The luxury London hotels that you'll never want to leave
To stay in a luxury hotel is to experience the creme de la creme of London’s finest offerings, a smart place to tuck up for the night after exploring the high-end shopping of Knightsbridge, exclusive members clubs of Soho, and elegant restaurants of Mayfair.
If you’re after five-star service ─ and we’re talking butlers, a Rolls-Royce at your beck and call, luggage ported ahead of your Eurostar departure, and top-hatted doormen ─ plus incredible facilities like award-winning spas and rooftop bars with views over the Thames, you’ll love our hand-picked selection of luxury hotels in London.
Stalwarts like The Savoy and icons such as Shangri-La at The Shard and the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, have all that and more. So if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just fancy splashing some cash, look below for a stay like no other in the capital.
The Savoy, Strand
One of the loveliest things about this historic London hotel is that it remains reassuringly familiar in a world of constant change. Everything is kept traditional at The Savoy, which originally opened in 1889, and that’s why it’s still so highly regarded. Bedrooms are lovely, service is perfect, and the dramatic blend of Edwardian and Art Deco features are simply splendid.
Guests are kept busy with the American Bar, theatrical Beaufort Bar, Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay, recently opened River Restaurant, and swimming pool. Afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer is a five-star joy ─ perfect for those with a sense of occasion.
Shangri-La at The Shard, Southwark
Occupying the floors 35 to 52 of the tallest building in Europe, Shangri-La at The Shard is famous for its dizzying views of the London skyline. Highlights include the Skypool, an infinity pool on the highest level with vistas of the whole north bank of the river Thames, plus GŎNG Bar for sushi and high-end cocktails, and TĪNG where crispy duck and wagyu beef leave your mouth watering for days.
The look of the rooms is all grey, beige and white, with plush carpets, bunches of flowers and lots of marble, but the lasting memory you really leave with is the sight of the twinkling city at dusk ─ best viewed from your bed or bath.
Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, Marylebone
With a prime location overlooking picturesque Portman Square in the West End, Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill is the place to come for business travellers, couples and families seeking refined old world British charm with proximity to the city's first-class shopping and cultural offering.
Steeped in history, references to Sir Winston Churchill's life and legacy are featured throughout the hotel, particularly in the atmospheric Churchill Bar & Terrace ─ the jewel in the property’s crown. Spacious rooms, five-star service and an elegant atmosphere complete the luxury picture.
The Goring, Belgravia
Owned by the same family since it opened in 1910 and with the largest garden in London (the size of Wimbledon’s Centre Court), The Goring ─ or “Baby Grand” as it’s affectionately called ─ is the closest hotel to Buckingham Palace. The location is special: though a sceptre’s throw from busy Victoria (great for accessing the rest of London), the hotel has the tranquillity of a countryside hotel.
Dignitaries, members of Parliament ─ including every Prime Minister ─ royals (including every reigning monarch) have graced the immaculate halls; even Kate Middleton stayed in the Royal Suite the night before her wedding.
Pan Pacific London, Bishopsgate
An Asian-inspired, beautifully decorated hotel in Devonshire Square, within walking distance to Spitalfields Market, Tower Bridge and The Tower of London. Pan Pacific London’s luxurious lodgings are ideal for discerning travellers who appreciate the finer things in life and want to explore London's city centre in style.
Foodies love the swish restaurant pushing out authentic Singaporean classics with a luxurious twist (think lobster laksa and jellyfish tartare), while wellness-seekers will go straight for the spa with its excellent treatments and infinity pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel make the most of the city views.
The Beaumont, Mayfair
Glossy chequerboard floors, polished cherrywood panelling and an eclectic mix of artwork set the tone as soon as you walk into The Beaumont in Mayfair. The location is a luxury in itself: you’re on a road perpendicular to Selfridges yet it’s quiet and world’s away from the hubbub of Oxford Street.
Inside, Art Deco interiors embody 1920s glamour, with deep red Italian leather banquettes in The Colony Grill, walnut-panelled interiors of Le Magritte and the curved, metallic lines of the subterranean spa. Rooms are smart and plush; push the boat out for a stay in Sir Antony Gormley’s functional sculpture, ROOM.
Sea Containers, South Bank
There are fewer London hotels with views of the Thames as good as the one from Sea Containers. Harking back to its former incarnation as a maritime transport company, the building’s interiors have been styled like a 1920s cruise ship, with design-tastic delights such as the copper wall at reception resembling a ship’s hull, porthole-shaped mirrors in powder rooms and the Queen Mary model in the lobby.
Cracking bars keep you entertained: Londoners and guests gather to enjoy jazz and comedy in 12th Knot on the rooftop, while cocktails are not to be missed in Lyaness. The spa ups the luxe-factor on every level.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Nothing screams luxury like a “suite to seat” service, and that’s exactly what the famous five-star St Pancras Renaissance Hotel offers overnight guests with a Eurostar ticket ─ transportation of your luggage so it’s ready for you on the train.
In one of London's most iconic station buildings, rooms are mid-century modern or Victorian in style and you can watch the trains coming and going in those with views of the terminal. Treat yourself to afternoon tea in The Hansom or a cocktail in the highly attractive Booking Office 1869. The spa is also something to shout about, with an oblong pool surrounded by Turkish tiling.
Corinthia Hotel, Westminster
On the outside, the Corinthia is all classical and stately; on the inside, it’s sleek and stylish, with features like the 1,001-crystal Baccarat chandelier stealing the eye in the Crystal Moon Lounge.
Directly opposite the London Eye on the other side of the River Thames, the grand property’s location is something to shout about ─ it’s steps from Trafalgar Square in one direction and Whitehall in the other, yet feels very off-the-beaten track, making it a hit with many stars of screen and stage.
The highly accoladed spa is world-renowned with inclusions that span thermal suites and a vitality pool, plus facials by Dr Barbara Sturm.
The Wellesley, Knightsbridge
Boutique in size but big on luxury, this Knightsbridge gem draws high-end guests seeking five-star treatment with a side of discretion ─ allowing staff to really concentrate on the demands of the guests.
Other strings to The Wellesley’s luxury bow include a butler service, a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce on call for short trips, a cigar lounge, and a noteworthy collection of cognacs and whiskies in the Crystal Bar ─ a glass of the 1789 Cognac will set you back £5,000. The 36 rooms are beautifully appointed, there’s Italian fine dining in the Oval Restaurant and live music in the jazz bar.
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