If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to luxury London hotels, there are nearly 100 5-star properties in the city, meaning there are a ton of reviews to search through. By narrowing it down to the most luxurious, with everything from exceptional service and fine dining restaurants to lavish spas and plenty of creature comforts accounted for, we’ve made it easier for you to plan and book your next trip. From decades-old, elegant icons to modern landmarks, these are the crown jewels of London’s 5-star hotels.
The Lanesborough
Renowned for its extravagant amenities and unparalleled luxury, The Lanesborough is one of the most famous hotels in London. Part of the Oetker Collection, it looks over Hyde Park, and some of its rooms provide a view of the park too. All rooms are luxurious, with features like tablets, top-of-the-line entertainment systems, and 24/7 butler service. The suites are even more lavish, and there’s even a seven-bedroom option for large groups. Enjoy pampering at the spa, which includes a hydrotherapy pool, dining on modern British fare at The Lanesborough Grill, and drinks at The Library Bar. The bar is a hotspot at the hotel, known for its unrivaled selection of pre-French revolution Cognacs.
Pan Pacific London
While the Pan Pacific London is especially popular among business travelers seeking a VIP kind of stay, anyone who appreciates luxury will enjoy it here. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with a fabulous view; the higher the floor, the better it is. Each includes a king-size bed, pillow menu, a Nespresso machine, a Chinese tea set with high-quality teas, an Italian marble bathroom, and an IT Concierge. On the well-being floor, there’s an indoor infinity pool, sauna rooms, and a high-performance interactive gym. Authentic Singaporean-style dining can be enjoyed at Straits Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
The Savoy
The Savoy is located on the exclusive Strand, with rooms facing the River Thames that have accommodated the likes of Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra. Its multiple restaurants include the American Bar, a favorite of Marilyn Monroe and Ernest Hemingway, and the highly lauded Kasper’s, one of the best eateries for local seafood in the city, and that’s saying something in a world-ranked foodie destination. It’s hard to beat The Savoy for a luxe London stay, long recognized for its VIP personal service. In fact, it even has a Literary Ambassador that selects novels for guests. There’s a spa, a gym, and an indoor pool, while rooms feature high-end mattresses worth thousands of pounds, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars, and marble bathrooms.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Shangri-La The Shard, London is located on the 34th through 42nd floors of The Shard, Europe’s tallest building, guaranteeing some of the best views from a hotel that you’ll find in the city. Rooms even feature floor-to-ceiling glass to take advantage of the vista, which includes the Tower Bridge, the River Thames, and more. Guests can enjoy the stunning infinity Skypool on the highest floor for a panoramic view of the city too. The hotel also houses a cafe and an upscale Asian eatery, a bar on the 52nd floor, and a fitness center, all with skyline views.
The Langham, London
One of the world’s most haunted hotels, The Langham, London is housed within an elegant building dating from 1865 and plays host to quite a few celebs, with the BBC’s Broadcasting House lying opposite. It doesn’t hurt that the hotel itself offers first-class service with a timeless appeal that includes the art deco Palm Court for enjoying traditional afternoon tea and a Chinese-influenced spa. There’s a French restaurant on-site and an award-winning pub set in a retro-inspired space serving elevated pub fare – room service is available 24/7 as well. The variety of accommodation options includes rooms, suites, and apartments with kitchenettes. Even the standard “Superior” rooms come with Nespresso machines and marble bathrooms.
The Landmark London
Located in the heart of the Marylebone neighborhood adjacent to the Marylebone train station, The Landmark London’s most characteristic feature is its magnificent eight-story, glass-roofed atrium, but it offers a whole lot more, including a luxurious spa, steam room, sauna, and an indoor pool. It also hosts an award-winning restaurant and upscale rooms with elegant furnishings, sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms with designer toiletries. Some of the one- to three-bedroom suites boast atrium views, and all have separate living areas and Nespresso machines.
Corinthia London
Corinthia London is just a short stroll from many top attractions, including Buckingham Palace. It sits within a gorgeous Victorian building and offers some of the most spacious rooms in London, as well as some of the most stunning views from a hotel room in the world. The Penthouse suite is the one to book for what may be the best view from a room in the city, looking out to the London Eye and the River Thames. ESPA’s flagship spa is on-site, spread over four floors, with an indoor pool, a vitality pool, a steam room, an amphitheater sauna, and a nail studio, along with a menu of stress-melting treatments. Multiple dining and drinking options can be enjoyed, too, from afternoon tea to fine dining on refined British comfort fare from a Michelin-starred chef.
