112 Best Hotels in London, England

Style and image are the draw at The London EDITION hotel, where Michelin-starred chefs and hip bars complement the boutique property’s sleek, contemporary design. Behind the neoclassical exterior, a decidedly bohemian air permeates this luxurious hotel in the heart of Fitzrovia, the second hotel in Ian Schrager's venture with Marriott. Rooms are crisply styled in deep tones of chocolate and oatmeal, with huge beds and faux-fur blankets strewn about while bathrooms have cavernous freestanding tubs or sizeable showers. Service is exceptional and personalized, with arriving guests escorted to rooms upon check-in. But really it's all about the nightlife here, sophisticated though it is. Berners Tavern, the main bar-restaurant, has a belle epoque feel, with old paintings filling almost every inch of available space on the cool gray walls. Michelin-star chef Jason Atherton runs the kitchen, though the vibe is kept casual. The exclusive Punch Room is the more intimate of the two dedicated cocktail bars, with its creatively prepared alcoholic punches. A fashionably mixed crowd, relaxed atmosphere, and culinary expertise combine to create the recipe for this winning contemporary hotel.

These three intricately decorated Victorian town houses overlooking Kensington Palace provide an intimate, luxurious alternative to the city's more famous high-end hotels, offering thoughtful hospitality and opulent, distinctive rooms full of antiques. The hotel is noted for its attentive service and excellent restaurant. Many rooms have canopied beds, and each has a decorative theme—the Ascot Room, for example, is filled with the kind of elegant hats worn at the eponymous horse race. There's also a sauna and a heated pool, and the hotel can organize special experiences like private tours of Kensington Palace or an in-room recital by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bursting with eye-catching Art Deco design and achingly hip interiors, The Ned is as close to the glamour of the 1920s Jazz Age as you'll find in contemporary London. Guests should catch their breath before walking into the vast impressive lobby, where a cavalcade of lively restaurants and bars await. The multitude of dining options here manage to comfortably share a space not unlike the size of Grand Central Terminal. Replete with 92 emerald-green columns, 10-meter-high ceilings, and gorgeous tiled floors, The Ned is every inch the modern grand dame hotel. Rooms range in size from the smallest "crash pad" to the largest family suite, and the same level of design and attention to detail can be found in each. Luxurious, opulent, and aware of its own style, The Ned is also a surprising bargain.

One of London's hippest hotels sits opposite the famous Royal Opera House, and while a bit austere looking from the outside, inside it's all deluxe boho-chic, with dark mahoganies, worn rugs, velvet sofas, embroidered damasks, and hand-painted wallpapers. Set in the former Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station and delightfully sprinkled with 1,600 pieces of art, be sure to take tea in the Library, enjoy craft cocktails in the subterranean Common Decency cocktail lounge, or sip agave-based cocktails in the hopping Side Hustle bar.

As the first new-build hotel in London since 2012, the Peninsula has a feeling of spaciousness not possible in converted period buildings, resulting in an overall feeling of opulence (architecturally, aesthetically, and service-wise). Public rooms boast triple-height ceilings (quadruple height for the 82-foot heated pool) and standard doubles are the size of small apartments, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sofas, mahogany-paneled walk-in dressing rooms, and huge onyx marble bathrooms (complete with Japanese toilets that adjust water and seat temperature and bathtubs offering lighting and media controls). Triple-glazed windows and thick carpets ensure the droning traffic of nearby Hyde Park Corner never intrudes. Unobtrusive but omnipresent tech, a state-of-the-art spa, two glamorous bars, and four dining options (ranging from Canton Blue and its elevated Anglo-Cantonese food to the aviation-themed, fine dining Brooklands with views over Hyde Park) create a luxurious, rarified cocoon infused with Asian influences for the (private) jet set.

The first Raffles hotel in the United Kingdom has finally opened in the former old war offices in Whitehall overlooking the Royal Horse Guards, and given the Raffles brand, it couldn't be more appropriately housed, with thoughtful, historic touches throughout including chandeliers, opulent upholstery, and grand marble staircases. Arrive through the main entrance on Whitehall, and you immediately know you're on hallowed ground—get there after midday, and you'll be greeted with a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne. Many of the hotel's suites have historic names to match their pedigree. The Haldane Suite, named after the Secretary of State for War in 1906, was once used by significant military figures such as Lord Kitchener. The historic paneling and mantelpieces have been restored and preserved, enriched by red or green damask upholstery. Stay in the Churchill Suite (if you have a spare £20,000) and you can say you've slept in a room where critical decisions were made during World War II, including about the D-Day landings. There are several fine dining and afternoon tea options on-site, and with a huge swimming pool and London's first Guerlain spa, you would be hard-pressed to find a more elegant place to stay right in the heart of Whitehall.

