If you’re staying in The Big Smoke, you need a hotel that’s calming and comfortable as well as in the middle of all the action. Here, we look at the best hotels in London to keep you central to the action.
Many would agree that London really is the best city in the world. In fact, it once again took No.1 position in the 2025 World’s 100 Best Cities.
No matter your reason for visiting – sightseeing, history, shopping, architecture, nightlife, connectivity, business – London has it all. Here’s a list of the best hotels in London that would tick all the boxes for your next stay.
Our Favourite London Hotels
Best For History Lovers – The Royal Horseguards Hotel
Best Modern Hotel – Rosewood London
Best Luxury Hotel – The Ritz
1: The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London
I spent a few nights at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, which is one of London’s finest when it comes to London’s history. This building used to be the headquarters for Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, it hosted the National Liberal Club, and Sir Winston Churchill was a guest here (followed by many other famous faces since).
My room was modern with some high-quality facilities including a Hypnos bed and fast Wi-Fi, but it still had a Victorian charm to it, too.
This hotel is overlooking the Thames and Whitehall, and you can walk to Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament in just a few minutes. Charing Cross and Embankment stations are super close if you need to get to other areas of the City.
Dinner at their One Twenty One Two restaurant was definitely worth reserving in advance, and I recommend you try a cocktail in the Equus Bar afterwards.
The hotel hosts meetings, weddings, and conferences, but even if you’re just here for the night you have first-class service from staff, who are friendly and organised. You get a 24-hour concierge and luggage storage, which was a massive help during my visit.
Location: 2 Whitehall Ct, London SW1A 2EJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7523 5062
2: The Ritz London
The Ritz is classic elegance from top to bottom, right from the entrance, with staff on hand to help you wherever you go. I did have high expectations of The Ritz, and it lived up to them – the rooms were just as classy. Some, including mine, have views over Piccadilly, so you feel right in the middle of all the City action.
Afternoon Tea here is something everyone should try at least once. I’ve had the pleasure of an Afternoon Tea here before, with beautifully presented sandwiches and pastries – but it was more enjoyable as a hotel guest, leaving your room with no bags etc.
Dining at one of their restaurants was of course amazing, with refined dishes in a gorgeous setting. The Ritz is in Mayfair, so you’re right near many of central London’s landmarks.
Location: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7493 8181
3: The Waldorf Hilton
The Waldorf Hilton is another beautiful London building, almost a landmark in its own right, built in 1908. Everything about it is grand, especially the lobby, and it has classic décor throughout.
My room was high-end and comfortable, and even peaceful considering its central location.
I enjoyed a quiet drink at one of the bars which was served professionally, and the restaurant was perfect for a relaxed dinner.
You’re right near Covent Garden here and the West End, so The Waldorf is a great location if you’re going to see a show, or want to be able to walk to lots of quirky shops and dining experiences (or the famous Covent Garden Christmas Tree).
Location: Aldwych, London WC2B 4DD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7836 2400
4: The Savoy
The Savoy has been one of the best hotels in London for quite some time – it’s over 135 years old, so it’s full of history and known for its luxury. It sits right on the Strand, so you get easy access to the West End and some incredible views of the Thames.
Rooms are spacious and comfy, and suitable for families too. We stayed with out children who were made very welcome, and they even left them some child-sized slippers and robes! The pool also has special hours just for kids.
Dining scores highly here. It has a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, and the Gallery has classic dishes on the menu, but with fancy twists to them. They have freshly baked Scoff scones at lunchtime, although they go quite quickly (taste one and you’ll see why).
The spa is exceptional here and worth visiting.
Location: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7836 4343
5: Rosewood London
Rosewood London has a more modern, subtle design about it compared to other hotels, especially in the rooms – though it still includes some British heritage in its décor. The entrance has grand iron gates, and some of the rooms are rich and dark – I loved the contrast.
My room felt more like a private flat than a hotel. It was quiet, spacious, comfy and smart. And very clean. I barely noticed the city noise outside.
Rosewood is another one close to Covent Garden – a little further out, it takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
The Holborn Dining Room is worth a reservation. Expect classic British dishes in a classy yet relaxed brasserie setting.
Scarfes Bar is a good choice for the evenings as it’s lively and has a fantastic cocktail menu. The Mirror Room’s Art Afternoon Tea is definitely worth checking out if you can – most of it was almost too pretty to eat.
