The 15 Finest Hotels in London

London's top hotels offer unique experiences: majestic historic buildings with exquisite service (fit for royalty, no less) alongside sleek modern venues showcasing the best of British hospitality. You'll find former firehouses, banks, and restored Edwardian mansions, some even featuring private cinemas and basement bowling alleys.

With so many choices in this vibrant city, selecting the perfect hotel to match your needs can be overwhelming. That's why Dinogo has meticulously reviewed and curated this comprehensive list of the 15 best hotels in London for your upcoming trip. No matter what kind of experience you're seeking, these hotels provide exceptional service, striking design, and countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the city, making you feel like a local from the moment you arrive.

So, in no particular order, here are our selections for the 15 finest hotels in London.

1. Claridge’s

Renowned as one of London’s premier hotels, Claridge’s has a history that stretches back to 1812, yet this Mayfair icon, owned and operated by the Maybourne Hotel Group, remains timeless. Its art deco lobby, featuring striking black and white geometric marble floors and fluted columns, retains the elegance of its 1931 construction, thanks to a renovation in the early 2000s. The hotel recently unveiled an impressive three-floor, 7,000-square-foot underground spa, designed with Japanese influences by acclaimed interior designer Andre Fu, featuring seven oak-paneled treatment rooms and a heated swimming pool.

Guest rooms upstairs are designed in either art deco or classic English styles. The suites have been refreshed by a roster of contemporary designers, including Diane von Furstenberg, India Mahdavi, and David Linley, ensuring that the rooms—and the hotel itself—have been updated without losing their historical charm.

As a prestigious institution, securing a reservation at one of the hotel’s dining and drinking venues can be quite challenging. (The space that previously hosted New York chef Daniel Humm’s Davies and Brook, along with British chef Simon Rogan’s Michelin-starred Fera at Claridge’s, is still looking for a new tenant.) Notable venues include the dimly lit Fumoir, established in 1929, adorned with tufted velvet seating and photographs by U.S. photographer William Klein, and the deco-inspired Claridge’s Bar, created by David Collins Studio, which offers rare champagnes and spirits.

2. The Dorchester

Established in 1931, the Dorchester radiates the luxury of a bygone era. Despite the presence of crystal chandeliers, top-hatted bellmen, and polished marble floors, the vibrant staff are encouraged to showcase their personalities, ensuring this Mayfair landmark feels relevant to modern London. Recently, the Dorchester has begun its most extensive renovation since the 1980s, led by Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.

In the colonnaded promenade on the ground floor, heavier furniture has been replaced with refined wingback chairs, and the columns have been finished in bold black and gold. The area now features nature-themed artwork commissioned specifically for the hotel, with 16 of the 18 artists being women. Inside the promenade, the Artists’ Bar, adorned with gold and Lalique crystal, sits under an exquisite chandelier, while a mirrored piano once owned by Liberace graces the space. The newly introduced Vesper Bar, celebrating the hotel's James Bond connections (as creator Ian Fleming was a frequent diner), evokes 1930s charm with its mirrored walls and plush velvet banquettes, ideal for secretive meetings.

The 238 guest rooms and suites exude the charm of a British country manor, featuring marble entryways, canopy beds, and luxurious Italian marble bathrooms. In May 2023, these spaces will debut after a complete renovation, but the breathtaking views over Hyde Park will remain unchanged. Also untouched is the hotel's renowned three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant, which celebrates seasonal British and French ingredients, showcasing dishes like John Dory, spiny artichokes with cuttlefish, and a selection of artisanal French cheeses.

3. Hotel Café Royal

Originally opened in 1865 as a restaurant, event venue, and wine shop, Hotel Café Royal quickly became a popular gathering place for London's elite and intellectuals. Over the past 150 years, notable figures such as Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Muhammad Ali, and David Bowie have been seen here. Relaunched as a hotel in 2012, Café Royal marks a new chapter in hospitality, attracting visitors with its prime location between Mayfair and Soho, just a short stroll from theaters, shops, and major attractions.

Beyond a stunning lobby that received a $6.6 million makeover in 2018, the 160 rooms and suites offer a warm and polished atmosphere, featuring Carrara marble, English oak, and Portland stone. Each room is equipped with Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, soundproofing, and rain showers. Guests enjoy perks like complimentary John Lobb shoeshines, while the six Signature Suites boast Tudor fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs, private screening rooms, dining areas, and dedicated butler service.

