For a city so often associated with drizzle and grey skies, London is home to some of the most polished, personality-filled places to stay anywhere in the world. It’s also a city where the place you stay really matters.
After days spent moving between galleries, strolling down shopping streets, browsing through arcades and hoping between late-night bars, a good hotel becomes the place to properly exhale before doing it all again.
The challenge, of course, is narrowing it down. There are the long-established icons (some of which date back to the 1800s) that have refined their craft over decades, and sleek new arrivals that have brought fresh energy and ambition to the Big Smoke.
Wherever you choose to check in, at least you can rest easy knowing you'll encounter beautiful buildings, considered interiors, excellent service, and restaurants holding so many Michelin stars that they are often destinations in their own right. But to help narrow down that decision, we've selected our picks of the very best luxury hotels in London – and the top suites not to skip out on.
The best luxury hotels in London
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Raffles at The OWO
London is hardly short on storied hotels, but few can match the weight of history behind Raffles London at The OWO. Set within the former Old War Office, this is a building where the course of British history was quite literally shaped – most notably during the Second World War, when Winston Churchill worked from these very rooms.
The transformation to become a comfortable place to rest rather than a war room was nothing short of monumental. After closing its doors in 2004, the building underwent a six-year, multi-billion-pound restoration before reopening as a 120-suite hotel with 85 residences. Today, the corridors that once carried the urgency of military decision-making now lead to polished (and even secret) bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a Guerlain subterranean spa.
At the very top key, however, sits the Whitehall Wing – a vast, sprawling set of rooms that occupies the entire west wing of the building. Accommodating up to 12 guests, the apartment spans six unique suites designed by the late French architect Thierry Despont. Expect marble bathrooms, wooden paneling, and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing views of the London skyline.
See also: The Best Luxury Rooftop Pools in London
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The Corinthia
Another hotel with a former life as a wartime refuge, The Corinthia reopened in 2011 as the flagship for the Malta-based hospitality group (which has since gone on to open another grand dame, The Surrey, in New York). Perfectly positioned on a lovely and surprisingly quiet residential street for the capital, you’re in walking proximity of Westminster, Trafalgar Square, and the Thames, as well as an easy 15-minute taxi ride to the City.
A grand luxury hotel for the 21st century, Corinthia London has been masterfully designed and holds many accreditations to brag about: it boasts some of the largest standard room sizes in the city, the ESPA spa as one of the best in London, and the beautiful British bistro courtesy of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge.
Top Suite: The Royal Penthouse
At a gargantuan 4,252 sq ft, the two-bedroom Royal Penthouse at The Corinthia is easily one of the biggest hotel suites in London. The suite covers two elegantly decorated stories, connected via a grand spiral staircase. The first is dedicated to social areas with a smart lounge area, formal dining room, and a separate study. Upstairs, the primary bedroom leads on to a huge spa-style bathroom and treatment room.
What tops all of this, however, is the suite’s private rooftop terrace. Covering 678 sq ft and accessed via the main bedroom, the huge space overlooks the River Thames and the London Eye, with ample space for dining and relaxing. Host cocktail hour here if you’re visiting during summer.
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The Ritz
Opened by renowned hotelier César Ritz in 1906, The Ritz still retains all the original excitement and glamour and is routinely named as one of the best luxury hotels in London – and for good reason. Situated in the heart of Mayfair on the grand Piccadilly, The Ritz puts its guests right in the middle of London’s buzz – the Royal Academy, Fortnum & Mason, and Buckingham Palace are all short strolls away.
The 136 guestrooms combine Louis XVI-style interiors with modern technology, while fine dining facilities include the magnificent Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, the opulent Palm Court for afternoon tea, and the stylish Rivoli Bar. The Ritz is not only a paragon of luxury; famous guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Sir Winston Churchill, the Queen, and author Evelyn Waugh, making it an important part of London's history.
Top suite: The Green Park Suite
It is the Trafalgar Suite that so famously featured in Richard Curtis’s beloved movie, Notting Hill, but the Green Park Suite is the hotel’s top key. A beautiful apartment-style penthouse, this suite includes its own hallway and cloakroom, two bedrooms, a dining room with space for six, a drawing room, a butler’s kitchen, and two marble bathrooms.
