Guide to the best hotels in Central London

The Ritz is a London icon in bustling Piccadilly. The luxurious suites and rooms here overlook either the vibrant street scene or tranquil Green Park. The hotel has bars and restaurants on-site, including private dining. You can also book services like hair and beauty treatments and treats for children like games consoles.

Based in a townhouse dating back to 1718, Hazlitt's has a rich history and is a great base for a stay in Soho. The place is traditional through-and-through, with antiques, hardback books, historical paintings, and dramatic four-poster beds. Despite the classic look, you'll find modern amenities along with attentive service.

You can’t get much more central than Leicester Square and The Londoner places you in the heart of it. This bustling boutique hotel is smart and modern, with each room showing its individual character. The hotel has social, dining, and relaxation spaces exclusively for guest use, as well as a wellbeing space.

Victory House Hotel gives guests modern accommodation in the heart of London. Inspired by the glamour of the 1950s, you'll find a comfortable space with useful amenities and fantastic city views. There's a wine and cocktail bar on-site that's open every evening and has its own outdoor terrace. Group bookings are welcome.

For a traditional and luxurious hotel stay, try The Goring Hotel. With a rich history and a building that’s full of heritage, the building has 69 bedrooms, surrounded by one of the capital’s largest private gardens. The hotel is well-known for its afternoon tea service and has a Michelin-starred restaurant on the premises.

Opened over 100 years ago, The Savoy is the hotel of choice in London for many famous faces. Blending old-fashioned service with discreet contemporary technology, a stay here promises unadulterated luxury. You’ll see opulent decor both in the rooms and public spaces, including the restaurants that are renowned in their own right.

A stay at Sea Containers places you next to the Thames and within easy reach of some sought-after attractions. Many rooms at this modern hotel have a river view. This chic space has been furnished by acclaimed designer Tom Dixon, and amenities include an in-house cinema, gym, spa, and bars and eateries.

The Mandrake might be the hotel for you if you’re into art and culture. This independent arts hotel is full of character, with richly-furnished spaces, impressive design, and an enviable art collection that includes names like Salvador Dali. There are eateries on-site and a wellness concierge offering gong baths and yoga sessions.

Just minutes away from Oxford Street, The Langham is one of Europe’s oldest grand hotels. Its rooms feature elegant decor and luxury amenities for a comfortable stay. The hotel also boasts a range of other facilities including award-winning dining, afternoon tea, and a relaxing spa with its own swimming pool.

The Dorchester is a lavish five star hotel in Mayfair. Rooms give you great views of Hyde Park, marble bathrooms, and a range of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Other hotel facilities include a Michelin-starred restaurant, other fine dining options, and a peaceful spa offering a variety of treatments.

Housed in a historical building, The London Edition combines history with contemporary style to create a modern luxury hotel. There are 173 rooms designed to give the feel of a luxe yacht cabin with modern shapes, neutral tones, and framed photography. There are desirable drinking and dining options here too.

Five star hotel One Aldwych promises a luxury stay in Covent Garden. The rooms are a celebration of British design trends, showcasing a sophisticated look. There are dining options here, with some exclusively for guests, including an imaginative and scrumptious afternoon tea themed on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Stay at The Hari for a modern and luxurious environment with a creative touch. This hotel is committed to sustainability, has its own art prize, and is creative and design-led. As well as the luxe rooms and suites, there are sought-after drinking and dining venues here, plus a fitness and wellness centre.

The Connaught is all about classic luxury. This well-established hotel has rooms and suites that all have a timeless look. The hotel has other high-end facilities too - a restaurant with three Michelin stars, a spa, a champagne bar, and the world-famous Connaught Bar, which was crowned World’s Best Bar in 2021.

Spanning the 34th-52nd floors of The Shard, Shangri-La The Shard offers unparalleled luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you spectacular views, you can swim in the highest hotel pool in Europe, and take it all in from the viewing platform. The rooms feature body-contouring beds, luxury tea and coffee facilities, and marble-clad bathrooms.

Located in Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore is an ideal location for staying in Central London. Rooms are sleek and comfortable, with peaceful views of either the square or the hotel's courtyard. There's an all-day dining brasserie, a lounge serving afternoon tea, and a smart bar for wine and cocktails by night.

Filled with jewel tones and sumptuous fabrics, Mimi’s hotel is smart, stylish, and has a convenient central location. Rooms ranging from singles to full suites are brimming with comfort and luxury, with amenities like rainfall showers and underfloor heating. Guests can also visit the lively cocktail bar on the premises.

