London has a special way of luring visitors in, inviting them to come back for more and more, each and every time. Whether you hope to spot a glance of Buckingham Palace or tool around Covent Garden, there’s a hotel just waiting to knock your proverbial socks off.
Below, we’ll take a tour of some of the city’s prettiest hotels, some that come with a noteworthy price tag, and some that enable solo travelers to travel in style and affordability.
1. Claridge’s
You’ll quickly see that no article about London hotels can escape a dreamy night at Claridge’s. It’s a staple in London’s history, as it was frequented by Queen Victoria, herself.
You’d think that kind of claim to fame would be enough to elicit travelers from all over the world – but it doesn’t stop there. Somehow, they’ve managed to blend the Jazz Age with Art Deco glamour in a way that doesn’t exist anywhere else on earth.
2. The Dorchester
You might say The Dorchester is second to none – except for Claridge’s. This is a gilded, glorious hotel that has its own claim to fame – Elizabeth Taylor was a fan. She was a queen in her own right, anyway, wasn’t she?
Every detail is attended to in this lovely hotel, from the crystal chandeliers to the caviar on the menu. With a flair for the dramatic, you’ll be well-placed to take in all the sights and sounds of one of Europe’s finest cities.
3. The Peninsula
When you tell people you’re staying the night at The Peninsula, they’ll know you’re a class act. Here, everything is marble and gold, with bright flashes of color in between it all.
The rooms are decadent and luxurious; the lobby is bright and colorful; and their on-site restaurant’s menu is unmatched. Hopefully, the weather will hold up during your stay because the rooftop bar is an absolute must.
4. The Connaught
The Connaught is another eyebrow-raising destination that you won’t regret investing in. It’s quite expensive, coming in at over $1,000 per night, but worth every penny.
They, too, have taken an Art Deco approach to their styling that you’ll simply adore. With a showstopping central staircase that everybody gawks at and a Michelin-star restaurant, you won’t want to leave, even though the streets of London are calling your name.
5. NoMad London
If, perhaps, you have a date with the King at the Royal Opera House, this is the place to stay. Situated right across the street, NoMad London has left no detail unattended to.
After you’ve taken a dip in your room’s clawfoot tub, you can luxuriate the night away in the most decadent sheets while you wait to do it all over again tomorrow.
6. Strand Palace
If a post-opera dinner with the King isn’t on the menu, you can still have a palatial experience at Strand Palace. Its location is idyllic, thanks to its proximity to Covent Garden and the tube.
Often touted as a nice spot for solo travelers, you’ll find everything here to be comfortable, affordable, and deeply luxurious. With an on-site watering hole that’s playfully referred to as a gin palace, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place after your first sip.
7. Shangri-La The Shard
It probably looks a little bit like a misfit, towering over the London Bridge with its modern amenities. But, that’s one of the many reasons you might fall in love with this hotel.
With panoramic views of the iconic bridge and the River Thames, you’ll feel as decadent as a dish of caviar when you stay the night here. With a little over 200 rooms, this is a well-established hotel that does things right, especially its floor-to-ceiling windows to help you drink in those unparalleled views.
8. Broadwick Soho
This is another 5-star sensation, situated right in the heart of London. As a bit of a boutique hotel with only 57 rooms, you’ll be treated like family when you roll up to the concierge.
You also won’t know where to look first. They went all the way in when it came to decor here, mixing pinks and greens with utter panache. Before you nestle into their decadent sheets for the night, be sure to do a tour of Broadwick’s rooftop bar, as well.
9. 1 Hotel Mayfair
Here, we have another tiny gem with every offering on the table. Within walking distance from St. James Park, you’ll have so much fun in this gem. During the day, they set up their cafe as a coworking space. By evening light, it’s a delightful wine bar for connoisseurs of every kind.
While the other hotels on this list are exploding with texture and color, 1 Hotel Mayfair takes a different approach. It blends neutral tones and abundant greenery, creating a total sense of calm all while being in the beating heart of a buzzing city.
10. The Twenty Two
The thing about staying in London is that no other city has quite the same offerings. What were once expansive Edwardian manors have since been converted into boutique hotels that harken to the past while embracing the present.
Rooms at The Twenty Two are plush, colorful, and well-stocked with everything you need for the perfect getaway. While here, be sure to indulge in a meal at their restaurant which somehow manages to blend British and Mediterranean cuisine to perfection.
11. The Mayfair Townhouse
Somehow, The Mayfair Townhouse doesn’t take itself too seriously while doing everything right. Here, you’ll find gallery walls with playful nods to everything from the Queen’s beloved corgis to Oscar Wilde.
