When you live and work in the British capital, you quickly get used to a few things. You walk at the pace of a jog (without spilling a drop of your £4.50 oat flat white), you learn every quiet route imaginable to allow you to shop in Selfridges without walking down jam-packed Oxford Street, and you get inundated with questions about the best hotels in London from family and friends. The requests for recommendations come thick and fast, like new branches of Blank Street Coffee.
It’s quite a question – considering there are hundreds of worthy contenders – so we’ve done what any self-respecting London-based publication would do: we’ve slept around in the name of research. This edit isn’t based on assumptions or a set of flattering images. The Vogue team has checked in, tested the shower pressure, flung ourselves on the beds and called room service to describe how we like our eggs in the morning.
Of course, there isn’t one outright winner of a “Best Hotel in London” trophy, as there are too many variables to consider and too many deserving hotels, but we’ve shortlisted an edit of our favourite places to stay in the capital, a list that will grow over time as we continue to identify the best of the bunch.
Which area of London is best to stay in?
If you’re a first-time visitor to London – or simply have limited time to spend in the capital – a W1 hotel will put you within easy distance of most landmarks, whether you’re staying in a Mayfair institution such as Claridge’s or a Soho newcomer like Broadwick Soho. If this is your second (or third, or fourth) trip to the city, though, it’s worth venturing out of the centre to experience another side of the metropolis. Chelsea has recently seen a flurry of charming openings (At Sloane, The Chelsea Townhouse), while Shoreditch is a good base for exploring East London, now the heart of the city’s music, art, and nightlife scenes.
The Savoy
We can’t really talk about luxury hotels without mentioning one of London’s very first, can we? The Savoy – which opened its doors in 1889 and has since seen the likes of Oscar Wilde, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland enter its vast, checkered foyer – is arguably the capital’s most famous (alongside Claridge’s, The Dorchester and The Ritz). Don’t mistake the Savoy for all heritage over substance, though – the hotel has undergone plenty of refreshes, including recent updates to the rooms’ colour palette, plus newly marbled bathrooms and streamlined tech throughout.
There are 267 rooms in total, but it’s worth opting for one of their renovated river view suits which look out over a sun-drenched Thames by day and a glittering neon cityscape by night (for a moment there I forgot I was a Vogue staffer, and instead felt like some sort of spy in an espionage thriller, such is the vibe of the place). They have “butlers” – an old-fashioned phrase, but a purposefully winking one – at your beck and call, and an especially elaborate in-room dining menu (I opted for grilled kippers and lemon sauce with a matcha latte chaser). Basically, this is where you go if you want frills with a capital ‘F’.
There are endless restaurants nearby – this is the West End, after all – but if you’re like me and prefer your dinner within reaching distance of your bed, then downstairs dining spot Gallery is a must. With its cream, peach and gold interiors and art-deco styling, it gives shades of The Shining’s Overlook Hotel – only visually, of course. Food-wise, envision succulent steak frites, melt-in-the-mouth scallops and the sort of whipped-up Eton mess people write soliloquies about. – Daisy Jones
- Neighbourhood: Overlooking the Thames on The Strand, with the London Eye, Big Ben and London’s best theatres all within touching distance.
- Is there a spa? Yes, plus a state-of-the-art gym and swimming pool.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? It’s a huge hotel, so don’t be surprised if you get lost at least once.
- Price: ££££
The Corinthia London
No best hotels in London list is complete without the Corinthia which is, as we recently found out, Molly-Mae Hague’s favourite place to stay. It’s easy to see why: this Whitehall hotel, which spans 279 rooms, including 26 newly refurbished suites, is the sort of place to go if you’re in need of some real pampering. In fact, plenty of Londoners come here just for the day (their ESPA Life Spa is the city’s largest, with a vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, steam room and actual sleep pods equipped with curtains and cushions). They’ve also recently partnered with every celeb’s favourite brand, Augustinus Bader, so if you want to emerge with that Victoria Beckham glow, don’t miss out on their famous facial.
Visually, the hotel isn’t shy – opulence is what it’s known for. Think: marble lobbies and grand pianos and a crystal chandelier so big that it looks like it could swallow you. Again, this is where you go for a treat (they’re especially known for their pretty afternoon teas). Elsewhere, there are food and drink spots dotted throughout the hotel, from sexy mood-lit cocktail bar Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese to The Garden, their seasonal al-fresco restaurant. (Don’t let the fact it’s outside put you off: with its outdoor heaters and faux fur throws, it’ll make you feel like you’re on a cosy ski trip. Plus, their creamy Bombardino, a drink popular in the Italian Alps, really is a must.)
Though the Corinthia London is known for its grandeur, the rooms are a little more homely (wood panelling, a neutral colour palette, casual throws). The new suites especially, which are more like mini apartments, really lean into that “home away from home” vibe (velvety earth-toned furniture, cow-print rugs and screens in each room). Most importantly, the beds are plush and comfortable. I had the best night’s sleep I’d had in weeks, and found it hard to actually leave the room (fortunately, they do breakfast-in-bed at whatever time suits). – Daisy Jones
- Neighbourhood: A glittering escape within Westminster. Within walking distance from many of the city’s most well-known tourist attractions.
- Is there a spa? Yes, London’s largest.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? It’s a popular hotel, so the lobby can get busy during peak times.
- Price: ££££
The Emory
Some hotels are buzzy scenes and others are tranquil getaways and The Emory fits firmly in the latter category. Hidden within the leafy confines of Belgravia and looking out over the mammoth Hyde Park, London’s first all-suite hotel feels a bit like a sanctuary where time and space has been momentarily paused. Work… what work? Problems… what problems? It’s easy to forget the concept of cortisol when you’re in a light-filled suite looking out over an endless tapestry of tree-tops; a relatively rare sight in London, even within the SW1 postcode (if you visit in autumn, it’ll feel particularly romantic).
My favourite thing about this hotel, though? The restaurant, which skews healthy and flavoursome over rich and decadent. Too often hotel restaurants in the UK whack out the same steak, fries and truffle-heavy menus, but at abc kitchens it’s more about seasonal, sustainable produce. I actually felt a bit unwell before my visit, but after tucking into their zesty arroz con pollo (peppery brown rice soaked in chicken broth), gingery tuna tartare and bright, citrussy sea scallop wrapped in kohlrabi leaves, I started to feel much better. That’s the vibe of The Emory: you’re supposed to leave more rested and fresh-faced than when you arrived.
Surrenne Belgravia, their four-floor spa, comes replete with a sauna, steam room, “snow shower” and eight treatment rooms, where you can opt for anything from full-body massages to “lymphatic body boosts”. Again, this hotel isn’t necessarily where you’d stay if you’re after a party (although their rooftop bar catches a vibe after dark); it’s a wellbeing-focussed hotel, for those like myself who are in dire need of de-stressing and unwinding in peace. – Daisy Jones
- Neighbourhood: On the border of Belgravia and Knightsbridge.
- Is there a spa? Yes, four entire floors.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? This is quiet luxury over boom boom luxury, which could be a con or pro depending on your tastes. And it obviously doesn’t come cheap.
