Best Hotels in London: 20 Stays for Every Type of Trip
Where to stay in London, depending on the trip you actually want
Booking a London hotel is less about finding a bed and more about choosing your London. The queue outside Raffles starts forming in Whitehall before breakfast, but Five guests are already poolside at The Shard by 7am. This list covers what matters: where you'll actually want to spend the evening, whether your room makes the morning simpler, whether children won't mind the stairs. Hotels below are ranked by reliability—which ones consistently deliver, which ones depend on having the right staff member on the night, which ones just don't miss. The luxury bracket opens with properties that have redefined what London hospitality looks like over the past two years, moved through independent boutiques with actual personality in Belgravia and Soho, picked out family options that understand you're not just marking time between attractions, and closed with value choices that don't make you feel like you've sacrificed anything but budget.
Raffles London at The OWO
Whitehall, City of Westminster · Luxury hotel with 120 rooms in restored 1906 building · 3 restaurants, spa, pool; butler service available
Housed in the former Old War Office building on Whitehall directly opposite Horse Guards, this is London's only hotel that doubles as a spy novel. The restoration took eight years and brought period features back to life, including hand-laid mosaic floors, oak paneling and chandeliers. Guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, a spa, and personalised butler service. Trafalgar Square with its beautiful galleries, the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, shopping haven Piccadilly Circus and the idyllic St. James's Park are all easily walkable from the hotel in a matter of minutes.
Shangri-La The Shard
London Bridge, Southwark · Luxury hotel occupying floors 34-52 of Western Europe's tallest building · 202 rooms, infinity pool, highest bar in London
Occupying levels 34-52, the Shangri-La Hotel The Shard, London offers 5-star luxury and breathtaking views of the capital and beyond, featuring an exquisite restaurant and serves cocktails until late at the highest bar in London. Each uniquely designed guest room has floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views of the city, and features the body-contouring-technology 'Shangri-La Bed', with TV, coffee machine, complimentary WiFi and a set of binoculars. Guests can take a dip in the luxury hotel's infinity pool for views of St. Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
The Peninsula London
Belgravia/Knightsbridge · Luxury hotel near Hyde Park and Wellington Arch · 176 rooms, indoor pool, spa, Michelin-starred dining
Situated alongside the distinguished Hyde Park and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London features impeccable design, heritage architecture, and nearby iconic landmarks. Brooklands Restaurant on the eighth floor offers a seven-course Michelin-starred tasting menu, and guests can relax in the spa with its indoor pool. The Peninsula London offers a 5-star experience in London city center.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Mayfair, Westminster · Luxury hotel on Park Lane overlooking Hyde Park · 196 rooms, Italian restaurant, rooftop spa with nine treatment rooms
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is a luxury 5-star hotel located near Hyde Park corner in central London. Featuring 193 luxury guest rooms and suites with stunning park and city views; state-of-the-art 24-hour Fitness Centre; around the clock Business Center; family and on-site activities and children amenities. Enjoy facials or massages at The Spa, French cuisine at Pavyllon London, and relax on the terrace with garden views.
Rosewood London
Holborn, Covent Garden · Luxury hotel in Edwardian courtyard building · 263 rooms, butler service, 3 restaurants, spa
Guests arrive at Rosewood London through an archway that opens into a grand Edwardian courtyard, in a little oasis of tranquillity unique among London luxury hotels, the perfect start to a memorable stay in a timeless heritage hotel, set just steps from Covent Garden. The hotel's beautifully appointed accommodations are amongst the most spacious in the city and include 44 unique luxury suites and houses enhanced with personalised butler service. Surrender to intoxicating jazz, soul and blues whilst relaxing in a velvet armchair at the globally recognized Scarfes Bar, which sets the stage for sophisticated live music seven nights a week.
The Langham, London
Marylebone, Westminster · Historic 5-star hotel on Portland Place since 1865 · 380 rooms, pool, spa, fine dining
The Langham, London has been enchanting guests since 1865, when it opened as Europe's first 'Grand Hotel', boasting an unrivaled location at the top of elegant Regent Street, London's premier shopping destination. Roux at The Landau has its own dedicated entrance on Portland Place opposite BBC Broadcasting House, the stunning David Collins designed signature restaurant at The Langham, London. The pool, steam room and sauna are very impressive, with spotless locker rooms showing the same attention to detail in the rest of the hotel.