Each room is perfectly appointed in art deco stylings. And, like every other hotel on this list, you simply must linger a little while longer at their speakeasy bar, the Dandy. Even though you’re in one of the finest cities in the world, you’ll see their cocktails are unmatched.
12. The Standard
Like The Peninsula, a night at The Standard will tell people you know how to travel in style and class. You’ll notice slight touches that demonstrate this chain’s presence in Hollywood, New York, and Miami. It’s modern, chic, and timeless.
Instead of starting rates in the outer stratosphere, The Standard is far more affordable, starting around $250 for a night. With its bright splashes of color and modern twists, the one thing you can’t overlook is – you guessed it – the restaurant and bar. Decimo does margaritas so right, you’ll forget for a moment that you are, indeed, in London and not an all-inclusive resort in Cabo.
13. Travelodge London Central Kings Cross
We’ve been having some fun up in outer space with $1,000 rooms and sites so sumptuous even Queen Victoria approved. But, in case we should come back down to planet earth, the Travelodge deserves a tip of the hat.
It offers plenty of old-world charm while still being affordable with clean accommodations, cozy beds, and all the basics for a few nights in Britain’s brightest city.
14. The Goring
Let’s go back to the clouds; it’s simply too much fun up there. The Goring is another pricey spot, but well worth the investment. Out of all the places Catherine, Princess of Wales could’ve stayed the night before she married her prince, this was the one she chose.
Located in Belgravia, you’ll be perfectly situated to tackle the city in style. Things are a little bit traditional here, including a dress code, but you’ll quickly see why their high standards are in place. One bite of a decadent dish from their on-site restaurant will quickly make you see why it was all worth it in the end.
15. The Savoy
Let’s stick with royalty for a moment. The Savoy was rumored to be one of Diana, Princess of Wales’s favorite establishments in town. With crystal clear views of the River Thames, management certainly knows a thing or two about location, location, location.
While here, you can enjoy the ballet, an opera, or a theatre show with ease. As a walkable city in its own right, The Savoy leaves you perfectly positioned to explore London like a royal — even if only for a day.
16. The Berkeley
The Berkeley is a sister hotel to Claridge’s. Right there, you know this is decadence at its finest. Still, this hotel manages to maintain its own personality and contemporary flair.
One thing that should definitely be added to your itinerary is afternoon tea at the on-site Prêt-à-Portea. Then, when it’s cocktail hour, The Berkeley Bar will serve you the finest cocktails in the most delightful decor.
17. Ham Yard Hotel
Right next to Regent Street, Ham Yard Hotel has the location, luxury, and cuisine you’ve been looking for. Somehow, this hotel manages to be perfectly British without being the least bit stuffy.
With plenty of quirks, including a rooftop terrace laden with seasonal vegetables and a beekeeper or two, you’ll wonder if you’re somewhere in the Garden of Eden, or safely tucked away in lovely London.
18. The Henrietta Hotel
Like all of these posh hotspots, The Henrietta is the perfect place to lay your head after a long day’s travel. Things are a tad more affordable here, without suffering the loss of any bells or whistles.
When you rise out of their cozy sheets after a brief power nap, the first thing you’ll want to do is head down to the on-site restaurants for some savory Italian dishes.
19. Covent Garden Hotel
Back to Covent Garden! You’ll never want to leave once you visit this part of town, anyway. As one of the newer establishments on this list, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s still a flavor sensation for even the keenest interior decorator’s eye. With bold splashes of green and pink everywhere you turn, you’ll wonder how to replicate this oasis when you return home.
You know what to do while you’re in any of these finer establishments in London: make a reservation for afternoon tea, pick up some bath salts in Covent Garden, and luxuriate the night away after an afternoon well-spent in one of London’s finest neighborhoods.
20. The Beaumont
The Beaumont pops to the top of the list for anyone seeking a quiet getaway. As a small, independent hotel in Mayfair, you can escape the city sounds when you rest at night.
Here, too, they major in marble and art deco, so you’ll know you’re in the lap of luxury the moment you arrive. As you savor this hotel’s timeless elegance, be sure to enjoy a meal or two at Colony Grill, a world-class restaurant that takes pride in being just a little bit off the beaten path.
Light Up the Streets of London
Light up the streets of London in sheer elegance and style. It’s the best way to tour the most regal city in the world. No matter which neighborhood you’re taking aim at, there’s a world-class hotel just waiting to make you feel at ease in your home away from home.
From London, if you have a mind to hop aboard the Eurail and check another city or two off your bucket list, we have a destination guide that will help you turn dreams into memories.