The bedrooms feature delicate period woodwork, and each of the two bathrooms has a bath-controlled TV. With champagne on arrival, transfers in a Rolls-Royce Phantom and daily butler service, this is truly a suite fit for royalty.
See also: Where Drinks Experts Go in London for the Perfect Paloma
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Claridge's
Instantly recognizable for its grand red-brick façade, Art Deco lobby, and service that has set the standard for generations, it's no wonder that Claridge’s has long been one of London’s defining hotels. But rather than resting on heritage alone, it continues to evolve in ways that feel natural to the building’s character, with constant pop-ups, takeovers, and installations by the country's leading designers and artists.
Inside, the familiar glamour remains, though it now sits alongside a more contemporary rhythm to the hotel. Claridge’s Restaurant has reasserted itself as a flagship dining room, serving refined, classically rooted dishes in a space that leans into the hotel’s signature Art Deco elegance. Downstairs, The Painter’s Room offers a softer, more intimate setting for cocktails, while still very much part of the hotel’s social pull.
Wellness has also become a key part of the experience. The spa, spread across multiple subterranean levels, feels almost like a separate world beneath Mayfair, designed for complete escape from the pace above ground.
Top Suite: The Penthouse at Claridge’s
At the top of the hotel, The Penthouse is a glass-wrapped, light-filled space designed by Rémi Tessier. Spanning four bedrooms, it includes a private pool, gym pavilion, water garden and a ten-seat dining room, with sweeping skyline views that place London itself firmly at the center of the experience.
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Brown's
First opening its doors in 1837, Brown’s holds claim to the enviable title of London’s first hotel. It was also the site of the world’s first telephone call, made by inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Today, owned and operated by Sir Rocco Forte, Brown’s Hotel offers heaping doses of charm with creaking floorboards and narrow corridors that carry the weight of a palpable sense of legacy.
The Donovan Bar is widely considered to be one of the best places to drink in the city. Its stained-glass window panel dates back to the 1830s, while the beautiful bar area and plush velvet armchairs throw you back to old-school glamour. For dinner, head to Charlie’s, a wood-paneled, European-inspired restaurant helmed by chef Adam Byatt.
Top suite: Kipling Suite
In what is another absurdly good anecdote, Rudyard Kipling is said to have written The Jungle Book while staying at Brown’s. In honor of the novelist, the hotel has dedicated its most distinguished residence, the Kipling Suite, to his name. The tribute begins outside the front door, where a statue of a cheeky monkey greets residents.
Inside, Olga Polizzi ensured the space felt grounded, bridging English tradition with its tropical tribute. Look for the rich gold-and-green Lewis & Wood wallpaper, a framed handwritten letter, and a whimsical monkey figurine; specific details that set the tone without feeling fussy.
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The Emory
The Emory arrived in Belgravia with plenty of buzz – understandable, given it comes from Maybourne, the group behind Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley. But rather than leaning into old-world grandeur, London’s first all-suite hotel takes a sleeker, more contemporary approach to luxury.
Designed by the late Richard Rogers, the building itself immediately stands apart from its neighbours, all glass, steel, and clean lines in a zipcode where grand facades usually dominate. Inside, the mood is calm and understated, with spacious suites dressed in soft neutrals, pale oak, and marble. There’s also a strong focus on wellness, with guests enjoying access to Surrenne, the expansive spa and members-style health club shared with The Berkeley next door.
Food and drink have quickly become part of the draw, too. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s abc kitchens brings a dose of downtown New York energy to Belgravia, while the rooftop bar has become one of the city’s most coveted spots for sunset cocktails.
Top Suite: The Emory Penthouse
Occupying the entire top floor, The Emory Penthouse pairs sweeping Hyde Park views with expansive terraces, outdoor entertaining spaces, and interiors by Rigby & Rigby. Expect creamy marble, enormous dressing rooms, a private gym, and enough space to disappear from London for a few days.
