The best hotels in London for 2026, tried and tested by our editors
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In a bid to seek out the best hotels in London and come up with a definitive list, the House & Garden team has undertaken the arduous task of travelling around the capital to test them. Putting our Princess and The Pea hats on, we've tested everything from the pillow density to the room service, spa facilities, in-room toiletries, and of course the restaurants and bars on offer. Unsurprisingly, we have also paid great attention to the design details of each hotel, both in the common areas and the bedrooms: the furniture, the colour scheme, the bedding, the art on the walls, and is there a bathtub? The list, in no particular order, details the best hotels in London, marked by their service, style and comfort. Whatever type of hotel you're after and wherever you want to be in the capital, this is where to book for a London getaway in 2026.
Which location is best to stay in London?
There's a London neighbourhood to check into for every type of traveller. First timers might want to stay central for ease, from Covent Garden to Soho, Mayfair to Holborn. Some of the glitziest grand dame hotels are in the heart of the city, like Claridge's in Mayfair and The Savoy in Covent Garden. For an east London edge, Shoreditch has built a thriving hotel scene over the years with newcomers like One Hundred Shoreditch and Nobu. For stays on the more affordable end, The Hoxton has hotels across the city, from Holborn to Shepherd's Bush near Notting Hill. The north-west London neighbourhood has a thriving restaurant scene right now. Those wanting to escape the bustle might want to check into riverside stay The Mitre which is opposite Hampton Court Palace and minutes from Richmond. If proximity to London's major transport hubs for ease of access to other parts of the UK, or even Europe, is crucial, then finding a hotel on a quiet street or square near to King's Cross, Paddington or Victoria would be ideal.
This month's stay
Design notes: In the heart of Shoreditch, Aethos is a five-star hotel that is luxurious in an understatedly cool, rather than traditionally opulent, way. The easily stylish tone is set in the bright, spacious hotel lobby decked out with plush Soho Home-esque sofas and colourful rugs, alongside Aethos Café, which serves an all-day menu of Mediterranean-inspired bites, and a small shop selling streetwear.
In our room, the elegance of Japanese-inspired elements, such as sliding screens instead of blinds, combine with the Brutalism of the raw concrete ceilings. There is dynamic contrast too in the contemporary minimalism of the all-white bathroom (including spacious waterfall shower) and the dramatic black, grooved wooden panels surrounding the walk-in wardrobe and storage area. On a recent visit we stayed in a premium twin room, which is one of the smaller options; the view from the large windows was of an office block on the other side of the road, though prime views are of course not really an option in such a built-up area, where the hotel is surrounded by other buildings of a similar height. Larger suites, however, do have terraces to sunbathe on in the warmer months of the year.
Though where you may lose out on sweeping city views, you win in terms of the location, and the excellent hotel restaurant, Mitsu. The transportive interiors take you from east London to a late-night Shinjuku izakaya, with rice paper screens backlit with a red glow, wall hangings and painted sake barrels, which are often displayed in multitudes at shrines around Japan. There's even a private, neon-hued karaoke room giving off serious Blade Runner vibes (£15pp for a 90-minute slot).
Why stay here: The food at Mitsu is a real highlight. The inventive cocktails are some of the best I've had in recent memory, and for once actually live up to the tantalising descriptions on the menu (get the Ota Market with yuzushu, gin and satsuma, a zesty wonder of a drink). The staff in the restaurant are great with explanations and recommendations if you're overwhelmed with what to order food-wise, as there's a lot on the menu.
We tried a selection of greatest hits, which included a moreish pork sando with mustard and kewpie mayonnaise, steamed seafood dumplings topped with roe, and a selection of different sushi - sashimi, nigiri, gunkan and temaki - all uniformly delicious, but a special mention goes to the otoro (fatty tuna) nigiri. The bigger dishes include delicate seabass with hatcho miso. Side dishes should also not be overlooked. The chef's rice turbo-charges the humble grain with flavour; it gets mixed together like a beef tartare, with all sorts of secret spices and sauces. Mitsu is so far from a bland hotel restaurant, and somewhere well worth heading to for a Japanese banquet even if you're not staying overnight.
What’s around: What's not around? Shoreditch is an excellent spot for a stay in London. For a start, it's a shopper's paradise, from the vintage emporiums of Brick Lane, to Spitalfields Market, and cool concept stores like Labour & Wait and Goodhood. And if you don't fancy Japanese food, there's an endless array of cuisines to be found - we've got a whole load of tried and tested recommendations in our Shoreditch and Hackney restaurant guide.
Don’t miss: Although I've waxed lyrical about the delights of Mitsu, don't skip breakfast, which is also served in the stylish restaurant. There's a curated buffet of pastries, fruit, yoghurt, smoked salmon, as well as made-to-order hot dishes available if you have more of an appetite. The coffee is great, and the avocado toast is even better.
– Tilly Wheeler
Address: 10-50 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH
Price per night: from around £400 per night
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1/4245 Park Lane, Mayfair
Design notes: At 45 Park Lane, the Dorchester Collection’s contemporary Mayfair outpost, the atmosphere has a more personal, enveloping feel than a luxury hotel usually provides. It feels more reminiscent of a glamorous penthouse, with an especially extraordinary address. Sitting directly opposite Hyde Park, it offers a different take on the London luxury stay, cooler and a little more contemporary.
