Guide to the best hotels in Mayfair

You’ll find JW Marriott Grosvenor House moments from some of the city’s top sights, like Buckingham Palace, Knightsbridge and designer shopping paradise Regent Street. The rooms and suites are super comfortable and kitted out with fluffy pillowtop beds, elegant marble bathrooms and modern amenities. There are a few restaurants on-site, but the JW Steakhouse is a nod to the hotel’s American heritage, serving everything from juicy steaks and classic salads to chophouse-style dishes. On the other hand, Corrigan’s Mayfair is one to bookmark for fancier occasions; they serve dishes like oysters and game terrine with a menu headed up by chef Richard Corrigan.

Brown’s Hotel London has been a part of London’s history and heritage for almost two centuries; even Queen Elizabeth has stayed there. It’s a traditional hotel located in a grand Georgian building in the affluent area of Mayfair and is only a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. Inside it’s decorated in a traditional fashion juxtaposed with modern amenities, like LCD TVs. You can enjoy a range of wellness treatments at the calming Rocco Forte Spa or indulge in fine dining at the on-site award-winning restaurants.

It doesn’t get much more prestigious than The Ritz, a long-standing Grade II listed 5-star London institution right in the heart of the city. The timeless hotel, located smack bang opposite Green Park, is right in the hustle and bustle of West London, moments from Oxford Street shopping and right around the corner from Buckingham Palace. Their legendary afternoon tea, which takes place in the elegant Long Gallery, is one of their main draws. There’s an Art-Deco-styled cigar shop, the Ritz Club casino, and even the option to rent a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom by the hour (but be prepared to splash the cash for this).

Art-Deco style meets contemporary living at this five-star hotel in Mayfair. The Beaumont is a London institution that excels in service, ensuring it’s consistently top-of-the-range. Rooms are comfortable and kitted out with modern amenities, original artworks, books, photographs and marble bathrooms with heated flooring. The spa offers a sanctuary away from the busy streets of London, and there is a range of massages, facials and hammam treatments to pick from as well as a sauna, steak room and gym. Take your pick from the restaurants, from the glamorous Colony Grill room and Le Magritte Bar to the Gatsby’s Room and the Terrace - which is perfect for al fresco drinking and dining.

The Connaught is an all-around luxurious hotel with a range of classic rooms and suites kitted out with convenient amenities and comfortable furnishings. It houses several restaurants and bars, including the legendary Connaught Bar and a dedicated champagne bar. There’s also a premium Aman Spa where you can unwind with treatments that aim to unplug you from the rest of the world so that you can totally relax and rejuvenate.

Claridge’s is one of the most prestigious hotels in London and has been a home-away-from-home for royalty and A-listers since it first started welcoming guests. It’s a five-minute stroll to Bond Street station and only moments from some of the best shops in the city. You can expect courteous service from the highly-trained staff here, as well as comfortable rooms and suites that come with champagne, fresh flowers, a personal butler and the use of a Burberry trench coat throughout your stay. The Foyer & Reading Room, where you can grab a bite to eat, features Art Deco mirrors, a grand piano and an eye-catching Chihuly sculpture that takes centre stage.

The Mayfair Townhouse is spread across 15 Georgian townhouses on Half Moon Street in the heart of Mayfair. It’s surrounded by great shops, galleries, museums, and restaurants and is a short stroll from Buckingham Palace. Mid-century modern style is paired with contemporary British fashion, with art being the main focus. The Dandy Bar is a cosy, sophisticated cocktail bar and the place to go for late-night tipples or enjoy all-day dining at The Lower Ground in The Townhouse, under the watchful eye of chef Adam Simmonds.

The Dilly has played a pivotal part in the history of London’s hotel scene. It opened as Le Méridien in 1908 and became known for its poolside parties in the ‘30s. The Terrace is the main draw, a bright conservatory filled with house plants drenched in natural light. Rooms are comfortable and quiet, and a pop-up restaurant resident usually serves top-quality food in the Grade II-listed Oak Room and Lounge; most recently Madhus, a fine-dining Indian establishment.

Native Mayfair is located in a red-brick Georgian townhouse down a narrow Mayfair side street. Rooms are decorated with artworks that are a reminder of the local area and are kitted out with modern amenities paired with elegant decor. You’re left to your own devices here, as there’s no concierge or front desk, so it feels like a real home away from home. There aren’t any restaurants or bars, but you don’t need them as you’re located close to some of the city's best wining and dining spots.

The Athenaeum is the epitome of luxury in Mayfair, set between Park Lane and Mayfair. The hotel overlooks the lush Green Park with sweeping views of the treetops and beyond. The rooms are sleek, stylish and comfortable, decorated with ornaments of nearby landmarks. Restaurant 116 provides the ideal spot for a laid-back lunch or dinner, featuring a menu chock-full of international favourites.

St. James’ Hotel and Club was first established in 1857 as a London club for travelling diplomats where the likes of Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming would reside. The club closed down in the ‘70s but was soon snapped up as a prestigious Mayfair hotel that's still functioning today. The Michelin-starred Seven Park Place Restaurant serves the finest French fare, and 1857 is a wine bar serving some of the oldest and most legendary wines, including limited, vintage and rare bottles.

This red-brick hotel in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes makes for a luxurious and peaceful base for exploring the city. It’s technically a member’s club, but the spacious rooms are free to book when the members aren't using them. 24-hour room service is available, but there’s no restaurant on-site, so you have to venture out for food, which isn’t so bad when you’re in an area like Mayfair.

The Cavendish can be reached within minutes from the West End and Hyde Park, close to some of London’s most famous landmarks. Opt to stay in any of their rooms, from classic rooms to penthouse suites, all designed in a contemporary fashion with modern furniture and bold patterns. Dining is also available at The Mayfair and Grill Restaurant, which serves a British and European menu using seasonal ingredients.

This relaxing sanctuary is the place to be if you don’t want to be in a fully-fledged hotel and are seeking a more home-away-from-home vibe. It houses 12 spacious self-catering suites decorated in a neutral palette with black and white Soho prints scattered on the walls. You can order ahead for groceries so that you’re stocked up and can make the most of the self-catering facilities. Or, do what we’d do and venture to Soho to indulge in some of the best restaurants in the city (Dishoom, Hoppers, Lina Stores… we could go on).