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The Langham
The Langham has been part of London hotel history since 1865, when it opened as Europe’s first grand hotel. More than 150 years later, it still draws guests in with the same combination of scale, elegance, and polished hospitality that made it famous in the first place. Sitting at the top of Regent Street, moments from Regent’s Park and the energy of the West End, it remains one of the capital’s most enduring luxury stays.
While the building carries all the grandeur you’d expect – soaring ceilings, sweeping staircases, and one of the city’s most recognisable Palm Courts – there’s a liveliness to the hotel that keeps it feeling current, and establishes one of the strongest food-and-drink lineups in the area. The Wigmore remains a favorite for elevated pub classics and an excellent pint, while Michel Roux Jr’s two-starred Chez Roux has brought a dose of nostalgic Britain-meets-France cooking to the Palm Court.
Top Suite: Sterling Suite
Set across the hotel’s top floor, the Sterling Suite is one of the largest accommodations in the city, spanning nearly 5,000 sq ft. The suite can expand to include up to six bedrooms and comes complete with a dining room, media lounge, piano room, and butler’s pantry, alongside 24-hour butler service and sweeping views across London’s rooftops.
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The Lanesborough
There’s something wonderfully unapologetic about The Lanesborough. In a moment where many luxury hotels are racing towards residential minimalism and quiet luxury, this corner of Hyde Park remains devoted to old-school grandeur. The interiors lean heavily into Regency-era elegance, but the atmosphere never tips into stuffiness. For travelers craving classic London at its most refined, few hotels do it better.
High ceilings, chandeliers, and richly layered interiors give the property an unmistakably old-world feel, while the service remains among the best in the capital – guests here are assigned dedicated butlers. Yet despite its formality, there’s warmth here too. The Lanesborough Grill remains a dependable spot for refined British dining, while The Library Bar is known as one of London’s best hotel bars.
Top suite: The Royal Suite
As befits its name, the lavish Royal Suite is kitted out royally with three uniquely designed bedrooms, a drawing room, dining area, study and kitchen. The drawing room and dining area, in regal gold and blue tones, can accommodate up to ten dining guests, while just around the corner the red-and-gold-colored study provides a private, cozy space for the handling of any personal affairs.
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The Savoy
Few hotels are as woven into London life as The Savoy. Opened in 1889 on the Strand, the grande dame has spent more than a century hosting everyone from Hollywood royalty to political figures, and yet it still manages to feel lively rather than stuck in the past. A $100m major restoration saw the hotel carefully balance between preserving its history and sharpening it for a modern audience — all polished Art Deco glamour, impeccable service, and old-school theatricality.
Part of the appeal is in the details. This was once home to London’s first electric lift, while the hotel’s entrance remains one of the only places in the UK where drivers pull in from the right-hand side of the road. But beyond the anecdotes, The Savoy endures because it still delivers the kind of classic luxury experience people come to London hoping to find.
Rooms and suites feel elegant without being overly formal, many with sweeping Thames views, while the hotel’s bars and restaurants continue to draw as much of a local crowd as an international one. There’s a sense of occasion to staying here — the feeling that you’re checking into a genuine piece of London history.
Top suite: The Royal Suite
Running across the front facade of the entire fifth floor, The Savoy’s Royal Suite enfilade arrangement makes the most of the dramatic views over the River Thames. From each of the eight windows, guests can enjoy a magnificent London vista from Canary Wharf to the Houses of Parliament and beyond, with seven of London’s bridges visible. Services to guests in this suite are extensive and include (in addition to the customary five-star amenities) welcome champagne, in-suite check-in, and an unpacking and repacking service, ideal for those who wish for a quick, seamless voyage.
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45 Park Lane
Despite opened in 2011 as the little sibling property to The Dorchester (which sits just over the road), 45 Park Lane has refused to sit under its neighbour's imposing shadow. The Art Deco interior design is provided by world-renowned architect Thierry Despont, who has created a décor that focuses on personal living — the idea is to create an atmosphere that feels like a private residence.
