A thriving cultural hub, London has one of the richest and most diverse histories of any of the European capitals. With plenty to see and do, it's the perfect place for either a weekend city break or an extended stay, and is equally popular with both visitors from across the globe and natives looking for some time away. Home to some of Britain’s best and most luxurious hotels, choosing the right base for your particular trip can make all the difference to your stay.
Read on to discover our selection of handpicked favourites close to London’s most iconic landmarks.
© The Lalit London
Artist Residence London
One Michelin Key
Set just a few streets back from the River Thames, the Artist Residence London sits between classy Chelsea and vibrant Victoria. A perfect base if you’re attending the Chelsea Flower Show, this artsy venue is a throwback to London’s creative prime; expect characterful rooms and walls adorned with art. It's ideally positioned to explore some of the capital’s finest art galleries, with the Saatchi Gallery and the Tate Britain but a moment’s walk. While you're in the area don’t miss a visit to Sloane Square, home to some of London’s top restaurants. The Sea, The Sea is a fish-lover's paradise, operating as a contemporary fishmonger's in the day and a seafood-centric restaurant in the evenings, all bound together by top quality produce. Five Fields, meanwhile, is a Michelin-Starred restaurant with one eye on sustainability, given that much of the excellent produce used by the chefs comes from their own kitchen garden in East Sussex.Related Read: The Artist Residence Group – Hotels To Make You Smile
© Artist Residence London
Dean Street Townhouse
Set beside the iconic Soho House group’s flagship members' club, this traditional London townhouse is both refined and opulent. Small and personal, this is the place to stay if you want to be on first name terms with the staff. With charming artwork adorning every bit of wall space, one of the highlights here is their afternoon tea – and there really is no excuse for visiting London and not indulging in this most British of traditions. Perfectly situated for exploring Soho and the stunning Covent Garden market, one of London’s gems, this is an ideal spot for first time visitors. It's a short walk from all the major attractions, the West End theatres are within spitting distance and Chinatown is but a saunter away. Come dinner time, be sure to visit one of London’s finest Taiwanese spots: Bao is the place to go for, you've guessed it, some delicious bao buns – there’s often a queue to get in, but it’s well worth the wait. If you'd prefer to sample the best of British produce, head along to Michelin-Starred Aulis. At this chef's table counter restaurant, the focus is on organic produce sourced from the Lake District.'
© Dean Street Townhouse
Dorset Square Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
Quiet, leafy Dorset Square isn’t somewhere most visitors to London find themselves, and that’s what makes the Dorset Square Hotel so special. Firmdale Hotels’ very first venture, the Dorset Square served as the drawing board for their properties around the world. Despite later being sold off, it’s now back in Firmdale’s portfolio and still as loved as ever. Their bar and restaurant is always busy with locals, who know a good thing when they see it. If you prefer to venture out, walk south along Chiltern Street to Mayha; originally opened in Beirut and then relocated, this tiny Japanese restaurant serves a seasonal omakase menu with the food prepared in front of your eyes. Nearby attractions include the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds and Regent’s Park. The British Museum and Oxford Street are also within walking distance, as are Covent Garden and the West End.
© Dorset Square Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
Great Scotland Yard London
If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes, or have ever watched a British police drama, you’ll know Scotland Yard. Situated just off Embankment – the main street running beside the River Thames – this former HQ of the Metropolitan Police is a stone’s throw from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and directly opposite the London Eye; its central location making it an ideal base for sightseeing. Part of the Hyatt’s 'Unbound Collection', the stunning Edwardian building has been completely refurbished in recent years, yet despite the addition of modern comforts, the building’s history and original features have been wonderfully preserved. Onsite restaurant Ekstedt at The Yard is Chef Niklas Ekstedt’s first opening outside of his native Sweden, and this cosy, rustic spot is a homage to Scandinavian cuisine. Expect plenty of pickling, fermenting and curing, which complements dishes cooked over the wood fire.
