London is one of the most visited cities in the world with famous tourist sites and so many things to do. Visiting London for a short break or longer can be an amazing experience made even better by staying somewhere incredible.
London is home to a staggering 75 5-star hotels, a lot of which are included on our guide offering unparalleled levels of service and facilities.
Check out our list of the best hotels in central London which offer unparalleled service, luxury surroundings and amazing locations.
1. The Ritz
The Ritz Hotel is one of the most well known and respected hotels in the world. This is one of the best 5 star hotels located in Mayfair, Central London, with stunning rooms and suites, afternoon tea, Michelin-starred dining and private dining.
Overlooking London’s Green Park is the world-famous The Ritz London. This stunning Neoclassical building offers the height of opulence with luxurious bedrooms, exquisite British cuisine, and classic afternoon teas.
Bedrooms at The Ritz London combine stunning period architecture and antique furnishings with modern amenities. Decorated in warm colours, they feature high ceilings, ornate fireplaces and chandeliers. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature iPod docks and elegant bathrooms with designer toiletries. There is complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel.
The Michelin star Ritz Restaurant looks out over the gardens. It uses the finest of ingredients in cuisine that is classically British with a modern twist. The Rivoli Bar has an Art Deco style with gold leaf decoration.
The Ritz Club London is close to many theatres of the West End.
2. Shangri-La at the Shard
This is one of the best hotels in London with a view over the city skyline. Occupying levels 34-52, the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London offers 5-star luxury and breathtaking views of the capital and beyond. It features an exquisite restaurant and serves cocktails until late at the highest bar in London.
Each uniquely designed guest room has floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views of the city, and maintains the theme of Oriental elegance found throughout the hotel. Featuring the body-contouring-technology ‘Shangri-La Bed’, rooms include a TV, coffee machine, complimentary WiFi and a set of binoculars.
The en suite, marble-clad bathrooms have underfloor heating, separate bath tubs and a glass-enclosed shower. They include plush bathrobes, Acqua di Parma toiletries and mirrors with integrated TV screens. All rooms feature climate control to complement the building’s integrated sun shielding.
The hotel features 3 dining and drinking venues, including TING, the signature restaurant and lounge on level 35, while Bar 31 is a friendly neighborhood bar. GŎNG, set on level 52, provides the setting for London’s highest champagne and cocktail bar.
Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard is located on St Thomas Street, less than 1 minutes’ walk from London Bridge Train and Tube Station.
The Tower of London and Tower Bridge can be reached in 20 minutes by foot. You can enjoy a stroll along the River Thames’ South Bank to The London Eye, Big Ben and Westminster, approximately 1.5 miles away.
3. The Connaught
Located in the exclusive Mayfair area of London, the Connaught offers on-site Michelin-starred dining, a holistic spa and 2 chic bars. From arrival, guests receive bespoke butler and concierge services at the elegant Connaught.
This famous London hotel has beautiful and unique bedrooms, each with a king-size bed, mood lighting, a 32-inch plasma TV and original artwork. The marble bathrooms boast a plasma TV and walk-in shower.
The cuisine at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, inspired by the regional flavours of Hélène’s native France, has won 3 AA Rosettes and 2 Michelin Stars.
Connaught Bar and Coburg Bar both surround guests with stylish décor and serve mouth-watering cocktails and fine wines.
Completing the luxury experience, Aman Spa offers calming treatments and healing therapies drawn from the traditions of China, Thailand, India and the Americas.
4. The Dorchester
With a spa, Michelin-Starred restaurant and boutique bedrooms, The Dorchester features a landscaped terrace and famous tearooms. The exclusive hotel overlooks Hyde Park, and is situated in prestigious Mayfair. Free WiFi is available throughout.
The Dorchester Spa features chandeliers made from South-Pacific pearls, and offers a range of beauty treatments and therapies. There is also a fitness centre and chic relaxation room. The hotel features floral arrangements, freshly prepared every day.
