The 15 Best Hotels to Stay at in London [Includes Area Guide]

London is a historic city that has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. From the pomp and circumstance of The Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, to the ultra-modern attractions of the West End, London is a city that is proud of its heritage yet always one step ahead.

The shopping on Oxford Street is second to none, and exclusive department stores like Harrods are a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. London is also a creative hub for artists, musicians, actors, and writers and some of the finest galleries, exclusive music venues, and most celebrated theatrical performances in the world can also be found here. To match its impressive credentials, it is also home to some incredible hotels.

The 15 Best Hotels in London

There are many hundreds of hotels to choose from in London, but here are 15 of the very best:

The Connaught

With impeccable service and opulent interiors, this exquisite upscale hotel is located in the affluent area of Mayfair. The on-site restaurant — Hélène Darroze at the Connaught — offers Michelin-starred fine dining, and the Connaught Bar and Coburg Bar serve mouth-watering cocktails and fine wines.

Bedrooms are elegant and refined, and the bespoke butler and concierge services will make you feel like royalty during your stay. Take advantage of the Aman holistic spa or step outside and explore the tree-lined streets of Mayfair with its high-end shopping and first-class attractions.

If you’re looking for a luxury experience but with contemporary comfort, the Connaught might be worth a look.

The Soho Hotel

Located just a short walk from the world-famous Oxford Street with its wealth of attractions and first-class shopping, the Soho Hotel, member of Firmdale Hotels, offers cozy accommodation at the heart of the West End. Air-conditioned bedrooms come complete with elegant furnishings and a fully stocked mini-bar, while visitors to the hotel can also make use of the beauty treatment room during their stay.

Enjoy a full body massage, a facial, or a manicure before sampling the delightful menu on offer in their modern European restaurant, the Refuel Bar & Restaurant. The Soho Hotel is also just a short walk from a selection of London Underground stations that will take you across the city of London.

If luxury and location are important, this may be the hotel to explore. Learn what other travelers say about the Soho Hotel, along with prices and availability.

The Savoy Hotel

This world-famous, Art Deco hotel offers sumptuous accommodation and first-class service throughout. Elegant bedrooms are in keeping with the age of the building and offer elegant marble bathrooms, while the hotel is home to some of the London’s best-known restaurants including Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill, Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and Simpson’s-In-The-Strand.

The Savoy is located just a 5-minute walk from London’s Covent Garden, and visitors can easily access the West End, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Shaftesbury Avenue on foot, by bus, or by using the London Underground. Once the favorite haunt of Frank Sinatra and Katherine Hepburn, The Savoy still oozes celebrity charm throughout.

If you’re looking for the luxury that was sought out by the likes of Winston Churchill, Monet, and Fred Estaire, you should explore the Savoy as an option.

Hot Tip: Fellow points fanatics should also check out these 10 best London hotels to book with points.

The Dorchester Hotel

The Dorchester Hotel is an iconic London hotel that overlooks Hyde Park and is close to the high-class shopping experiences available on Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Marble Arch. This prestigious Mayfair hotel offers sumptuous bedrooms, an elegant lobby, a fine-dining French restaurant and a popular Grill offering a modern British menu.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of relaxing treatments and therapies in the Dorchester Spa or indulge in an afternoon tea on The Promenade. There is also an on-site fitness center and a chic relaxation room, as well as a lively bar serving sophisticated cocktails and a range of fine wines and spirits.

If you’re after British tradition of refined elegance, this hotel should be on your list. Learn what other travelers say about the Dorchester Hotel, along with prices and availability.

Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Really live the high life in this exquisite hotel that occupies levels 34-52 of the iconic Shard building in central London. Offering 5-star luxury throughout, every guest bedroom is uniquely designed and has beds made with body-contouring-technology for the ultimate in comfort and style.

The hotel also features 3 dining and drinking venues that are popular with visitors and locals alike. The signature restaurant and lounge, TING, can be found on level 35, while Bar 31 has a more laid back vibe. Finally, GŎNG is London’s highest champagne and cocktail bar and can be found on level 52 of the Shard. The Shard is located in the heart of the Square Mile and is less than a 1-minute walk from London Bridge Train and Tube Station.

This hotel has some of the most breath-taking views of London and all 202 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of that view. Check out Shangri-La Hotel’s prices and availability.