45 Park Lane has a distinct Art Deco aesthetic, with a sleek, characterful finish. Throughout the hotel, rich textures, sculptural details and expansive rooms give the rooms a residential quality, that makes you want to stay even longer. It is a lovely contrast to the more traditional grandeur of its famous sister hotel, The Dorchester, just across the road. Here, the atmosphere is more intimate and design-minded, without sacrificing any of the impeccable service or opulence that comes with the address. You can have the best of both worlds, the heritage and old-school glamour of The Dorchester within easy reach.
Why stay here: The first thing to know is that every room looks out over Hyde Park with floor-to-ceiling windows frame an uninterrupted expanse of green, the park feels like an extension of the hotel itself. Waking up to the treetops rather than the usual London cityscape, feels like an escape, even though you are moments from the bustle of Mayfair.
Then there is the spa, which deserves a visit in its own right, with a heated swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room – and an impressive wellness offering for a hotel so centrally located. But it is the design details that really imprint on your memory. One of the ultimate touches is the pool wall finished a tiled mosaic of a floral Liberty print, a sophisticated meeting of British design heritage in a contemporary hotel luxury. It is exactly this sort of detail that 45 Park Lane excels at – making a stay feel carefully considered.
What's around: For those who like their London hotels with a good amount of personality, 45 Park Lane is a perfect choice. There is the glamour of Mayfair, the tranquillity of Hyde Park and the pleasure of knowing that some of London's most iconic hospitality is only a few steps away. Standards are high without the hotel feeling overly formal, luxurious without being stuffy. Ultimately it feels like staying in an exceptionally good apartment with the best address in town.
Don't miss: For dining on-site, Wolfgang Puck's CUT at 45 Park Lane has a cool take on the America steakhouse with works by Damien Hirst adorning the walls. However for those who would like to venture out, cross the street to The Dorchester Grill, where a relaxed and delectable meal to satisfy all palettes awaits – from a succulent beef wellington to grilled lobster. The surroundings and decor is as beautifully enchanting as the pudding trolley, too.
For those who are looking to rejuvenate not simply feast, 45 Park Lane's spa offers an award-winning spa menu, such as the La Prairie Contour and Sculpt Facial which includes a sculpting fingertip lifting massage and a magical amalgamation of Prairie's skin caviar for mesmerising results.
- Eve Williams
Price per night: £900 low season | £1,150 high season
Address: 45 Park Lane is on Park Lane, London W1K 1PN
2/42The Whiteley Six Senses, Bayswater
Design notes: A huge restoration and redevelopment project for the city, part of the former Victorian department store Whiteleys in Bayswater has started its new life as Six Senses London. On an unassuming side street just off Queensway, the facade and forecourt at the entrance of the hotel is oxymoronically impressive, all vast pillars, carved stone and hanging plants. The mammoth renovation has been led by design firm AvroKO alongside EPR Architects, and one of the most distinctive preserved features of the building dominates the lobby; the cascading, sinuous, butterfly-like grand staircase that connects three floors. It was deconstructed and rebuilt to restore and slightly alter it for the new hotel.
Attention to detail abounds in both the common areas and rooms, from the wildlife soundtrack in the lobby loos, to the golden hand-shaped wardrobe handles and the two shower gel scents to choose from, which either energise or relax you. Our suite (a Corner Junior Suite) was decorated in calming neutrals, marble and wood, with vast floor to ceiling windows filling both the bedroom and the massive bathroom with light. There was no bathtub, but the spacious waterfall shower room more than made up for it.
Why stay here:The wellness facilities and services on offer are undoubtedly a big draw of staying in the hotel, and the staff are all incredibly welcoming and always on hand to explain any of the techier treatments they offer. From pilates to HIIT, there are daily fitness classes in the gym which are free to book for guests, led by the expert personal trainers based at Six Senses (who are also available for one-to-one sessions).
A serene, subterranean white maze of corridors lead to private treatment spaces for massages and rooms for red light therapy, cryotherapy, a hammam, and more (note that these spaces all cost extra to use). Pre and post-treatment rooms with compression boots and relaxing sound loungers gently ease you into and out of your spa experience.
And for something a little more unusual, I recommend booking a consultation with a trained herbalist in the Alchemy Bar, at the end of which you’ll be given your own medicinal potion of herbs to aid ailments or boost wellness, entirely tailored to you. Once the pool is open this autumn, the wellness centre will be even more impressive.
What’s around: Head west along the main road that the hotel is on, and it’s a short walk to the smart clothes shops and restaurants of Westbourne Grove. Wander a little further along, and you’ll reach the many charms of Portobello Road (visit on a weekday for a slightly less tourist-heavy experience). There are plenty of brilliant places to eat around there: Dove, Dorian, and Speedboat Bar are just a few of our recommendations. And there is the green ‘house car’ of the hotel, freely available to shuttle guests on a first come, first served basis to drop-offs within a two mile radius - perfect if you don’t fancy the trek to dinner.