- Price: ££££
The Landmark London
There’s a chance you already recognise Marylebone’s The Landmark London – its famous foyer, adorned with palm trees and a vibrant outside-inside “garden”, is all over Instagram. Don’t let its social media-friendly exterior fool you, though – this hotel isn’t style over substance. In fact, at over a century old, it’s one of the capital’s most iconic hotels (hence its name). Rooms are traditional and polished (think: neutral tones and gold-tinged lighting, slick marble bathrooms and walls covered in classic-looking artwork), with soft-footed carpeting throughout and the sort of mega-sized, plush bed that’ll have you sleeping way past your alarm (as I did).
Top tip? Even if you don’t stay for the night, come for the food. At just £55 per head for a three-course set menu with champagne, in-house restaurant Winter Garden is surprisingly affordable for hotels of its ilk, with dishes that are somehow both artfully beautiful and delicious (while you often get one or the other, it’s rarer in 2025 to get both). From lemony salted cod croquettes in a glistening chive butter sauce, to melt-in-the-mouth beef ravioli and chargrilled ’Nduja-glazed chicken, the food on offer will have you actually excited about British cooking. It helps that someone’s always noodling away on the grand piano, which sort of lulls you into a meditative state while eating.
Those who simply cannot go to a hotel without a spa will be pleased to know that The Landmark has one on their ground floor, with various massage options and treatments from skin rejuvenation experts, SkinFaciality. Like any spa joint worth its salt, it has all the classic facilities, from a sauna and steam room to a 15-metre chlorine-free, heated swimming pool. All-in-all, The Landmark London is an excellent all-rounder of a hotel. Fun fact: The Landmark held a “welcome back from prison” breakfast for The Suffragettes in the 1910s because, well, why not? – Daisy Jones
- Neighbourhood: A mere skip, hop and a jump (literally) from Marylebone station, this one’s extremely well-connected.
- Is there a spa? Yes, replete with treatment rooms.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? If you’re ultra sensitive to sound, you might be able to hear the faint rumble of trains down below.
- Price: £££
45 Park Lane
If The Dorchester is where you go for opulence and frills, the Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane – right opposite – is the hotel’s sexier and more low-key cousin; all masculine colour tones, polished wood and monochrome artwork; the sort of place that makes you want to pick up a cigar and scotch on the rocks despite having never craved those items previously. Rooms are spacious – the balcony suite had its own private, leather-abundant office (the vibe is more luxe business than family-orientated) and also the most technical toilets I’d ever encountered (imagine a spa, but it’s a toilet).
Dinner at Cut downstairs is a must. They take their steak very seriously and my wife, who had the Japanese wagyu, said it was the best steak she’d ever eaten. Cocktails are carefully-crafted and rambunctious: Pickle-infused, umami martinis and bitter-sweet basil concoctions. I could have had at least three, which would have been fine if I didn’t have work the next day, all finished off with an alarmingly decadent banana cream pie (the hotel’s ambience might be pared-back, but the restaurant’s menu is not so).
45 Park Lane’s best-kept secret, though? The spa, a dimly-lit, hidden oasis at the base of the hotel, for guests only. With its 20 metre-long pool and spacious steam room and sauna, it’s easily one of London’s best (and I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time in the capital’s many spas). As for treatments, there are plenty – I opted for their 60-minute massage; a thorough, all-body work over that left me dazed (in a good way) – but their Natura Bissé facial comes highly recommended. – Daisy Jones
- Neighbourhood: Overlooking Hyde Park and a short stroll from Mayfair’s cultural hub.
- Is there a spa? Yes, for hotel guests only – and you’ll want to spend a few uninterrupted hours there.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The room could have done with a few more easily accessible plug sockets, including by the bed, but if you’re there to unwind this won’t be an issue.
- Price: ££££
At Sloane
At Sloane is the kind of boutique hotel that you dream of discovering in any city, but London got lucky. And not just any old part of London – the hotel has claimed a handsome corner spot on a residential street of grand redbrick townhouses, mere feet from Sloane Square. The intentionally discrete setting and lack of any outwards sign that it is indeed a hotel (besides the sharply dressed doorman) all lends itself to the feeling of a luxurious home from home. It’s undoubtedly one of London’s most exceptional hotel openings of the last few years and yet it remains thrillingly under the radar, despite being the five-star sister to Paris’s Hotel Costes.
Non-guests visit for the basement cocktail bar and beautiful top-floor restaurant, which is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Hotel Costes regulars will be happy to discover some familiar dishes on the menu. We followed our lobster pasta with a moreish tarte Tatin.
Inside, the note-perfect lobby lounge is lit by candlelight from morning till night, making winter days feel cosy rather than dreary. There’s no formal check-in desk, just an imposing table in the centre of the room, dotted with design books and the hotel’s own range of scented candles. Antique vases line the windowsills, while a leopard-print door curtain clashes playfully with the bold black and white floor. You’re in one of London’s most exclusive postcodes but the interiors by celebrated French designer François-Joseph Graf feel decidedly Parisian. In the mouse-quiet bedrooms, hidden cupboards and mirrored panelling are cleverly used to create a cocooning sense of symmetry, with the visual mess of wardrobes and tea stations tucked out of sight. The bedrooms with two-person bathtubs are something special; this writer promptly declared that she never wanted to leave. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: One of the most exclusive in London. You’re minutes from the King’s Road’s luxury boutiques, Pavilion Road’s restaurants and Pimlico Road’s homeware emporiums. It hardly gets better than this.
- Is there a spa? Unfortunately not.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The bedrooms are exceptionally comfortable and soundproofed, but they are compact for the price point.
- Price: ££££
Beaverbrook Town House
Beaverbrook Town House is the smaller, newer, younger sibling to the much-loved Beaverbrook in Surrey. The townhouse has a premium location in Chelsea and it’s the luxury hotel of choice for stylish travellers who prefer the feeling of a home from home. The interiors here are by celebrated designer Nicola Harding and each room is unique – drenched in bold colour and print. Because of its attention to detail, relatively small size and townhouse layout, it feels more like a thoughtfully decorated jewel box of a house than a glitzy five-star hotel. From the moment you walk through the door, there are fresh flowers and plump, velvet-covered seats, daring you to sit and make yourself at home.
We saw two bedrooms during our stay and the colour and styling was very different in both, so it’s worth dropping the hotel an email if you have your heart set on one space in particular. The first had a romantic four-poster bed with sugar-pink curtains and spearmint walls, whereas the second felt much more masculine and retro in design, with rich teal accents and a geometric rug on the floor. The crowd-dividing feature in both was the custom fabric-covered box concealing the TV (which rotates to face either the bed or seating area). It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying it’s a creative way to hide the tech in a room.
Downstairs, there’s a bar and adjoining restaurant, The Fuji Grill. They specialise in Japanese food and offer an omakase experience. It was a shame that during our stay on a Sunday evening, the bar and restaurant were empty, despite their enviable location and dreamy interiors (the bar is a shock of blue tiles, with soothing green and marbled lampshades in the restaurant). Dinner was truly something to write home about – I had the best sushi I’ve ever eaten in London and each dish was presented like a work of art. The room deserved to be packed; I hope we just caught them on a quiet day. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: Well-heeled Sloane Street, moments from the smartest addresses around Belgravia, Knightsbridge and the King’s Road. Guests have access to the private garden square opposite, which is a charming perk.
- Is there a spa? No, it’s a small hotel but they can give local recommendations.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The hotel’s most impressive rooms are road-facing, which might not suit everyone as the passing traffic is audible through the closed windows. The bar and restaurant were empty during our visit, so the atmosphere wasn’t there.
