The search for the best hotels in London is a formidable undertaking. As one of the most visited cities in the world, it’s brimming with luxurious and historical lodgings. But how do you narrow it down when there are so many options for hospitality? Below, a guide to our favourite hotels—whether you want an iconic haunt that’s a stone’s throw away from major tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace, or a boutique hotel in a fashionable part of town.
NoMad London
Acclaimed interior design firm Roman and Williams turned the former Bow Street Magistrates Court and police station into the elegant NoMad Hotel in Covent Garden. Inspired by the Victorian era and also New York’s Jazz age (an apropos nod to the hotel brand’s American roots), expect clawfoot tubs, gilded armoires, moody Lelièvre damask wallpaper, and marble fireplaces. Meanwhile, the former police yard has been turned into an all-day restaurant adorned with greenery.
Claridge’s
Claridge’s is perhaps the crown jewel of London hotels. The five-star Art Deco property, located in Mayfair, has hosted everyone from Audrey Hepburn, to Cary Grant, to Brad Pitt and Mick Jagger. (The Rolling Stones even filmed their music video for “Scarlet” here.) When you’ve been around since 1812, you’re bound to have quite the history.
Although that doesn’t mean the hotel is afraid of the new: in 2021, they opened The Painter’s Room, a blush-colored bar that embraces modern mixology. And every December, their Christmas tree is a festive, avant-garde attraction for tourists and Londoners alike due to its celebrity decorator: in 2019, it was Christian Louboutin, whereas 2017 saw the late, great Karl Lagerfeld adorn its branches.
Brown’s Hotel
There is perhaps no more elegant boutique hotel in London than Brown’s, where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book and Alexander Graham Bell made the city’s first telephone call in 1877. Rooms are adorned in English wallpaper and pops of color, and the restaurant, Charlie’s, serves a Sunday roast where roast beef comes by the trolley. The upscale shops of Savile Row are minutes walk away, as is Hyde Park.
Rosewood London
From the moment you enter Rosewood London through its cast iron gates, you know you’re in for a sophisticated stay, from its black-and-white floors to its grand marble staircase that snakes throughout. Their afternoon tea takes inspiration from famous artists throughout history: currently, they’re serving a menu inspired by Yayoi Kusama, which includes tea cakes made to resemble her famous pumpkins.
The Connaught
Come to The Connaught for its five-star accommodations and service, stay for the unparalleled food and beverage offerings: restaurant Hélène Darroze has three Michelin stars, while the more casual eatery is by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The Connaught Bar was officially named the world’s best bar. (Order from their traveling martini cart.) Last year, they opened the Red Room, an additional bar that features four scarlet artworks by Jenny Holzer, Ti-a Thuy Nguyen and Trina McKillen.
The Cadogan Hotel
In the heart of Chelsea is The Cadogan Hotel, a collection of five connected townhouses where the doorman greets you in a bowler hat and the halls are filled with over 400 original artworks. (Including one Swarovski-encrusted peacock.) Like most London hotels, there’s quite a history behind it. This time, the stories are scandalous: one of the townhomes is the former residence of Lillie Langtry, a mistress of King Edward VII (at the time the Prince of Wales), and once upon a time, Oscar Wilde got arrested in room 118.
Ham Yard Hotel
Drawn to modern modish maximalist interiors? Look no further than Ham Yard, the Kit Kemp-designed hotel smack in the middle of Soho. Rooms—all with floor to ceiling windows—either have a view of the London skyline or a tree-filled courtyard. There’s also a library, spa, gym, theatre, rooftop garden and a 1950s style bowling alley. . . adorned with vintage bowling shoes to boot.
The Twenty-Two
In just a month, The Twenty-Two has become one of the most buzzed-about hotels in London: the Edwardian manor houses 31 guest rooms, a private member’s club, and an all-day restaurant, all adorned in 18th century classical French-inspired design executed by Natalia Miyar Atelier.