The Montague On The Gardens

Located in the trendy Bloomsbury area of London, The Montague on the Gardens is a luxurious hotel with a modern vintage feel. There are 2 on-site restaurants for you to enjoy during your stay — the award-winning Blue Door Bistro and the uber-chic Leopard Bar. Bedrooms are beautifully appointed and feature quirky extras like copper baths and British decor, while the hotel also offers its very own on-site gym and 2 sunrooms.

The Montague on the Garden is just a minute’s walk from The British Museum, and visitors can enjoy excellent access to the Eurostar trains at nearby St Pancras International train station. Covent Garden, Oxford Street, and the shops and theaters of the West End are also within walking distance of the hotel.

A Georgian townhouse with English style and charm, all turned into a luxury hotel; what more could you want? Explore what other travelers say about the Montague on the Gardens, along with prices and availability.

Sea Containers London Hotel – Formerly Mondrian London

Sitting aside the Thames at Southwark, this landmark hotel is just a few short minutes walk from both the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Bedrooms are sleek and spacious and have been designed by award-winning designer Tom Dixon, some with stunning river views.

The hotel also offers a riverside restaurant with outdoor seating, a cocktail bar, an exclusive aqua spa, and a popular and lively rooftop bar and terrace with panoramic views out across the city of London.

There is also an on-site Curzon cinema with a 56-seat screening room for guests and visitors to enjoy. If you want to wander further into the city, you can cross the river to explore the West End, the London Eye, Borough Market, and many of the other main attractions in the city.

This hotel is perfect for those looking for a luxury hotel on the South Bank. Learn more about the Sea Containers Hotel, along with prices and availability.

The Ritz Hotel London

The Ritz Hotel is one of the most famous establishments in the world, and it lives up to its reputation by continuing to offer luxurious accommodation throughout. Bedrooms are opulent and extremely well-appointed and feature a heady blend of antique furniture, classical features, and state of the art technology.

Guests can dine at the Michelin star Ritz Restaurant that uses the finest fresh ingredients to produce a modern twist on a classically British menu. You can also enjoy drinks at The Rivoli Bar with its Art Deco styling and gold leaf decoration. Located at the heart of the West End, The Ritz is perfect for exploring some of the finest shopping streets, theater shows and bars and nightclubs in the world. The Ritz Club Casino is also situated directly next door.

The Ritz embodies pure opulence. What other hotel offers a Rolls-Royce Phantom for hire, food so good that it has its own cookbook, and a luxury cigar shop? Explore more about the Ritz London, along with prices and availability.

As part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, the Ritz London has award nights starting at 75,000 points, up to 100,000 points per night. There are many great ways to earn tons of Marriott points, so this is an excellent opportunity to stay at a fabulous hotel on points.

ME London by Melia Hotels

ME London by Melia is located on The Strand and is just a few minutes’ walk from the Covent Garden, Soho, and the River Thames. This innovative hotel is fresh and modern and features design-conscious interiors, including bathrooms with Bali showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an integrated media hub in every room.

Guests can enjoy the fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine on offer at the ZELA restaurant, the farm-fresh fare at STK London, or smoothies and pastries at the Marconi Lounge Bar. Up on the roof, the Radio Bar offers creative cocktails and captivating views out across the city.

This is a great choice for those looking for the intersection of contemporary sophistication, all while enjoying the West End. Learn more about the ME London, along with prices and availability.

Claridge’s Hotel

Offering 5-star luxury and the ultimate in sophisticated London living, Claridge’s Hotel is one of the most esteemed establishments in the city. Glamorous and elegant, bedrooms are furnished to suit the age of the building with Deco furniture and marble bathrooms, while the lobby, restaurant and bar areas are 1930’s themed and utterly gorgeous.

The Reading Room serves up a light menu in luxury surroundings, while the Fumoir bar offers vintage style cocktails. Famous for their afternoon teas, visitors and guests can enjoy over 50 varieties of tea paired with delicious, freshly made pastries. Just a short walk from the shops of Oxford Street and Bond Street, as well as the open spaces of Hyde Park, Claridge’s is beautifully located for you to explore the West End, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, and beyond.

What stands out about Claridge’s in their dedication to service. As they put it plainly, the  “continue the dedication to service that made us a byword for luxury”. To hear what other travelers say the Claridge’s, along with prices and availability.

