputation and still boasts one of the best locations for those eager to soak up iconic landmarks from the comfort of their lodgings.
Head for the bar if you want to sip drinks and take in the stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Shard from this London hotel with a view. You'll be perfectly placed for exploring all the sights of the South Bank, including the Tate Modern, as well as Borough Market and the many restaurants of buzzy Bermondsey Street.
Shangri-La Hotel The Shard, London Bridge - London hotels with a view
At 1,016 feet high, the Shard (officially the tallest building in western Europe) towers over the city of London, always glinting in the sun, and those who stay at the Shangri-La Hotel here are privy to some of the most brilliant views available anywhere across the capital.
All manner of world-famous London landmarks can be viewed from this hotel, which is located between floors 34 and 52 of the 95-storey architectural wonder – including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and more. You'll also be able to spy trains (which look more like worms from up here) chugging in and out of London Bridge station below. As well as eye-popping views, Shangri-La The Shard offers impeccable afternoon teas at altitude and some of the most creative cocktails in the city.
Sea Containers London, South Bank - London hotels with a view
Sea Containers London is the hip hotel conversion of the old Brutalist Sea Containers building on the South Bank, with a prime view across the river to St Paul's Cathedral and beyond.
Its design now evokes the style of a 1920s ocean liner, with rooms and suites boasting a nautical chic theme and some really fabulous furniture and original art installations.
The views from the riverside rooms are memorable but the view from 12th Knot, the hotel's rooftop bar and terrace, is simply unforgettable. If you've indulged in one cocktail too many, head to the Agua Spa the next morning for some rest and relaxation in a soothing, neutral-hued setting.
ME London by Melia, the Strand - London hotels with a view
Up on the 10th floor, the Radio Rooftop Bar at ME London by Melia – a hit with city dwellers and visitors alike – boasts views across the river, and offers a front-row seat to the ever-changing skies of London.
The terrace has sleek seating and floor-to-ceiling windows so that even a blustery day can be enjoyed from this vantage point.
Slick, modern rooms have a calming feel, with views of the River Thames, rain showers and monochrome, metallic tones to enjoy at this central hotel, located in the heart of Theatreland on the Strand.
The Peninsula London, Knightsbridge - London hotels with a view
Over at The Peninsula London, the best views of the skyline can be found up on the rooftop, where you’ll be able to enjoy them alongside fine-dining by famed French chef Claude Bosi, expertly mixed cocktails and an array of Concorde and Rolls-Royce memorabilia for the aviation and motoring fans. The long-awaited hotel is the sister property to the grande dame of Hong Kong, which opened almost a century ago and has been the city’s most luxurious stay ever since.
The London edition is set to follow suit, with a grand lobby, a Cantonese restaurant and a spa where facials by the superlative skincare brand Margy’s Monte Carlo await.
Park Hyatt London River Thames, Nine Elms - London hotels with a view
New to the London hotel scene this autumn is a Park Hyatt, marking the brand’s debut in the UK. It’s located near the US embassy on the banks of the river in Nine Elms. Sweeping skyline views can be glimpsed from various vantage points throughout the hotel, including at Tamisé, its wine cellar and tea lounge. There’s also a restaurant down at street level.
Within walking distance is the recently redeveloped Battersea Power Station, now home to several shops and restaurants. You’ll also be close to Tate Britain and the Oval, should you fancy taking in some culture and cricket during your stay.
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel, Fulham - London hotels with a view
Overlooking the quaint marina at the namesake harbour, the Chelsea Harbour Hotel is a little away from the bustle of Central London and allows you to explore the beautiful, affluent suburbs with ease.
Harbour-view rooms are unsurprisingly the most sought-after, but everyone can soak up the location at the Anchor Bar, which overlooks the water, with outdoor seating available on their terraces. There's an oyster bar at the hotel, too.
An additional bonus is the size of the bedrooms here: they are unusually spacious, and furnished with a sofa, coffee table, desk and sideboard for tea- and coffee-making.
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