- Price: ££££
The Twenty Two
Open for just over a year, The Twenty Two is a relatively new addition to the London hotel scene and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best places to stay in the city. Luxurious but far from stuffy thanks to its friendly staff and vibey private members’ club, this is an opulent yet playful serve with picture-perfect interiors from the previous owner of Blakes. Set within an Edwardian manor just off Grosvenor Square, all 31 rooms (a mix of bedrooms, suites and even a two-storey mews house) have a decadent but youthful feel, each one designed individually, taking inspiration from 18th-century French design. Think beautiful Pierre Frey patterned wallpapers, four-poster beds, trompe l’oeil carpets and plump velvet tasselled sofas. We stayed in The Audley Suite, which had country manor-sized windows overlooking the busy streets below, yet it remained surprisingly silent even with the club downstairs. Some rooms will be closer to the party than others, so double check the location of your room before booking.
Design lovers will be equally delighted downstairs, where the dining room is painted a bespoke blend of seven shades of blue. The room buzzes at night under twinkling candlelight, with couples on dates nestled amongst lively groups. The menu offers a blend of British and Mediterranean dishes – we had been recommended the beef Wellington for two, and it was the best we’ve ever had. The Sunday roasts have also become an institution in their own right, so don’t miss out if you’re staying over a weekend. – Naomi Smart
- Neighbourhood: Mayfair, situated in one of the best shopping triangles of London: between Bond Street, Oxford Street and Mount Street. It sits just off Grosvenor Square, a five-minute walk to Hyde Park.
- Is there a spa? No, but the concierge is on hand to recommend a range of therapists in the area, including ones who will come to your room.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes, there is one fully accessible deluxe room.
- Any downsides? There isn’t a spa, but the location, restaurants, atmosphere and delightful rooms more than make up for it.
- Price: ££££
The Standard London
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The Standard group’s first UK hotel opened in 2019 – it moved into a standout Brutalist building opposite the red towers of St Pancras Station and joined a posse of stylish shops and restaurants that are rejuvenating the King’s Cross area, making it a destination, rather than a place to simply pass through. Formally the Camden Town Hall Annex, this stylish white monolith, with its curved front and pill-shaped windows, is ideally placed for a jaunt to the capital. Heck, maybe even a jaunt to Paris, since the Eurostar is just over the road.
The hotel leans into its 1970s conception with vivid block-coloured interiors and a retro bar/lounge styled as a library. Our bedroom was roughly in the middle of the building, a few floors apart from the ground-floor bar and the top-floor restaurant and bar, which is perhaps the perfect location for a great night’s sleep. To our surprise, despite The Standard’s reputation as a lively hotel for those who are in London to make the most of the city, we had a blissfully uninterrupted and peaceful early night, with the most comfortable bed and impressive sound-proofed windows and curtains that blocked out the busy road outside. The hotel doesn’t offer unbridled luxury, but they combine an excellent night’s sleep in a dead-central location and one of the fairer price points for design-led hotels at that level.
The bedroom was like a playful retro space pod, with electric-blue carpet and a bed in the very centre of the room, plus a fixed purple sofa and glossy dining table in the window (very useful for midnight snacks or remote working). It wasn’t the way I would choose to decorate my own home, but did we love the comfort and novelty of it? Absolutely.
Another good reason to choose The Standard London is Decimo, the 10th-floor restaurant that merges elevated Mexican and Spanish cuisines in a glamorous setting that reminded me of Palm Springs. The food was great and so was the general vibe. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: King’s Cross – a busy, sometimes gritty intersection just a short stroll to the shops and restaurants at Coal Drops Yard and Regent’s Canal. Regent’s Park and the shops in central London are easily walkable and the transport links couldn’t be better.
- Is there a spa? No.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The retro interiors and younger clientele might not suit everyone, but request a room on a quiet floor and you shouldn’t have an issue.
- Price: ££
Claridge’s
If there was a finishing school for the hotel industry (or even life for that matter), Claridge’s would be it. One of the most famous hotels in the world, with the clientele to match (everyone from Hollywood to Highgrove has checked in), its long-standing reputation for excellence dates back as far as 1812, when it started as a single-terraced house on Brook Street. Fast forward 200 years, and fresh from a seven-year renovation project (its most ambitious makeover to date), the hotel is as energised as ever. Afternoon tea in the art deco foyer and reading room still flows as normal, bustling with first-timers and regulars soaking up the film set-like atmosphere, but a five-storey basement, dug as far down as the hotel is high, and three floors on top are a game-changing blueprint for the hotel that now has everything.
A jewel-like pink quartz lift takes you down to the much-anticipated spa and pool, which are inspired by traditional Japanese temples and zen gardens in Kyoto. Other extras include an on-site salon by hair colour expert Josh Wood, as well as Augustinus Bader products and Facegym treatments – all firm Vogue favourites. Café culture has also arrived at Claridge’s for the first time in the form of the Artspace café, which has its own entrance on Brooks Mews (designed by John Pawson). It’s an easy breezy meeting spot where you can pick up a croque monsieur or one of their signature treats, such as the Mega Mayfair Madeline (a supersized version of the French delicacy).
But what about the rooms? No less than 72 new bespoke rooms and suites have a light but timeless feel, which complements the original art deco interiors effortlessly. The crowning glory, however, is a new penthouse complete with a pool that spans the entire rooftop of the hotel.
Lastly, children are not only allowed, but they receive a warm welcome – mini bathrobes and teddies dressed as Claridge’s doormen are just some of the personal touches to expect. – Naomi Smart
- Neighbourhood: In the heart of Mayfair, this is the definition of a prime location, a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and the Elizabeth Line, which will whisk you across the city in record time.
- Is there a spa? It’s been a long time coming, but it’s now one of the best in London. Treatment-wise, you don’t want to leave without the Bamboo & Silk 90-minute ritual. The glowing peach rooms are some of the most relaxing we’ve experienced.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? If any, the price. Staying at Claridge’s is bookmarked for some of life’s biggest milestone moments, so expect to save and splurge.
- Price: ££££
The Berkeley
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The Berkeley is a sister hotel to world-renowned Claridge’s, but aside from their shared mastery of tasteful luxury and flawless service, the sibling comparisons should end there.
From check-in onwards (done in a chic space with plump bouclé armchairs instead of a formal desk), we didn’t need to tell anyone our names, dietary requirements or where our next reservation was because they already knew. The guest experience is seamless and every member of staff made us feel special and like we mattered.
Elegant and firmly contemporary in style, the five-star hotel has rooms and suites by five different designers, including Joyce Wang, André Fu and John Heah. The latter designed our astonishingly beautiful room (a vast suite called The Apartment) and details included modern art suspended over fabric-covered walls, curvaceous lines, classic Serge Mouille lamps, a show-stopping wood-panelled hallway and the occasional piece of 1950s Italian furniture. The feeling is stylish yet timeless and undeniably luxurious. We noted the impeccable presentation of our room service breakfast, monogrammed bathrobes, bespoke pre-mixed cocktails in the fridge (mine was a sour cherry negroni), Frette towels, a Dyson hairdryer, Bose speaker, an on-demand movie library and a retractable sun awning over the private terrace. It’s the little details that make a stay memorable (and compel you to send a video tour to a discerning friend).
