We’ll be the ones to say it: the London hotel scene is the best in the world.
While the likes of New York, Paris and Munich are home to some pretty spectacular properties, London is undoubtedly home to the greatest number of genuinely high-end hotels in Europe. So, where do you start?
It’s seemed as though a new sprawling landmark or boutique hangout has been popping up across the capital every week this year. And with over 120,000 hotel rooms in London, the choice of where to stay – whether you’re a staycationing Londoner or a newbie to the capital – can be an overwhelming one.
Lucky, then, that GLAMOUR editors have been busy spending the night in hotel rooms from Knightsbridge to Green Park, Chelsea to Soho, to curate a shortlist of the absolute best hotels in London. We know, it’s a tough job etc.
Though famous London hotels like the Dorchester and The Ritz will forever be firm GLAMOUR favourites, our shortlist of 34 properties features an eclectic mix. From old Georgian buildings to Victorian townhouses, penthouse apart-hotels and boutique hotels that place interior design at the forefront, these London hotels are a step above the rest.
The best hotels in London at a glance:
- Best Boutique West London Stay: The Chelsea Townhouse, Chelsea
- Best Luxury Hotel: The Peninsula London, Belgravia
- Best Five-Star Stay: Nobu Hotel London, Shoreditch
- Best Rated: The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone
- Best Heritage: Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall
What area in London is best to stay in?
If you’re a tourist visiting for the first time, you’ll be pleased to know that lots of the best hotels in London are located in the West End, where you’ll find a heap of world-famous tourist spots. Look for hotels in Soho, Piccadilly, Mayfair or Covent Garden for bars, shops, attractions, theatres and restaurants on your doorstep.
If you want to be able to enjoy park walks pre-breakfast, properties overlooking St. James Park, Green Park and Hyde Park will tickle your fancy – while Southbank hotels will put you a stones-throw from the river. Elsewhere, East London hotels in neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, Dalston and Hackney are the best choices for creatives. The music and art scene there is second-to-none.
Where else is there to stay in London?
As well as the high-end hangouts and luxury hotels below, we also have these recommendations to help you make the most of your London stay:
How we chose the best hotels in London:
All hotels below have been independently reviewed by a GLAMOUR journalist who has spent time in the area and has stayed at least one night at the property. We choose hotels based on their location, rooms, restaurant(s), the quality of the facilities and service, and the sustainability credentials. Our editors have stayed in everything from the iconic institutions to the lesser-known hidden gems, and we’re always the lookout for the next stand-out hotel that gets in-the-know Londoners talking. As a result, we keep this list updated regularly with new openings and updates.
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