Hotels

The 14 Best Luxury Hotels in London 

Planning a trip to the beautiful capital of England and the United Kingdom? Our roundup of the best luxury hotels in London is here to help.

By 

Jillian Dara

 |  February 11, 2025

As the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, London is a city full of grand hotels with palatial style. It’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe, thanks to its world-class theater, restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions, and, of course, luxury hotels. Upon browsing London’s accommodations, you’ll soon find that the best of the luxury hotels are in some of the city’s most iconic buildings, whether from the 1800s or the newer era of avant-garde edifices that adorn the city’s skyline. 

This list of the best luxury hotels spans neighborhoods and novelty, size, and styles — but a kindred factor exists among them. All of these hotels have a unique twist on an elegant, quintessential afternoon tea service that’s a classic, can’t-miss experience during any visit to London. Once you choose the hotel that best suits your preferences, don’t forget to reserve a tea time to experience the opulent post-lunch indulgence.

14 of the Best Luxury Hotels in London 

The Ritz London

Luxurious as it is historic, The Ritz London has housed royal celebrations like Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday and acted as neutral meeting grounds for Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, and Charles de Gaulle during World War II. The opulent yet modern London address dates back to 1906 and even boasts a Royal Warrant. Needless to say, if you’re seeking a regal stay, look no further than its 136 guest rooms, including 25 suites. Other notable features include a proprietary restaurant holding one Michelin star, spacious rooms decked out in Louis XVI style with gilded moldings, vintage furnishings, and a prime central location at the heart of Piccadilly Mayfair. 

Rosewood London

Opened in 2013, Rosewood London is located in High Holborn, less than a 15-minute walk to Covent Garden. Its 263 rooms and 45 suites, including nine signature suites referred to as “houses,” paved the way for a second property in 2025, the Chancery Rosewood in Grosvenor Square. The flagship, however, remains as stately as ever with its 1914 Edwardian Belle Époque façade. Epicurean-focused travelers will swoon over its Michelin-starred dining, on-site culinary masterclasses, and Scarfes Bar, which hosts nightly jazz and is consistently rated as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Wellness enthusiasts will also feel at home at Rosewood London as it hosts the brand’s signature Sense Spa, which offers exclusive facials from Face Place and Votary cosmetics. One of our favorite amenities is chauffeur service in a Rolls-Royce Ghost, Mercedes V-Class or S Class, or BMW 7.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s original edifice dates back to 1889, when it opened as apartments; it was converted to a hotel in 1902 and has been a part of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group since 1996. The Edwardian-style building is the Hong Kong-based hotel group’s European flagship, with 168 rooms and 26 spacious suites. The rooms are enriched with opulent details of the East, such as custom-made onyx chandeliers and hand-gilded mirrors. They’re additionally fused with specificities of its urban locale, including leather-topped writing desks and, in some rooms, ceilings designed after the equestrian bridle paths found in nearby Hyde Park. 

The hotel features a sumptuous spa, complete with beauty and holistic treatments, a fireplace-flanked pool, and a fitness center — though guests who stay in grander room categories can also have their favorite exercise machines brought to their suites. If you’re seeking a home base during your time in London, don’t miss the multi-bedroom suites and penthouses. Plus, there are three restaurants on site, including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which holds two Michelin stars. 

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

In 2011, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane unveiled its Mayfair locale with Westminster views and sophisticated, minimalist interiors. The 153-room, 43-suite property quickly became a favorite among luxury seekers for its sleek décor with contemporary, plush furnishings, an enviable rooftop spa, and access to London’s best sights. The hotel has a catalog of customized excursions ranging from a private city tour in an iconic black cab to family-oriented scavenger hunts around the city. Guests also have the option to secure a private driver for the entirety of their stay, which is a beloved service for business travelers and families alike. 

The suite categories are also impressive. Several have expansive terraces overlooking the city skyline. The three-bedroom presidential suite is opulent, finished with smooth wood paneling and an electric fireplace. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane also houses Pavyllon, a Michelin-starred French dining venue from Chef Yannick Alleno. 

Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge

Following the success of its London flagship, Four Seasons debuted a second property in 2017, complete with 89 guest rooms, 11 suites, and 34 residences. Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge offers all the same services and bookable experiences as its sibling property, but it’s on the other side of town. The hotel is located at the historic Ten Trinity Square address; the building served as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority in the 1920s and is among London’s landmark buildings. Guests are near the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and within a stone’s throw of the River Thames.

Aside from its location, the most resounding difference between this property and Hyde Park is its appeal to an adult audience (though it’s not adults-only). It boasts a splendid spa with eight treatment rooms, a couple’s room, a nail salon, a vitality pool, a sauna, and a steam and hammam area for extra relaxation between treatments or simply decompressing after long trips. Anne-Sophie Pic, whose fine-dining empire has many Michelin-starred restaurants, oversees the property’s top restaurant, La Dame de Pic (before booking your reservation, read our refresher on fine-dining etiquette). There are also upscale Chinese and Japanese outlets, so you can dine on the property at various times on one trip without getting bored.

The Dorchester

The Dorchester is an enduring landmark luxury hotel in London. It has 171 rooms and 61 suites, and the Mayfair property was one of the world’s first hotels to be built from reinforced concrete when it debuted in 1931. Its 1930s interiors have been attentively preserved, while its amenities have been modernized. It now has four restaurants, three bars, a comprehensive plush spa with crystal-chandelier accents between treatment rooms, a steam area, and experience showers. The hotel’s color palette is soft pastels with floral and fauna–inspired wall coverings that evoke a soothing environment to call home in between city outings.  

