Where to stay in London, whenever you're visiting
Whether you’re coming to the capital to see a West End show, enjoy an elegant afternoon tea in a grand, historic salon or catch up with old friends, here are some of the best hotels in London.
There are lots of luxurious hotels in London, of course, but if you’re travelling on a budget, we’ve got some just as charming affordable options, too. If you’re all about location, the Z Hotel in Holborn could be the London hotel you’re looking for, with a central setting on Kingsway and clean, comfortable rooms.
For a blow-out, you can’t beat the Ritz, one of the finest places to stay in London for well over a century now (it opened its opulent doors in 1906).
Another equally fancy and hallowed option is the Savoy, set on the banks of the river near the Strand, with a restaurant that has served one of the best Sunday roasts in town since 1828 and its iconic art deco American Bear.
For a more low-key place to stay, try the Fox & Anchor in Farringdon, a classic pub in a listed building that’s within walking distance of most of the major West End sights.
Whatever your UK city break needs, we've got the top hotels in London for you. From spa hotels in London to the hotels near top attractions, like the V&A and the Royal Albert Hall, here's the ultimate list of the best hotels in London.
The Rubens at the Palace
If you’re a fan of the Windsors, you’ll love The Rubens at the Palace, which has royal-themed rooms and overlooks the mews at Buckingham Palace. There’s a fine-dining restaurant serving modern British favourites, naturally, but the hotel also has the Curry Room should prefer an Indian meal. Of course, afternoon tea is a staple here, too.
The location is ideal for exploring all of London’s major sights, with strolls around Green Park, visits to the Houses of Parliament and the Changing of the Guard just some of the activities on offer during your stay.
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The Kensington
The Doyle Collection has a handful of luxury hotels in London – such as the Bloomsbury, which is especially noteworthy for its cocktail-dispensing destinations (namely, its Coral Room bar and Dalloway Terrace) – and the Kensington is as fancy as its siblings. Within walking distance are the V&A, Kensington Gardens and the Royal Albert Hall. And if you’re hoping to shop during your stay, you’ll be in the right place: Knightsbridge’s esteemed department stores are also a short stroll away.
The decor is traditional, with antiques, fireplaces and high ceilings creating a refined English setting.
The Ritz
The Ritz needs no introduction. London’s globally renowned grande dame has been welcoming guests since 1906 and it remains one of the capital’s finest places to stay. Its afternoon teas are famous all over the world and with good reason – the opulent salon is one of London’s grandest venues for some scones and your choice of loose leaf tea from the 20-strong menu (or some champagne, of course).
The Piccadilly setting, with Green Park just behind it, means it’s perfectly placed for exploring all of central London’s main sights.
The Savoy
Like the Ritz, the Savoy is a London icon. It opened in 1889 and has been one of the finest hotels in the capital ever since. The grand entrance and its dapper doormen set the tone for your stay at this grand retreat between the Strand and the Victoria Embankment.
Its famous art deco American Bar is a destination in its own right, but the drinks at the Beaufort Bar are just as potent. Equally historic (dating back to 1828), its Simpson’s in the Strand restaurant has legendary status and not just for its carvery trolleys (it's currently closed, but is set to be reopened by the star restaurateur Jeremy King soon). For an unforgettable London experience, book one of the suites that overlook the Thames.
The Pilgrm
If you’re arriving at Paddington, the Pilgrm is a handy hotel, located almost directly opposite the station. It’s a simple set-up, in a restored Victorian building, with a preserved staircase, comfortable rooms, a café on the ground-floor and a cosy brunch spot upstairs, where you can order good coffee and hearty breakfasts.
There’s a terrace where you can enjoy some drinks, a rotating art collection and potted plants. For more greenery, Hyde Park is on your doorstep.
The Beaumont
The Beaumont is tucked away on a quiet square in central London, with an unmissable Antony Gormley artwork now attached to its 1926 exterior. Since it was created by the people behind the Wolseley, it’s inevitable that the restaurant is excellent – edible delights on offer include whipped potatoes and grill classics, but be sure to leave space for a bespoke sundae.
The Mayfair hotel is also home to a brilliant bar, Le Magritte, which transports you to 1920s New York with its bourbons and whiskies – for extra indulgence, order from its oyster and caviar menu.
Fox & Anchor
For something a little more simple than a full-blown five-star hotel such as the Savoy or the Ritz, try the Fox & Anchor, a sweet pub with rooms in Farringdon, set in a Grade II-listed Victorian inn. The postcode is just east of central, which means walking in to town will be easy enough (to Covent Garden, it’s a 30-minute stroll).
Sights of note nearby include the Barbican, St Paul’s Cathedral and Smithfield Market, the UK’s biggest wholesale meat market, where you can also pick up excellent cheese and olive oils.
Z Hotel Holborn
For travellers on a budget, the Z hotels group offers more affordable stays that don’t sacrifice location. Z Hotel Holborn, which is in a neoclassical building close to the Tube station on Kingsway, has rooms from around £100 a night. The price goes up for more space and natural light of course, but it’s still an excellent purse-friendly choice.
Its prime location puts guests close to Somerset House, the banks of the river, the British Museum and Covent Garden.