Stay at Hotel Café Royal in Soho for luxury service and great design. There are opulent surroundings, advanced technology, and rooms ranging from individual rooms to penthouses and suites. The hotel is well-known for afternoon tea but there’s also a cocktail bar, in-room dining, and an upscale spa with treatments and classes.

For stylish accommodation in the middle of the city, W London is a great choice. This fashionable spot in a vibrant building showcases eccentric yet chic design. Advanced in-room technology and the availability of wellness treatments make this a place to relax. You can get a cocktail too at the bar and lounge.

Set across four Georgian townhouses, The Belgrave is a friendly and modern hotel in Westminster that’s won awards. Rooms range from compact singles to spacious suites with all the amenities you need. A continental breakfast buffet is served each day and the hotel also has meetings and events facilities.

In a grand building in Holborn with an imposing marble staircase you'll find Rosewood London. The rooms and suites have extensive amenities including 24/7 room service and a digital newspaper app. A spa and various drinking and dining options are here, including the renowned Scarfes Bar and an exclusive art-themed afternoon tea.

Brown’s Hotel is well-established, having opened in 1837. This elegant venue is set in a grand Georgian building and filled with traditional design. A range of different rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms, LCD TVs, and soothing colour schemes. There are award-winning dining options here, plus massages and wellness treatments are available.

Although it’s unassuming from the outside, inside Treehouse Hotel you’ll find a stylish and whimsical space that’ll delight design fans. Expect wooden floors and concrete walls, vintage furniture, and lots of plants and greenery. The hotel also has its own Mexican restaurant and steakhouse for elevated all-day dining with spectacular views.

Design-led boutique hotel Henrietta Hotel places you in the heart of Covent Garden. Each stylish room has its own unique design, and options range from standard rooms to luxury suites. There’s an on-site Italian restaurant and amenities in the rooms include a mini-bar, curated complimentary toiletries, and 24-hour room service.

If you want to stay at an iconic London hotel, Claridge’s is a worthy option. This sophisticated place is full of touches that make every stay more enjoyable. A variety of rooms and suites are available with elegant furnishings and top amenities. There’s a health club/spa, plus options for dining and drinking.

Located in Marylebone, The Landmark London is considered one of the city’s top hotels. Rooms are lavish and full of style, and the building has a glass-roofed atrium and palm trees to create an airy luxurious atmosphere. You’ll also find award-winning dining options and a spa with a pool, gym, and treatment rooms.

NoMad has turned a 19th century courthouse into a luxury destination with vintage elegance and leading amenities. There are 91 bedrooms and suites with stylish furnishings, flatscreen TVs, and mini-bars. The hotel restaurant is housed in a high-ceilinged conservatory filled with light, but there’s also a more laid-back pub-style bar and eatery.

The Prince Akatoki London is an opulent five-star hotel that combines traditional Japanese hospitality, a sleek minimalist style, organic elements, and modern amenities. Alongside elegant accommodations, the hotel offers a 24-hour gym, conference spaces, and exceptional dining and drinking choices. Conveniently situated near Marble Arch Station, The Prince Akatoki also features excellent public transport connections.

Ham Yard Hotel offers guests elegant surroundings with exquisite decor, a tree-filled garden, and an impressive collection of art. Acclaimed designer Kit Kemp has furnished the rooms with a distinctive eclectic style combining patterns, colours, and details. Other amenities include drinking and dining options, a gym, spa, bowling alley, and roof terrace.

In a prime location near Green Park and Hyde Park, The Mayfair Townhouse is a luxurious hotel set across ten Georgian townhouses. The comfortable rooms include high-end amenities like a complimentary mini-bar. You can unwind on the peaceful garden terrace or enjoy a lively night with cocktails at the hotel’s bar.

At Corinthia London you’re promised five-star luxury in the heart of the capital. There’s a mixture of elegant rooms, suites, and penthouses, with attentive service for every guest. Other facilities at the hotel include bar and dining areas, wellness facilities, and spaces for meetings and events, including weddings.

The Emory epitomises luxury with its designer interiors and prime views of Hyde Park. It provides a selection of exquisitely furnished suites, promising serene accommodation at the city's core. Guests can enjoy inclusive two-way airport transfers, a daily full English breakfast, access to The Emory's exclusive rooftop bar, the on-site spa, and various bespoke services. Additionally, the hotel features a restaurant helmed by the renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.