If you're wondering if the Downton Abbey–style world of the old British upper class still exists, look no further than here; The Ritz is as synonymous with London's high society and decadence today as it was when it opened in 1906. The central lobby, with its chandelier and sweeping balconies, is as photogenic as any in London. The lounges are as gorgeous as ever, and the bedrooms are bastions of Louis XVI style, with acres of luxurious fabric and glittering chandeliers. With a ratio of two staff members to every bedroom, you're guaranteed personal service despite the hotel's massive size. Note that the Ritz is still committed to the ancient regime of English manners, and the dress code remains inflexibly strict—woe betide a gentleman if he doesn't wear a jacket. The staff, however, are incredibly polite and courteous, particularly the concierge who stand smiling outside, ready to open the door for those visiting for afternoon tea.

A stylish period masterpiece in the heart of laid-back Clerkenwell, The Rookery is a luxury boutique hotel with a hefty dollop of Downton Abbey charm. Huge, wood-paneled bedrooms have heavy raw silk drapes, antique furniture, artfully scattered antiquarian books, and white marble bathrooms with deep claw-foot tubs big enough for two. The elegant, Regency-style drawing room has a well-stocked honor bar, and the conservatory, with its small patio garden, is another relaxing place to unwind. There's no restaurant, but 24-hour room service is good quality and reasonably priced. Breakfast, served in your room, features a large basket of freshly baked breads and pastries, juices, and yogurts.

Discreet, beautiful, and exceptionally well-run, this converted Chelsea town house makes for a restful hideaway. The clue's in the name as far as the vibe is concerned, with a decidedly Italianate feel to the decor and furnishings. The opulent guest rooms are filled with luxury fabrics, rich colors, elegant antiques, and well-chosen art, though minimalists allergic to swags and valences may find it all too much. But as is so often the case with boutique hotels, the thing that really makes the difference here is the service—the staff is exceptionally thoughtful and welcoming, and the place feels impeccably run. They'll happily sort out dinner reservations for you, so the absence of an on-site restaurant or bar shouldn't pose a problem, especially in the heart of Chelsea.

A former gentlemen's club that began life in 1857, with members that included Ian Fleming, Winston Churchill, and Henry James, a stay here will see you follow in the footsteps of the British aristocracy. In a quiet cul-de-sac just off Piccadilly, this luxury boutique hotel is the perfect spot for a special night or two, with an ideal location close to Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. With suites like the Penthouse or St. James's, you'll have the luxury of your own private elevator, a large lounge and dining area, or a terrace with views of St. James's Palace. Seven Park Place is the fantastic on-site restaurant from Michelin-starred head chef William Drabble. Whether you choose to eat in the bar or the main dining room, you'll be served exquisite, modern French dishes using British ingredients, with an extensive menu of wines and ports. Make sure you find time to lounge in the bar too—not least for its history—as the cocktail-making is exquisite. The wonderful staff will go out of their way to make this a memorable stay.

This stunningly restored Victorian landmark—replete with gingerbread turrets and neo-Gothic flourishes—started as a love letter to the golden age of railways, and now it's one of London's most sophisticated places to stay. Originally built in 1873 to serve wealthy passengers for the adjacent St. Pancras rail station, the hotel's original High Victorian Gothic features have been restored to great effect, from the soaring, redbrick reception area to the stylish, gilt-trimmed bar and restaurant, a reworking of the old station's booking hall. Guest rooms, styled with a restrained elegance and understated grandeur, are spacious, comfortable, and feature a host of up-to-the-minute gadgetry.

This is a rare find: a posh hotel that's equal parts elegance and friendliness, and located in one of the few peaceful spots in the area, down a small lane behind Piccadilly. All the accommodations are luxurious and chic, but those in the 18th-century Carriage House, some of which feature fireplaces and exposed beams, are especially pleasant. Those who prefer more contemporary style should ask for a suite in the Mews. The restaurant's incredible wine cellar—several hundred years older than the hotel itself—is one of the best in the city. A curious historical nugget; in the 1930s almost every large hotel in central London opened an "American Bar," to entice the sought-after U.S. clientele (and their notoriously deep pockets). The Stafford has one of only two left in its original form (the other is at the Savoy), and certainly leaves you in no doubt of its heritage, with virtually every space filled with knickknacks of vintage Americana from model airplanes to club ties. 