The Bailey's Hotel
On Gloucester Road in Chelsea, the Bailey’s Hotel is an ideal accommodation choice for guests visiting the capital to see attractions such as the V&A and the Natural History Museum. It was purpose-built as a hotel in the 1870s. In case you didn’t spot the red-brick façade, just look for the doorman and his unmissable red bowler hat.
Kensington has lots of restaurants to try, but if you don’t want to venture far, head to the hotel’s Bombay Brasserie for curry, or book in at its elegant Asian eatery.
The Rookery
For a slightly unusual London hotel, check in to the Rookery in Clerkenwell, which lets guests travel back in time. The heritage buildings, constructed in 1764, have been carefully restored. Interiors recreate the past, with period details such as creaky floors, carved four-posters, fireplaces, wood-panelling and flagstone floors, as well as, of course, plenty of antiques.
Sights that are easily reached include the Old Bailey, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Bank of England, along with Smithfield Market.
The Mayfair Townhouse
The Mayfair Townhouse is actually formed from a series of townhouses, in one of London’s smartest locales. The Half Moon Street address will be recognisable to keen Oscar Wilde fans, since it’s the setting of The Importance of Being Earnest. The playful design includes a recurring fox motif and lots of eye-catching works of art.
Green Park and Piccadilly are both on your doorstep, and it’s close to the shops and department stores of Oxford Street, too. Ready to revive you after days out adventuring is the Dandy Bar and its excellent cocktails.
11 Cadogan Gardens
This Relais & Chateaux property in Chelsea has an ideal location for shopping on the King’s Road and Sloane Street. It’s in one of the capital’s most well-heeled neighbourhoods, with lots of grand red-brick buildings. The hotel is behind a Victorian façade and has been created from four townhouses, which means there are lots of staircases, corridors and cosy corners to explore.
It was once a members’ club and it feels just as exclusive in its current incarnation, with oil paintings adorning the walls and lots of dark wood accents. There’s lots to see and do outside, but a drink in the library or afternoon tea in the drawing room should also be on your itinerary.
Richmond Harbour Hotel
Richmond might not immediately come to mind when considering a nautical British escape with Harbour Hotels, but the group has an outpost by the Thames in Greater London. It's inland of course, but the classic airy coastal decor has been shipped in.
Richmond Harbour Hotel's spa is a highlight, with pampering treatments by the British brand Templespa, an impressive gym and an indoor pool. The Georgian property is at the top of Richmond Hill and close to Richmond Park, so you can go in search of its famous resident deer.
The Hari
The Hari is in West London, with an architectural style that’s a little different to its neighbours, many of which are grand ambassadorial residences. Art is a central focus and the hotel awards a residency with its annual prize. Admiring guests will be pleased to learn that many of the pieces are for sale.
There are bicycles outside for guests to borrow to explore Belgrave Square and beyond; Hyde Park is within easy pedalling distance. Awaiting you upon your return to the hotel is Il Pampero, a neighbourhood trattoria serving up hearty Italian dishes.
Sea Containers London
For one of the best views in London, look no further than Sea Containers, which has a prime position on the South Bank in the heart of the borough of Southwark. From one of the spacious riverfront suites, you’ll be able to spy St Paul’s Cathedral alongside lots of other London landmarks. The 12th Knot bar has the same vantage point, and up here on the 12th floor, the iconic monument across the water looks even more majestic. This bar is where to head for the views, but down at sea (or rather, river) level, there’s Lyaness, dispensing drinks by world-renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana.
The interiors were created by star designer Tom Dixon and there are lots of elements to admire, from the giant blue sculpture in the lobby to the hammered-copper walls in the restaurant. It’s the perfect London hotel for visitors who like to get to know a city on foot – within walking distance are Borough Market, Covent Garden and all the sights of the South Bank.
The Goring
You’ll be in good company at The Goring, the only hotel in London to have been awarded a Royal Warrant. The late Queen Elizabeth II was said to be a fan and it’s not hard to see why – it’s one of the most discreetly opulent hotels in the capital. On a residential street near Victoria station in Belgravia, the hotel has a surprisingly large lawn, which is especially handy for an urban escape to cool off in during the summer.
The bar and garden-facing restaurant are equally lavish, but the Michelin-starred Dining Room is the star of the show – this traditional room is where to experience the finer things in life, starting with a supper of beef Wellington.
The Pelham
The Pelham is part of the Star Hotels Collezione, whose other properties include the Franklin and the Gore in London, and Helvetia & Bristol in Florence. This South Kensington hotel aims to give its guests a little taste of the country-house hotel, despite being in the middle of the capital. The five-star retreat is set in a traditional London townhouse, in one of the most well-heeled neighbourhoods. Within walking distance are several sights of note, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum.
The 52 rooms and suites were designed by superstar hotelier and interior designer Kit Kemp, so you can be sure of uplifting environs. The hotel is home to an Italian restaurant and you’ll also be able to enjoy afternoon tea.
Artist Residence London
The people behind the Artist Residence hotels are a savvy bunch: for their first edition in Brighton, they offered board to artists in exchange for their creative efforts. Unsurprisingly, the formula worked and there are now outposts all over the country, in Oxfordshire, Penzance and right here in Pimlico.
This one has lots of artworks, yes, along with Anglepoise lamps, original floors and reclaimed furniture. It’s in a cosy townhouse, with an optimum location for visiting Tate Britain, Westminster and Chelsea.
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