London is a city unlike any other, with its royal affairs, afternoon teas and rolling accents. Here, in England’s capital, history mingles with modernity as historical monarchs parade down avenues where innovation, punk music and culinary strides unfold. When visiting this iconic city, your hotel should reflect an aspect of the city’s culture — be it a storied past, quintessential English decor or service that makes you feel like royalty. Read on for the best hotels in London.
Brown’s Hotel
Image courtesy of Brown’s Hotel
Brown’s Hotel is a historic hotel found in the very heart of the Mayfair neighborhood in London. This classic five-star hotel first opened its doors in 1837 and has since played host to notable guests and personalities. It was here that luminaries, inventors, writers and actors cut their teeth, such as William Faulkner and Alexander Graham Bell (who made his first phone call from this very hotel). Considered London’s first hotel, the history here is palpable. Expect charming rooms with a flair for English decor (think patterned wallpaper and luscious fabrics) and an on-site restaurant, bar and tearoom. The tearoom, known as the Drawing Room, is where Queen Victoria would reportedly sip her afternoon tea alongside homemade scones. If it’s good enough for a queen, you know it’ll be good enough for you…
Perks:
- $100 food / beverage credit.
- Breakfast daily.
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood London
Image courtesy of Rosewood London
Think London, and you expect a level of regality. This is, after all, the city of English monarchs, royal weddings and crown jewels. The Rosewood London captures the city’s very essence within its regal walls. Tucked behind a wrought-iron fence, the hotel whisks you away to a world of marble floors, spacious rooms and attention to detail. Notably, the hotel offers curated experiences, whether you’re keen to try a pastry-making class, explore Covent Garden, or take a horseback ride through Hyde Park.
Perks:
- $100 food / beverage credit.
- Breakfast daily.
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Claridge’s
Image courtesy of Claridge’s
Also found in Mayfair, Claridge’s is a historic hotel dating back to the 1850s. What sets it apart from, say, Brown’s Hotel, is its Art Deco style, replete with baby pink scalloped chairs and gold accents. During the swinging 20s, Claridge’s became a haunt for movie stars, designers and politicians to imbibe in stiff cocktails while staying in luxury accommodations. Today, the hotel retains that jazz-age glamor, especially in its on-site bar, the Fumoir. Serving dignitaries and legends throughout the decades, this tucked-away bar is a must-visit for bespoke cocktails in a quiet setting.
Perks:
- $100 food / beverage credit.
- Daily Breakfast for two
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, London
Image courtesy of The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, London
The Cadogan is a Belmond Hotel that’s a bit more modern than some of the other historic institutions on this list. Touting itself as an urban hideaway, the hotel’s gardens are (in my opinion) the main draw. I’m talking about a guest-access-only garden that is lush and bursting with delicate flowers in bloom. Every day, you can enjoy the serenity of the gardens and whatever al fresco entertainment is happening that afternoon or partake in a game of tennis at the on-site courts. In a city like London, it is always great to have a place of calm where you can breathe and reboot, and The Cadogan offers just that.
Perks:
- $100 food/beverage credit.
- Daily breakfast.
- Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Dorchester
Image courtesy of The Dorchester
Touted as one of London’s most iconic hotels, The Dorchester offers lavish accommodations on Park Lane and Deanery Street. Right now, the hotel is undergoing its largest renovation since 1989, and I am eager to see how the hotel will zhuzh itself up. You can expect the phased renovation to restore and redesign the entrance, promenade, bar and two guest floors (to be completed by September 2022). While it may seem inconvenient to stay in a hotel undergoing active construction, the Dorchester has taken special care to maintain its standard of service and preserve the experience of its guests.
Perks:
- Daily breakfast for two.
- Upgrade and Extended check-in/out whenever possible.
- $100 food/berage credit.
Charlotte Street Hotel
Image courtesy of Charlotte Street Hotel
The Charlotte Street Hotel sits in the trendy Soho neighborhood, putting guests within walking distance of the city’s best bars, restaurants, cafes and theaters. The hotel’s decor is funky-meets-eclectic, with vibrant multi-colored furniture alongside professional dress forms that fashion designers would use. Equally colorful is the on-site Oscar Bar & Restaurant, which features a wall-to-wall display of contemporary art depicting London life.
The Twenty Two
Set inside an Edwardian manor on Grosvenor Square, The Twenty Two is a hotel-meets-cultural space attracting creatives. Here, you’ll find 31 spacious rooms that give a nod to 18th-century French decor. But the real reason to stay at Twenty Two is for access to the devastatingly chic and ultra-exclusive members-only club called, well, The Club. It’s here that artists and intellectuals hobnob across four members-only spaces on the ground and lower floors. Access to the club, which requires an application for members (or proof you’re staying at the hotel), not only introduces you to the city’s creative set, but allows you entrance to an outdoor terrace with views of Grosvenor Square, along with the the Vault Bar, Music Room and the Dining Room.