Dining options include Prêt-à-Portea – a playful afternoon tea inspired by seasonal collections of major fashion houses, plus Marcus Wareing’s Michelin-starred flagship restaurant. The hotel’s most exciting addition is Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley. The visionary French pastry chef draws in crowds who queue for his takeaway counter, though the best seat in the house is the chef’s table. There, we experienced Cédric’s seven-course tasting menu in the fascinating, immersive surrounds of his open kitchen. For cocktails, head for The Berkeley Bar, designed by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio. The pink snug with its ethereal wall mural (yes, the one with the faces) is where you’ll want to sit. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: Knightsbridge, opposite Hyde Park and an easy stroll to the shops of Chelsea and Belgravia (good soundproofing means even road-facing rooms are peaceful).
- Is there a spa? There’s a heated rooftop swimming pool, a gym, plus spa treatments by Bamford and a current residency with 111Skin.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The room price could be prohibitive unless it’s a special occasion.
- Price: ££££
NoMad London
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Formerly The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court, the walls at the NoMad can tell a tale or two. For starters, the spectacular ballroom – now an events space – once witnessed the trials of Oscar Wilde and the Kray twins. NoMad London opened as a five-star hotel in 2021 after a no-expense-spared renovation by the Sydell Group (who partnered with Soho House on The Ned hotel and members’ club).
Designed by celebrated New York-based firm, Roman and Williams, the NoMad is dark and moody inside, with ornate fabrics, wood panelling and cosy lamp light drawing you in from the cold. Thankfully, the masterful layering of textures, soft lighting and best-in-class displaying of art continues to the bedrooms. We stayed in the Royal Opera Suite, with its freestanding tub in the bedroom, separate living and dining room, direct views of the opera house and a pleasingly large TV at the foot of the bed. Design details included marble fireplaces, peach satin curtains, a curated book selection, a John Derian pen pot with marbled pencils, various excellent lamps and gigantic wall-leaning artworks (there are over 1,600 pieces of art throughout the hotel).
The bed was super comfortable and the shower was great, but the interiors are the main hook here. The wooden doors and floors do clunk a little and there’s occasional noise from outside – but then you are in the heart of Covent Garden.
The bars and restaurants at NoMad London are reason enough to visit, even if you live locally. The much-Instagrammed central atrium restaurant, with its high glass ceiling and suspended lanterns, is as impressive at breakfast as it is under the moonlight, but it’s not style over substance – the food is scrumptious and shouldn’t be missed, the staff are knowledgeable and I had the best cocktail in recent memory (the Sergeant Pepper). Other options include Side Hustle – the hotel’s “pub” with a Mexican-influenced menu and Common Decency – the buzzy and flamboyant basement bar. For a quiet cocktail or a date, the bookcase-lined Library Bar is a particularly sophisticated spot.
You’ll leave wanting to re-hang all your art at home and both the amenities and food are thoroughly five-star. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: Covent Garden, a stone’s throw from the Piazza and opposite the Royal Opera House (who the hotel can work with to offer a Royal Box and backstage experience).
- Is there a spa? There’s a small gym and spa treatments by Ricari Studios and Katie England.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
- Any downsides? The best suites all face the main road, so you might hear the occasional burst of loud pop music from passing rickshaw riders, otherwise nothing to report.
- Price: ££££
The Connaught
The Connaught – one of the Maybourne Group’s exceptionally luxurious London hotels – is a bit of a mysterious onion. If you pass by the ornate red-brick facade on the corner of Mount Street, you can take a measured guess at what to expect inside. If you enter its grand lobby with a roaring fire and magnificent central staircase, you might judge a book by its cover, but peel back the layers and there’s more to The Connaught than traditional bedrooms, gilded paintings and polished balustrades. For one, the Connaught Bar, with its martini trolley service, is frequently named as one of the best cocktail bars in the world, though the Red Room bar – completely hidden behind an unassuming heavy curtain – was this writer’s favourite. The bar’s gentle red and pink interiors were designed by Bryan O’Sullivan and their perfect club sandwich (surely the greatest stomach liner of all time?) should not be missed.
Another “I didn’t expect this!” decorative highlight is the Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, with soft curves and sugared-almond interiors by Pierre Yovanovitch. There are classical, antique-filled bedrooms as you might imagine, but also various sophisticated and contemporary suites. The broad variation between room style and decoration means this dynamic hotel can cater for everyone’s preferences.
The Connaught is a glorious, continuously unravelling surprise. In some ways, it’s traditional in style with the grand dame appeal of its sister hotel, Claridge’s, and in others, it’s more like its contemporary sibling, The Berkeley.
We truly had the stay of a lifetime in The Mews, which is an almost hilariously sublime suite over two storeys, with its own private street entrance, two fireplaces, notable artworks and a grand piano. Of course, it didn’t represent the average overnight stay, but regardless of room type, you can count on this hotel group (and the 24-hour butler service) to make each guest feel equally special and cared for, whether they’re in the best suite or the hotel’s most affordable room. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: A jewel in the crown of ritzy, wealthy Mayfair, within walking distance of the Royal Parks and central London’s best designer shopping.
- Is there a spa? The hotel’s discreet but heavenly basement-level Aman Spa includes a small swimming pool and a menu of restorative treatments.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? Only the price. This is an exceptional hotel and the cost reflects that.
- Price: ££££
Ham Yard Hotel
I didn’t have any preconceptions of Ham Yard before checking in, but I knew it was the newest hotel in the Firmdale group, large enough to be set around its own hidden “village” courtyard (quite a feat, considering the hotel is tucked between three of the area’s busiest streets). What I didn’t expect was to love Ham Yard quite as much as I did. Interior designer and Firmdale founder Kit Kemp is known for her colourful, clashing, pattern-heavy style, which could be a turn-off or a tonic, depending on your penchant for maximalism. The reality of this was a layered, tactile, comfortable space that made us feel immediately at home. Our top-floor suite was huge and flooded with natural light, with no other rooms above or beside us, so we had the best night’s sleep.
Ham Yard Hotel has got the important elements just right. It’s amazingly quiet and well-located. Our room was silent yet just two minutes’ walk from Regent Street. The bedrooms feel characterful and considered – plus the designers understand the importance of layered lighting.
We ordered room service for a lazy dinner and it was one of the few times where I’ve ordered food to a hotel room and it actually arrived piping hot. Breakfast was excellent, too, and we ate that in the whopper of a restaurant downstairs, which is filled with art, pattern and colour. It’s just a lovely place to be.
There’s a large, little-known roof terrace with plenty of seating (this is where the hotel grows seasonal veg and keeps bees) and downstairs in the basement, there’s a full-sized bowling alley. The Firmdale group is especially popular with American guests and I understood that. It feels eccentric and British without any dated fanfare or stuffiness. Crossing paths with an A-list Hollywood actress in the lobby was the icing on the cake. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: Smack-bang in central London, on the border of Piccadilly and Soho. If you’re in London to make the most of the city, you can’t do better than this.
- Is there a spa? Yes, a small one with a nail bar and steam room. No pool but treatments are available.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
- Any downsides? Grasping at straws, but for a hotel of this size, it’s surprising there isn’t a swimming pool or more guest-only lounge areas.
