London – like any capital city – has a huge choice of comfortable places to stay, but how to find the perfect spot for your trip?
If luxury is your priority, consider checking into The Savoy, the ultimate in unadulterated indulgence. Here, you can sip on a cocktail in the famous American Bar before exploring the restaurants and theatres of Covent Garden and the West End on your doorstep.
For epic views you could stay at Sea Containers, which boasts a fabulous position on the Thames’ South Bank. And by booking a spacious riverfront suite, you can gaze out upon famous landmarks like St Paul’s cathedral, and feel part of the fabric of the city.
A more boutique choice is Artist Residence Pimlico, part of the well-loved Artist Residence brand. Nestled in leafy Pimlico, it’s a cosy townhouse with just 10 bedrooms, featuring design-led interiors and unique furniture.
Or for a great value stay, look no further than Pilgrm, a relaxed and comfortable hotel with more than a touch of style. It’s a great base for guests arriving from the West and South West, as it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk from Paddington Station.
Whether you’re looking for a prime location, fabulous interiors or a delicious breakfast, there’ll be something to suit you. Below, we’ve handpicked the very best hotels in the capital, perfect for treating yourself to an extra special stay.
1. The Hari
A warm, friendly, yet luxurious home-from-home, the Hari in Belgravia has bags of style. Step inside the striking exterior and appreciate the airy decor, featuring exposed brick, glass and neutral tones.
One for the art buffs, the Hari’s walls are lined with ever-changing art exhibitions, and it’s a short walk from here to the V&A and the Saatchi Gallery, for an extra dose of culture.
Rooms are modern and uncluttered with plush marble bathrooms, and you can even control the blinds with the touch of a button – perfect for a lazy Sunday morning.
Popular Italian restaurant Il Pampero serves up classics including fried seafood and pasta cacio e pepe. And, to quench your thirst, why not try the hotel’s in-house gin, infused with Indian spices?
2. The Savoy
The Savoy has been welcoming guests since 1889 and has an enduring reputation as one of the finest hotels in the city. Book a suite overlooking the Thames for incredible river views and a truly memorable stay.
Tucked away off London’s bustling Strand, this iconic grande dame welcomes guests with a majestic Art Deco frontage. The world famous American Bar serves up excellent cocktails, and sister bar Beaufort Bar is equally worth a visit.
Rooms vary in style, and are airy with large picture windows, many revealing unbeatable skyline views. Bathtubs are huge; perfect for soaking sore feet after a day of sightseeing. And should you need anything at all – well, just ring for the butler.
3. Pilgrm
This great-value hotel right by Paddington station is perfect for guests arriving from Oxford, the Cotswolds, and the West Country.
Located in a restored Victorian building, interiors at Pilgrm are stylish and rooms are comfortable. All day dining – including a delicious brunch menu – is served up in the lounge, and there’s a terrace to be enjoyed when the weather is fine.
The hotel has a focus on sustainability, which includes reclaimed and restored furniture, an abundance of plants (rather than fresh cut flowers), and a seasonal menu. Complimentary still and sparkling water is on tap here, and you can ask for a reusable bottle at check in.
Attractive Kensington Gardens and the rest of Hyde Park are a short stroll away.
4. The Standard
The Standard London is a super-smart hotel, in a prime location to enjoy extensively-regenerated Kings Cross and the boutiques and eateries at nearby Coal Drops Yard.
Fans of brutalism will appreciate the exterior (this was once part of Camden Town Hall) and enjoy a ride to 10th floor restaurant Decimo in the fun, pill-shaped lift. Then, be sure to stick around for a bite to eat from the kitchen of Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, who’s created a delicious Spanish-Mexican menu.
The hotel’s interiors are a fabulous hotch-potch of looks from across the decades, which somehow all work together – you’ll spot motifs from the Memphis design movement sat alongside textiles inspired by Transport for London. Bedrooms are retro-inspired, with accents of dark wood and splashes of colour in textiles and furnishings.
5. Corinthia London
This showstopper of a hotel is regal and traditional on the outside whilst sleek and luxurious on the inside. Corinthia London is one of the most stylish accommodation choices in the capital and a great option for a special-occasion stay.
Interiors are gorgeous, and exquisite craftsmanship and attractive design are everywhere. The impressive lobby is dominated by an incredible crystal-studded chandelier, which twinkles in the light.
There’s a fantastic spa here too – a temple to wellness covering 35,000 feet spread over four floors, decorated in opulent-yet-tasteful black and champagne. Seventeen treatment rooms offer ESPA treatments and Dr Barbara Sturm facials (although be aware it gets extremely busy at peak times).
The hotel’s location is also unbeatable; within easy reach of Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Theatre Land, and Covent Garden.
6. Artist Residence
This quiet boutique townhouse hotel in Pimlico is the London outpost of popular hotel brand Artist Residence. They first opened up in trendy Brighton, where artists were offered free board in return for their creative input, and now have establishments across the country.
As you might expect, there’s plenty of artwork to be appreciated here, as well as restored original features and reclaimed furniture. The location is ideal for enjoying charming Belgravia and visiting the landmarks of Westminster and Chelsea, and Victoria station is a 5-minute walk.
