Summary
- Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard
- The Langham London
- Ace Hotel London Shoreditch
- The Ned
- Vintry & Mercer
- Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
- ME London by Melia
- The Bloomsbury Hotel
- The Ampersand Hotel
- The Academy
- Rosewood London
- The Dorchester
- Andaz London Liverpool Street
- The Kensington Hotel
- Hotel Cafe Royal
London is rightfully recognized as one of the world’s premier global cities. With rich history spanning centuries, exceptional attractions, renowned dining and nightlife, as well as an abundance of iconic landmarks, it’s virtually impossible to experience boredom in London.
From the vibrant West End to the eclectic East End, the choices for accommodation in London are nearly limitless. Coupled with a selection of some of the finest hotels globally, prospective travelers are presented with a multitude of options. In order to streamline the decision-making process, here is a curated list of London’s finest hotels.
1. Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard
Situated within London’s iconic Shard skyscraper—specifically on the 34th to 52nd floors—the Shangri-La is a five-star hotel that offers breathtaking views across the skyline of the British capital.
Rooms offer a stylishly contemporary design featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the stunning view of London to take center stage. Guests have access to impressive amenities, including three restaurants, London’s highest bar, and a pool located on the 52nd floor, ensuring their experience is nothing short of remarkable.
Location: The hotel is positioned on St Thomas Street within The Shard, with notable landmarks such as Borough Market in close proximity, and London Bridge Underground Station just a short walk away.
2. The Langham London
A historic and prestigious London hotel, The Langham has been an integral part of the city’s luxury accommodation landscape since its inauguration in 1865, having welcomed foreign dignitaries, royalty, and celebrities over its extensive history.
The interiors exude luxury with elegantly decorated rooms, a celebrated bar, and a restaurant. Guests can indulge in afternoon tea in the inviting Palm Court. The property also houses a spa and fitness center featuring a 20-yard swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and steam rooms.
Location: Located on Regent Street, it is conveniently close to the shopping and entertainment experiences of Oxford Circus, Soho, and prominent venues in London’s West End, such as The Palladium.
3. Ace Hotel London Shoreditch
Ace Hotel London Shoreditch presents a contemporary and stylish ambiance, characterized by design inspiration drawn from punk culture, with each guest room uniquely styled to provide a distinctive atmosphere for an enjoyable stay.
The hotel features a restaurant catering to diverse dietary requirements, and a juice bar for refreshing options; guests can also unwind at the rooftop bar that offers a lively atmosphere.
Location: Located in the vibrant Shoreditch neighborhood, Brick Lane is within a ten-minute walk, and nearby Old Street Underground Station provides excellent transportation links throughout the city.
4. The Ned
The Ned is situated in a historically significant former bank building. This Grade-1 listed structure, designed by Sir Edwin “Ned” Lutyens in 1924, seamlessly blends vintage decor from the 1920s and 1930s with modern luxury.
Offering eight restaurants in the former Grand Banking Hall, guests are spoilt for choice in dining options. Additional facilities available include a spa, gym, and swimming pool, with select guest suites featuring private terraces.
Location: Positioned in the City of London, it is just a short walk from St Paul’s Cathedral, and a mere 15-minute stroll to Oxford Street, Soho, and the West End.
5. Vintry & Mercer
Vintry & Mercer exemplifies style and elegance. With its distinctive black and white tiles, verdant houseplants, and meticulously curated furnishings, it resembles a page out of a premium design magazine.
Guest accommodations feature sleek minimalist designs, and all amenities provided throughout the hotel maintain a high-end ambiance, particularly in the onsite restaurant, which offers an exquisite selection of both British and Asian cuisine.
Location: Situated less than one kilometer from St Paul’s Cathedral, close to Mansion House Underground Station. Guests can enjoy a pleasant walk along the historic River Thames into Central London.
6. Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s
This contemporary five-star hotel features a striking glass atrium in its lobby, offering guests access to no less than four restaurants to satisfy diverse culinary preferences. The rooms provide a tranquil atmosphere with smart furnishings and expansive windows that highlight the view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The facility also includes a health and fitness club for guests to enjoy, with options for fitness classes and personal trainers available.
Location: Conveniently located adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral, it is a short walk to notable attractions such as Blackfriars, Millennium Bridge, the London Stock Exchange, and other major points of interest in London’s business district.
7. ME London by Melia
Another example of modern luxury in London, the ME London by Melia is undoubtedly a sophisticated choice. Known for its cosmopolitan ambiance, this hotel offers stylish rooms equipped with integrated technology, Balinese showers, and expansive windows.
In the lounge bar, guests can savor evening cocktails; additionally, the rooftop cocktail bar also serves as a prime breakfast venue.