W Hotel London Leicester Square

At the heart of Leicester Square lies the modern and contemporary W London with its bright, stylish bedrooms, flat-screen TV’s, impressive media library, and floor to ceiling windows. For fun nights out, guests and visitors can enjoy cocktails, dining experiences, and live music events in The Perception Bar, while enjoying views out to the streets of Soho below.

For a more gentle way to spend the day, the hotel also offers the Away Spa with its sauna and steam room, beauty boutique, and elegant treatment rooms. Located in the heart of Theatreland, The W London is just a short walk away from Chinatown, Soho, and Oxford Street, and Leicester Square Underground Station is just 350 yards away.

W Hotels are known for their bold design, and the W London is no exception. The W London costs 50,000 to 70,000 points per night. There are many great ways to earn tons of Marriott points, so this is an excellent opportunity to stay at a fabulous hotel on points.

Sunborn London Yacht Hotel

For a different way to stay, this floating super-yacht hotel can be found in the Royal Victoria Dock, just a short drive from both London City Airport and the iconic Canary Wharf. Smartly designed bedrooms are comfortable and clean, and some have views out across the Docks themselves. The boat also offers its very own Sun Deck as well as a lounge bar that serves an a la carte menu and a selection of beers, wines, and spirits.

For those who want to unwind, the Symphony Spa offers massages and body treatments onboard the boat itself, and for those who want to explore a little further, the Sunborn Yacht is close to Custom House Docklands Light Railway Station with direct access to Westfield Stratford City and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Such a unique opportunity that it’s worth consideration when staying in London. Explore what others say about their stay along with Sunborn London’s prices and availability.

The Exhibitionist Hotel

In a sought after location opposite the Natural History Museum, the Exhibitionist Hotel offers boutique-style accommodation in the heart of South Kensington. Within easy reach of the V&A Museum, the Science Museum, The Albert Hall, and the upmarket shopping of Knightsbridge, Sloane Street, Harvey Nichols, and Harrods, this is a beautiful base from which to explore some of the finest attractions London has to offer.

Bedrooms are well-appointed and offer charming interiors, while the hotel is also home to 8 different galleries that frequently rotate the artwork on display. Charming accommodation in one of the city’s premier locations makes this hotel an excellent choice for travelers interested in architecture, monuments, and the history of the city.

This hotel is a must for any museum aficionado or art enthusiast. Click to learn more about the Exhibitionist Hotel, along with prices and availability.

Twenty Nevern Square Hotel

Located in the ever-fashionable area of Kensington, this intimate hotel offers boutique-style luxury overlooking the tranquil gardens of Nevern Square. With beautifully restored Victorian interiors, bedrooms are luxuriously decorated with sublime touches like four-poster bed and Oriental influences, while the bathrooms feature floor to ceiling marble and exclusive accessories.

Room service is available, and there is a continental breakfast served in the lounge room on a daily basis. Just a short train journey away from the bustling streets of the West End, the upscale shops of Knightsbridge, and the River Thames, visitors can explore the city with ease from the nearby Earls Court Station.

For a true boutique-style experience, this hotel is worth a look. Click to learn more about the Twenty Nevern Square Hotel, along with prices and availability.

Motel One London-Tower Hill

Based at the heart of the financial district, Motel One London is within easy reach of the tourist attractions like the Tower of London and Tower Bridge as well as the buzzing bars and nightlife of Brick Land, Shoreditch, and the Square Mile.

Bedrooms are stylish and simple and come complete with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. There is also an on-site bar for those who like to enjoy a drink before heading out for the evening. This designer hotel offers affordable accommodation in a central location and is perfect for anyone visiting the city of London for business or pleasure.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option while not giving up high design, you should explore the Motel One London, along with prices and availability.

Best Hotels by Area

The city of London is divided into 32 different boroughs. Some are more tourist-worthy than others, but all have their own distinct look and feel. Here are some of the most popular areas of the city to visit on your next trip:

The West End, Soho, and Covent Garden

The West End of London is home to the city’s world-famous theater district, a vibrant night scene, great restaurants, pubs and bars, and the spectacular shopping streets of Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Carnaby Street. It is also where many of London’s major tourist attractions can be found.

