London is a city that's rich in both history and culture, so it’s only natural that some of the most opulent accommodation in the country can be found in the capital. Whether it’s your first visit to the city or you're a Londoner celebrating a special occasion, this round-up showcases the best options for an unforgettable experience. Spread across London’s neighbourhoods, you’ll find everything from timeless elegance to up-to-the-minute modernity, classic British charm to East Asian influences, with each hotel offering its own take on the highest level of luxury.
Read on to discover our most lavish picks.
© Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
Bvlgari Hotel London
One of the most expensive offerings in town (an impressive feat), this minimalist masterpiece designed by Antonio Citterio brings top-tier luxury and a certain pizzazz that can’t be understated. Found in Knightsbridge, a stone’s throw away from the Harrods department store, here you will find careful consideration in every corner, from the exquisite and spacious rooms to the tailored service. For the ultimate in relaxation make use of the spa, which boasts a hyperbaric oxygen therapy capsule and a zerobody dry float experience. Meanwhile, for the more active among you, there are fitness facilities that are every bit as premium as the rest. The Bvlgari has it all.
© Bvlgari Hotel London, Knightsbridge
Claridge’s
When it comes to famous guests, Claridge’s has not been short of them over the years. This hotel, the epitome of luxury, has been host to an impressive number of royals, including Queen Victoria herself. The timeless, art deco styling takes you back to the thirties – and the staff only add to this impression: immaculately groomed, impeccably dressed and always discreet. During your stay be sure to pay a visit to Claridge’s restaurant for a modern twist on British flavours, and end – or even begin – your days with the tranquillity of the spa.
© Claridge's, Mayfair
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
Set in the heart of London, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a sanctuary for guests looking for something calming and discreet. Its stylish, modern façade, with its strips of red brick, gives way to an East Asian influence inside, offering a level of comfort worthy of one of London’s wealthiest quarters. Away from its serene and elegant rooms, you’ll be swept away by the hotel spa, a real work of art allowing you to recharge before stepping out into the city again. A modern Japanese kitchen and a Korean chef’s table fit perfectly with the overall theme.
© Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
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Hotel Café Royal
This grand hotel was once a restaurant and meeting place of great prestige. Welcoming everyone from Winston Churchill to Princess Diana throughout its 143 years, the Café closed in 2008, with a high-end hotel taking its place. Now counted among London's most luxurious, it’s easy to see why. Its interior is a thing of beauty, seamlessly blending the contemporary with the timeless, and there’s no shortage of dining options to make your stay extra special, with an evening at the Two Michelin Starred restaurant by Alex Dilling a must. Even its location is elegant, tucked away on Regent Street, itself a hub of fashion and lifestyle.
© Hotel Café Royal, Soho
Rosewood London
With its Belle Époque edifice, 263 rooms and overall grand design, you would be forgiven for feeling slightly intimidated by the Rosewood London. And yet it remains remarkably welcoming, prioritising comfort just as much as style and refinement. This hotel perfectly captures the charm of modern London, and also serves as the ideal base from which to explore the British capital, with everything from Michelin-Starred restaurants to cultural hotspots nearby. Need a stiff drink after your day gallivanting? Head down to Scarfes Bar to be taken back to the gentleman’s clubs of yore and delight in imaginative concoctions.
© Rosewood London, Bloomsbury
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The Berkeley
While The Berkeley might not be as storied as some of our other picks, it more than makes up for it with the extreme comfort it offers. From the moment you step inside you’ll be enthralled by the bold, innovative design and expansive rooms. Everything here is fully considered, from the doormen and concierges who address you by name to the host of amenities; the heated rooftop pool looks out over Hyde Park and is said to be a favourite of none other than Madonna. Once you've worked up an appetite there's a range of restaurants and bars to choose from – including the art deco style Blue Bar.
© The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
The Cadogan
If you want a hotel with a rich and fabled history, look no further than The Cadogan. As you enter this favourite haunt of Oscar Wilde, you’ll immediately be struck by its timeless yet contemporary atmosphere. The bedrooms and suites, meanwhile, rival the luxury found anywhere else in the city. It may be located in the heart of Chelsea, but you have exclusive access to the Cadogan Place Gardens, which provide a welcome escape from all the hustle and bustle. Take to the Gardens' tennis courts – all equipment is supplied – or relax in the treatment room before enjoying a spot of afternoon tea in the lounge.
© The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London
The Savoy
The Savoy is a legend of the hospitality world for a reason. Considered the original luxury hotel (counting the introduction of electric lights and en-suite bathrooms among its many innovations), staying here means being transported back to the days of Edwardian opulence. Nestled on the north bank of the River Thames, it will certainly leave you with a memorable experience. Be sure to make time for a visit to the beauty and fitness retreat, then cap it off with a meal at the iconic Savoy Grill or in the gold-hued, One Michelin Starred 1890 by Gordon Ramsay, named in honour of renowned French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier, who joined the hotel that year.
© The Savoy, Covent Garden
Hero Image: © The Berkeley