7. Sea Containers
Stay at Sea Containers and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in London. This hotel has an enviable location on the South Bank and, from here, you can walk all over London, taking in Borough Market, Tate Modern and the Barbican.
A riverfront suite offers sensational views, allowing you to play spot-the-landmark amongst the skyline views. But for an even better look, head to Knot Bar on the 12th floor. Although for cocktails, you’re better off in riverfront bar, Lyaness, overseen by world-renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana!
Tom Dixon is the star designer behind the hotel’s interiors and there’s plenty to admire here, from hammered-copper walls in the restaurant to an impressive blue sculpture in the lobby.
8. Z Hotel Holborn
The Z hotels group is great for travellers on a budget – here you can find rooms for affordable prices without having to compromise on location.
Z Hotel Holborn is close to the tube station in a neoclassical building. Though, be aware that the cheapest rooms are fairly no frills – there’s no window and space is tight – so, you’ll need to splash out on a higher category room if you’d like natural light and additional space.
In Holborn, you’re close to cultural hub Somerset House, as well as Covent Garden, the British Museum, and Farringdon.
9. Rubens at the Palace
For a right royal experience, stay at Rubens at the Palace, which overlooks the mews at Buckingham Palace. Bedrooms have a regal theme and there are lots of plush textiles and dark wood tones.
The fine dining restaurant offers up Modern British favourites, and there’s also a Curry Room should you prefer an Indian meal. Plus, afternoon tea is served here too, of course.
At Ruben’s, you’re in a great location for exploring the major sites, and it’s easy to pop along and watch the Changing of the Guard or take a stroll through Green Park.
10. The Beaumont Mayfair
Nestled on a quiet square, the 1920s exterior of The Beaumont is adorned with an unmissable Antony Gormley artwork.
The Beaumont embodies old-school charm reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, with delightful Art Deco touches. Cherry wood panelling mixes with polished black and white chequerboard floors and a bold range of early 20th-century artworks. The feel is fun yet sophisticated, and the soothing jazz-age tunes in the background create a lively, laid back atmosphere.
The restaurant is the creation of the people behind the Wolseley, and it’s excellent, with delicious offerings including grill classics, whipped potatoes and lavish sundaes. There’s a fantastic bar here too – Le Magritte – which will transport you to 1920s New York with its array of bourbons and whiskies. Why not go all out and order from the oyster and caviar menu?
11. Richmond Harbour Hotel
For a London stay with a difference, consider checking in to the Richmond Harbour Hotel in one of the city’s leafiest boroughs. The Harbour Hotel brand is known for its nautical escapes and, here, its airy coastal charm has been transported to beside the Thames, in a beautiful Georgian building at the top of Richmond Hill.
Decor is fresh with vibrant pops of colour, and the highlight is definitely the indulgent spa complete with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, and spin studios.
Nearby is Richmond Park with its plentiful walking paths, gorgeous rhododendrons, and majestic deer. And a bracing 15-minute walk downhill will take you to popular Petersham Nurseries, perfect for a spoiling afternoon tea and perhaps a purchase or two for the garden.
12. The Pelham London
Indulge yourself with a stay at this five-star period hotel in South Kensington, right around the corner from cultural hotspots the V&A, the Natural History museum, and the Royal Albert Hall.
Celebrated hotelier and interior designer Kit Kemp is behind the interiors at The Pelham, so whichever of the 52 rooms and suites you choose, you can guarantee an impeccably stylish stay. The hotel comprises four former townhouses, so is a homely warren of staircases and corridors, with a welcoming wood-panelled lounge perfect for kicking back with the Sunday papers.
Italian restaurant La Trattoria serves up flavourful dishes including homemade orecchiette pasta, sea bass, and tiramisu. Or you may want to choose the delicious afternoon tea.
13. 11 Cadogan Gardens
This decadent Relais & Chateaux property in the heart of Chelsea exudes an air of exclusivity, with opulent décor juxtaposed with an understated, (purposefully) faded feel. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in – choose from the library, lounge, bar, reception, patio or the impressive Mirror Room.
Bedrooms vary from more traditionally-furnished spaces with four posters and plush drapes to contemporary rooms with neutral tones and fluffy carpets. For a bit more space, you can choose a fully serviced apartment in their sister property around the corner.
Popular restaurant Hans’ Bar & Grill attracts the locals too, and offers Modern British all-day dining, with some plant-based dishes also on the menu. Try the moreish cauliflower wings, coated in spicy Korean sauce, sesame, coriander and crispy shallots.
14. The Rookery
The Rookery is one of London’s oldest hotels, founded in 1764, and it’s certainly one of the quirkiest. To stay here is to feel transported back in time, amongst carefully-restored interiors that evoke the past, such as carved four posters, wood panelling, flagstone floors, and plentiful antiques.
Rest your feet after a day of exploring in the characterful lounge areas; perfect for relaxing with a book from the hotel’s library and a tipple from the hotel’s honesty bar.
From here, you can easily reach the Barbican and St Paul’s cathedral, and Tate Modern is a picturesque 30-minute stroll across the river.
Final thoughts…
London is a varied, vibrant place with something for everyone – whether you enjoy strolling along the river and tucking into afternoon tea, or immersing yourself in excellent art galleries and museums.
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Have you stayed in any of these hotels? Or are you planning to book one? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.