- Price: ££££
Henrietta Hotel
The Henrietta Hotel is the Experimental Group’s stylish and petite London crashpad, tucked away in a blink-and-you’d-miss-it building on bustling Henrietta Street, surrounded by the area’s most-loved shops and dining spots. Affordability, location and comfort are key here. You’re not checking in to luxuriate as it’s too small and low-key for that, but design lovers will still appreciate the Experimental Group’s recognisable interior styling, with geometric prints, exaggerated curves and statement headboards. The beds were a 10 for comfort and the crisp white sheets were memorably smooth to the touch (to the extent that I checked for the label). We had a more restful night’s sleep here than in other hotels that were quadruple the price.
Down the hotel’s skinny, winding staircase there’s a small bar-cum-restaurant serving a menu of Italian dishes and homemade pasta, but we didn’t eat dinner there. Instead, we headed down the street to Stereo, which is an underground live music venue that also happens to serve excellent cocktails and comfort food – it’s a great choice for a fun evening within a short stumbling distance of your bed.
One thing that’s important to note at the Henrietta is the rooms are divided between the main building (which features a tiny reception area and restaurant) and a separate annex building across the street. The standard of the rooms is equal in both locations, but some guests comment that they’d prefer to be in the main hotel building, so be aware of that when booking.
The Henrietta Hotel isn’t a luxury experience but it offers good value for money if you’re looking for a great night’s sleep and a dead-central location. It’s more affordable than the majority of design-led boutique hotels. In some ways (and this is partly due to its small size), it could be described as a no-frills experience, but it’s surprisingly comfortable and quiet considering the proximity to Covent Garden Piazza. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: Covent Garden – steps from the Piazza, the theatres and walking distance to just about everything you could want from a city break.
- Is there a spa? No.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
- Any downsides? We had a disappointing experience at breakfast and checkout with a frosty staff member, but feedback was given and I was assured it was a rogue experience that won’t happen again.
- Price: ££££
The Covent Garden Hotel
The Covent Garden Hotel opened in 1996, making it one of the earliest Firmdale properties in Kit Kemp’s distinctive line-up and one of the first true boutique hotels in the city. You’ll likely recognise its striped awning and handsome terracotta red exterior, with decorative lettering hinting at the building’s beginnings as a French hospital in the late 1800s.
The Covent Garden Hotel has a soft spot in the heart of many who’ve sipped tea amongst the antiques in its lavish wood-panelled lounge on the first floor, or people-watched from the row of tables and chairs along its sliver of a terrace. Grab a perch outside or a window-side seat in Brasserie Max and watch people zipping up and down the busy cobbled street, grabbing coffees from Monmouth across the road or cutting through the archway into Neal’s Yard.
Firmdale hotels are popular with design lovers who gravitate towards the richly layered textiles and punchy colour palettes, though Covent Garden Hotel is particularly loved by guests from the US. Perhaps it’s the central Seven Dials location, or the appeal of the comfortable “English” interior decorating that makes you feel at home (the floral curtains flanking the reception desk are a charming sight). We saw several bedrooms and settled on a high-ceilinged room drenched in a soft blue, with a striking hand-painted chest of drawers in the corner, a feature fireplace and Kit Kemp’s trademark oversized headboard. Covent Garden leans more towards traditional styling than the more contemporary Ham Yard and Soho sister hotels, and the well-dressed, creative clientele reflects that too. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: Arguably the most handsome cobbled street in Seven Dials, in the middle of Covent Garden. This location is a winner for shopping, dining and the theatre.
- Is there a spa? No.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? It’s an old building, so the wooden floors can be creaky underfoot. The room layouts and décor vary enormously – if you’re particular, contact the hotel in advance with any specific preferences.
- Price: ££££
The Ned
The Ned is a member of the Soho House family, but more of a cousin than a sibling, since the huge hotel and members’ club has its own entirely separate membership. The building – designed by Edwin “Ned” Lutyens – dates back to the 1920s, when its grand hall would have echoed with the clip-clop of heels during its time as The Midland Bank. Now a 250-bedroomed hotspot for fun in what is otherwise a corporate corner of town, the designers retained a nod to the hotel’s past with glamorous, richly textured interiors and ’20s styling. Stepping inside our “Large” room was like entering a time machine, and that’s intended as a compliment. The pleasingly quiet space featured high ceilings, panelled walls, a freestanding tub and a supremely comfortable four-poster bed with dramatic brocade curtains.
Set a coin’s throw from the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange, this isn’t the typical location of choice for tourists, but in a way, that’s The Ned’s superpower. The city is much quieter at weekends and the Tube is on your doorstep. You don’t even need to leave the hotel since facilities for guests include a serene library lounge and a large Cowshed spa with a sleek low-lit swimming pool. There’s also a choice of bars and seven (yes, seven) restaurants with an elevated central stage for regular live music. The ground floor is buzzy and, at 3,000 square metres, it’s enormous. The open-plan layout and variety of restaurants make The Ned feel starkly different to any other hotel in London. It’s a bit like being on a fun cruise ship, especially with a singer belting out ballads in the background at dinner. Speaking of, we ate at Cecconi’s, where you can expect reliable Italian fare that’s not especially memorable, but the atmosphere is the reason to go. Once ensconced among its many green columns and perched on a velvet-covered dining bench, you feel a million miles from boring old Bank. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: Heart of the suited and booted City of London, with Bank station right outside and the South Bank and Shoreditch both within walking distance.
- Is there a spa? Yes, the basement Cowshed spa offers various treatments, haircuts, male grooming, a nail bar, a swimming pool and sauna/steam rooms.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? There’s a stylish rooftop bar and club with an open-air terrace and swimming pool. Know before booking that they’re only for Ned’s Club members and not available to hotel guests.
- Price: £££
The Beaumont
The Beaumont is a relatively small, independent hotel in Mayfair, tucked away on a quiet street just metres from Oxford Street and Selfridges. This hotel doesn’t do showy publicity – it’s a discreet, in-the-know spot with a superb reputation that keeps its repeat guests coming back.
The art deco interiors, with their polished wood and honey-hued textiles, look nice enough in photos, but they really need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated – especially since the rooms and suites have just undergone a refresh to make sure they’re looking their best. Our marble tiled bathroom with its DR Harris products was beautiful, and the perk of a complimentary chauffeur service within central London was another major treat. I took full advantage and was promptly dropped in Chelsea by a uniformed driver. Sitting in the back of my luxe car with a TV in the seatback, I was only a pizza away from feeling like Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2.
The vibe here is pure timeless elegance with no party tricks or created-for-Instagram vignettes, which makes a refreshing change. This is a luxury hotel that exceeds expectations. The service is excellent too – attentive and genuine but not suffocatingly so.
The ground-floor Colony Grill restaurant makes the best of its windowless situation with large wall murals and a cordless lamp on each table. It has a proper old-school bistro vibe and reminded me of being in New York. We loved the food, the atmosphere and the bespoke ice-cream sundaes, customisable with your favourite flavours and toppings. Earlier in the day, there’s a delicious afternoon tea served in the small library lounge, set to the backdrop of live piano music. Le Magritte Bar is a chic and low-lit spot for a cocktail to start or end the night, too. It’s the kind of bar to take a date or fancy friend to because they haven’t heard of it and you know they’ll be impressed at your insider intel. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: The edge of Mayfair, walking distance to the Tube and Crossrail at Bond Street and surrounded by superb shops (yet quietly tucked away from the hustle and bustle).