The hotel's dining and bar options are a destination in themselves. Highlights include the two Michelin-starred Alex Dilling, which showcases modern French cuisine; the opulent Grill Room, formerly frequented by Oscar Wilde, offering traditional afternoon tea; and the Green Bar, known for its botanical cocktails and premium liquors. Launched in 2018, Cakes & Bubbles presents a bold twist on pastries and desserts crafted by Spanish pastry maestro Albert Adrià, featuring his renowned cheesecake with Baron Bigod Brie, hazelnuts, and white chocolate, designed to resemble washed rind cheese (best paired with Veuve Clicquot). Additional amenities include a spacious gym with LifeFitness equipment, class studios, a 60-foot lap pool, and the Akasha Spa, featuring a sauna, hammam, and nine treatment rooms blending Eastern and Western techniques.

4. The Ham Yard

While most London hotels can’t boast a bowling alley in their basements, Ham Yard is far from ordinary. Since opening in 2014, the hotel features a 190-seat cinema equipped with Dolby surround sound, a spa that includes a Hypoxic Studio for high-altitude training, a rooftop terrace complete with a vegetable garden, and a karaoke bar curated by Lucky Voice.

Ham Yard serves as the flagship hotel for Firmdale Hotels, a collection of ten properties in London and New York City operated by the husband-and-wife duo Tim and Kit Kemp. The brand is renowned for Kit’s interior design, and Ham Yard is the most vibrant showcase of her maximalist style, featuring her signature mix of fabrics and plush armchairs. Unique elements, like light installations from the renowned creator Gods Own Junkyard, add an eccentric flair to the hotel. The name itself is derived from the nearby Soho square, and the courtyard attracts locals who enjoy the hotel’s partner shops, including the Brazilian beachwear brand Frescobol Carioca.

5. Corinthia London

Part of the luxury Malta-based Corinthia brand, Corinthia London is housed in a Victorian building that once served as the Ministry of Defense, conveniently located near Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, the London Eye, and the theater district. The atmosphere embodies a contemporary grand hotel, featuring a variety of public spaces on the ground floor—some expansive with high ceilings, while others provide a warm and intimate setting. Enjoy modern British cuisine and a lavish breakfast at the Northall restaurant; savor all-day dining and afternoon tea with a champagne trolley at the Crystal Moon Lounge; and when the weather permits, relish alfresco drinks, light bites, and cigars at the lush Garden lounge. In late 2022, the Velvet lounge opened its doors, boasting red velvet and royal blue decor designed by David Collins Studio, along with a cocktail menu crafted by award-winning bartender Salvatore Calabrese. Kerridge’s Bar and Grill marks the first London restaurant from chef Tom Kerridge, featuring British-inspired dishes such as a red prawn scotch egg and fish and chips accompanied by pease pudding made from yellow split peas.

Corinthia offers 283 rooms and suites designed to evoke a residential feel, including stylish London and Garden suites, along with seven themed presidential suites, all created by David Collins Studio. Amenities feature Nespresso machines and marble bathrooms outfitted with rain showers, bathtubs equipped with built-in TVs, heated floors, and ESPA products. Higher-level suites come with private outdoor areas, butler service, and stunning views. The flagship ESPA Life by Corinthia Spa is one of the largest in London, featuring 17 treatment rooms, a 24/7 gym, a nail studio, and an expansive thermal floor with multiple pools, sauna and steam rooms, ice fountains, and sleep pods for enhanced tranquility.

6. The Ned

The founders of Soho House have transformed the historic Midland Bank building into—what else?—a comprehensive lifestyle hub that attracts both the suited professionals and the trendsetting crowd. Part hotel, part members' club, the Ned (named after the renowned 19th-century architect Edwin Lutyens, who originally envisioned the structure) draws in both locals and visitors with a variety of dining options nestled around the former banking hall. These range from Italian, French, and Californian eateries to a Pan-Asian grill and a poke restaurant, as well as a lounge serving an indulgent British-style Sunday feast, complete with a Bloody Mary bar and mimosa trolley.

Hotel guests also enjoy access to a downstairs bar, while a wellness level features a nail bar, gym, dedicated hair salon and barbershop, and a spa that includes an indoor pool and eight treatment rooms, plus a traditional Moroccan hammam. The Ned’s Club Upstairs boasts a rooftop pool and restaurant (offering views of St. Paul’s Cathedral) exclusive to Club members or those in higher-category rooms.