© Great Scotland Yard London
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Knightsbridge Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
One Michelin Key
A short walk from the Wellington Arch, Park Lane and Oxford Street – and perfectly situated for shopping at Harrods, as well as Knightsbridge’s upscale boutiques – this is the ultimate London hotel if you love to shop 'til you drop. It's also conveniently close to Hyde Park if you want to take a break from the throngs and take a walk by the Serpentine Lake. With exceptionally modest prices for one of London’s most exclusive addresses, the Knightsbridge Hotel has the air of a classic English country house. But while many country houses have fallen into a state of disrepair, the story here is a different one, and fresh, extravagant décor sets the tone. After a long day’s sightseeing, retire to the African-inspired drawing room and enjoy a drink from the honesty bar around the warm open fire. While room service might be tempting after a day on your feet, this is the perfect location to head out and experience some of London’s finest restaurants – of which there is certainly no shortage. For tired feet, less than a 5-minute walk away is Zuma on Raphael Street. Now an international chain, this is the location where it all began. Their contemporary Japanese dishes will transport your taste buds to Tokyo in seconds.
© Knightsbridge Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
Sea Containers London
A direct opposite of Dean Street Townhouse with its large, impersonal style, Sea Containers still manages to deliver impeccable service. A typical luxury hotel, it has everything you’d need and expect, from a wonderful art deco exterior to warm, inviting public areas and comfortable bedrooms. It's set in a prime location on the South Bank, and if you ask anyone from north of the river, they’ll say they never venture south, but in the same way the East End has recently become London’s trendy destination, the South Side is very much worth the journey. Plus, thanks to the Thames Clippers (branded as Uber Boat) ferries, it’s easy to head back across to Westminster in less than 10 minutes. A walk along the South Bank is a given, with a visit to the the Tate Modern gallery and the Shakespeare’s Globe theatre also a must. Once you’ve seen these highlights, spend a while wandering aimlessly around the cobbled streets running away from the Thames; it’s easy to start walking and end up miles into the East End without even noticing. When you venture out for dinner, head for Lasdun. Set within the National Theatre, a building with divides opinion thanks to it brutalist architecture, Lasdun is named after the man responsible for its design. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy classic London dishes, with options to share including the likes of pies, roasted fish and ribs.
© Sea Containers
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The Guardsman
It's certainly a fitting name, as if The Guardsman were any closer to Buckingham Palace, it would be right inside it. Don’t be fooled by association though, as despite its lavish look, inside it feels nothing like a palace. Part hotel, part private members’ club, it's fresh, playful and creative, with subtle nods to the building’s history. Aside from the Palace, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square and Horse Guard’s Parade are an easy walk away, while Trafalgar Square and the West End are nothing more than a gentle stroll. Given the central location, there's no shortage of top restaurants nearby; One Michelin Starred Quilon deserves a special mention for its divine south Indian inspired seafood.
© The Guardsman
The Lalit London
Situated on the South Bank, The Lalit is set in a former Victorian grammar school. Undeniably beautiful, it’s been recently renovated by the Indian-based Lalit Suri hotel group, who purchased it and transformed it into a melting pot of style and sophistication. With deep historical links, British and Indian culture are often intertwined, but The Lalit takes this to a whole new level. The staff are adorned in traditional Indian garments, the rooms are extravagant and the bathrooms are lavish. Location-wise, it's perfect for visiting Southwark Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London – the latter entails a walk across the bridge and who doesn’t want that? Another must-see south of the Thames is Borough Market, and just outside it you'll find OMA, a terrific spot for Greek sharing plates. One of many restaurants around here showcasing international cuisine, OMA is the place to be if you're after breads, spreads and skewers of the Hellenic variety.
© The Lalit London
The Rookery
Go back a decade or two and you wouldn’t have been considering a stay in London’s East End, but the area has undergone a massive regeneration in recent years to become one of London’s trendiest locations. Set right behind Smithfield Market, The Rookery is an ideal base to explore one of the city’s most historic districts. Within walking distance, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Museum of London are some of the highlights here, and if you’re interested in the darker side of London’s past, you’re in the ideal spot to take a Jack the Ripper tour or check out Sweeney Todd’s barber shop. The Rookery also plays on that darker side; in the not-too-distant past, this was the hangout of London’s worst (or best, if you like) gangsters, so expect a nod to those times with Victorian-era plumbing, antique furnishings and wood-panelled corridors. When it’s time to dine, take a wander over the road to Bib Gourmand awarded Brutto. This pleasingly authentic trattoria guarantees a great night out and its hearty dishes come at a superb price.
© The Rookery
Hero Image: © Sea Containers London
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