- Is there a spa? Yes, in the basement. No swimming pool but there are spa treatments available, plus a nail bar, hair salon and hammam.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The classic art deco interiors are chic and feel undeniably high-end, but in photographs, they don’t convey the same wow-factor as some other hotels who hire big-name designers to draw people in with colour and maximalism. This dedication to quiet luxury could also be a positive for some.
- Price: ££££
The Dorchester
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Landmark hotel The Dorchester has been presiding over Hyde Park Corner since the 1930s and – as is the prerogative of any fabulous grand dame upon reaching a certain age – she’s recently had something of a refresh. The tweaks – overseen by the revered French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon – encompass transformed rooms and suites, a heavenly new spa, and an entirely overhauled ground floor that now incorporates the Artists’ Bar as a focal point, where the gleam of the grand piano is rivalled only by the Lalique crystal décor.
Other things have not changed. The Dorchester still serves as a plush, hushed respite from the sounds of supercars zipping along Park Lane, the service is still exceptional, and you can still get a phenomenal martini in Vesper Bar. The guest rooms have had a modern makeover, but you won’t find any bouclé sofas, industrial light fittings or cement console tables here. The Dorchester’s suites are all about un-ironic English chintz: think skirted dressing tables, Colefax and Fowler floral wallpaper and (in some rooms) hand-painted de Gournay headboards – all in soothing pastel shades of pink, yellow, blue or green.
The sensitive refurb has managed to preserve The Dorchester’s sense of grandeur and history – count the nods to Ian Fleming, a regular at the hotel in the 1940s – while breathing fresh life into a near century-old stalwart of London’s luxury hotel scene. From a traditional English breakfast in The Promenade to (Michelin-starred) dinner at Alain Ducasse, this decadent destination is a pleasure from start to finish. – Kerry McDermott
- Neighbourhood: A stone’s throw from Hyde Park and an easy stroll from the boutiques of Mount Street and Mayfair’s restaurant scene.
- Is there a spa? Yes, and she’s a beauty. The ishga facials are highly recommended.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? We visited in glorious weather, which rather highlighted the limited outdoor space (Cake & Flowers, the hotel’s sumptuous boutique florist-meets-patisserie, has patio seating, but it is close to a noisy main road). This looks set to be resolved once the rooftop reopens next year following its own revamp.
- Price: ££££
1 Hotel Mayfair
Cloaked in the greenery of a living wall, 1 Hotel Mayfair opened in July 2023, so it’s a new kid on the London hotel scene. The 1 Hotel group is best known in North America – where it has 10 properties – so this is an exciting hop across the pond. Sustainability is their thing, so everything from the materials used in the rooms to the brand partners have been chosen for their minimal environmental impact (think spa products by Bamford and electric cars by Audi). Even the artworks on the ground floor are made from found objects and waste plastic. It all feels serene and luxurious, but look closer, and there’s a carefully considered decision behind everything in the building. There’s no feeling of restraint where comfort or detail is concerned, but this five-star hotel is leading the charge with positive change. They offset their CO2, donate to several charity partners and work with specialist advisors to make sure they’re minimising waste.
We ate in the hotel’s Dovetale restaurant (I loved the Dover sole and the create-your-own knickerbocker glory cart) and discovered afterwards that the hotel has an in-house butcher, so there’s no waste. The meat and fish are bought in whole and prepared on-site, so every part of the animal is used. These are the details that matter. The filtered water tap in our bedroom (and every room) is a genuinely useful feature that every hotel should have.
Our bright and neutrally decorated suite on the top floor was relatively compact but the space was utilised well, with a TV in each room and a large corner sofa. A separate walk-in dressing room meant we could hide our bags away out of sight, and while I was unpacking, I discovered a Dyson hairdryer, an iron, a yoga mat and foam roller, plus a fleecy knee-length hoodie in place of a traditional robe. I slept so well that I checked the mattress brand, and it was a treat to open the curtains to enormous windows that filled the room with light, with a view of the Mayfair rooftops and Green Park over the road. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: A prime position just off Piccadilly – over the road from Green Park Tube. You’re within striking distance of Fortnum & Mason, The Wolseley, Old Bond Street and three of London’s loveliest Royal Parks.
- Is there a spa? The first-floor Bamford wellness spa offers massages and facials. The gym is airy and naturally lit, with a tiny terrace for al fresco downward dogs. Wellness and exercise classes are free for hotel guests.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The windows are well sound-proofed but this is one of the flashiest addresses in central London, so book the upper-floor rooms to be as far as possible from the occasional rip-roaring supercar.
- Price: ££££
Hotel Café Royal
There are central London hotels and then there are central London hotels. The five-star Hotel Café Royal has a front-row seat on the sweeping curve of Regent Street – feet from Piccadilly Circus. The building’s history goes back more than 150 years and its glamorous soirées have been attended by everyone from Virginia Woolf to Harry Styles. It’s also where David Bowie threw a party to retire his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. The now-hotel was known as a favourite hangout of Oscar Wilde, and when we peeked in during afternoon tea service, it was clear the gilded, Grade II-listed Grill Room has retained all the OTT opulence of its Victorian-era heyday.
The original building was expanded to create Hotel Café Royal (it opened to guests in 2012), and the medley of different interior and architectural styles make it an intriguing spot, design-wise. Parts of the hotel exude such a sense of history; there are mosaic-tiled floors in the hallways and a grand staircase, ornate lift doors, stained glass windows and gilded mouldings, but turn a corner and you’ll suddenly find yourself in an ultra-contemporary hallway that feels more like being in Japan. The Club Suite where we slept had a heavily gilded lounge that felt like a state room from a National Trust house, and next door, the minimalist white bedroom and all-marble bathroom felt like being in an edgy hotel in Berlin. It’s astonishing how quiet the rooms are considering you’re sleeping next to busy Piccadilly Circus. It’s rare to find a spot so central and yet so well sound-proofed. We also loved the two distinct design styles in the bedrooms. The oak-lined mansard rooms in the eaves feel warm and cocooning whereas the white Portland stone look is more severe but equally chic.
Room service breakfast exceeded our expectations – it was up there with the very best that we’ve had. You’ll also want to try the cakes dreamt up by world-famous pastry chef Albert Adrià Acosta in his Cakes & Bubbles café (his take on a cheesecake is the thing to order). For a real treat, book a table at Alex Dilling’s eponymous two-Michelin-starred restaurant as well. – Eleanor Cording-Booth
- Neighbourhood: Right on Regent Street, on the border of Mayfair and Soho. For shopping, drinking and dining in central London, you’ve hit the bullseye.
- Is there a spa? Yes, the basement-level Akasha spa features a surprisingly large lap pool, plus a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? There was sometimes a lack of cohesion with the décor, depending on which part of the hotel you were in. The main reception felt a bit like a luxurious but bland holiday resort and not representative of the stylish, design-led spaces inside.
- Price: ££££
Rosewood London
Set back from the bustling roads leading to Covent Garden sits the Edwardian mansion that houses Rosewood London; accessed through a grand and secluded courtyard, it’s no wonder the hotel attracts an A-list clientele seeking sanctuary, with acres of marble and mahogany everywhere you look. We stayed in one of the 45 suites, but their rooms are some of the most spacious in London across the board. The aesthetic in the bedrooms proper is sleek, with graphic black-and-white carpets, yet still somehow cosy (we’re still talking about how comfy the bed was), while the bathrooms have deep baths that imbue the place with a sense of Old Hollywood glamour.
