Guide to the best hotels in London

Located on floors 34 to 52 of the iconic Shard building, the luxurious Shangri-La hotel is both a part of the capital's famed skyline and a prime location to take it all in from. You can indulge in the breathtaking views at all times of day, from the comfort of your sumptuous room or while taking a dip in the infinity pool. There are boatloads of amenities, including in-room spa treatments, a gym, three restaurants and a lounge bar, and with London Bridge station right there and numerous landmarks within walking distance, the location could hardly be better.

Claridge's is one of the city's long-standing iconic hotels and in 2023 was placed 16th in The World's 50 Best Hotels list. This sophisticated accommodation is packed with extra touches to make your stay more comfortable. High-end rooms and suites are on offer here, as well as a range of amenities for guests and outside visitors including drinking and dining options and the health club and spa.

The Ham Yard is an exquisitely designed hotel on the edge of the West End, just a couple of minutes' walk from Piccadilly Circus. It serves as both accommodation and artistic showcase, with rooms furnished by acclaimed British interior designer Kit Kemp featuring her signature mix of colours, patterns, textures and craftsmanship. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, all of the rooms offer modern amenities, while the hotel's facilities also include an original 1950s bowling alley and an exclusive leafy rooftop terrace.

With several locations around the capital, The Hoxton is a well-known hotel that offers affordable luxury. Rooms are available in various sizes, showcasing striking design and original artwork. Each hotel has options for drinking and dining on-site in addition to spaces for meetings and events.

Considered one of the world's top hotels, The Connaught is a well-established hotel in Mayfair that offers the peak of luxury accommodation. A variety of rooms and suites are available here, all equipped with convenient amenities and comfortable furnishings. The hotel also has a range of upscale facilities including the world-famous Connaught Bar.

The Ritz is an iconic London hotel in the heart of the city. The grand Ritz building in the heart of the city offers some of the most luxurious suites and rooms in London, as well as numerous lavish bars and restaurants. You can also book afternoon tea or private dining experiences at this iconic hotel, and guests can pamper themselves with hair and beauty treatments and special services for children.

NoMad recently opened a location in London, transforming a historic 19th century courthouse in Covent Garden with understated splendour and vintage American elegance. The 91 rooms and suites you can choose from feature tasteful furnishings, hardwood floors, flatscreen TVs and other amenities, with some even coming with clawfoot bathtubs. NoMad's dining options include a glass conservatory, the intimate Library reserved for hotel patrons, and a more casual pub-style all-day restaurant and bar.

The Savoy is famous around the world as a prime location for spotting celebs, having been visited by everyone from Winston Churchill to Elton John. It first opened on the banks of the Thames over a century ago and has been a magnet for the rich and powerful ever since. The stately residence offers glamorous old-school luxury and discreet contemporary technology, as well as boasting splendid views of the river. Its dining venues are renowned in their own right, highlighted by the afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer.

The Langham in the West End, one of Europe's first grand hotels, stands just a few minutes' walk from Oxford Circus station. Its prestigious accommodations come with modern amenities, unique offerings and elegant decor. Among the various award-winning dining options, you can treat yourself to afternoon tea at Palm Court or cocktails at the sophisticated Artesian Bar. There's also a large, fully-equipped spa with an 18-metre swimming pool.

The trendy Sea Containers hotel is located on the south bank of the Thames, offering a view of the river from many of its rooms. The accommodations were furnished by renowned designer Tom Dixon, and the hotel is just a few minutes away from famous sights such as Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and the London Eye. You can also unwind in the in-house cinema with the latest feature films, the spa or the gym, or enjoy panoramic views in one of the hotel's food and drink venues.

The Great Northern is located in the Western Concourse at King's Cross station and right next to St Pancras International, making it a great choice for those arriving to London by Eurostar. The exquisitely designed and renovated rooms in the iconic building feature flatscreen TVs, handmade furniture and restful Hypnos beds, and you can enjoy a lovely view of the area while dining on the first floor. The hotel becomes a lively spot for cocktails in the evenings.

A favourite of the Royal Family and not just for its proximity to Buckingham Palace, The Goring features opulent rooms and suites with butler service that draw on classic English elegance. It boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves traditional British fare with a twist, and the indulgent afternoon tea on the terrace, followed by a stroll in the garden, is a true British experience. Located in the historic Westminster district, the hotel is just a few minutes away from Victoria Station.

Raffles London, situated in the iconic Old War Office building in Whitehall and opened in 2023, is a luxurious hotel that marries history with opulence. Each meticulously crafted room and suite promises modern comforts and restful slumber. Since the earliest planning stages, Raffles London made it clear it aims to be a dining destination as well, and it delivered with a line-up of some of the most renowned chefs and dining brands in the world. Facilities such as spas, event spaces, and even tours of the building are available as well.

