London Is Experiencing a Major Hotel Renaissance: Here Are the 6 Exciting Openings of 2023

With a plethora of luxury hotels debuting in London this year, it’s easy to overlook the effects of Brexit, rising inflation, and various challenges facing the UK capital. However, these upscale retreats arriving in the Big Smoke truly reflect the city’s appeal. London boasts unparalleled connectivity in Europe, featuring six international airports and a train system that American travelers can only envy. The Elizabeth Line, for instance, costs about $13 and whisks you from Heathrow to the city center in just 30 minutes. Given the near-historic exchange rate of the dollar against the pound, it’s no surprise that American visitors to London this past year have exceeded the record numbers seen in 2019.

Among them, the most eagerly awaited debut is the Raffles London at the OWO, set to open on September 29. This will be the inaugural British hotel from the Hinduja Group, a family-owned enterprise in partnership with Accor, a multinational hotel group. Despite rooms in the Grade II*-listed historical building starting around $1,500 per night, the opportunity to explore the corridors where bicycle messengers once delivered urgent communications to Winston Churchill and the grounds where King Henry VIII took his final breath is truly priceless.

Choosing where to spend the night in London will be a delightful challenge with so many remarkable retreats available, including the still-under-renovation Dorchester London and the recently expanded Beaumont. Here are six brand-new hotel openings that we're excited to splurge on this fall.

Raffles London at the OWO

That grand double staircase. That chandelier, crafted by the same company known for precision nuclear rod installation. Architect Thierry Despont subtly references the Horse Guard across the street (take note of the brass tacks on the curtains’ leather trim). Nestled within a meticulously restored 1906 Georgian masterpiece, which is now open to the public for the first time, Raffles London at the OWO features 120 guest rooms, 85 residences, nine dining options, three bars, and an impressive subterranean Guerlain spa and fitness center.

The Old War Offices, where Churchill directed Britain’s efforts during World War II, has transformed into a tribute to British heritage and craftsmanship, complete with translucent alabaster balusters and 37 historic fireplaces scattered throughout the hotel. If the starting rate of $1,500 per night feels steep, try to secure a spot at the cozy Spy Bar or grab breakfast to go from the Pillar Kitchen, a plant-centric eatery offering seaweed-made carryout boxes—an innovation surely unimaginable to previous occupants of this Portland-stone edifice. From $1,500

Peninsula London

You can't surpass the entrance at the new Peninsula London: it welcomes you through an enchanting off-street courtyard adorned with wisteria and jasmine, along a cobblestone path reminiscent of royal residences. The hotel’s transportation options are equally impressive: guests can enjoy a complimentary ride in a Rolls-Royce Phantom II, a hybrid Bentley Bentayga, an electrified vintage 1960 Austin taxi, or a beautifully restored 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom Sedanca de Ville.

Upstairs, within the 190 elegantly understated guest rooms designed by Peter Marino (some of the largest in London, starting at 538 square feet), you’ll discover everything the Hong Kong-based Peninsula hotel group is celebrated for, and more—from onyx-clad bathrooms to mahogany-paneled dressing rooms, and expansive windows overlooking Wellington Arch. Don’t miss the stylish staff uniforms designed by British designer Jenny Packham, marking her first hotel collaboration, as well as the ground-floor Canton Blue, a multi-story tribute to trade between Asia and Britain, featuring a design inspired by a 19th-century junk and exquisite dim sum. From $1,590, including breakfast for two

1 Hotel Mayfair

Esteemed establishments like the Ritz London and the Wolseley stand across the street from this nine-story newcomer, but they may struggle to match the eco-friendly credentials of 1 Hotel Mayfair, which appeal to a new generation of travelers. To begin with, this 181-room sanctuary is adorned with hundreds of plants from various species, featuring expansive living walls (some even in guest rooms).

Rooms are decorated in earthy tones, utilizing natural materials such as moss, slate, oak, rope, and wool to emphasize a commitment to sustainability. You might not even notice the in-room filtration systems (no single-use plastics here!) or the recycled clothing hangers. Doubting that an urban hotel can be eco-conscious? Reserve an Audi through the hotel’s partnership to stylishly navigate Jermyn Street or Saville Row, or indulge in natural toiletries by Bamford. Downstairs, be sure to book early for Dovetale, chef Tom Sellers’ organic European restaurant. (Sellers trained at Noma and Per Se.) Signature dishes include Susan’s Leek Vinaigrette and the Steamed Dover Sole “Veronique.” From $590

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Though it won’t open until December, Mandarin Oriental’s second London property (the first is located by Hyde Park) is already experiencing high demand for its 50 rooms—possibly due to its impressive roster of collaborators. The late Richard Rogers’ firm (known for the Pompidou Centre in Paris and London’s Cheesegrater) designed the building with red brick “baguettes” incorporated into panels, seamlessly blending with the refined atmosphere of Hanover Square.

Inside, the stunning guest rooms crafted by Studio Indigo draw inspiration from haute couture, each resembling a red-carpet gown, adorned with House of de Gournay hand-painted silk wallpaper that mirrors the magnolia carpeting. The communal areas, designed by Tokyo-based firm Curiosity, feature acclaimed chef Akira Back’s first UK restaurant, characterized by flowing wooden designs and cozy tables, along with his ABar Lounge offering bar snacks and exceptional cocktails. At the Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, an 82-foot indoor swimming pool bathes guests in golden light—the perfect backdrop for selfies. From $1,130

The Emory

Set to open by year’s end, the eagerly awaited Emory marks the first hotel in London in 50 years from the renowned Maybourne Group (home to Claridge’s, Connaught, and the Berkeley). This 60-suite hotel, designed by Richard Rogers, features a unique interior designer for each of its nine floors, allowing guests to choose from suites designed by Alexandra Champalimaud, Patricia Urquiola, or Pierre-Yves Rochon. Additionally, celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will introduce his ABC concept to London for the first time, available in both the downstairs area and the guests-only rooftop, which features architectural triangles resembling sails above Hyde Park. Room rates TBA

The BoTree

Nestled in the vibrant West End, where Marylebone, Mayfair, and Soho converge, the BoTree offers a “conscious luxury” retreat, as described by owner Rishi Sachdev. Visitors are greeted by a lively scene on the ground floor and a refreshingly bold approach to high-end accommodations. The Italian restaurant, Lavo, run by Tao Group Hospitality, buzzes with fashionable patrons, while the BoTree Bar is a lively spot for locals to mingle.

On the upper floors, past a striking 3D-printed tree trunk and a collection of floral displays, 199 guest rooms exude an eco-conscious atmosphere with daring designs, featuring oversized floral patterns behind plush beds. The BoTree may come with a hefty price tag for this trendy locale, but its top-notch service and excellent people-watching make it a worthy destination in London. (And don’t forget, you can always pop in for a Negroni.) From $800