Don’t miss: The luxury lifestyle shop in the lobby is small but perfectly formed, stocking cool luxury jewellery, niche perfume brands and more. And the seasonal, fresh flavours at Whiteleys restaurant make it well worth booking a table for dinner on one night of a stay here - make sure to order two of the Virunga chocolate and coffee desserts, as it’s one you’ll not want to share with anyone. If you can’t bear to leave the plush confines of your suite, the quality of the room service offering is also exceptional - a very indulgent burger (washed down with champagne of course) miraculously arrived and a dining table was set up mere minutes after I put the phone down to place the order.
– Tilly Wheeler
Address: 1 Redan Pl, London W2 4SA
Price per night: from £825 per night
Martin Morrell3/42The Zetter, Bloomsbury
Design notes: Set across six Georgian townhouses in Bloomsbury, this is Zetter’s latest home-from-home hotel finished in its signature pared-back style. The design of the hotel, which opened in April, seems to draw on both the literary and artistic history of the area and its proximity to the British Museum (which you can see from many of the bedrooms), with all manner of antiques peppered throughout the communal spaces, and a warm, classic palette thanks in part to vintage lighting and rich textiles.
Throughout the hotel, there is a careful blend of new and old which just works. Landings are furnished with vintage cabinets filled with beautiful pottery, while in the bedrooms the fixtures and fittings are luxurious and modern. These aren’t just hotel bathrooms – they’re how you’d dearly like your own bathroom to look if you had a significantly bigger decorating budget, with beautiful red and white tiles, brass fittings, claw-foot baths and Verden products.
It all makes sense when you understand that the man behind the design is James Thurstan Waterworth, who trained under Martin Brudnizki and shaped Soho House’s style as its European Design Director. At Zetter, the design respects the grandeur of the rooms — which are all high ceilings and beautiful windows, as you’d expect — but without feeling overly fussy. Think four-poster beds dressed in thick, mustard yellow linen, tasteful lighting, a classic armchair and a couple of sturdy glasses on the side ready to pour yourself a drink.
There isn't a restaurant, but when you're surrounded by wonderful places to eat you really don't need one. And the bar is glorious; we had a couple of very good martinis and small plates there before heading out to dinner. There's also a comprehensive room service menu should the idea of leaving the comfort of your room not appeal.
Why stay here: If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to live in a Georgian townhouse in central London, this is the place to live out that dream. Having lived in London all my life (but never, it should be said, in Bloomsbury), I found there was just something thrilling about waking up in the middle of my own city, pulling the curtains back on a view of the British Museum, throwing on a lovely robe and ordering a very good coffee to my room. Bliss.
What’s around: The hotel is just a stone’s throw from Lamb’s Conduit Street, where there are lots of options for a good dinner within walking distance. Noble Rot is always reliably brilliant, as is Honey and Co. Or for something cheap and cheerful, book a table at Ciao Bella. Order Milanese and spaghetti al pomodoro, split a tiramisu, then toddle back to the hotel for a digestif in the bar or in your room.
Don’t miss: Breakfast in the peaceful, sun-filled orangery before heading out into central London to tackle the shops. The menu features all the classics with the welcome addition of hash browns on the list of ‘breakfast sides’. You can also book in for afternoon tea here.
– Eleanor Steafel
Address: 2-7 Montague St, London WC1B 5BP
Price per night: from £400 per night
4/42The Chancery Rosewood, Mayfair
Design notes: It took a cross-Channel collaboration between London practice David Chipperfield and Paris-based interior architect Joseph Dirand to transform Eero Saarinen’s iconic structure into The Chancery Rosewood. Saarinen’s design shines – both figuratively and literally. Above five floors of honeycombed rectangular windows, a gleaming giant bird of prey seems ready to take flight from the terrace of the Eagle Bar, while at ground level lights blaze through vast, golden-framed windows, and a diagrid canopy in anodised aluminium (more golden tones) is suspended above the entrance.
Ingenious reworking of the office-dominated interior has created space for 144 suites, plus communal spaces that benefit from an expansive sense of space and the light flooding in from a central atrium. Excavating an 18-metre-deep basement enabled the addition of a spa, a 25-metre swimming pool and a vast ballroom (the capital’s second largest). There is even ample space for the Ferrari, Bugatti or Bentley of any guest mad enough to drive through the West End, thanks to an underground car park described by one of the dapper doormen as ‘a behemoth’.
Of course, space and light are always a bonus in central London. But I’d argue that the building’s heritage is a key part of what makes The Chancery Rosewood stand out among the city’s five-star hotels. And the designers clearly concur. In our 166-square-metre Signature Suite (more than twice the size of the average London flat), Joseph has cleverly combined elements of American modernist design with nods to British archetypes such as Savile Row tailoring and the private members’ clubs of St James’s. Touches like the fully stocked bar cart and artfully arranged piles of books help avoid the opulent sterility of some luxury hotel rooms.