The sumptuous 5-star rooms all feature an Italian-marble bathroom with fluffy bathrobes. All rooms also have scenic views over Hyde Park or the hotel’s terraces.
Alain Ducasse serves fine French cuisine, while The Grill offers a modern British menu. Indulgent afternoon teas are served in The Promenade, and guests can enjoy cocktails and fine spirits in the stylish bars.
Situated between Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner, The Dorchester is a 10-minute walk from Knightsbridge. The Museum Mile is a 20-minute walk, and Oxford Street is just a mile away.
5. The Savoy
Originally opened in 1889, the world-famous Savoy Hotel is situated on the banks of the Thames and less than 5 minutes’ walk from The British Museum and The Royal Opera House. The hotel was once visited by the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra and Katherine Hepburn.
Perfectly situated in heart of the exciting city of London, The Savoy is only 5 minutes’ walk from Covent Garden, the hotel is just 20 minutes’ journey by public transport from the ultimate designer shopping destinations of Knightsbridge and Mayfair.
With elegant marble bathrooms, The Savoy’s 195 guest rooms and 73 suites are decorated in either Edwardian or Art Deco style, blending comfort and elegance with discreet technology. Many rooms afford breath-taking views over the River Thames.
At The Savoy you will find some of the London’s best-known restaurants and bars. Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill, Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and the British institution Simpson’s-In-The-Strand. Take Afternoon Tea in the Thames Foyer, then move to the American Bar (widely regarded as one of the world’s best hotel bars) for a classic cocktail, or enjoy a character cocktail in the theatrical Beaufort Bar.
6. Claridge’s
The glamorous and elegant Claridge’s presents sophisticated 5-star luxury in the heart of Mayfair.
Spacious, luxurious, and sumptuously furnished, each room at Claridge’s boasts a luxury marble bathroom and peaceful views of the courtyard. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi via infra-red keyboard from the TV.
The Reading Room serves a contemporary menu in luxury Art Deco surroundings. The stylish, 1930’s themed Fumoir offers unique spirits and ‘30s-inspired cocktails. Claridge’s famous afternoon teas are served in the grand and elegant foyer, with over 50 varieties of tea and delicious, classic pastries.
With its glass columns and juice bar, Claridge’s airy, modern gym is located on the 6th floor, while the luxurious treatment rooms offer relaxing spa and beauty therapies.
Hyde Park is less than a 10-minute walk from Claridge’s, while the famous, bustling shops of Oxford Street and Bond Street are only 3 minutes’ walk away.
7. The Corinthia
The luxurious Corinthia Hotel is located in one of London’s most prestigious areas, moments from Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. It boasts elegant restaurants, 2 bars, a florist, London’s largest spa and the world’s first hotel concession for Harrods.
Spacious, air-conditioned rooms have luxurious décor blending the hotel’s 1885 character with state-of-the-art amenities. With city views, an iPod docking station, an LCD TV and free Wi-Fi in each room, luxury bathrooms have marble finish.
Guests can book award-winning spa and health treatments at ESPA Life at Corinthia. A luxury hair salon by celebrated hairdresser Daniel Galvin is also on site.
With inspiration from world-class designers, the hotel’s beautiful lobbies and high ceilings greet guests on arrival. A choice of 3 bars offer freshly-made cocktails and a range of fine wines.
Renowned Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, has just opened his first London restaurant, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, at the hotel. The menu reflects refined British comfort food.
8. The Langham
Located at the top of Regent Street, the prestigious Langham offers an award-winning glamorous bar, Artesian, and a stylish restaurant, Roux at the Landau. Free WiFi is available and Oxford Circus tube station is just a 5-minute walk away. Numerous shops, theatres and restaurants are situated in the local area.
The Langham’s bars and restaurants include the award-winning Palm Court, Artesian Bar and The Wigmore all overseen by culinary icon Michel Roux Jr. Please note that Roux at the Landau restaurant is currently closed.