Notably, there are a number of dining spots at the hotel to explore depending on your mood. We loved the Holborn Dining Room at night, which has a relaxed brasserie vibe, and serves dishes built around British ingredients: think Orkney scallops followed by steak pie. Speaking of which, The Pie Room takes pie appreciation to a whole new level, offering everything from takeaway orders to pastry masterclasses, while The Mirror Room, described as “a jewel box of a dining room”, is ideal for breakfast, and a whisky nightcap at Scarfes Bar is strongly recommended. And for those who don’t travel without their pets? Not only does the hotel welcome animals, but Rosewood London offers a dog-friendly “Expawriences” guide to browse, including restaurants, pubs, parks and shops where four-legged friends are welcome. – Naomi Smart
- Neighbourhood: Set along the busy thoroughfare between Holborn and Covent Garden, the location can seem a little soulless at first, but on closer inspection, you’re nestled amongst some of London’s most charming streets. Stroll to Lamb’s Conduit Street for a glass of wine at Noble Rot before popping into Sir John Soane’s Museum.
- Is there a spa? Yes. There may not be hydrotherapy pools or the like, but the treatments are exceptional – so good, in fact, that many Londoners book in there directly to indulge in some quick, easy escapism in the centre of town.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The public rooms can make the hotel feel a little anonymous at times due to the rooms all being quite spread out, but the hotel staff make up for that in their attentiveness and friendliness; door staff even greet you with a “welcome home” on your return.
- Price: ££££
Kettner’s Town House
A true Soho establishment, Kettner’s was originally founded as a French restaurant in the 1860s, before being acquired by Soho House in 2016. The doors reopened in 2018 to welcome guests into both the restaurant and the newly-renovated hotel, once again serving up French classics true to its roots. As with many of Soho House’s projects, the refurb has achieved an understated elegance, with finishes that strike the perfect balance of homely and luxurious. What’s more, many of the original Georgian details have been respected throughout the 33 rooms, which means that – although the building is now under the umbrella of Soho House – the authentic Kettner’s charm remains.
The rooms are candidly named by size, from Tiny to Big. The only room not named by size is the Jacobean Suite which, at 80 square metres, is the largest of them all. The ’20s-inspired suite features a freestanding copper bath, a spacious seating area with a large sofa, plus its own private entrance on Greek Street. A factor that makes Kettner’s stand out from the crowd? The hotel’s ability to work around size – in fact, arguably one of the best rooms in the house is the second-smallest Tiny Plus room, which features vintage-esque interiors and a dinky (but divine) private courtyard terrace.
Once you’ve dipped your toe into the delights of this iconic townhouse, you may well find yourself making excuses to come back again and again. – Julia Storm
- Neighbourhood: Soho
- Is there a spa? No.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? There are lifts to bedrooms, but check with the hotel which rooms are fully accessible as there are steps in some corridors.
- Any downsides? The location can get busy at certain times of day, but that’s also part of the Soho charm.
- Price: ££
The Goring
After 113 years in business, The Goring is London’s last family-owned luxury hotel. With a host of awards to its name, it’s internationally recognised for outstanding hospitality – which is evident from the moment you approach the front doors. As if cheerily welcoming you home, a member of staff will see you inside, past the hand-painted mural and towards the check-in desk. From then on, you can expect to be met with the same generous sense of spirit throughout your stay; providing welcome relief when returning from the bustling streets of the city.
The hotel sits on a quiet mews and has a vast garden that really comes into its own during warmer months. You can choose to have afternoon tea on the veranda, eat at the whimsically-decorated dining room, or have a quick drink at the cocktail bar. While the rooms are complete with regal touches, they never feel stuffy. The Italian linens are arguably the softest you’ll ever sleep on, and the furnishings are endlessly comforting, imbuing a feel of a (luxurious) home away from home. And if home for you is family, then there’s plenty of room to bring them, too. With the option to book a superior connecting family room, you can easily fit two adults and up to three children in the specially-designed space.
This is a truly unique hotel suitable for every occasion – and the hospitality goes above and beyond to make sure you feel settled, no matter how fleeting your stay. – Julia Storm
- Neighbourhood: Belgravia
- Is there a spa? No, but there is a fitness room.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes. Two accessible rooms and lift or ramp access to all levels.
- Any downsides? The price could be prohibitive, especially when staying in larger groups. However, the overall experience and hospitality make it well worth the splurge.
- Price: ££££
The London Edition
It’s been 10 years since hotelier Ian Schrager brought The Edition to London, taking over a row of Georgian townhouses in Fitzrovia. These days, the 173-room hotel boasts a cultural calendar with an emphasis on first-class entertaining; would you expect anything less from the founder of Studio 54, after all?
With its imposing marble columns and modern art, the grand lobby bar is permanently bustling thanks to a no-reservation rule; expect to see people having coffee meetings on its emerald velvet couches by day and spontaneous cocktails there after midnight (it’s open until 1am). The all-day restaurant, Berners Tavern, also boasts one of the city’s most impressive dining rooms, complete with ornate 19th-century ceilings, where guests and members of the public can sample Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. (NB, it only serves the latter until 9.45pm and is closed on Sunday nights, but the three-course Sunday roast is more than worth experiencing, as is The Punch Room, the hotel’s hidden drinking den with a range of 20 specialty punches.)
As the website says, bedrooms here are cabin-like and minimal, with wood-panelled walls, fluffy bed throws and seductive lighting, perfect for a Sunday night. Draw yourself a bath (note the Le Labo toiletries), and take full advantage of the 24-hour room service. – Naomi Smart
- Neighbourhood: Just north of Oxford Circus, The Edition is on the quieter side of Oxford Street, with Soho just three minutes’ walk away.
- Is there a spa? No, but the concierge can take care of off-site bookings for you, and there’s a 24-hour fitness centre with PT sessions available.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? If you don’t feel like venturing out for dinner but aren’t in the mood for room service, the 9.45pm closing time at Berners Tavern can feel a little premature.
- Price: £££
The Princess Royal
Boasting vibrant wallpapers from Rapture & Wright, Robert Kime antiques and Victorian-inspired Lefroy Brooks bathrooms, the interiors at The Princess Royal alone are worth a look and offer the perfect balance of style and comfort. Elsewhere you have a light-filled conservatory where breakfast is served, alongside a buzzy sun terrace, plus all the typical trappings of a good old English gastropub: think warm wooden countertops, leather seating and soft lighting. The perfect example of old meeting new. – Joy Montgomery
- Neighbourhood: Tucked away down a quiet side street off bustling Westbourne Grove, The Princess Royal is perfectly located for feeling in the thick of things without the noise pollution of being on a main road.
- Is there a spa? No.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? The main pub space is accessible, but all rooms are up a steep staircase, which may be tricky for wheelchair users.
- Any downsides? The room we stayed in (Lillibet) was definitely on the cosier (read: smaller) side, but still perfectly proportioned and beautifully decorated.