The property showcases a chic, vintage-inspired design. With 250 guest rooms ranging from Crash Pad and Cosy to Heritage and six suite types, each room embodies 1920s elegance, featuring mirrored cocktail cabinets, wingback chairs, and Jazz Age motifs, alongside marble-mosaic bathrooms stocked with rain showers and Cowshed products. Guests are free to take photos in their rooms, but social media enthusiasts might want to leave their devices behind in select public areas: a photo ban is enforced in any Club membership zones, including the stunning rooftop.

7. The Savoy

After constructing the Savoy Theatre, English agent Richard D’Oyly Carte opened a hotel nearby in 1889 to cater to wealthy American patrons visiting to enjoy the famous Gilbert & Sullivan operas. Over the years, the hotel has hosted illustrious guests such as Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin, Mel Brooks, and Katharine Hepburn; some of these notable visitors are honored on the menu of theatrical Character Cocktails served at the opulent Beaufort Bar, while others have inspired the nine exquisite Personality Suites. The Savoy is rich in anecdotes, including the time Marilyn Monroe held a press conference in 1956 to promote The Prince and the Showgirl alongside Laurence Olivier, creating a media sensation with her midriff-revealing black dress.

However, the Savoy, now under Fairmont management, embraces modernity. Following an extensive $350 million renovation completed in 2010—just in time for its 125th anniversary—the hotel showcases timeless interiors equipped with all contemporary conveniences. The 267 rooms and suites feature art deco or Edwardian styles, custom furnishings, bespoke rainfall showerheads, and Penhaligon’s amenities; many of the premium options offer views of the Thames or iconic city landmarks, along with luxurious extras like claw-foot tubs or the renowned Savoy butler service in Deluxe Junior Partial Riverview Suites and above. Rotating programs—ranging from arts and culture events to a writer-in-residence series and expert-led masterclasses—ensure guests remain engaged, while dining venues include Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and the Thames Foyer, known for its classic afternoon tea.

8. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park boasts an impressive location and rich history. It faces Hyde Park—once a royal hunting ground for Henry VIII—and lies just west of Buckingham Palace. (Listen closely in the mornings, and you might catch the royal cavalry passing by.) First opened in 1908 as the Hyde Park Hotel and rebranded as Mandarin Oriental in 2000, the hotel underwent a closure in 2016 for renovations, which were delayed by a fire in June 2018 during what was described by Mandarin Oriental as the most comprehensive restoration in its history. In April 2019, the hotel reopened with 141 revamped rooms and 40 reimagined suites, an expanded spa, a newly designed lobby, and renovated dining options—including the Roseberry tearoom and the two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

In the earth-toned rooms and suites, designer Joyce Wang infused elements inspired by the park with a stylish art deco flair: gilded acorn chandeliers, hardwood flooring, and curvilinear ceilings reflect the park’s pathways, while the bathrooms feature an elegant white marble finish. The hotel also wisely preserves and showcases aspects of its history, such as a special royal entrance once used by Queen Victoria (now frequently utilized for weddings) and a ballroom where Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret took childhood dance lessons (charmingly, the wood floor—though covered—still retains its squeak).

One of the latest highlights at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is the Aubrey, which debuted in March 2022 on the hotel’s ground floor. Described as an “eccentric izakaya (pub),” the Aubrey features five distinct, cozy, dimly-lit dining areas offering shared dishes like wagyu beef sando, gomae (chilled baby spinach with sesame), and oxtail and bone marrow fried rice. The walls are adorned with traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, yet the atmosphere is far from formal: when not accompanied by Japanese trap music, a live DJ performs here from Thursday to Sunday.

9. Brown’s Hotel

As the oldest hotel in London, Brown’s Hotel retains a charming Old World ambiance that once captivated renowned guests like Agatha Christie and Alexander Graham Bell, who famously made London’s inaugural telephone call from the hotel in 1876. Now managed by the Rocco Forte hotel group, this historic establishment has evolved to meet the desires of today’s luxury travelers. Nestled within a series of individual townhouses on the boutique-lined Albemarle Street, just a short walk from the bustling thoroughfares of Mayfair, Brown’s offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The public areas, adorned with floral motifs, stunning chandeliers, and intricate mosaic floors—crafted by Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte’s design director—create an ambiance that feels both special and unpretentious.