Guests can enjoy the property’s Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club, which features a 20 yards swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, fully equipped gym and treatment rooms.
The Langham London offers rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
The renowned London hotel, with its distinctive charm and character, opened in 1865 as Europes first grand hotel, and it has accommodated royalty, foreign dignitaries and celebrities in luxury for over 150 years.
9. 45 Park Lane
Overlooking Hyde Park, 45 Park Lane features an on-site fitness studio and a modern American steak restaurant. A striking central staircase leads to a mezzanine featuring a bar, library and a private media room.
Impressive views of Hyde Park are featured in each room at 45 Park Lane, which also include Bang & Olufsen TVs, en suite marble bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. All rooms include Aromatherapy Associates toiletries.
Prime dry and wet aged beef, pan-roasted lobster and fine wines are on offer in the on-site restaurant. Full English and continental breakfasts can also be provided.
The shopping district of Oxford Street is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Tennis, horseback riding and boating can all be enjoyed within Hyde Park, as well as leisurely walks. Hyde Park Corner tube station is a 5-minute walk.
10. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Featuring a two Michelin star restaurant and a stunning spa, the luxury Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London overlooks Hyde Park and Knightsbridge. Knightsbridge Tube Station is a 2-minute walk away.
With 8 treatment rooms, the spa and wellness centre has a state-of-the-art gym and a 20 yards swimming pool.
The elegant rooms and suites at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park include a TV and DVD player and are individually decorated with a marble en-suite bathroom
Guests can enjoy acclaimed British dishes at the Michelin starred restaurant by Heston Blumenthal. Award winning afternoon tea is served in The Rosebery Lounge. Cocktails are available from the contemporary Mandarin Bar.
Knightsbridge Tube Station is a 2-minute walk away and the hotel is adjacent to the 350-acre Hyde Park, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is within a 5-minute walk of Sloane Street, Harrods, and Harvey Nichols. The Royal Albert Hall is 15 minutes’ stroll away and South Kensington’s famous museums are also nearby.
11. The Berkeley
Located in Knightsbridge, within a short walk from Hyde Park and Harrods, The Berkeley has been offering sublime service, style and cuisine in Knightsbridge for over 100 years. The hotel features an award-winning restaurant, a spa and fitness centre.
The Berkeley combines 5-star luxury with an excellent location just minutes from desirable Knightsbridge shops and Hyde Park. It offers free WiFi throughout the building.
Guests can indulge in fine dining at Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, with its 1 Michelin star. The friendly and intimate Collins Room offers award-winning fashion themed afternoon tea.
In the bedrooms, fine Italian marble bathrooms and luxurious fabrics blend together comfort, style and chic opulence for a beautiful night’s sleep.
12. Four Seasons London at Park Lane
Located in the centre of London, between Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens, this Park Lane hotel boasts stunning city views. There is free WiFi throughout. London Victoria Train Station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel and Westminster Abbey is 1.2 miles away.
Rooms at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane have an elegant design. Many have picturesque views, and all benefit from a contemporary bathroom and a TV. Also featured are bathrobes, a hairdryer and a minibar. Some of the rooms have a writing desk and a seating area.
On-site there is a spa/wellness centre offering a sauna and treatments. There is also a fitness centre.
The hotel’s Amaranto restaurant, lounge and bar serves an Italian-inspired menu – with in-room dining also possible in the comfort of your own private space. Guests can enjoy delicious breakfasts, lunch, evening meals and afternoon tea.
In the heart of Mayfair, the hotel is just a 15-minute walk from the world-famous shops of Oxford Street. Harrods is less than a mile from the building.
13. The Egerton House Hotel
This 5-star luxury hotel is in London’s Knightsbridge, looking out over quiet gardens. It offers free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with luxury bedding, minibars, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks.
Egerton House is less than a 3-minute walk from Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores and the Kensington museums are within a 5-minute walk. Knightsbridge and South Kensington Tube stations are 800 yards away.