- Price: ££
One Hundred Shoreditch
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There’s been much talk about One Hundred Shoreditch since it opened its doors in March 2022. The building’s striking façade, designed by Lore Group creative director Jacu Strauss, is very much in keeping with the modern yet characterful feel of the area – ditto the luscious plants, contemporary furnishings and mood lighting seen throughout. (“Hipster” is a term thrown around with abandon regarding this part of East London, but the hotel’s design is intentionally more grown-up than that.) Inside, there are a cool 258 rooms and suites, a Seed Library Bar and a lobby (described as the hotel’s “living room”, it’s where breakfast is served). That’s before mentioning the adjoining coffee shop and the Rooftop restaurant on the top floor, which offers an enticing menu, Palm Springs-inspired interiors and panoramic views. – Alice Cary
- Neighbourhood: Right on the main drag in Shoreditch, One Hundred Shoreditch is walking distance to Columbia Road and Brick Lane, where you’ll find some of the best vintage shops in London. It’s well-connected, too, with Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street stations nearby.
- Is there a spa? No.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? Given the generally bustling atmosphere here, it would be nice to have more common areas in which to fully wind down. That being said, the bustle is a huge part of One Hundred Shoreditch’s appeal for many travellers, and makes meeting and mixing with locals easy.
- Price: £££
Redchurch Townhouse
As its name suggests, Redchurch Townhouse is like staying in… a townhouse. Of course, that’s typical of a Soho House property, but this small outpost from the hotel group – tucked away on Whitby Street, mere moments from the larger Shoreditch House – feels particularly welcoming and unassuming in the best way possible. The 37 individually designed rooms range in size from Tiny to Large, with the more bijou options perfect for a shorter stay. That said, there are all of the little touches you would expect from a Soho House property, of course: Roberts radios, Cowshed products and vintage knick-knacks from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s dotted around the rooms. – Alice Cary
- Neighbourhood: Redchurch Townhouse is ideally located for experiencing Shoreditch – the beating, if gentrified, heart of East London – and its surrounds. You’re also mere moments from Rochelle Canteen, unquestionably one of the best restaurants in the city.
- Is there a spa? No.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? The scaled-down size of the hotel means there isn’t any work space – but that only adds to the charm, in our mind.
- Price: ££££
The Chelsea Townhouse
The Chelsea Townhouse is the type of place that could only exist in the British capital – staying here feels less like checking into a hotel, more like visiting a well-heeled friend with a green thumb, a collector’s eye and a top-notch wine cellar. It’s set in the buildings that once occupied The Draycott, but gone are the old hotel’s dust ruffles, tasselled curtains and chintzy wallpaper, refocusing visitors’ attention on the property’s marble fireplaces, intricate cornices and antique chandeliers, which refract the light that pours in through the generously sized sash windows and French doors. The snug attic rooms, propped under the eaves, are the sort of place you fantasise about writing a novel from start to finish, with a Conway Stewart pen no doubt, fortified by cups of Earl Grey and toast brought up on a sterling-silver tray. Meanwhile, on the ground floor, suites give out onto Cadogan Gardens – a park so beautiful you can picture Henry James characters taking the air on the lawn.
In lieu of a restaurant, meals are served in the downstairs salon – arriving on the ground floor via a delightfully retro dumb waiter. Guests are welcome to eat their crab toast or pear tart anywhere, further adding to the upscale house party vibe. In the warmer months, you can lunch beneath the shade of London planes and stroll between grand old mulberry trees with a gin and tonic in hand, while, in the winter, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a cosier spot for a postprandial digestif than the library, kept toasty by a crackling log fire. If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, it’s worth nipping around the corner to Pavilion Road, too, home to 11 Cadogan Gardens’ Hans’ Bar & Grill along with dozens of other restaurants; ask the staff, all of whom are walking Zagat guides, for recommendations. – Hayley Maitland
- Neighbourhood: This area of Chelsea can only be described as “leafy”; on any given afternoon, the only noise you’ll hear is the laughter of students at the nearby Hill House School, whose alumni include King Charles III. That being said, Sloane Square, with its smorgasbord of designer shops, is still right on your doorstep, while South Kensington and its many museums are within walking distance.
- Is there a spa? No, but frankly, I would take forest bathing in Cadogan Gardens over a facial any day.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? No.
- Any downsides? If you’re looking for a hotel where the MO is to see and be seen, this isn’t the place for you; discretion is paramount here, especially as certain royals are frequent visitors.
- Price: £££
Broadwick Soho
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Broadwick Soho is a passion project in the truest sense, with entrepreneur Noel Hayden conceiving it as one part love letter to the seaside hotel his parents ran in Bournemouth in the ’80s, one part paean to Dean, Frith and Beak Streets in their heyday. Martin Brudnizki (of Annabel’s fame) looked after the interiors, which laugh in the face of clean minimalism; expect maiolica tiles and leopard print and elephant-shaped minibars imported from Jaipur, sometimes all within metres of each other.
The 57 rooms are predictably fun, with freestanding baths and Murano lights, but it’s the common areas that make Broadwick Soho special. (Andrea Gelardin, the mastermind behind Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl LI Halftime Show, serves as creative director.) Not only is there museum-quality art on the walls (Francis Bacons, Bridget Rileys and Howard Hodgkins included), but there’s a permanently celebratory vibe here; cocktail shakers never stop rattling at the rooftop bar Flute, which offers glorious views over W1 along with nostalgic drinks ranging from Pornstar Martinis to Blue Hawaiians, while the underground restaurant Bar Jackie is all mood lighting and moreish Italian fare. – Riann Phillip
- Neighbourhood: Broadwick Soho isn’t just located in the heart of Soho, it’s a love letter to London’s most raucous neighbourhood. Ask the staff for their recommendations for dive bars, vinyl shops and tattoo parlours to pop into nearby.
- Is there a spa? No, the clientele here are more likely to wind down with a martini than a massage.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? If you’re a disciple of Rose Uniacke, you might find the interiors a little bit much, but personally, we think the more pachyderms the merrier.
- Price: ££££
The Londoner
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Perched directly on Leicester Square, the £500 million behemoth that is The Londoner extends eight storeys above ground and eight storeys below, an iceberg of a hotel that feels a little like an impossibly luxurious cruise ship. There are 350 rooms to choose from, each of which comes with floor-to-ceiling windows and state-of-the-art amenities (Dyson hair dryers, Toto loos, binoculars on the bedside table for studying the skyline), but really, you don’t check in here to hunker down in a suite. For starters, you’ve got The National Gallery practically on your doorstep, to say nothing of the West End, while you could keep yourself entertained for weeks on end without ever actually leaving The Londoner proper. A typical day here might include a bit of Tibetan acupressure at the subterranean Retreat spa in the morning; lunch at 8, the rooftop izakaya lounge with views of Big Ben and Nelson’s Column; yoga in the courtyard with instructor Tamara Yasin; a few leisurely hours browsing Assouline titles and playing backgammon in the guest-only Residence area; followed by dinner at Joshua’s Tavern, which nods to one-time Leicester Square resident Joshua Reynolds. The Londoner gets an A* for sustainability credentials, too: it has an excellent rating from BREEAM. – Hayley Maitland
- Neighbourhood: This is perhaps the most polarising thing about The Londoner – not everyone will love being absolutely bang in the middle of the most touristy square in London – but if you’re only in the city for a short stay, the location is frankly unbeatable for convenience.
- Is there a spa? Yes, and it spans an entire floor, complete with several underground pools.
- Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes.
- Any downsides? Make sure to ask for a room with a view, as some rooms look out over adjacent buildings.
- Price: ££££