Why stay here: The exceptional food options and the warm service from staff are especially of note. At Jacqueline (named after Jackie Kennedy), the ‘British tradition of taking tea is reimagined’. So proceedings kick off with tea sommelier Evita Upeniece guiding us through three different infusions of oolong, and there’s a menu of more than 100 teas. The cakes that arrive after the sandwiches and scones are exquisitely crafted creations that allude to the First Lady’s love of flowers. They are presented on a sputnik-like metal frame (very 1960s) and given a quick spritz with edible perfume lest we forget the floral theme. I get to sample more oolong tea later at Tobi Masa, overseen by Japanese chef Masayoshi ‘Masa’ Takayama, where the wide-ranging fusion menu offers Peking duck foie gras tacos and cumin lamb chops alongside nigiri sushi and wasabi steak.
What’s around: Situated in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel is a short walk from Hyde Park, the designer boutiques of Bond Street, as well as the high street fashion and department stores of Oxford Street. With the redesign of Grosvenor Square gardens now complete, guests at The Chancery Rosewood will be able to enjoy a view that matches its lavish interiors.
Don’t miss: The flexible check-in and check-out times ensure an especially relaxing stay.
– Caroline Bullough
Address: 30 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6LE
Price per night: from £1,520 per night
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Andrew Beasley Photography5/42The Londoner, Leicester Square
Design notes: After a staggering six years in construction, this 8 floors up, 8 floors down hotel has all the glitz and glamour you’d expect for somewhere smack bang in the heart of theatreland. From the soaring entrance lobby (all velvet tub chairs and glittering mirrored ceilings) to the subterranean pool and wellbeing floor (rumoured to be one of the world’s deepest habitable basements), this purpose-built hotel is nothing if not slick and luxurious. It describes itself as a ‘super boutique’ hotel, owing to the fact that it contains just about everything you need – from a spa and two cinema rooms to six bars and restaurants plus an epic 1000-capacity ballroom.
Masterminded by Canadian design studio Yubu Pushelberg, the interiors have a theatrical twist, from a reception featuring stage models and a metallic moon-head to the lobby bar that resembles a stage. Bedrooms are crisp and contemporary, artfully mixing neutrals and pastels. Our two-storey Tower Penthouse suite, up on the top floor, was all sculptural furniture, exquisite marble, state-of the-art Toto loos (yes, there are two bathrooms) and wall-to-wall (very well soundproofed) windows. And if I’m really honest it was these that really stole the show, offering panoramic views of the bright city lights right from the comfort of the king sized, Vispring mattress topped bed.
Why stay here: If you want to be smack bang in the centre of the buzz of the West End, you can’t really beat this hotel, which occupies the site of the former West End Odeon Cinema. Equally, the fact it is so vast means that once you step past its shiny blue-tiled facade, you feel a million miles away from the sometimes hectic tourist hotspot outside. Win win. By the time you’re deep down in the spa – I can highly recommend the 30-minute full body exfoliation and summer facial – you almost forget that there is a whole world above.
What’s around: What isn’t? Soho, Oxford Street and Covent Garden are all just a stroll away, as is China Town.
Don’t miss: Dinner at the French Mediterranean Whitcomb’s restaurant, just opposite the hotel’s reception. We feasted on bruschetta stracciatella and dipped bread into molten feta and spinach, before tucking into the main event (the restaurant is known for its seafood) – crispy skinned seabass and a lightly battered dover sole.
– Elizabeth Metcalfe
Address: 38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX
Price per night: from £400 per night
James McDonald6/42Templeton Garden, Earl's Court
Design notes: Tucked away just off an attractive mews street, Templeton Garden is a boutique hotel from Miiro, a relaxing oasis completely sealed off from the noise and chaos of the city just around the corner. Quietly luxurious rooms, by London-based studio Thurstan, have been decorated in calming neutrals, layering jute rugs, linen upholstery and velvet cushions. They range from single rooms designed for solo travellers, to the opulent Templeton Garden Suite, which comes handsomely equipped with a four poster bed, freestanding bath and dramatic red-tiled shower room, as well as direct access to a private garden. Everything down to the small details has been well considered, from the Le Labo toiletries in the bathroom, to the curated bedside book selection chosen by tastemaker Raven Smith.
Why stay here: The hotel restaurant, Pippin’s, is a real highlight of any stay here. Seasonal dishes are inspired by the hotel garden, with locally sourced ingredients forming the menu’s backbone. Highlights on our visit included the crisp chicken wings topped with King’s caviar, the Dorset lamp rump (cooked to pink perfection) and Earl Grey tea custard tart. And the best part? Once suitably stuffed to the brim, it’s only a short waddle back to the comfort of the room at the end of the evening.
What’s around: Being moments from the hustle and bustle of Earl’s Court Station, amenities and transport links are close by if you’re looking to get around the capital, though the area of west London near to Templeton Garden boasts several cultural delights. High Street Kensington is a 15 minute walk away, where the Design Museum and the delightful Japan House can be found, as well as an array of lovely shops and restaurants. Slightly further but still very reachable on foot is the design behemoth that is the V&A.