Location: Overlooking Somerset House on the Strand—home to London Fashion Week—this location is within easy reach of the Lyceum Theatre, the London Transport Museum, and the bustling atmosphere of Covent Garden.
8. The Bloomsbury Hotel
The luxurious Bloomsbury Hotel is renowned for its exceptional service delivered by professional staff, opulently furnished guest rooms, and a tranquil guest lounge featuring a cozy fireplace.
The intimate Bloomsbury Club Bar and Dining Room provides an exceptional London dining experience with sophisticated cuisine and beverages. Guests can also enjoy dinner at the Dalloway Lounge, complete with an outdoor terrace.
Location: Situated on Great Russell Street, The Bloomsbury is perfectly positioned amid the entertainment options of the West End— with numerous theaters in close proximity, Leicester Square just a short ten-minute walk away, and the retail experiences of Oxford Street and the dining scene of Soho within reach.
9. The Ampersand Hotel
Situated within a historic Victorian building that has been thoughtfully modernized, The Ampersand Hotel combines cosmopolitan style with luxury, preserving original Victorian features such as a grand chandelier-lit spiral staircase.
Guest rooms are elegantly adorned with bold wallpapers and period accents for a sophisticated stay. In addition, visitors can enjoy a games room, access fitness facilities, or dine in one of the hotel’s distinct drawing rooms.
Location: Located in the upscale district of Kensington and Chelsea, both the renowned Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are just a two-minute walk away.
10. The Academy
The Academy combines alluring interiors with timeless design, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and relaxation. The guest rooms are crafted by an award-winning design team, featuring marble bathrooms and customized furnishings.
Housed within a series of Georgian-era townhouses, The Academy offers a daily continental buffet along with a bar equipped with a terrace that serves afternoon tea, providing guests with a quintessentially high-end British experience.
Location: Located in Bloomsbury, the West End is conveniently accessible. It’s a brief walk to Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus, with the British Museum virtually at your doorstep.
11. Rosewood London
A stay at Rosewood London provides a grand experience, highlighted by the hotel’s majestic architecture and spacious guest rooms. Renowned for exceptional service, this establishment is among the best hotels in London.
The opulent Mirror Room offers all-day dining until late, complemented by the sophisticated Holborn Dining Room for breakfast. In addition to dining, guests have access to the luxurious Rosewood Spa for relaxation options.
Location: Covent Garden is just a five-minute walk from the hotel’s Holborn location, with High Holborn nearby, and many theaters in the West End are easily reachable on foot.
12. The Dorchester
Esteemed for its Michelin-starred restaurant and five-star qualifications, The Dorchester remains one of London’s most luxurious hotels. The property is housed within a historic building, with considerately designed rooms that showcase boutique decor and classic features.
Guests can engage in fitness activities at the well-equipped fitness center or unwind at the Dorchester Spa, known for its extravagant chandeliers made from South Pacific pearls. Throughout the hotel, fresh floral arrangements are provided daily, ensuring an inviting atmosphere.
Location: Located in Westminster, between Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner, the prestigious Knightsbridge area—home to Harrods—is just a ten-minute walk away, while Buckingham Palace is a little over half a mile distant.
13. Andaz London Liverpool Street
Combining contemporary style with Victorian design elements, Andaz London Liverpool Street features 267 guest rooms, several restaurants, bars, and a 24-hour health club.
Every detail has been meticulously curated for guest comfort, from the Japanese yukata bathrobes to complimentary wine and canapés available in the lobby, epitomizing luxury.
Location: Located adjacent to Liverpool Street Station, guests enjoy convenient transport connections, and Old Spitalfields Market is just a five-minute walk away. Brick Lane is also within easy reach.
14. The Kensington Hotel
Exuding style, The Kensington Hotel creates a serene environment for visitors, featuring elegant accents such as chandeliers and four-poster beds throughout. Some suites are specifically designed for families, while others present private balconies overlooking the city of London.
The hotel’s restaurant is housed within period drawing rooms, and a fitness center provides facilities to maintain well-being after indulging in afternoon tea.
Location: Conveniently located in the heart of South Kensington, the nearest Underground Station is just 500 yards away, while the renowned “Museum Mile”—including the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum—is only a five-minute walk. Harrods is a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
15. Hotel Cafe Royal
Boasting five-star status, Hotel Cafe Royal features 160 guest rooms that are meticulously designed with modern aesthetics, utilizing clean lines and neutral colors to create bright, airy living spaces for relaxation after exploring the city.
Guests have access to an extensive array of amenities including a Holistic Wellbeing Centre, which boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, pool, and hammam. A variety of high-end dining options await, highlighted by the elegant Louis XVI-style Oscar Wilde Lounge.
Location: Located in upscale Mayfair on Regent Street, Hotel Cafe Royal is just a mile from the thriving Theatreland of the West End, making it easy to reach iconic sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.