I didn’t get to use their Sense Spa, but the treatments looked very good – I’ll come back and update when I try it out on my next visit.
Location: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7781 8888
6: The Kensington Hotel
The Kensington feels, and looks, like a classic London townhouse, but with all the modern comforts I love during a hotel stay. The rooms feel like home, are beautifully airy and fresh, but with a classic taste to all the details. One of my favourite rooms to stay in, in fact.
The same style runs throughout the hotel, and the lobby and lounge areas are great places to relax for a bit. Staff were also particularly professional and friendly here.
Breakfast in their bright restaurant was very good. I squeezed in a spa treatment too, which was worth the time and money.
The location’s a winner if you want to walk to museums and local restaurants. It took me just under 15 minutes to walk to Hyde Park, and the area is very classy.
Location: 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5LP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7589 6300
7: The Langham, London
The Langham opened in 1865, so again there’s a real old-world grandeur feeling about it here. They’ve done a good job of keeping those classic aspects, while adding in some modern additions I think we expect in any luxury hotel.
I had a fantastic French dinner in the restaurant – service was spot-on, and the food tasted fresh and carefully prepared. The hotel pub and bars were lovely, and had a Gatsby feel to them.
My room was quiet, which was surprising considering its location – it only takes about five minutes to walk to a very busy Oxford Street (so if you’re in London for the shopping, this one’s a great choice).
The spa here is very good, and I really loved the indoor pool. It was one of the cleanest I’ve seen.
Location: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7636 1000
8: Kimpton Fitzroy London
Kimpton Fitzroy probably stands out the most for its grand architecture. Its classic 19th-century design really stands out from the outside and as you enter the lobby, but it’s also surprisingly modern and comfortable throughout.
My room was spacious and quiet, and much brighter and airier than I thought it would be. The bedding was exceptionally comfortable, and the soundproofing really made a difference.
I especially loved their seafood restaurant, though all their food and drinks were presented with perfection. Their cocktail bar was very creative and I spent longer in here than I’d intended.
In all areas, staff were very helpful and professional, and the hotel and rooms were spotless.
Russell Square is a little further from everything you’d typically want to reach in the City, but a quick 6-minute drive or taxi will get you to the London Eye, the Embankment, and Big Ben.
Location: 1-8 Russell Sq, London WC1B 5BE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7123 5000
9: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
I’d describe Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park as high-luxury and elegant. Everything seems neat and crisp in here, but with a warmth and lots of modern, bold items like the onyx chandeliers.
I loved my room here – it looked out over Hyde Park, which is one of my favourite spots in London, with a pretty view of the trees. The bathroom had marble flooring which made it feel like a mini spa, and I loved the walk-in shower.
Dining at the hotel was definitely a highlight, with both British and Japanese cuisine available.
The cocktail bar is also brilliant, with lots of new, unusual cocktails even I couldn’t help putting on my socials.
The location is awesome. Staying in Knightsbridge means not only do you have Hyde Park right on your doorstep, you’re also walking distance to Marble Arch, Buckingham Palace, and other shops and landmarks.
The hotel’s indoor pool and spa are also worth a visit, although I personally didn’t get time to check them out.
Location: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7235 2000
10: Hilton London Hyde Park
Hilton London Hyde Park opened in 1907, and his one of the most popular hotels in London. It’s close to Hyde Park, and room rates are a lot more affordable than, say, the Mandarin.
The rooms felt modern and comfortable, with quality bedding and solid soundproofing.
Dinner at the hotel’s dining room was very good and fresh, especially the breakfast service. The space felt cosy in the evening.
All staff were polite and efficient. The best thing about this hotel is its location, next to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and walking distance to The Albert Hall.
If you’re a fan of Hard Rock Cafe, there’s one just down the road, and you’re close to Bayswater and Queensway tube if you want to see more of the City.
Location: 129 Bayswater Rd, London W2 4RJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7221 2217
Conclusion
The City of London is an exciting place to be. But where you stay can make all the difference. Where will you need to get to? Do you need to be close to shopping? Or landmarks? Or green space? Or do you want to escape a little further out?
Many of London’s best hotels have been longstanding. The most luxurious offer all the rich history we love London for, plus the comforts and delights of modern décor, dining, and facilities. All these hotels made me proud to call London our Capital. Check them out, and see how London looks to you when you stay.