Don’t miss: The cocktails on offer at the intimate Sprout bar are experimental twists on classics, with bar director Will Meredith using a seasonal, ‘market to bar’ type of approach for the intriguing and atypical concoctions. These include the refreshing Tomato Collins, as well as the Anchovy Gimlet and Red Onion Manhattan. Go in ready to be brave with your choices and you won't be disappointed.
– Tilly Wheeler
Address: 1-15 Templeton Pl, London SW5 9NB
Price per night: from £166 per night
7/42Grand Hotel Bellevue, Paddington
Design notes: Despite its name, the Grand Hotel Bellevue is in fact a compact, boutique townhouse hotel in the middle of the quaint Norfolk Square, around the corner from Paddington Station. The five-story, 60-room property opened in 2024 with interiors designed by Milanese architect Fabrizio Casiraghi. The most dazzling design moments come in the form of the lobby and the Pondicherry bar on the ground floor, with black lacquered boiserie, terracotta walls, globe-shaped ceiling pendants and a beautiful South Asian-influenced embroidered tapestry mural, designed in collaboration with fashion designer Emily Bode. Throughout the hotel is a combination of antique and bespoke pieces, with bedrooms furnished with elegant dark wood furniture. The rooms, more pared back than the common areas but still very smart, continue the dark wood, terracotta and off-white scheme, with lovely details like the Gothic cornicing, colourful tiled bathrooms and framed plaster intaglios.
Why stay here: With rooms starting from less than £150, this hotel is much more affordable than other similarly design-led central London hotels. The most affordable, smallest room is the Single Cabin, and the most deluxe option is the Grand Norfolk Suite, the only room with a bath tub and larger bathroom. Toiletries are provided by Floris, though it should be noted that body lotion and hair conditioner are not included.
What’s around: As mentioned, the hotel is a short walk from the major transport hub of Paddington, allowing easy access to Heathrow and other areas of London, as well as trains to elsewhere in the country, if you fancy a day trip. Staying local, however, the green expanse of Hyde Park is a 10-minute walk away, and in the other direction you can stroll along the canal to Little Venice. The designer shops and Michelin-starred restaurants of Mayfair are also walkable, around 30 minutes away.
Don’t miss: As the hotel is owned by Lignée Hotels, a French company, the continental breakfast is particularly good. Mini pastries are deliciously buttery, and other options include coconut yoghurt, fruit salad, granola, crusty baguette and charcuterie.
– Tilly Wheeler
Address: 25-27 Norfolk Square, London W2 1RX
Price per night: from £133 per night
WILL-PRYCE8/42The Peninsula, Belgravia
Design notes: It’s rumoured that Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels spent 30 years scouting for the ideal location in London for a UK addition to its Peninsula brand and, having taken over the site of a former office block in Belgravia, spent nearly a decade constructing the 190-room hotel. Building from scratch has its advantages: there is a serious sense of space here which makes the hotel feel ultra-luxurious, from the Spa with its 25-metre pool and faux-skylight ceiling to The Lobby, with its coffered ceiling and triple-height stone pillars.
Peter Marino’s schemes for the bedrooms are almost low key, with a cool-hued colour scheme that majors on cream and caramel. But fear not, in our Junior Suite, there is nothing understated about the dressing room resplendent with highly polished mahogany cabinetry. Or the enormous bathroom. A Toto loo with a motion sensor and heated seat might offer the ultimate in high-tech sanitaryware, but it’s the dazzling combination of mirror glass and Turkish honey onyx that impresses me.
Why stay here: Luxury is an overused word, but in a city as densely populated as London, a sense of space and solitude can feel very luxurious. The dining options are also real highlights. The ground floor restaurant is a theatrically opulent space, where special-occasion dishes such as Peking Duck (carved at the table with impressive artistry), are accompanied by a good selection of less lavish options like dim sum and noodle dishes, plus tasting menus that offer a set-price chance to sample a few of chef Dicky To’s greatest hits.
What's around: The grand open spaces of Hyde Park are just over the road, while the excellent shops of Knightsbridge and Mayfair are a short stroll away.
Don't miss: For a cocktail, head to Brooklands Bar, high above the treetops on the hotel’s eighth floor, a space which might lay claim to having the best panoramic views in west London.
– Caroline Bullough
Address: 1 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7HJ
Price per night: from £1,100 per night
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9/42…At Sloane
Design notes: Designed by one architectural icon you may not have heard of, it took François-Joseph Graf seven years to curate this quietly luxurious hotel in the heart of Chelsea. Normally reserved for high-profile private clients, Graf's design studio enriched this hotel with sumptuous homely comforts that are both transcendently glamorous and deeply comforting (think Loro Piana cashmere curtains). The Arts & Crafts design feels like it's been there for years, but in reality, the entire hotel was built from near-scratch. The clean lines and monochromatic theme contribute to the Wiener Werkstätte aesthetic, which is softened by the hand-painted details which took a live-in painter six months to complete.
Why stay here: The bed alone is enough to catapult …At Sloane to the top of the ‘recommended’ list – puffy pillows, a starched duvet and a high mattress ensure an impeccable night's sleep that the hotel reportedly spent years finely tuning. Because there are only thirty rooms, and the downstairs bar prides itself on being fairly ‘under the radar’, the space feels very exclusive and cosy. The impeccable service adds to the personable feel.