Finding a bar stool or a plush velvet seat at the bustling Donovan Bar, named after photographer Terence Donovan, can be a challenge. The walls are adorned with his iconic portraits of fashion and celebrity figures from the 1960s, while renowned bartender Salvatore Calabrese curates the drinks menu. Just across the hall, Charlie’s Restaurant features chef Adam Byatt’s contemporary British cuisine, offering delights like Dover sole and crispy battered haddock with chips, although the Caesar salad is a must-try too. Upstairs, the 115 guest rooms and suites, each uniquely designed by Polizzi, showcase wingback chairs, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and luxurious marble bathrooms, all set against a soothing palette accented by vivid colors and textures that reflect each room’s theme.

10. One Aldwych

One Aldwych, an independently run hotel, boasts a fascinating history tied to its Edwardian roots as the former headquarters of the Morning Post newspaper in the early 20th century. According to the hotel’s Post At One broadsheet found in each suite, the Lobby Bar was once the hub of the publication, while the swimming pool now occupies where the presses used to be. The building itself is remarkable, featuring a cupola dome, rounded corners, and elegant balustrade balconies, and has continued to inspire those connected with The Tatler and Illustrated London News.

After a significant makeover in late 2020, this boutique hotel now offers 105 stylish guest rooms and suites in a prime location, with views of West End theater marquees from select corner suites. During our last visit, the Lobby Bar showcased a vibrant, feathered art installation reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s world, and the hotel also offers a popular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, ideal for families. With over 400 pieces of art and dedicated curators providing unique concierge experiences, One Aldwych stands out as one of the most contemporary and culturally rich hotels in the area—family-friendly as well, with welcome cards specifically for children and gifts like blocks, books, and classic British teddy bears upon arrival.

11. The Langham London

This stunning Victorian hotel in London’s West End, which opened its doors in 1865, continuously adapts to cater to modern travelers. At Langham London, you’ll find public spaces adorned with chandeliers, grand marble columns, and sweeping staircases, while the attentive staff is ready to meet your every request. Managed by the Hong Kong-based Langham Hospitality Group, the hotel excels at immersing guests in London life, offering unique experiences like a Paddington-themed afternoon tea, complete with a custom plush toy of the beloved bear, or a delightful a cappella performance in the lobby during the festive season.

With 380 guest rooms designed for comfort, you’ll find generous wingback chairs, king-size beds with leather headboards, floor-to-ceiling drapes, and luxurious marble soaking tubs; many accommodations also feature kitchenettes. Signature pink accents can be spotted throughout, whether on walls or as floral arrangements. For an elevated experience, opt for an Executive room, granting access to the expansive Club Lounge where dedicated staff assist with check-ins and offer delightful bites throughout the day, alongside a selection of fine champagne and cocktails. Don’t miss out on enjoying hearty pub fare at the vibrant Wigmore, and be sure to visit Artesian for a cocktail crafted by award-winning bartender Giulia Cuccurullo.

12. Connaught

It's clear why the Connaught is a cherished gem among both tourists and Londoners alike. Behind its red brick exterior, this 1917 hotel—managed by the Maybourne Hotel Group—exudes a timeless English charm without feeling antiquated. The striking polished wood staircase, flanked by mahogany-paneled walls adorned with portraits and landscapes, serves as the focal point of the public areas (Ralph Lauren even had a replica crafted for his flagship store in New York City). This classic aesthetic harmonizes beautifully with modern elements, such as the Silence water feature, designed by Tadao Ando, situated in the tranquil inner courtyard.

The art deco Connaught Bar features a classic martini trolley service, led by renowned mixologists Agostino Perrone, Giorgio Bargiani, and Mauria Milia. Their cocktail menu has secured a spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list for an impressive 15 years. The hotel boasts 121 guest rooms designed by Guy Oliver and the late David Collins, available in two styles: contemporary or classic. Some rooms feature chaise longues and four-poster beds, while others are enhanced with sleek wooden bookshelves and abstract art. Notably, the expansive 775-square-foot Connaught Suite, complete with a marble fireplace and intricate wainscoting, offers a taste of opulent London living. A standout feature is the Aman Spa, the first urban retreat from Aman Resorts, offering treatments that range from Thai massages to chakra balancing inspired by Indian traditions.