Running just behind Oxford Street, Soho is an energetic area with narrow streets pulsing with live entertainment, interesting food, and first-class nightlife. Covent Garden is also close by and is home to more amazing shopping facilities, first-class bars, and restaurants, and is home to the Royal Opera House and London’s famous street performers.

Although these 3 areas have their own distinct boundaries, it is easy to walk between them and explore the very best this part of London has to offer.

Best Hotels Near Covent Garden

Ham Yard Hotel — a quirky hotel with eclectic decor and excellent food, located just a few moments away from the beating heart of the West End.

Hotel Indigo — stunning views and mid-century style interiors await at the Hotel Indigo, as well as a first-class location just yards away from Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue. The Hotel Indigo is bookable with IHG points starting at just 40,000 points per night.

Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street Hotel — this upscale hotel offers quirky British touches like Union Jack accessories and theater-style make-up mirrors, as well as a first-class restaurant and bar at the heart of the West End. The Mercer Street Hotel is a part of the Radisson Rewards Americas program with award nights starting at 70,000 points per night.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is an upscale, residential area that is famous for its hidden side streets, antique shops, outdoor markets, and vibrant nightlife. Second-hand book stores can be found next to high-end designer stores, and authentic English pubs are there to be enjoyed on every corner.

Notting Hill is also home to the famous Portobello Road Market that offers over 1,000 dealers selling their goods in the largest antique market in the world. There is also the annual Notting Hill Carnival that celebrates London’s colorful Caribbean community.

Best Hotels Near Notting Hill

The Portobello Hotel — a quirky boutique hotel offering luxurious accommodation, organic breakfasts, and views out across Portobello.

The Laslett Hotel — this grand Victorian hotel offers great service and comfortable bedrooms as well as a craft ale bar, a gallery, a concept store, and a coffee shop.

DoubleTree by Hilton London — bordering Notting Hill Gate and overlooking Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, this 4-star hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Bayswater and Queensway Tube Stations. Award nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton London cost around 50,000 Hilton points per night.

Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is a highly regarded area and home to some of the capital’s most affluent and famous residents. Luxury department store Harrods is also in Knightsbridge, and there are plenty of designer shops to be found throughout the borough.

Aside from the big houses and expensive shops, Kensington is also home to 3 of London’s most famous museums: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A. There are also acres of parks and gardens to enjoy throughout the borough. The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to the famous Chelsea Pensioners, is also found here, as are walks along the Thames away from the busy streets of the West End.

Best Hotels in Kensington and Chelsea

Blakes Hotel — the original 5-star boutique hotel, Blakes still offers unrivaled sophistication with Anoushka Hempel interiors, fine dining, and a celebrity clientele.

Sydney House Chelsea — a comfortable hotel in a Grade II listed Georgian building, situated between Fulham Road and King’s Road.

The Beaufort Hotel — a luxury boutique townhouse hotel in a quiet mews close to Harrods, offering lavish facilities in a fashionable location.

Mayfair

Mayfair is home to some of the finest shops, hotels, and purveyors of the finer things available in London. It is an affluent area that is perfect for exploring on foot, stopping to enjoy great bars, pubs, and restaurants along the way. The eastern side of Hyde Park also falls within the boundaries of Mayfair, meaning you can relax and watch the world go by in one of the most beautiful parks in the world.

Mayfair is also home to The Royal Academy of the Arts, various galleries and museums, the tailors of Saville Row and the Handel Museum that also pays homage to former Mayfair resident, Jimmy Hendrix.

Best Hotels in Mayfair

JW Marriott Grosvenor House London — this historic hotel stands proudly on Park Lane and is well located for Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, shopping on Oxford Street, and the West End. The JW Marriott Grosvenor costs 50,000 to 70,000 points per night. There are many great ways to earn tons of Marriott points, so this is an excellent opportunity to stay at a fabulous hotel on points.

Washington Mayfair Hotel -— an elegant, Art Deco style with an award-winning restaurant and champagne bar.

45 Park Lane Hotel — this modern hotel has stunning views out over Hyde Park, an impressive mezzanine bar, and a delicious American steak restaurant featuring some of the best Wagyu in London.