The Beaumont Mayfair
Mayfair, Westminster · Art Deco boutique luxury hotel near Brown Hart Gardens · 72 rooms and 29 suites, spa with hammam, live piano in lobby
The Beaumont Mayfair is a discreet yet glamorous hotel in one of London's most affluent areas, an art deco building that is quiet and compact, cloistered on a Mayfair street that overlooks Brown Hart Gardens, a 10,000-square-foot public square. The Gatsby Room is the heart of the hotel: a welcoming, relaxing place to gather from early morning until late at night, where an excellent coffee, a sophisticated cocktail, a glass of vintage champagne or a light meal can be enjoyed here, with live piano music completing the intimate atmosphere with four daily sets for afternoon tea. The Spa at The Beaumont Mayfair features a warmed, marble hammam table, plunge pool, sauna, steam room, four treatment rooms, with facials, massages, and body treatments using naturally derived, clean ingredients.
Covent Garden Hotel
Covent Garden, Westminster · 5-star boutique hotel on Monmouth Street near Royal Opera House · 58 rooms, distinctive Kit Kemp interiors
Set on historic Monmouth Street, in one of London's most loved and lively neighbourhoods, Covent Garden Hotel sits at the heart of the city's theatre district, with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Piazza and Neal's Yard all close by, and independent boutiques, cafés and bars lining the surrounding streets. Featuring distinctive interiors by Kit Kemp, its 58 rooms each offer a playful nod to the theatre of this beloved London district. The hotel's location makes catching a West End show before or after dinner seamless.
The Soho Hotel
Soho, Westminster · Boutique hotel on Richmond Mews between Dean Street and Wardour Street · 85 bedrooms and suites, 2 screening rooms
Tucked between Dean Street and Wardour Street, this boutique hotel is nestled in quiet Richmond Mews, surrounded by lively bars and restaurants, pavement cafés, independent shops, jazz venues and a plethora of well-known theatres. The in-house restaurant, Refuel, highlights British and European classics in a colorful setting, and the long pewter bar is the place for a pre-theatre cocktail, where some drinks are inspired by classic cars. Settle in to watch a film in one of the hotel's two screening rooms or enjoy a performance at a nearby theater.
Lime Tree Hotel
Belgravia, Westminster · Boutique townhouse hotel in two Grade II listed Georgian houses on Ebury Street · 27 rooms, garden, café-restaurant
Room Mate Lime Tree is a boutique hotel in London with an excellent location in the heart of Belgravia, the elegant Belgravia neighbourhood, is the perfect choice for those seeking a central London hotel with a touch of style and exclusivity. Just minutes from top attractions such as Buckingham Palace and the luxury shops of Knightsbridge, Room Mate Lime Tree offers a unique experience of comfort and design. The bedrooms range in size and price from just £125 a night for a single room to triple rooms of up to £340 – incredible prices for Belgravia.
Dorset Square Hotel
Marylebone, Westminster · Luxury boutique hotel with unique cricket theme · 38 rooms, 3-minute walk to Baker Street tube
Dorset Square Hotel is very close to Marylebone railway and tube station – and it's only a 3-minute walk to Baker Street tube, this first-class hotel is impressive, it's been stunningly designed and has a unique cricket theme. The excellent breakfast includes very good quality food cooked well, and the fresh fruit salad was the best in a hotel, alongside spacious luxury rooms and very comfortable beds.
The Standard, London
King's Cross, Camden · Stylish contemporary boutique hotel in former Town Hall Annex · 155 rooms, rooftop restaurant, eclectic design
The Standard, London, located in the vibrant King's Cross area, stands out as a stylish and contemporary Boutique hotel, housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annex, the building retains its quirky 1970s architecture, blending it seamlessly with modern, luxurious interiors, known for its eclectic design, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent service. The hotel also boasts diverse dining options, including a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a unique, high-end experience in one of London's most dynamic neighborhoods.
Sea Containers London
Southbank, Lambeth · Family-friendly hotel on River Thames beside South Bank cultural venues · 252 rooms, Little Explorers Programme, cinema
Sea Containers London is your family-friendly hotel beside the River Thames - in the heart of London's cultural scene, perfectly positioned on the pedestrianised South Bank, family adventures start the moment you step outside, with London's most iconic landmarks, world-class arts venues, historic markets and award-winning attractions on the doorstep. Interconnecting rooms and suites, Little Explorers Programme, kids' menus, cinema, and thoughtful home-from-home touches are all designed to help you and your family relax, explore, and feel at home.