Rooms have hand-stitched mattresses, antique furniture, original artworks and marble bathrooms. There are luxury bathrobes, Penhaligon’s toiletries, mineral water and fresh fruit and flowers. A glass of champagne or a pot of tea is served on arrival.
14. Rosewood London
Rosewood London offers elegant London accommodation on High Holborn. Just a 5-minute walk from Covent Garden and Oxford Street, its spacious designer rooms feature bespoke furnishings and Italian marble bathrooms, and Rosewood’s spa, sauna and glamorous restaurant are also on-site.
The air-conditioned rooms each have classic décor and a luxurious marble bathroom. Each room includes an iPod/iPhone docking station, a 46-inch flat-screen TV, a cordless telephone, a Nespresso coffee machine, a minibar and a dining area.
Start the day in the Holborn dining room with an a la carte breakfast, including continental, healthy and traditional English breakfast choices. The striking Mirror Room restaurant is open from morning until evening with an elegant all-day dining menu.
Just 3 minutes’ walk from Holborn Underground Station, Rosewood London enjoys easy connections around the capital and offers direct access to Heathrow Airport.
15. Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel
Between Piccadilly and Regent Street, this elegant 5-star hotel has award-winning fine dining, a gym and a peaceful spa. In exclusive Mayfair, guests are just metres from galleries and designer shops.
Stylish rooms at Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel each boast an interactive LCD TV, air conditioning and seating area. Sleek Carrara marble bathrooms have luxury toiletries and bathrobes.
With a range of speciality teas and a light menu, the English Tea Room at Brown’s has traditional panelled walls and original art. Donovan Bar offers live jazz music and signature cocktails.
16. The Lanesborough
This 5-star hotel is in London’s Knightsbridge and looks out over Hyde Park. It has air-conditioned luxury rooms and offers a personal butler service, free WiFi and an in-room tablet.
The Lanesborough is a mix 19th-century style with modern luxury. Many also have scenic views over Hyde Park. The rooms all have tea/coffee making facilities and a daily wake-up call service. Additionally, guests at this hotel gain complimentary access to The World Club & Spa which includes fitness, spa and well being facilities.
The hotel’s Céleste restaurant serves outstanding, creative food. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner here, with a wine and champagne list to complement the flavours of each dish.
The Library Bar is home to an array of Cognacs, cocktails, wines and spirits, celebrating award-winning mixology and an unrivalled selection of pre-French revolution Cognacs.
The hotel offers free on-demand movies, a change of clothing pressed on arrival, free tea/coffee on arrival, and free daily fresh fruit and mineral water. There is also a fitness room and beauty treatment facilities, and a unique cigar lounge with a collection of Cognacs and cigars. The Lanesborough, Oetker Collection – A Leading Hotel of The World offers complimentary calls to the US and Europe.
17. The Goring
Just 0.5 miles from Buckingham Palace, The Goring offers elegant rooms, gourmet cuisine, and free WiFi. Guests have free fitness-club access, and many rooms overlook the large hotel garden.
Boutique shops in Sloane Square are a 5-minute taxi ride, and within 1.2 miles are the Tate Britain and the Houses of Parliament. Guests are less than 5 minutes’ walk from Victoria Station, giving excellent transport links.
The 5-star Goring presents spacious rooms with luxury décor, each featuring a seating area and a TV with films on-demand. Many rooms also have a private terrace.
Guests can enjoy fine dining in the hotel restaurant where the chef uses carefully selected British produce. There is a range of wines to sample on the terrace that overlooks the private gardens.
18. Dukes London
With a discreet location off Piccadilly, in the heart of Mayfair, DUKES has been fabulously renovated and is excellently located for Regent Street, Green Park, theatres, and exquisite shops.
DUKES has a fresh new design that complements its history and traditional English style. Rooms have fine features, including free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and bathrobes.
The Health Club houses an Italian marble steam room, a gym and beauty treatment room. DUKES Bar, famous for its martinis, has a cool and sophisticated atmosphere, while Michelin-starred chef Nigel Mendham serves a classic British menu in the GBR, Great British Restaurant.