The Mondrian hotel in the heart of the city's creative hub offers five-star luxury slightly apart from the crowds of London's biggest tourist draws, yet still within easy reach of them. Its stylish designer rooms are good for both longer stays and quick city breaks, especially as you can relax by the outdoor rooftop pool after a busy day. The hotel is also home to the London outpost of famed private members's club Blue Marlin Ibiza.

A luxurious five-star hotel in Mayfair, The Dorchester is the epitome of lavish accommodation and has inspired many a James Bond reference. The rooms boast views of Hyde Park, Italian-marble bathrooms and the full range of amenities, while the stylishly designed hotel facility offers a pampering spa, some of the finest dining in the entire city, conference facilities and an excellent location.

A hub for anyone looking for fashionable accommodation in the heart of one of London's liveliest quarters, the vibrant W building on Leicester Square features eccentric yet trendy designer decor, advanced technological solutions in the rooms and a wide range of wellness treatments for pampering. You can hire out their plush screening room for anything from birthday parties to film premieres, and their bar and lounge is very serious about its cocktail mixology.

Opened in the heart of Belgravia in 2023, The Peninsula London is a newly built five-star hotel with 190 stylishly designed rooms and suites, all fitted with the full range of modern amenities and boasting top-notch views of the surrounding area. The lavish accommodation is complemented by luxurious wellness facilities, world-class dining outlets, and even a luxury shopping arcade.

11 Cadogan Gardens encompasses four redbrick Victorian townhouses in ritzy Chelsea and provides luxurious old-school hospitality, updated for contemporary times. You can choose from a wide range of accommodation at this boutique hotel, from cosy rooms for lone guests to flamboyant suites and open-plan apartments, all fabulously furnished with bespoke fittings such as Murano glass chandeliers, four-poster beds and marble bathrooms. The all-day restaurant ensures a gourmet dining experience, including traditional afternoon tea and wine tastings.

The Kimpton Fitzroy showcases the kind of classical grandeur usually found in museums, offering modern amenities such as Smart TVs, deluxe toiletries and a fitness centre with personal trainers, as well as a large ballroom and several business venues. Boasting an eye-catching terracotta exterior, the Grade II listed landmark is located on verdant Russell Square, just across from the British Museum and with popular areas such as Camden, Soho and Fitzrovia within easy reach.

The recently opened Pan Pacific quickly established itself as one of the best hotels in London thanks to its welcoming Singaporean approach to hospitality, a wellbeing haven encompassing an entire floor, including the most technologically advanced hotel gym in London, spacious modern rooms, and an array of dining options. The hotel and its landscaped plaza are located just a few steps from Liverpool Street Station, in plain sight of the iconic Gherkin and close to other transportation hubs and landmarks.

It might offer just ten rooms, but each of London's Artist Residence accommodations is lovingly furnished with a unique stylish vibe in mind, featuring various vintage pieces along with the expected modern amenities. Located in a townhouse above an all-day brasserie with seasonal menus and signature cocktails, the hotel also has a speakeasy cocktail bar in the cellar. Victoria Station and the Thames are both just a few minutes away.

The Mayfair Townhouse encompasses more than ten converted Georgian houses a few steps away from the Green Park tube station and just a couple of minutes' walk from Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. The opulently designed luxury hotel with quirky details features indulgent rooms and suites with high-end amenities, with some even providing respite from Central London's bustle on their quiet garden terrace. The theatrical Dandy Bar on the ground floor is famed for its sophisticated cocktails.

The Pullman is ideal for business meetups and events, with a prime location next to the Eurostar terminal, great tube and train connections, a trendily refurbished bar and restaurant serving balanced cuisine, 17 meeting rooms and a giant auditorium for over 400 people. The modern rooms are stylishly decorated for both work and relaxation purposes, providing amenities such as free WiFi and flatscreen TVs. There's also a well-equipped gym with a sauna.

Offering upscale luxury at a more affordable price, Batty Langley's beautifully decorated bedrooms boast carefully restored antiques, a wealth of rich fabrics, gilded taps and more, as well as modern amenities such as a flatscreen TV, media hub and free WiFi. Spitalfields Market with fashion, home goods and food stalls is just around the corner, with Liverpool Street Station just a few minutes further down the street.

