11 Of The Best Luxury Hotels In London

11 Of The Best Luxury Hotels In London

London is home to many a good hotel. But for pure luxury, there are a few that really standout. And if ever there’s been a case for a staycation or a night away, even if it’s in your own city, the pandemic is it. Whether you’re looking for somewhere with an extra special afternoon tea, a first-class spa, or somewhere that pulls out all the stops, here are 11 of the capital’s most luxurious hotels…
Photography: THE CONNAUGHT

BEST FOR AFTERNOON TEA: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

The Corinthia sits on the Thames in Whitehall. Expect grand interiors with modern furnishings across its 283 rooms, including 51 suites and seven penthouse apartments. A special night is well spent in a Deluxe Room, with a beautiful en-suite bathroom, but if you want to go all out, suites come with complimentary butler service, walk-in wardrobes and generous living areas. Guests can enjoy breakfast in bed and head to one of the many restaurants on site for a special meal, including the Michelin-starred Kerridge’s Bar & Grill. ESPA Life at Corinthia is one of the largest and most impressive spas in London, set over four floors. The dark décor – think black Italian marble, polished chrome and pewter artwork – is cocooning in its warmth, perhaps thanks to the thermal floor. Look out too for an indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, marble heated loungers and private sleep pods. Book a Dr Barbara Sturm facial or full-body massage for the ultimate treat.

Visit MandarinOriental.com

BEST FOR A SPA DAY: The Corinthia

The Corinthia sits on the Thames in Whitehall. Expect grand interiors with modern furnishings across its 283 rooms, including 51 suites and seven penthouse apartments. A special night is well spent in a Deluxe Room, with a beautiful en-suite bathroom, but if you want to go all out, suites come with complimentary butler service, walk-in wardrobes and generous living areas. Guests can enjoy breakfast in bed and head to one of the many restaurants on site for a special meal, including the Michelin-starred Kerridge’s Bar & Grill. ESPA Life at Corinthia is one of the largest and most impressive spas in London, set over four floors. The dark décor – think black Italian marble, polished chrome and pewter artwork – is cocooning in its warmth, perhaps thanks to the thermal floor. Look out too for an indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, marble heated loungers and private sleep pods. Book a Dr Barbara Sturm facial or full-body massage for the ultimate treat.

Visit Corinthia.com

The Corinthia
The Corinthia
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Ham Yard Hotel
Ham Yard Hotel

BEST FOR FAMILIES: Ham Yard Hotel

Owned and designed by the award-winning Kit Kemp, Ham Yard Hotel is one of our favourite destinations for a luxury staycation. Designed with an urban village feel, the hotel revolves around a beautiful garden with a grand bronze sculpture centrepiece. Inside, there are 91 bedrooms to choose from – all of which have their own unique design – plus 24 apartments. The restaurant focuses on seasonal produce, while the outdoor bar is the spot to relax with a drink. Whether you’re after a relaxing stay or weekend full of activities, the hotel has it all, including a Soholistic Spa; a gym; a 1950s bowling alley with its own bar, lounge and dance floor; and a theatre for private cinema screenings. A great choice for families, children will be made to feel at home with special menus, mini bathrobes and toiletries, and a range of books and boardgames. 

Visit FirmdaleHotels.com

BEST FOR BEAUTIFUL BEDROOMS: Claridge’s

With its handsome art deco exterior, tail-coated doormen and Mayfair location, Claridge’s is the epitome of timeless elegance. Step through its impressive lobby and you’ll find bedrooms that are among the largest in London, combining classic design with contemporary touches. Hand-stitched fabrics, antique furniture, marble bathrooms and luxurious details might encourage you not to leave your room, but the drinking and dining options here are renowned for good reason. Davies & Brook serves British food in a relaxed setting, while the Foyer is the place for breakfast or afternoon tea. Cocktails and champagne are best taken in Claridge’s bar, while L’Epicerie hosts up to 14 guests for private dinners. Don’t miss the spa and gym, right at the top of the building with fabulous skyline views.

Visit Claridges.co.uk

Claridge’s
Claridge’s
The Mayfair Townhouse
The Mayfair Townhouse

BEST FOR A COOL EXPERIENCE: The Ned

The brainchild of Soho House founder Nick Jones, the Ned has put itself on the map as one of the most stylish hotels in London. Aside from the Insta-worthy interiors, the hotel has everything you need under one roof. For overnight guests, the 250 bedrooms range in size from small rooms to generous suites – all nodding to 1920s glamour. Heritage rooms on the Grade-I listed fifth floor and are full of period features, while the Crash Pads offer something a little more modern. There are eight restaurants in and around the food hall, including Millie’s Lounge and the famous Ned’s, where guests can enjoy oysters, lobsters and roast dinners with all the trimmings. Don’t miss the lavish Club Spa, featuring a 20m marble-clad pool, steam room, sauna and hammam, as well as numerous treatment rooms. Look out too for the Ned’s experience packages: the ‘Summertime Special’ currently includes dinner and drinks every night and access to special events for guests who stay for five nights or more; while the Nedication includes freshly made house cocktails brought to your door on arrival, a selection of Cowshed toiletries, and credit to spend in the spa or restaurants. 