Guests can also relax in the hotel’s cigar garden, with a wide range of fine cigars and a choice of cognacs. Afternoon tea is also available in the intimate Drawing Room.
19. Belmond Cadogan Hotel
In exclusive Knightsbridge, this 5-star boutique hotel once played host to Oscar Wilde. Guests can dine or have a light lunch in the elegant and comfortable bar and drawing room and enjoy luxurious rooms with iPod docks.
Originally built in 1887, the beautiful rooms at Cadogan Hotel now feature LCD TVs with satellite channels, a DVD player, and free Wi-Fi. Each spacious room offers a private bathroom with luxury toiletries.
Cadogan provides a chic bar and an elegant lounge where guests can choose from the extensive bar and lounge menu featuring Great British classics.
Guests can also exercise in the hotel’s own fitness studio.
The hotel exits onto Sloane Street, which is full of designer shops. Harvey Nichols and Harrods are just a 5-minute walk away. Knightsbridge Underground Station is 5 minutes’ walk away, while Hyde Park is a 10-minute walk.
20. Bulgari London
Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, Bulgari Hotel, London features 85 beautifully appointed spacious rooms and suites, an elegant bar and restaurant, a 30 yards swimming pool, private cinema, and a stunning ballroom. An award-winning on-site spa and fitness centre are also provided.
Harrods, Hyde Park, and Knightsbridge Underground Station are just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, and Oxford Street can be reached in 20 minutes by tube. The museum district of South Kensington and Royal Albert Hall are only a 15-minute walk away.
A 42-inch plasma TV, Nespresso coffee machine and free WiFi are featured in all Bulgari rooms, and many feature views over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge. Rooms and suites combine English style with Italian heritage, and feature a luxurious variety of marbles, fine woods and unique detailing with many furnishings made exclusively for Bulgari.
Sette restaurant is the first London location of New York City’s Scarpetta Restaurants. Housed on the ground floor of Bulgari Hotel London, but operated independently with its own entrance at 4 Knightsbridge Green, Sette restaurant brings authentic Italian food from the heart of Manhattan.
Nolita Social will be the new after-hours hangout bar, bringing the energy of ‘the New York night’ to London with a heady mix of crafted cocktails, live music and DJs, creating a space perfect for light-hearted revelry in Knightsbridge.
21. The Wellesley Knightsbridge
Set in the glamorous area of Knightsbridge, this boutique, 5-star Art Déco hotel boasts luxury rooms, 2 exclusive and secluded cigar terraces, a cocktail bar, a restaurant, and scenic views of leafy Hyde Park, 150 yards away. Marble Arch is 1 miless away and the world-famous Oxford Street is 1 mile away. A courtesy luxury chauffeur drop-off service is provided for all guests, as well as a butler service for packing and unpacking bags.
The spacious rooms boast original features from 1920s, Italian marble bathrooms, and original, bespoke artwork. Some rooms have a separate lounge and uninterrupted views of Hyde Park. The rooms feature the most modern technology and high-speed Wi-Fi. Each room is also equipped with a Samsung tablet for guests to use.
The Oval Restaurant celebrates a fine dining experience; the menu is inspired by Italian cuisine and it features exquisite dishes made of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy a special selection of the finest cognac and whisky in the charming Crystal Bar. The Jazz Lounge offers evening live music – from Friday to Saturday – and showcases both established and up-and-coming artists in an intimate style and atmosphere. Afternoon tea is available daily and it is accompanied by live piano music.
Cigar enthusiasts can enjoy the intimate atmosphere on the exclusive cigar terraces and Europe’s largest humidor within a hotel.
A mile away from the Royal Albert Hall, The Wellesley also offers easy access to Westminster Abbey and the Big Ben, half an hour’s walk away.
22. Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
Offering 2 restaurants and spa, Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square is situated 200 yards from Tower of London.