This art-filled former 19th-century office building, now part of the Hilton chain, is in a superb location, and some guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with extraordinary views of Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, and The City. Twenty-one rooms are split-level, with upstairs space for chilling out and sleeping space below. Bathrooms have deep tubs, full-size toiletries, and mini-TVs. Go up to the roof garden for spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. Better yet, ask for Room 303 to enjoy these exquisite views in privacy.

No matter how hip the crowd here gets, the clientele is never likely to distract from the sumptuous decor of this boutique hotel that is equal parts Tudor-style and Georgian flair, with a pinch of steampunk for good measure. The Parlour bar serves a concise range of snacks along with a list of sublime cocktails that make it a popular destination for nonguests, too. 

This combination of four Victorian town houses on a quiet street, London's only Relais & Châteaux property, is a warren of tucked-away, intimate public rooms, where aubergine walls enlivened by gilt-framed Victorian portraits and an abundance of fresh lilies create a glamorous, luxurious, and slightly decadent atmosphere in keeping with the hotel’s former owner, Elizabeth Hurley (it’s now run by the owners of luxury country house hotel Chewton Glen). The 56 bedrooms, by contrast, are light and airy, several with four-poster beds. There’s a terrace and a good bar and grill offering all-day dining that opens directly onto buzzy, fashionable Pavilion Road. For longer stays, there are six apartments on the other side of the square.

Another member of the luxury Dorchester Collection hotel group, 45 Park Lane is a beautifully considered five-star property with no shortage of contemporary swagger to match its stylized Art Deco elegance. Spacious rooms are beautifully appointed and come with views of Hyde Park along with the blinking lights of the city below, although if you can afford one of the exceptionally appointed suites then all the better. From its sultry mezzanine cocktail bar and ultraexpensive grill restaurant to its ostentatious basement spa, 45 Park Lane opts out of staid luxury and instead presents an experience that oozes Golden Age glamour.

A sense of style emanates from every surface of this stylish hotel in the heart of Kensington, and the playful vintage vibe lends the property a refreshingly down-to-earth feel in a neighborhood that can feel stodgy. Guest room decor is whimsically inspired by the cultural institutions nearby—the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert, and the Science Museum—with musical, astronomical, ornithological, and botanical themes. Some suites have balconies. Apero, the hotel's main restaurant, specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, or you can take afternoon tea in the bright and colorful Drawing Rooms.

At this sleek modern branch of the small Apex chain near the Tower of London, bedrooms are reasonably spacious, with contemporary color schemes, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, and little sofas. The Lampery restaurant serves good, varied modern British cuisine, although you're hardly lacking for dining options around this neighborhood. It's worth checking out the website for good package deals and special offers, especially in the off-season.

This Radisson hotel adjacent to the long-gestating renovation of Gilbert Scott's Art Deco Battersea Power Station in the revitalized Nine Elms area has, as the name might suggest, an art-world theme. The hotel's signature artist Jaime Hayon is responsible not only for the design of the uncluttered but welcoming guest rooms (all with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views---prices go up according to what floor you're on), but also for the highly stylized, art-filled public spaces. The hotel even has its own art gallery, as well as an Italian-theme all-day café, a 15th-floor Portuguese fine dining restaurant with a rooftop bar, a spa, and a heated rooftop infinity pool plus hot tub.

A short walk from Gloucester Road Tube station and within walking distance of Harrods and the Kensington museums, this is one of the better boutique hotels in this part of town. Guest rooms vary in size, but most are spacious enough, and flooded with natural light from elegant floor-to-ceiling windows. Certain periods of time require a two-night minimum.

This grand hotel overlooking Green Park offers plenty for the money: rooms are both comfortable and lavishly decorated, with deeply cushy Hypnos beds, plasma-screen TVs, luxurious fabrics, and original contemporary artworks. If you need more space, you can choose one of the luxurious apartments that occupy a row of Georgian town houses next to the main hotel buildings, each with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas and tiny, fully equipped kitchenettes. The spa is available only to guests, ensuring you can always get an appointment. The restaurant serves British-inspired food from Michelin-starred chefs and also offers a full afternoon tea—an elegant experience, complete with honey from bees in Regent's Park.