Visit TheNed.com

BEST FOR STYLISH SUITES: The Mayfair Townhouse

The Mayfair Townhouse was one of last year’s most exciting hotel openings. From the team behind Cliveden House and Chewton Glen, it has all the glamour and luxury touches you’d expect, from quirky decorative accessories to an impressive bar and drinks menu. Rooms are stylishly opulent, but the suites are the real stars of the show – the Garden Suite has a beautiful marble bathroom and a private patio. With a range of all-day dining options, guests are spoilt for choice at The Dandy Bar, where dimly lit interiors create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere for breakfast, coffee, lunch or evening drinks. Look out for playful interior touches throughout the hotel – including the house’s mischievous motif, the fox.

Visit TheMayfairTownhouse.com

Claridge’s
Claridge’s

BEST FOR CLASSIC GLAMOUR: The Dorchester 

We couldn’t compile this list without including the Dorchester on Park Lane, where guests can expect the very best service and experience. Having hosted countless royals and VIPs over the years, the rooms and suites here are some of the most luxurious on this list – the Eisenhower Suite is particularly beautiful. The hotel has an array of impressive dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to more casual spots for old-fashioned comfort food. China Tang serves traditional dim sum, while The Grill is the place to be for classic British dishes and a great Sunday roast. A relaxing afternoon is best spent at The Dorchester Spa, which offers holistic treatments, massages and facials. Follow it up with lunch and a glass of champagne at The Spatisserie.

Visit DorchesterCollection.com

BEST FOR A LIVELY ATMOSPHERE: The London Edition

On the northern edge of Soho, the London Edition exudes glamour. Once inside, guests will immediately feel at home and can enjoy the lively atmosphere in the Lobby Bar, with its cool members club feel. Berner’s Tavern, overseen by Jason Atherton, is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights for some classic British fare. For standout cocktails, head to the Punch Room – the signature gin-infused  punch is an SL favourite. When you’re done, bedrooms are simple yet stylish: interiors mimic a luxury yacht – think oak flooring, walnut panelling and plush furniture – while the suites have generous living areas with great city views.

Visit EditionHotels.com

Claridge’s
Claridge’s
The Connaught
The Connaught

BEST FOR FINE DINING: The Connaught

When it comes to five-star luxury, The Connaught gets it right. The Mayfair hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay, from private butlers to the stunning Aman Spa. Interiors are traditional yet elegant: rooms and suites feature four-poster beds, plush decorative accents and contemporary artwork. We love the look of the Prince’s Lodge and the Connaught Suite for a special experience. Elsewhere, the food is the star of the show – there are several fine dining restaurants and bars to choose from. Hélène Darroze’s three Michelin-starred restaurant serves the likes of king scallops with tandoori spices, dressed Cornish crab, and Wagyu beef with oyster mushrooms. Afternoon tea at the Connaught is also a treat, or for something a little more relaxed the on-site patisserie serves handmade delicacies. 

Visit The-Connaught.co.uk
 

BEST FOR SOMETHING NEW: The NoMad London

It only opened its doors last month, but the NoMad London is already establishing itself as a go-to destination for celebrities and those in the know. Inside, the 19th-century Bow Street magistrates’ court and police station has been transformed into a sophisticated space offering everything you’d expect from a top hotel. New York-based design studio Roman and Williams is behind the interiors, while Ashley Abodeely leads the kitchen as executive chef. Rooms and suites are some of the most stylish on this list – we’ve got our eye on the Royal Opera Suite which overlooks the famous Royal Opera House and has a generous living area plus free-standing clawfoot bathtub. Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed or have it in the Library before making the most of the cultural highlights on the hotel’s doorstep.

Visit TheNoMadHotel.com

 

Rosewood London
Rosewood London
The London Edition
The London Edition

BEST FOR EATING & DRINKING: Rosewood London

If great food and drink is top of your priority list, head to the Rosewood on High Holborn. It’s got 45 suites and houses to choose from, each of which has a beautifully modern look. The suites are some of the best rooms in the building – The Pearl has a stunning bathroom and generous living area. Guests can escape city life at the Sense Spa and have a bespoke facial at Face Place, which specialises in natural treatments. When you’re ready to sit down and eat, there’s plenty to be excited about. From brasserie-style dishes at Holborn Dining Room to creative cocktails at Scarfes Bar – not forgetting the hotel’s special Art afternoon tea – you’ll want to make your way around each restaurant during a stay. For fine dining head to the Mirror Room, and for a hearty feast, book a table at Callum Franklin’s Pie Room to enjoy seafood starters, traditional pies and intricate pastry desserts. 

Visit Rosewoodhotels.com

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