You can rent a number of unique spaces at this hotel, including an original 1912 Masonic Temple and a ballroom dating back to 1901, making it a good choice for all sorts of events and meetings. The luxuriously appointed rooms come with flatscreen TVs, high-end toiletries and a free non-alcoholic minibar, and there are seven on-site dining venues. The hotel is located right next to Liverpool Street Station, with great connections all over town.

The landmark Brown's Hotel has been a part of London's history for more than 180 years, inspiring authors such as Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie and hosting luminaries such as Queen Victoria. The majestic Georgian building with traditional decor offers plush rooms and suites in the upmarket area of Mayfair, just a few minutes from Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. The amenities include interactive LCD TVs, an array of massage and wellness treatments, Carrera marble bathrooms and award-winning dining.

The Mandarin Oriental is the epitome of elegant luxury, located across the road from Hyde Park and next to Knightsbridge tube station. Its individually furnished rooms and suites come with marble bathrooms, views over the affluent surrounding area and contemporary amenities. The accommodating staff are happy to help with anything you might need, whether you're looking to relax in the spa, paddle around the 18-metre pool, or indulge in some Michelin-starred cuisine.

Long considered to be one of the best affordable hotels in London, the family-run Lime Tree provides warm hospitality across two Georgian houses next to the Victoria train and tube station. During lockdown, the chic bedrooms were renovated and range from cosy singles to spacious triples, all with bespoke beds. The rustic Buttery café and restaurant serves tasty breakfasts, brunch favourites and seasonal British lunches and dinners.

The only hotel in London to offer dedicated butler service in all accommodations throughout the day, comfort at the Lanesborough doesn't end there. Offering responsive technologies such as in-room tablets and other amenities, the splendidly appointed rooms and suites include access to the hotel's fully equipped wellness facilities. The hotel is famed also for its dining offer, from its flagship The Lanesborough Grill to its afternoon tea, served beneath the chandeliers of the Withdrawing Room.

This boutique luxury hotel on Sloane Street, within easy walking distance of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and the River Thames, blends quintessential British charm with Japanese allure. It has quickly made a name for itself with carefully curated artwork and bedrooms designed by Nicola Harding paying tribute to London's theatre scene. Its restaurant and Art Deco bar focus on Japanese cuisine, including an omakase experience.

Marylebone's deluxe five-star hotel The Landmark London is an icon of the capital's hospitality, in no small part thanks to its vast glass-roofed atrium that houses tall palm trees. Along with award-winning dining, spa, pool and wellness facilities and all the other luxurious facilities one would expect at such a notable hotel, The Landmark features sumptuously appointed rooms and suites boasting the full range of amenities.

Treehouse Hotel may look like a basic office block from the outside but inside you'll find an imaginative and inspiring space with five floors of stripped-back contemporary decor. Expect loads of greenery, vintage furniture, and exposed concrete. Rooms are set over several floors and there's an upscale Mexican restaurant offering fab city views.

A stay at The Mandrake means immersing yourself in art, culture, and luxury. This opulent five star hotel is richly-decorated, filled with antiques, an enviable art collection, and sumptuous design. Each guest room is carefully decorated and has its own personality. There are eateries on-site and a spiritual concierge service.

Housed in a charming townhouse in Bloomsbury, The Montague on the Gardens is peaceful and luxurious. The rooms and suites here feel elegant and come with a variety of useful amenities. A choice of bars and eateries are available on-site and the place is well-known for its classic afternoon tea service.

Good Hotel is a unique hotel on the river with a powerful social mission, investing all of its profits back into the community. This is a floating hotel with minimalist Dutch design throughout. Guests can also use on-site meeting spaces or eat in the sustainable veggie and vegan restaurant here.

Centrally-located in Soho, Hotel Café Royal is elegant and luxurious. This is a good option if you want to stay in opulent surroundings. There are rooms, suites, and luxury penthouses to book, plus various facilities for guests to take advantage of. There are bars and eateries and a spa on-site, and in-room dining is available.

Inhabit is the first hotel in the city dedicated to wellness, with a chic look that pairs British design with Nordic style influences. The entire space has a peaceful atmosphere and each room includes hand-chosen art and ornaments and curated books and magazines. Various facilities are available plus a range of workshops and classes take place on-site.

Stay in Spitalfields at The Culpeper. This buzzy venue combines a pub, restaurant, and hotel rooms in a venue that's full of rustic cool. The rooms are pared-back, offering cosy modern spaces to guests. Expect wooden surfaces and soft furnishings in each comfortable room.

East London hotel Mama Shelter is design-forward and full of bold modern style. There are 194 rooms here with striking design features, carefully-selected decor, organic toiletries, and free in-room movies. The hotel also has a bar and restaurant, karaoke rooms, and facilities for meetings and events such as weddings.