All of the elegant rooms offer 24-hour in-room dining, city views and are fitted with a private marble bathroom. The rooms include flat-screen TV and an iPad to access many hotel leisure and business services. The luxury spa includes 8 treatment rooms and a sauna. There is also a fully equipped fitness centre.
Four Seasons Hotel London Ten Trinity Square’s dining options include a gourmet French restaurant with a 3 Michelin-star chef. There is also vibrant bar and lounge for guests to enjoy.
The hotel has excellent transport connections: it is only 2 minute walk to Tower Hill London Underground Station and also 3 minutes to Fenchurch Street Station. Tower Bridge is 550 yards from Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, while St Pauls Cathedral is a 20 minute walk away. London City Airport is 6.3 miles from the hotel.
23. The London Edition
The London EDITION is located in central London’s Fitzrovia district, with Oxford Street, Theatreland and Piccadilly Circus all within a 10-minute walk. Inside, there is a Michelin starred restaurant, 2 cocktail bars, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi and free use of the on-site fitness centre for all guests.
This is one of the more affordable luxury hotels in London, well compared to some of the places on our list. With a view of the vibrant city, each en suite room at The London EDITION features a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. An iPod docking station, bathrobes and a mini-bar are also provided.
Each evening, the restaurant offers a contemporary British menu using fresh, British produce. Uniquely themed, the cocktail bars offer an extensive collection of spirits, with beers, wines and ciders also available. An a la carte breakfast is available for room only rates.
3 Tube stations can be reached within a 10-minute walk, providing easy access to all areas of London. The British Museum is a 15-minute walk away and Madame Tussauds London is 1.1 miles away. Hyde Park is also just a 22-minute walk away.
24. The Stafford
Just off Piccadilly and next to Green Park, The Stafford London is elegant, central, peaceful and charming. Alive with English character, it holds 5 AA Red Stars for its excellence and offers free Wi-Fi.
The Stafford London is ideal for West End theatres, dining, and shopping at Bond Street, Jermyn Street and Regent Street. Green Park Tube station and Victoria Station are within walking distance. Surrounded by art galleries and museums, the property is next the royal palaces and parks.
Enjoy fine contemporary British cuisine in The Game Bird, the American Bar, with a 380-year-old wine cellar for private functions and 24-hour room service. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea by the fire in The Gamebird Lounge.
The main house comprises three 17th-century town houses. A gym can also be found in the Mews. With an award-winning concierge service, The Stafford London offers rooms decorated in their own traditional style. Each boasts complimentary modern features and luxury bathroom amenities. Guests have a Bose Wave CD player, a satellite TV, a Nespresso coffee machine and a luxury private bathroom in every room.
25. Hotel Café Royal
Hotel Café Royal is an iconic luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of central London. With the hotel situated to the South-West of Mayfair and Soho to the South, the property is positioned on Regent Street, within 1 miles from Theatreland, Buckingham Palace, Westminster and the British Museum. The shopping areas of Bond Street, Oxford Street and Savile Row are a short 6-minute walk away.
A London landmark, the hotel features 160 contemporary guestrooms, including 54 suites and 7 signature suites. Each is designed with careful detail and features complimentary WiFi, Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, media hubs and luxury bathroom amenities. Certain Suites offer a complimentary minibar including snacks and soft drinks.
After a busy day, guests can relax in the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, which features a state-of-the-art-gym, a large lap pool, a sauna, a Hammam/steam room and a wide range of spa treatments.
Hotel Café Royal also offers a selection of restaurants and bars for guests to enjoy. At the heart of the hotel, is the Cakes and Bubbles by Albert Adria. The Green Bar serves a selection of cocktails. Restored to revive the ornate Louis XVI décor and detailing, the Oscar Wilde Lounge offers afternoon tea.
By seeing our list you can understand how London is a city with the most number of 5-star hotels in the world. London really is one of the most amazing cities in the world and by staying at one of the hotels featured you will really enhance your stay. View more recommendations on our London travel guide.