Chef Wolfgang Puck has brought his celebrated CUT concept to London, which, alongside the sleek Bar 45, brings a bit of Beverly Hills glamour to the hotel. In fact, the Hollywood connection runs deep, as 45 Park Lane’s executive chef Elliot Grover has helped Puck conjure up the Oscars menu for four years running.
Bolstering the hotel’s culinary offering is the newly opened Sushi Kanesaka – a singular omakase experience tucked away in an intimate, discreet back corner of the hotel. Recently awarded its first Michelin star, the restaurant is already regarded as one of the city’s finest Japanese eating experiences in the city.
Top suite: The Penthouse Terrace Suite
If having a fantastic view over one of the most iconic locations in London sounds like your idea of perfection, then the Penthouse Suite may be for you. Situated on the ninth floor of the hotel and accessible only by a private elevator, the suite offers beautiful views over Hyde Park and beyond from the 360-degree wraparound terrace.
The décor carries on the theme from the rest of the hotel—warm colors and light textures come together to create a deeply personal living space. The master bedroom features a king-size bed, the living room is packed full of high-tech gadgetry and the dining area is great for entertaining guests.
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Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Sitting directly opposite its namesake park and just steps from the controlled chaos of Knightsbridge, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park manages to feel both deeply central and surprisingly calm — no wonder it's found itself as the check-in of choice for suited business travelers, visiting celebrities, and long-weekending shoppers.
Inside, the mood is polished and understated. Rooms lean into the brand’s refined, residential style, pairing soft neutral palettes with thoughtful tech and genuinely excellent beds. Many also come with sweeping park views, which, in this part of London, are hard to beat.
Food remains one of the hotel’s biggest draws. The Aubrey brings a livelier contrast with its glamorous izakaya-style setting and strong cocktail scene. Add in one of London’s best hotel spas and famously attentive service, and it’s easy to see why the property remains a firm favorite more than a century after first opening its doors.
Top Suite: The Mandarin Oriental Penthouse
Occupying the hotel’s top floor, the Three-Bedroom Mandarin Oriental Penthouse not only offers multiple sleeping spaces, but also includes expansive entertaining areas, private balconies, and floor-to-ceiling views stretching across Hyde Park and the London skyline. There are also dining rooms, kitchens, and certainly enough space to comfortably disappear from the city (or even from your own suite companions) for a few days.
See also: What to Do During the Day In London
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The Berkeley
Located in fashionable Knightsbridge, The Berkeley has been a London institution since the late 1800s. Elegant, airy, and exclusive, it is one of the best places to experience your stay in complete luxury. Among The Berkeley’s many attractions are its famed Blue Bar and Cédric Grolet at The Berkeley, which surely takes the title of being London’s most glamorous bakery – expect out-of-this-world cakes and pastries.
On the eighth floor is a rooftop health club and spa, which boasts panoramic views of Hyde Park. On sunny days, the roof retracts with the push of a button, creating the capital’s ultimate Roman-style outdoor swimming pool.
Top suite: Crescent Pavilion Penthouse
Designed by revered interiors mastermind André Fu, The Crescent Pavilion Penthouse is styled to feel more akin to a swanky London apartment than a hotel room, with plenty of entertaining space, from the Bang & Olufsen sound system to the subtly separate living and dining areas.
The interiors are contemporary without ever feeling cold, while the two outdoor terraces beckon for alfresco breakfasts or sunset cocktail hours. As standard, the suite has two bedrooms, but for those needing a touch more space – be it for family and friends or staff and security – a further two bedrooms can be adjoined.
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The Rosewood
Situated in the bustling Holborn area, Rosewood London might be positioned at the heart of the city's action, but inside it is another world. Enter through a grand archway and carriageway into a quaint courtyard, and you'll discover the modern restored Edwardian mansion, with beautiful architectural details throughout.
The Holborn Dining Rooms is a popular restaurant with Londoners and is busy at all times of the day. Its beautiful Art Deco style is an Instagrammer’s dream, and the staff, donned in their uniform of tartan trousers and waistcoats, are used to being asked for photos. It’s also worth visiting The Pie Room, which famously produces some of the best savory pies in the city.