13. Shangri-La the Shard

Rising above the skyline, London’s tallest glass skyscraper, designed by Renzo Piano, houses Shangri-La the Shard, featuring spectacular 360-degree city views from floors 34 to 52. The hotel boasts the highest infinity pool in the city on its top floor. Each of the 202 guest rooms showcases these stunning vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows, complete with Frette linens and bathrooms equipped with heated floors and toilet seats. For a truly indulgent experience, request a room with a freestanding bathtub, allowing you to soak while gazing at the horizon. The chic interiors are adorned in calming shades of blue and beige, with subtle motifs inspired by traditional Chinese brush painting, reflecting the hotel's Asian heritage.

The hotel's dining and drinking venues are a hit with locals, especially at sunset, so it's wise to make reservations in advance. Among them is Gong, designed by Hong Kong's Andre Fu, offering views of London Bridge with antique bronze elements and cinnabar red lacquer panels. The seasonally inspired restaurant Ting features à la carte and set course menus that blend British and Asian flavors, such as soy-braised short ribs. While the stunning views are a major draw, the hotel's location in Southwark is equally appealing, just a five-minute stroll from both London Bridge and the renowned Borough Market, celebrated for its artisanal foods and produce.

14. Rosewood London

Upon arrival at Rosewood London, guests are greeted by a striking former carriage entrance adorned with wrought iron gates, leading into a tranquil courtyard and a beautifully restored Edwardian mansion. The neoclassical façade, featuring intricately carved Corinthian columns and arches, sets the stage for an impressive interior designed by American Tony Chi. His vision includes stunning black-and-white mosaic floors and a magnificent seven-story staircase crafted from Italian Pavonazzo marble, all beneath a soaring 166-foot-high cupola.

The hotel boasts 263 rooms and 45 suites, each thoughtfully designed by Chi with refined lacquer furnishings and stylish geometric rugs in black and white. These accommodations exude a spacious, residential feel, complete with marble bathrooms and ample cozy seating. The expansive 2,000-square-foot Manor House Suite features its own private entrance and elevator, making it unique—Rosewood claims it is the only suite in the world with its own postal code.

Scarfes Bar, named after British caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, has introduced a new cocktail menu called “10” to commemorate the bar's and hotel’s 10-year anniversary in 2023. Noteworthy new creations include the Crescent City, inspired by New Orleans jazz and made with Macallan 12-year whiskey, rum, and pandan. The vibrant Holborn Dining Room offers a brasserie-style setting focused on seasonal British cuisine, featuring delights like dressed Devonshire crab and slow-roasted lamb shoulder pie. Don't overlook the British cheese selection, which includes Isle of Wight Blue and Montgomery, a rich unpasteurized cheddar from Somerset.

15. The Goring

Since its opening in 1910 by Otto Goring, this intimate hotel has been a favored retreat for the royal family, making it the only establishment to receive an official Royal Warrant for hospitality services, awarded in 2013 by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who cherished lunches and teas here since childhood. Nestled on a tranquil side street in Belgravia, just blocks from Buckingham Palace, the Goring has also welcomed nobility from around the world and was the first hotel in the U.K. to offer en suite bathrooms, serving as a convenient stop for dignitaries before palace audiences.

Today, the 69-room sanctuary—still in the hands of the Goring family—delights a loyal clientele, primarily from America, who appreciate its cozy atmosphere, prime location, and outstanding service, along with unique features like a secluded garden. The rooms are inviting and comfortable, showcasing traditional English decor with silk wallpaper, vintage-style headboards, Italian linens, and oversized armchairs, enhanced by whimsical touches such as vibrant color accents, plush stuffed sheep mascots, and an in-room lighting switch with options like “Bright,” “Cozy,” and “Oooh.” For an elevated experience, guests can upgrade to a suite for personalized service from the esteemed footmen, distinguished by their gold-embroidered scarlet coats.

For even greater indulgence, consider the two-bedroom Royal Suite, featuring elegant four-poster beds, a grand piano, a dining room for six, antique glassware, and a life-sized portrait of Queen Victoria. Locals of all ages frequently gather with hotel guests for lunch on the garden terrace, drinks at the polished wood bar or in the cozy fireplace lounge, and the renowned afternoon tea—just be sure to reserve early, as there can be a long wait list for this experience.

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