Now a smart boutique hotel, this was not the actual London town house of Lord Beaverbrook (newspaper tycoon of the 1930s and '40s and confidante of Churchill), but its 1930s-style decor mixed with Japanese touches is a salute to his sophisticated life at the center of London's power elite. The luxurious but comfortable rooms, all named after London theaters, have velvet loveseats, flat screens that rise up from ottomans, retro landline phones in pastel colors, and minicocktail trolleys with glass tumblers and premixed cocktails (in case Nöel Coward stops by for a drink, presumably). The Japanese theme is continued in the restaurant and its adjoining Omikado bar which serves a nine-course small plate menu. Guests receive keys to Cadogan Gardens, one of London's largest garden squares, across the street.

Founded in 1837 by James Brown, Lord Byron's "gentleman's gentleman," this hotel occupying 11 Georgian town houses holds a treasured place in London society. Nowadays the interior has a slightly more modern edge, thanks to a top-to-bottom renovation by the Forte chain. Fans of the hotel still love the old-world setting, although a few complain that it's not quite the atmospheric old place it used to be. Nonetheless, it's a well-run operation, filled with the kinds of top-end extras you'd expect with this kind of price tag. The subtle, contemporary guest rooms have office spaces and marble bathrooms equipped with luxurious products, while the staff are exceedingly professional.

This luxury hotel checks all the Knightsbridge boxes (top-of-the-range everything, ultrafashionable design, a haven for the international rich) and brings the same attention to detail and Italian high style to the decor as it does to its eponymous jewelry line (though Bulgari hotels are now part of the top end of Marriott). The bedrooms and suites are all large by London standards (and some have fireplaces and terraces), and the glamorous marble-clad bathrooms will make you feel like a movie star (and all have Bulgari toiletries, of course). There's a beautiful onyx-lined spa and indoor pool, while the Sette restaurant, a branch of New York's Scarpetta, showcases good though pricey Italian comfort food. Service is professional but friendly. Suites come with personal butlers and the gym comes with personal trainers.

This elegant hotel spread out over five town houses features luxurious decor that incorporates sculptural lighting fixtures and modern art while retaining nods to The Cadogan's Edwardian past (it was the site of Oscar Wilde's infamous arrest for gross indecency with a young man). There's a highly rated Modern British restaurant on-site, and access to the 93-acre Cadogan Place Gardens, one of Chelsea's largest garden squares, is included with your stay.

Nothing is ever too much at this elegant hotel that was formerly a private house; mattresses are handmade, sheets are 450 thread count, bathrooms are marble, and everything is done in impeccable taste. There are fine-grain woods, original prints, and soothing, country-chic furnishings throughout, and service is understated. All the rooms are spacious but ask for one facing the front to get more space. Several star chefs got their start at the restaurant, which currently offers all-day dining in the form of everything from poké bowls and pasta to burgers and steaks from the Josper grill.

Located across the road from Fortnum & Mason (one of the most luxurious department stores in the world), it seems appropriate that the Cavendish comes with a touch of Gilded Age history, a whiff of historical scandal, and a pleasant air of joie de vivre. The hotel was opened in 1906 by one of 20th-century London's great characters, Rosa Lewis (otherwise known as the Duchess of Duke Street), who rose from humble origins to become one of the most feted chef-proprietors of the age (and, infamously, the king's mistress). Today the hotel's genuinely warm and thoughtful service really stands out, and the guest rooms, though small, are comfortable and cozy; upper rooms have memorable city views. 

A stone's throw from the Russell Square Tube station, this is a reliable budget choice whose key attraction is its proximity to the West End and the British Museum. Rooms are clean and comfortable, but with basic amenities (cheapest rooms share bathrooms). Breakfasts are generous and the Wi-Fi is free. A nice touch is the residents' private garden.

Deep in the heart of Mayfair, the former town house of the Earl of Chesterfield welcomes guests in wood-and-leather public rooms that match the dark-wood furnishings in the bedrooms—small but looking like fashion magazine spreads, with bold designer wallpaper or tones of fawn and gray. Notice the needlepoint dog pillows on chairs and couches throughout the lobby, a touch from the hotel's dog-loving owners. There are bargains to be had if you book online in advance, and the service is excellent. One neat little detail: the honey at breakfast comes from the hotel's own hives located on the roof.

Like rays of sunshine in gritty south London, the rooms at this distinctive Camberwell hotel are decorated in rich colors that evoke Mexico, a theme enhanced by authentic touches like elaborately painted crucifixes, tiles handmade in Guadalajara, and handcrafted iron bed frames. Breakfast is a tasty combination of organic breads, pastries, and smoothies, much of it sourced from nearby Borough Market. There's also an honor bar with a great selection of whiskies, tequilas, rums, and Spanish bottled beers.