What's around: You're not short of amusements around Sloane Square alone. Walk thirty seconds from the hotel at you'll reach The Royal Court, one of London's best theatres, and Colbert, a highly regarded brasserie in The Wolseley Group. Chelsea has excellent shopping, and endless bars and restaurants; the King's Road is particularly popular. The Saatchi Gallery could complete a well-rounded and appropriately glam day out.
Don't miss: If you can drag yourself away from the chocolate-box-perfect bedroom, the rooftop restaurant is exceedingly romantic; scattered with candles and sweeping views across London, it's a very special dinner spot, even if you're not staying the night.
- Eve Delaney
Address: 1 Sloane Gardens, London SW1W 8EA
Price per night: from £600 per night
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Kensington Leverne10/42The Emory, Belgravia
Design notes: Designed as one of the late architect Richard Rogers' final projects, the sleek glass box of a building has great protruding steel outriggers that look like giant sails all across it – designed as anti-vibration bearings from the Piccadilly Line nearby. But good luck spotting the hotel from afar. The Emory is all about quiet luxury. The Maybourne's new hotel is London's first all-suite hotel meaning you're in for a treat whichever of the 60 suites you stay in – and no suite is smaller than 55sqm. For the suite interiors, the hotel didn't rest on its architectural laurels (it was one of the late architect Richard Rogers' final projects). Six big-name interior designers were involved in the designs, André Fu (Claridge’s Spa), Pierre Yves Rochon (of The Dorchester), Alexandra Champalimaud (Raffles Singapore), Rigby & Rigby and Il Sereno's Patricia Urquiola.
Why stay here: The hotel's biggest draws can be found in the shared spaces. When it comes to food, that's abc kitchens on the ground floor, with huge glass windows facing Hyde Park across the road and Damien Hirst artwork on the walls. French super-chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has blended his three NYC big hitters, abc kitchen, abcV and abc cocina – which have been hot tickets since the original opened in 2010 – to create a London abc kitchen which focuses on all three elements; farm-to-table, plant-based, and Latin-inspired. The Emory Rooftop Bar on the top floor has some of the best and most exclusive views in London – and it's only open to hotel guests.
Guests at The Emory also have full access to a four-storey subterranean wellness club below. Known as Surrenne, the £10,000-a-year private member's club focuses on ‘longevity and wellbeing’. As a standout feature, guests will have an on-site doctor on tap, focusing on functional diagnostics ranging from blood work to cardiovascular and hormone tests, to microbiome mapping and epigenetic testing. The fitness studio is Tracy Anderson’s first London workout studio and the tranquil pool room comes complete with plush cabanas, a steam room, a sauna and a snow shower for cold exposure – all to the soundtrack of neuroscientist-curated music. Facials are courtesy of FaceGym and Stella McCartney.
What's around: Hyde Park and Knightsbridge's finest shops, restaurants and bars are right on your doorstep.
Don't miss: If you're coming from an airport, make sure to take the hotel up on their complimentary fleet of BMW (or helicopter) pick up service.
– Tal Dekel-Daks
Address: Old Barrack Yard, Westminster Borough, London, SW1X 7NP
Price per night: from £1,260 per night
- flowers – all of which our almost two-year-old was thrilled to point out to us. Everything is as luxe as can be, while remaining balanced and understated to a certain degree, but you can expect every material to be the highest quality available. The pièce de resistance comes in the form of the majestic green marble spiral staircase leading the way down the Akira Back, the hotel's main restaurant.\n<strong>Why stay here:</strong> If you love to feel like you're in a super luxe home away from home, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair easily delivers that. There's everything you need for a comfortable and spoiling stay, from the restaurant to the spa, and it's somehow incredibly peaceful while being right in the heart of the action.\n<strong>What's around:</strong> The location of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is now only heightened by the fact it shares a square with the Elizabeth Line, meaning it's an easy hop from Heathrow and then of course, excellently placed within the beating heart of <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/topic/london/">London. Mayfair and its shops are next door, Marylebone just the other side of Oxford Street, Soho one direction and the entirety of west London in the other. It's a very busy area but MO Mayfair cuts a little corner of tranquility through all of that, from the cocooning feel of its decadent rooms to the <a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/topic/spa/">spa./nDon't miss:</strong> The spa is truly lovely, with a long, heated pool, three hydrotherapy pools alongside it, gym, sauna, steam room and array of brilliant treatments.\n<em>– Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes</em>\n<strong>Address:</strong> 22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP\n<strong>Price per night:</strong> from £1,050 per night\n<a href=https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/"https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/mandarin-oriental-mayfair-hotel-review/" target=\"_blank\">Read our full review of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair</a>","contentType":"photo","credit":"GEORGE APOSTOLIDIS","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/668e99001b1ffeb8df18d138/master/w_320,c_limit/Mandarin%20Oriental%20Mayfair%20-%20Mayfair%20Suite%20-%20Bedroom%20Cameo.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/668e99001b1ffeb8df18d138/master/w_640,c_limit/Mandarin%20Oriental%20Mayfair%20-%20Mayfair%20Suite%20-%20Bedroom%20Cameo.