Top 10 Luxury Hotels in London

London does grand hotels like nowhere else. The capital has been perfecting the art of hospitality for well over a century, and its finest addresses range from Victorian institutions where afternoon tea is a ritual to sleek towers with views over the whole city. Here are ten of the most celebrated — each with its own distinct character, so the right choice depends on the kind of stay you are after.

1. Claridge's, Mayfair

Perhaps the definitive London grand hotel. Claridge's has been welcoming royalty and film stars since the Victorian era, and its Art Deco interiors remain the benchmark for old-world glamour. Afternoon tea in the Foyer is one of the city's great occasions. Choose it if you want the full classic-London experience, impeccably done.

2. The Savoy, Strand

Opened in 1889 on the north bank of the Thames, The Savoy blends Edwardian and Art Deco styles and carries more history per square foot than almost any hotel in Europe. The American Bar is legendary, and river-view rooms look straight across to the South Bank. Ideal for theatregoers — Covent Garden and the West End are on the doorstep.

3. The Ritz, Piccadilly

The hotel that gave its name to a whole idea of luxury. The Ritz is unapologetically formal — jackets are expected in some areas — with Louis XVI-style interiors and a famously theatrical afternoon tea in the Palm Court. Green Park sits immediately behind it, and Bond Street shopping is minutes away.

4. The Connaught, Mayfair

Quieter and more discreet than its famous neighbours, The Connaught occupies a handsome red-brick building on Mount Street in the heart of Mayfair village. It is known for exceptional service, a celebrated bar and some of the capital's finest dining. Choose it if you prefer understated polish to grand spectacle.

5. The Dorchester, Park Lane

A Park Lane landmark since the 1930s, The Dorchester overlooks Hyde Park and has long been a favourite of visiting Hollywood. Rooms are classically English in style, the spa is one of the best in the city, and the location puts both Mayfair and Knightsbridge within easy reach.

6. Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge

For a completely different take on luxury, Shangri-La occupies the upper floors of the Shard, western Europe’s tallest building. Floor-to-ceiling windows give every room an extraordinary panorama, and the high-level infinity pool is justly famous. The best choice for a special-occasion stay where the view is the point.

7. Rosewood London, Holborn

Set around a courtyard in a grand Edwardian former insurance headquarters, Rosewood London combines heritage architecture with confident contemporary design. Holborn is a clever base too — walkable to Covent Garden, the City and Bloomsbury. A strong pick for travellers who find Mayfair a touch formal.

8. The Langham, Marylebone

One of Europe’s first purpose-built grand hotels, The Langham opened in 1865 opposite what is now the BBC’s Broadcasting House. It is credited as an early home of the afternoon-tea tradition, which it still takes seriously in the Palm Court. Regent Street, Marylebone village and Oxford Circus are all a short stroll away.

9. Brown's Hotel, Mayfair

Often cited as London's oldest hotel, Brown's opened in 1837 and has hosted writers from Rudyard Kipling to Agatha Christie. Today it pairs its literary heritage with a warm, clubby atmosphere and a quietly excellent location on Albemarle Street, moments from the Royal Academy and Bond Street.

10. Corinthia London, Whitehall

Housed in a magnificent Victorian building between Trafalgar Square and the Thames, the Corinthia is a relative newcomer to the top tier but competes with the best. It is particularly renowned for its vast spa, and the location — steps from Whitehall and the Embankment — is superb for first-time visitors doing the sights.

How to choose between them

For classic glamour, look to Claridge’s, The Ritz or The Savoy; for discretion and food, The Connaught; for views, the Shangri-La; for a spa-led stay, the Corinthia or The Dorchester. Whichever you choose, book well ahead for weekends and the Christmas season, and compare room categories carefully — in hotels of this class the difference between an entry-level room and a suite can be considerable, and the entry rooms are often lovely in their own right.