Greenwich

Set on the banks of the River Thames, Greenwich is a leafy borough known for its historical connection with the water and extensive maritime history. It is home to the restored 19th -century Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College. It is also the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), where the Prime Meridian crossing through the Royal Observatory became the basis for standardized measurements of time.

Greenwich is a lively borough with lots of things to do for visitors of all ages. There is a busy outdoor market, a vintage-style picture house, a fan museum, the open spaces of Greenwich Park, and a host of decent restaurants, friendly pubs, and buzzing bars. Greenwich is also conveniently close to The O2 arena, making it a great place to explore before taking in a show.

Best Hotels in Greenwich

Doubletree By Hilton London — a modern hotel housed in a historic building, complete with a gym, a restaurant, and views out across Greenwich. Award nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton London cost around 50,000 Hilton points per night.

Novotel Hotel Greenwich — a bright, modern hotel that offers plenty of home comforts, close to Greenwich Park.

De Vere Devonport House — located next to the National Maritime Museum, this Georgian-style hotel offers luxury accommodation close to the River Thames.

Hampstead

Despite being just a few miles north of the center of London, Hampstead has a village feel to it that is enhanced by charming streets littered with independent shops and boutiques. It’s all nestled on the parameter of Hampstead Heath, one of the largest open spaces in London.

Hampstead is steeped in history, and there are several examples of days gone by to be found throughout the borough. Burgh House is a museum and art collection with a tea shop at the heart of the village. There are also lots of cafes, restaurants, and craft ale pubs to take and break and enjoy the ambiance during your visit.

Best Hotels Near Hampstead

London Marriott Maida Vale — located in leafy Maida Vale, this modern, comfortable hotel offers Apple TV in the bedrooms, Carluccio’s Restaurant, and an adjacent Bannatyne’s leisure complex. The Maida Vale Gis costs 30,000 to 40,000 points per night. There are many great ways to earn tons of Marriott points, so this is an excellent opportunity to stay on points.

Clayton Crown Hotel London — this 4-star hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, a well-equipped gym, and a highly regarded bar and grill.

La Gaffe Hotel — located just yards from Hampstead station, this restaurant with rooms offers cozy accommodation in an 18th-century shepherd’s cottage.

Shoreditch & Spitalfields

The East End of London is home to some of the best nightlife in the city, and with the creative vibe at every turn, Shoreditch remains one of the hippest places to live and visit in all of London. Spitalfields is home to the historic market where you can find everything from food to fashion, and again, this part of the East End is famous for its creativity, diversity, and amazing sense of community.

A visit to Shoreditch and Spitalfields is the perfect opportunity to visit a gallery, browse the boutiques and independent traders, grab a bargain on the market, and drink craft beer. You can also enjoy organic food in any of the many pubs and restaurants throughout the area.

Best Hotels in Shoreditch

The Curtain — just yards from the uber-trendy Hoxton Square, this hotel is hipper than most with eclectic decor, a pool, and a swinging bar.

The Hoxton, Shoreditch — this is a super cool, boutique hotel set in the Shoreditch, that offers a lively bar and a homely vibe.

Nobu Hotel Shoreditch — with floor-to-ceiling windows and a Japanese tea set in every room, this is a unique and sought-after hotel that also offers fine Asian dining and incredible interiors.

Hot Tip: If you love unique accommodations, check out these London boutique hotels.

American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts

Cardholders of The Platinum Card^® from American Express have access to the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts program. Booking your hotel through the Amex FHR program can offer you fantastic benefits like a complimentary room upgrade (when available), daily breakfast for 2, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and unique property amenities like a $100 spa or food and beverage credit. Platinum card members will also earn 5x Membership Rewards points for paying for their booking with their Platinum card. The following hotels mentioned in the article are available for bookings through the Amex FHR program:

• The Connaught
• The Savoy Hotel
• The Dorchester Hotel
• Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard
• The Ritz Hotel London
• Claridge’s Hotel

Final Thoughts

London has always been one of the coolest cities on the planet, and it continues to be so to this day. If you want to indulge your passion for the arts, explore the history of kings and queens, or simply want to hit up some of the best shopping in the world, London has everything you could wish for and so much more. To top it all off, it has some of the best hotels anywhere in the world.

If you’re trying to soak up as many experiences as possible, check out our ultimate travel guide to London, or explore one of the London tours to learn more about the city.