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/668e99001b1ffeb8df18d138/master/w_640,c_limit/Mandarin%20Oriental%20Mayfair%20-%20Mayfair%20Suite%20-%20Bedroom%20Cameo.jpg"},{"height":1919,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/668e99001b1ffeb8df18d138/master/w_1280,c_limit/Mandarin%20Oriental%20Mayfair%20-%20Mayfair%20Suite%20-%20Bedroom%20Cameo.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1535,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/668e99001b1ffeb8df18d138/master/w_1024,c_limit/Mandarin%20Oriental%20Mayfair%20-%20Mayfair%20Suite%20-%20Bedroom%20Cameo.jpg"},{"height":3071,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/668e99001b1ffeb8df18d138/master/w_2048,c_limit/Mandarin%20Oriental%20Mayfair%20-%20Mayfair%20Suite%20-%20Bedroom%20Cameo.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1919,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/668e99001b1ffeb8df18d138/master/w_1280,c_limit/Mandarin%20Oriental%20Mayfair%20-%20Mayfair%20Suite%20-%20Bedroom%20Cameo.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1919,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.houseandgarden.co.uk/photos/668e99001b1ffeb8df18d138/master/w_1280,c_limit/Mandarin%20Oriental%20Mayfair%20-%20Mayfair%20Suite%20-%20Bedroom%20Cameo.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
GEORGE APOSTOLIDIS11/42Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Design notes: The rooms at Mandarin Oriental's new outpost in Mayfair are designed by Studio Indigo and ours, the Hanover Suite, had botanical, Eastern themes coming through from various wallpapers; a cherry tree blossomed behind the sofa, while the central walk-in wardrobe was wrapped in burnt gold paper with birds, branches and flowers – all of which our almost two-year-old was thrilled to point out to us. Everything is as luxe as can be, while remaining balanced and understated to a certain degree, but you can expect every material to be the highest quality available. The pièce de resistance comes in the form of the majestic green marble spiral staircase leading the way down the Akira Back, the hotel's main restaurant.
Why stay here: If you love to feel like you're in a super luxe home away from home, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair easily delivers that. There's everything you need for a comfortable and spoiling stay, from the restaurant to the spa, and it's somehow incredibly peaceful while being right in the heart of the action.
What's around: The location of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is now only heightened by the fact it shares a square with the Elizabeth Line, meaning it's an easy hop from Heathrow and then of course, excellently placed within the beating heart of London. Mayfair and its shops are next door, Marylebone just the other side of Oxford Street, Soho one direction and the entirety of west London in the other. It's a very busy area but MO Mayfair cuts a little corner of tranquility through all of that, from the cocooning feel of its decadent rooms to the spa.
Don't miss: The spa is truly lovely, with a long, heated pool, three hydrotherapy pools alongside it, gym, sauna, steam room and array of brilliant treatments.
– Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Address: 22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP
Price per night: from £1,050 per night
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Milo Brown12/421 Hotel Mayfair
Design notes: ‘Sustainable sanctuary’ might be a term thrown around a lot these days but the 1 Hotel brand lives up to it and more, especially when it comes to design. Like its US counterparts, the calming hotel is made up of consciously sourced furniture and materials, (including hand-chiselled stones and timber sustainably sourced from the Windsor Estate), calming, earthy tones, cleverly reused plastics (like art made from marine plastics collected from beaches in Kent) and over 1,300 beautiful plants throughout – you'll spot gardeners working around the hotel watering house plants and pruning garden walls. A particularly lovely touch is the high-quality filtered drinking water taps in each room – which is right to a living plant wall in your bedroom.
Why stay here: If you want complete zen right in the hustle of the city, this is the place to be. As soon as you walk through the plant-dotted exterior on the buzzing Berkley Street (right near The Ritz) you're greeted by a giant, living, breathing ‘chandelier’ by Patrick Nadeau made of rainforest moss.
What's around You're a stone's throw from Green Park and Buckingham Palace, meaning you can get the normally packed park to yourself early in the morning and after the evening rush (pets stay at the hotel at no extra charge and are very well looked after). Beyond that you have some of the best of London right on your doorstep, including the West End, Harrods and some of the best royal parks just a few minutes away.
Don't miss: Fancy a day trip? The hotel's electric Audis parked up front, a complimentary perk for guests to take for a spin. Dovetale, from Michelin-star chef Tom Sellers, is also a brilliant culinary experience for both dinner and breakfast. The hotel has recently splashed out on a fancy new Knickerbocker Glory trolley which should be taken for a spin and the bread – made from chef Tom's 20-year-old sourdough starter – with the whey heritage butter is an absolute must-order.
– Tal Dekel Daks
Address: 3 Berkeley St, London W1J 8DL
Price per night: from £478 per night
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13/42The Dorchester
Design notes: Following a recent refurbishment, The Dorchester is looking crisp with a new suite of rooms designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. It's a grande dame style of hotel, so expect the finest fabrics and classical touches, all done so wonderfully that you can't help but feel cocooned when you step inside your bedroom. It is luxurious to the highest degree and everything you touch is of the utmost quality. Where this idea of extreme luxury can sometimes feel unfriendly, the staff throughout The Dorchester could not be more accommodating and welcoming – it really feels like a home away from home.