Top suite: The Manor House
The Manor House is the only suite in the world with its own zip code, and it has its own entrance from Holborn Street, as well as a private elevator. The 1,990-sq-ft, one-bedroom suite is filled with curious trinkets, books, and sculptures, and it feels far more like a chic city apartment than a hotel suite.
The bathroom is spectacular with a large freestanding marble tub as a striking focal point to the lacquered space. Need more bedrooms? There are six connecting rooms available, creating the palatial Manor Wing.
See also: Step Inside the Best Suites in London
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The Peninsula
The Peninsula London may be one of the city’s newer luxury hotels, but it has already settled into Belgravia with remarkable confidence. Overlooking Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, the property brings the brand’s famously meticulous approach to service to one of London’s most prestigious postcodes, without leaning on old-world nostalgia or forced grandeur.
Instead, here, the appeal lies in its sense of polish. There’s an unmistakable feeling of calm throughout the property, helped by generous interior proportions, soft neutral interiors, and staff who seem permanently one step ahead.
Food has become a major draw in its own right. On the rooftop, Brooklands by Claude Bosi has won over critics with his refined British cuisine, earning two-Michelin stars just six months after opening, while Canton Blue brings a more theatrical energy downstairs in its restaurant and bar. Add in a sprawling spa, a fleet of signature green Rolls-Royces, and one of London’s most enviable addresses, and it’s easy to see why The Peninsula has quickly established itself among the capital’s top luxury stays.
Top Suite: The Peninsula Suite
Claiming the title not only as the top room at the Peninsula, but the top spot as London's largest, The Peninsula Suite occupies a prime position on the hotel’s top floor. Elegant rather than ostentatious, the suite includes a formal dining room, private gym, screening room, dedicated VIP entrance, and a large private terrace overlooking the city.
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The Connaught
The 19th-century red-brick facade of The Connaught is as instantly recognizable as the curious water feature outside. A piece by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, named Silence, it sees a mist of water seep into the air every fifteen minutes. Art aficionados will delight further at the 3,000-strong collection of original artworks from artists like Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois, and Barbara Hepworth.
Rooms at The Connaught are satisfyingly varied: some, like the newly launched King’s Lodge, sits high in the rafters and celebrates time-honored craftsmanship; others are light and airy with a calmingly serene color palette. Posh amenities, like heated toilet seats and state-of-the-art sound and visual equipment, come as standard. It is also a haven for foodies. The hotel boasts an excellent restaurant from Hélène Darroze which underwent a full refurbishment in 2019 and retains three Michelin stars. There is also a signature restaurant from global food mogul, the Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Top suite: The Apartment
You know you’re in for a treat when you see the cobalt-blue, hand-carved front door of The Apartment. Inside the 3,070-sq-ft penthouse, you’ll find double-height ceilings with a fireplace, four-poster king bed in the master bedroom, guest bedroom, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a large living room, dining room with space for eight, separate kitchen, large wraparound balcony, and two terraces.
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The Dorchester
Designers Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki were brought in to tackle the tricky brief of updating The Dorchester, all while retaining every ounce of that art-deco charm. The risk paid off, and The Dorchester continues to revel in its new look, all while retaining its iconic status.
Dining here is top-notch, too. For special occasions, there is the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, and for equally special but less budget-busting, there is the revamped The Grill by Tom Booton, or the Art Deco-inspired Cantonese restaurant, China Tang. Be sure to stop by the Vesper Bar after dinner for one of its signature martinis.
Top suite: Harlequin Penthouse
Sitting high above the treetops of Hyde Park, The Harlequin Penthouse has mesmerizing views across the London skyline (best enjoyed from its private terrace, champagne in hand). Back inside, the penthouse is refreshingly modern, with light-filled interiors and a subtle cream, green, and ochre color scheme. The suite covers a total of 1,776-sq-ft and has two bedrooms, a dressing room, lounge, and two bathrooms (one of which still has the original pink marble bathroom installed for Elizabeth Taylor during her stay).
How we chose the best luxury hotels in London
Each hotel and suite featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors and contributors, informed by first-hand reviews where possible and in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most luxurious brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality and exceptional craftsmanship.