The Lanesborough London 

If you’re looking for a boutique-style accommodation amidst the grand city hotels, The Lanesborough London delights with its 93 rooms just across the street from both Hyde Park and the Buckingham Palace Gardens. The rooms have a vibrant color scheme with lime, lemon, and sky blue walls, complemented by botanical-embellished canopies, headboards, and ottomans, ensuring a stay with personality. The hotel embraces British heritage, including a proper British dining outlet at The Lanesborough Grill and a wellness oasis in partnership with London-based The Luxury Aesthetics Group for massage and advanced aesthetic treatments.

The Langham, London

London’s West End has long been attractive for its theater and shopping — and The Langham, London is a historic home at the heart of it. The 380-key hotel opened in 1865 as one of Europe’s first grand hotels. Today, guest rooms have a streamlined décor, with neutral walls and bedding, though some of the larger room categories offer pops of color via cobalt, velvet loungers, and amber leather-backed dining chairs. Outstanding suite amenities include infinity bathtubs that are the centerpiece of sprawling bathrooms, private media rooms, marble fireplaces, and access to the prestigious Langham Club, where butler service and an ever-rotating presentation of elevated daytime snacks await. 

Bulgari Hotel London

Bulgari Hotel London is an 83-key hotel in the Knightsbridge neighborhood that blends the best of boutique-style accommodation with the marvelous facilities of a larger resort, including a grand ballroom, a private cinema, and an 82-foot colonnaded swimming pool. The rooms exude a warmth that’s both welcoming and understated for the detailing that went into creating them — fine wood details, Marquina marble bathtubs, and cashmere Bulgari throw blankets. Guests seeking apartment-like stays will want to check into one of the three Bulgari Suites, which have a contemporary kitchen and dining room for eight and include complimentary private butler service.

Claridge’s 

Claridge’s dates back to the 1800s, when husband-wife proprietors William and Marianne Claridge operated part of the existing building as a single-house hotel. The now 190-key hotel has switched ownership a couple of times, but its legacy endures as the “It Hotel” — and one of the most expensive hotels in the world — to see and be seen at. It seems every big name from royalty to Hollywood has spent time at Claridge’s, from Queen Victoria to Winston Churchill to Kate Moss. 

Over the years and renovations, Claridge’s has remained dedicated to its Art Deco design, with a Roman stone façade and interiors with such period pieces as shimmering chandeliers, crown moldings, gold leaf accents, velvet furnishings, and hand-embroidered silks. Its rooms are incredibly spacious, starting from 377 square feet, and are bathed in natural light, as are the common areas, which are warmed with dramatic floral bouquets, crystal chandeliers, and emperor-style seating that feels like you’re unwinding in a palace. The Claridge’s Bar, The Foyer, and the Painter’s Room are among some of the most popular retreats for guests and locals to indulge, renowned for their swanky, singular décor and specialty drinks, whether a classic martini or afternoon tea. 

The Connaught 

The Connaught is not just an ordinary luxury hotel in London — it’s a destination. In fact, the Connaught Bar has a reputation for being one of the world’s best bars, thanks to its classic martini cart service. Famed chef Hélène Darroze leads the three-Michelin-starred restaurant with a seasonal menu of elevated British fare. The Aman Spa — the first outside of an Aman resort — regrounds you between indulgences with tailored treatments. The guest rooms lean into British heritage style with some of the most highly sought-after suites in the city, including the brilliantly paneled and stained glass King’s Lodge, the Guy Oliver-designed Grosvenor Suite, complete with a private lobby, and the standalone townhouse known as The Mews with a separate entrance in Adams Row. Whether you’re staying at the Connaught or simply visiting for an epicurean experience, the stately hotel will certainly call you back to stay longer next time. 

45 Park Lane, Dorchester Collection

There are only 45 rooms (and one penthouse) at the storied 45 Park Lane address that’s part of the luxurious Dorchester Collection. This exclusive number of rooms ensures every guest gains access to a personal concierge and butler service, regardless of whether they’re staying in the deluxe category, signature suite, or penthouse. The rooms at 45 Park Lane, Dorchester Collection are beautiful and sophisticated, with rich leather, deep wood paneling, and geometric patterns. The subterranean spa is otherworldly, with a 60-foot swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a hydro pool. Plus, a specialty cocktail bar, Cut steakhouse, and omakase from chef Shinji Kanesaka satisfy every craving. 

The Berkeley

Fresh-flower-adorned rooms and a Champagne greeting are among the finer touches of a welcome to The Berkeley in the Belgravia neighborhood. The century-old luxury hotel in London feels timeless, yet its rooms reflect the most contemporary comforts. The suites are indeed one of a kind, with balconies that overlook St. Paul’s Church in the Terrace Suite, or Wilton Place and Knightsbridge from the Balcony Junior Suite. Guests can also soak in city views from the rooftop pool and bar or restaurant hop around its six dining concepts, including a patisserie led by the famed Cedric Grolet.

Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shortly after London’s tallest building, The Shard, opened in 2013, Singapore-based luxury hotel brand Shangri-La moved into the top 18 floors of the 1,016-foot, 72-floor all-glass building. The extravagant hotel offers all the standard luxurious amenities, including a modern fitness center, four food and beverage outlets, and five-star service — but the pinnacle of luxury here is really its iconic location and sweeping vistas. Guests check into Shangri-La The Shard, London on level 34, where 360-degree views of the capital greet them. The stunning vistas continue through each of its 202 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and a 52nd-floor infinity pool — the highest infinity pool in Europe.

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