Novotel London Tower Bridge
City of London, Tower Bridge · 4-star family hotel just 5 minutes walk from Tower of London · 203 rooms, family suites, fitness centre, steam room
For an unforgettable family stay in London, look no further than Novotel London Tower Bridge, just a 9-minute walk from the iconic Tower Bridge. Children up to 16 enjoy complimentary breakfast when you book our Bed & Breakfast packages. The hotel's standout amenity is its highly praised breakfast buffet, featuring an extensive selection including a popular pancake machine and diverse dietary options.
citizenM London Bankside
Southwark, South Bank · Stylish 4-star design hotel 2 minutes walk from Tate Modern · 180 rooms, affordable luxury, iPad room controls
Located in the heart of London, citizenM London Bankside is a stylish contemporary hotel, which is just a 2-minute walk from the Tate Modern, near Borough Market and only 1969 feet from the Millennium Bridge. Guests can enjoy the modern, trendy bedrooms which feature ambient lighting with the room iPad, all guests can control room lights, black-out blinds, curtains, temperature, as well as TV and radio channels, they can also stream from their own Netflix, Prime or Disney+ accounts by connecting their phone, tablet or laptop to the TV via Chromecast. citizenM London Bankside typically costs $179 per night, which is $101 cheaper than the London average.
Premier Inn London Leicester Square
Leicester Square, Westminster · Budget chain hotel steps from Leicester Square and Covent Garden · Spacious rooms, quality beds, breakfast available
Premier Inn hotels in London offer great-value options, families can benefit from kids staying free with a full-paying adult, and up to two children also enjoy a free breakfast when accompanied by a paying adult, you can also take advantage of unlimited breakfasts and meal deals for even more value during your stay. Located right in the heart of London, you'll find Premier Inn County Hall, Premier Inn Leicester Square, and Premier Inn Blackfriars, all offering prime central locations. Premier Inn rooms are typically spacious compared to others in the price range and you know the room will be clean, with hotel review sites having hundreds of positive reviews for the chain.
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Bloomsbury, Camden · Boutique design hotel near British Museum · 71 rooms, Kit Kemp design, proximity to theatres and museums
A Bloomsbury Group aesthetic from design star Kit Kemp in the heart of central London—be prepared for poetry and wonder. The hotel is located within walking distance of the British Museum and sits in the heart of the theatre district, making it ideal for those visiting London's cultural attractions. Its position in Bloomsbury means access to independent bookshops, galleries, and some of the city's best-preserved Georgian architecture.
The Ritz London
Piccadilly, Mayfair · Historic 5-star luxury hotel on Piccadilly since 1906 · 136 rooms, Michelin-starred restaurant, afternoon tea, Rivoli Bar
Opened by renowned hotelier César Ritz in 1906, The Ritz still retains all the original excitement and glamour and is routinely named as one of the best luxury hotels in London, situated in the heart of Mayfair on the grand Piccadilly, The Ritz puts its guests right in the middle of London's buzz – the Royal Academy, Fortnum & Mason, and Buckingham Palace are all short strolls away. The 136 guestrooms combine Louis XVI-style interiors with modern technology, while fine dining facilities include the magnificent Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, the opulent Palm Court for afternoon tea, and the stylish Rivoli Bar.
Corinthia London
Trafalgar Square, City of Westminster · 5-star grand hotel with 24-hour service · 294 rooms, largest standard rooms in London, ESPA spa
Corinthia London is a grand luxury hotel for the 21st century, masterfully designed, it boasts some of the largest standard room sizes in the city, the ESPA spa as one of the best in London, and the beautiful British bistro courtesy of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge. The hotel's location near Trafalgar Square and the Thames places guests within easy reach of London's museums, galleries, and West End theatres.
The Chancery Rosewood
Mayfair, Westminster · Luxury hotel in Grade II-listed 1906 building, former US Embassy · 85 rooms, 8 restaurants and bars, rooftop pool, spa
The Chancery Rosewood was the former US Embassy, designed first by modernist Eero Saarinen in 1960, before lauded architect Sir David Chipperfield and lead interior designer Joseph Dirand transformed the building into an ultra-polished luxury hotel. The Chancery Rosewood is Rosewood's second London outpost and launched in September inside the magnificent Grade II-listed old US embassy on Grosvenor Square, it's home to eight restaurants and bars (including one Japanese, one Mediterranean and one British), a roof terrace, huge pool and an extremely swanky spa.
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