Why stay here: There are so many reasons to stay at The Dorchester – it's ideal for a truly lovely and relaxing break, its location is hard to beat if you want to tootle around the centre of London and it offers a wealth of extras to enjoy. The real highlight though is the hotel itself and it's the one to choose for the ultimate five star hotel experience.
What's around: The Dorchester is on Park Lane, meaning Hyde Park is right across the street (book a room with a view) and Mayfair is the other side. Selfridges is a mere stroll away, as are many of the best restaurants in London but from this location, you can strike out to any part of London pretty easily.
Don't miss: Vesper Bar, with its interiors by Martin Brudnizki, is a must and you must order a Martinez. Also on the list of things not to miss are the spas – the one in The Dorchester itself for treatments and the one over the road at 45 Park Lane, where hotel guests can book in to use the swimming pool, steam room and sauna.
- Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes
Address: 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
Price per night: from £1,020 per night
14/42Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
Design notes: Sleek Japandi style interiors conceal high tech offerings at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. Think neutral tones and layered textures of polished wood and grey veined marble in the rooms–some of which come complete with Japanese TOTO toilets. In the communal areas, colour is used more liberally, with the lounge bar and lobby rendered in warm oranges and greens.
Why stay here: Perfect for an overnight stay or a week long city break, Nobu Hotel caters to all types of visitor. Naturally, Nobu Hotel is a foodie's paradise. Breakfast is served buffet style, with the option to order cooked meals such as matsuhisa crab benedict, served with a tofu bun, shiso hollandaise. Be sure to book into the restaurant for an omakase dinner, it's not to be missed.
What's around: Set in London's West End, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is just around the corner from the shopping destinations of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Selfridges. For those looking for a spot of tranquility in the heart of the city, walk in the other direction and you'll find yourself in Hyde Park, London's largest green space. First time visitors to the city are also placed in easy reach of some of London's best spots: Buckingham place is little over a mile away, as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Don't miss: A visit to the Nobu Wellness & Fitness area. The second floor is home to a fully equipped gym, spa zone offering a range of Grown Alchemist treatments and the world's first Nobu Pilates Reformer studio.
- Arabella Bowes
Address: 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG
Price per night: from £399 per night
15/42Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge
Best hotel in London for: a London landmark hit-list in complete luxury
Design notes: This grande dame hotel dates back to 1887 and is all about elegant opulence. The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of London's most famous and most lavish places to stay. Don't expect anything to feel dated inside though – the hotel had a lavish redesign in 2019 after a fire. Entering the doors of the grand Edwardian building, you're met with oodles of marble and Art Deco features, and grand floral arrangements – but all done with an unimposing touch thanks to interior designer Joyce Wang. You'll find all of the mod cons in suites, including Japanese toilets, Diptyque bathroom products and Bowers & Wilkins speakers.
Why stay here: Where do we begin? This is a place for going all out in terms of indulgence. Not only is Hyde Park literally your back garden (an extra handy feature if you're staying with your dog), but you also have first dibs on Harvey Nichols and Harrods across the road before the rest of the shoppers descend. Those not wanting to step outside have a particularly moody and sleek spa, pool and gym but the real draw is when it comes to dining. There's a two-Michelin star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Japanese izakaya The Aubrey (a must-visit) and if the weather is on your side in London, al fresco dining facing Hyde Park at the quintessentially British Hyde Park Garden.
What's around: Sitting between glorious Royal Parkland and fashionable Knightsbridge, you're spoilt for choice with iconic London landmarks on your doorstep. Christmas visitors will be particularly rewarded with some of London's most festive activities, like Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, a short walk away.
Don't miss: Walking around to see The Aubrey's secret six-seater bar.
- Tal Dekel-Daks
Address: 66 Knightsbridge, Westminster Borough, London, SW1X 7LA, United Kingdom
Price per night: from £854 per night
16/42Broadwick, Soho
The latest hotel to cause a splash in Soho is the Broadwick, a Martin Brudnizki-designed 57 room retreat, bedecked with lavish interiors and a flamboyant, cosmopolitan spirit. While it is on the larger scale given the amount of rooms, the hotel maintains the feel of a boutique hotel given its achingly cool yet utterly welcoming atmosphere. If a neutral decor is what you look for in a hotel, then this is not the one for you. But for those who want a fanciful interior, beautiful wallpapers and tactile furnishings, Broadwick is a masterclass.
There's a bar at the top of the hotel (Flute) that will host performances but its real draw is the wraparound terrace that boasts ridiculously good views of the city. The ground floor is home to Bar Jackie while Dear Jackie, the hotel's restaurant, is in the basement. This red-bedecked, fabric adorned space is pure dolce vita, dishing up modern Italian fare from the open kitchen. There's also a private lounge on the ground floor, reserved for hotel guests to use whenever they want a peaceful place for a coffee or cocktail.
Address: 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT
Price per night: from £495 per night