The Ritz London
The Ritz London is so opulent that the word “ritzy” has become part of the English language, meaning fancy, ostentatiously stylish, or fashionable. Gentlemen must wear jackets when dining, with options that include the Michelin-starred Ritz restaurant, and jeans are not allowed in any of the public spaces. There’s a gym, a hair salon, and spa services, while rooms have been fully restored to their Louis XVI glory, spacious and sumptuous with floor-to-ceiling windows that boast panoramic views of the River Thames. Even if you don’t stay here, you should certainly plan to experience afternoon tea at The Ritz, one of the most luxurious things to do in London.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is just a block from Hyde Park and a 10-minute stroll from Buckingham Palace (a must-see London attraction), renowned for its spectacular view that includes the park and the London Eye, The Shard, and Big Ben. It’s all about glitz and glamour here, with many guests pulling up in their Maseratis and other luxury cars. The spa sits on the 10th floor and offers decadent treatments with an awe-inspiring view and a vitality pool with bubbles and underwater seating. Enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge and fine dining on Italian fare in the on-site restaurant, while standard rooms include iPod docks and flat-screen TVs, some with city or park views. The high-end suites boast extra-luxe features like floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplaces, and private terraces.
The Kensington
The Kensington is a stunner in every way, located in the heart of South Kensington, a 20-minute walk from Royal Albert Hall and Harrods. Guests also enjoy complimentary use of bicycles and even get a free Kensington teddy bear along with milk and cookies during the turndown service. The Drawing Room is a popular place to be for all-day dining, and afternoon tea can be enjoyed next to a roaring fire. There’s a state-of-the-art fitness room too. Guest rooms have high ceilings, four-poster beds with luxe linens, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, and marble bathrooms with free-standing tubs, fully stocked with branded cosmetics, toiletries, and manicure kits. Some have bay windows with views overlooking the cityscape.
The Connaught
As soon as you step into The Connaught, you’ll be mesmerized, with a granite-edged water feature in the forecourt that creates a cloud of mist for a dramatic entrance. Originally opened in 1897, it’s retained much of its Edwardian charm while adding plenty of modern luxuries, including an Aman spa with an indoor pool, award-winning dining at a French restaurant, an elegant cocktail bar, and a champagne room. If only the very best will do, there’s an over 3,000-square-foot, two-bedroom suite that includes a gorgeous feature fireplace and a wrap-around balcony with a topiary and views across Mayfair and Carlos Place. One of the most expensive hotel suites in the world, it comes with a fully-stocked Butler’s pantry for 24-hour Butler Service. Even the standards are high-end, with luxe linens, butler service, and marble bathrooms.
Rosewood London
Set within an ornate Edwardian mansion, Rosewood London is just 10 minutes on foot from shopping on Oxford Street and the British Museum. It offers the quintessential elegant British experience with antique furnishings, a striking marble staircase, and a wide range of amenities. Its on-site spa has a menu of luxurious treatments, including a separate menu for kids and teens, sensory showers, and an amethyst crystal steam room. Dining is impressive, too, including the Mirror Room restaurant that offers seasonal dishes and a popular Sunday brunch. The spacious rooms include 46″ or larger flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Nespresso machines, minibars, and lavish bathrooms with robes and sound speakers.
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is a neo-gothic Victorian treasure that’s had many lives and was nearly destroyed in the 1960s as a nearly crumbling ruin, depicted in several movies, including the “Harry Potter” films. In 2011, it reopened following a spectacular remodel, and today it’s considered one of the top 5-star hotels in London. Directly attached to the St. Pancras station, you’ll be just steps from accessing just about any area of the city and all the quintessential things to do in London, while rooms are fully kitted out with state-of-the-art entertainment systems and large bathrooms that include robes and slippers. Facilities include a spa that’s considered to be one of the best-kept secrets for pampering in London, complete with an indoor pool, relaxation beds, a eucalyptus steam bath, and a gym. There are multiple dining and drinking options, including The Hansom for all-day dining and a lounge for light bites, afternoon tea, and cocktails.
ME London
ME London offers an excellent location for first-time visitors to London, right near The Strand and within a five-minute walk from the River Thames and the West End, with its iconic theater shows. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the city from many vantage points, including the Radio Rooftop Bar and the rooms facing the street overlooking The Shard and the London skyline. They include high-tech features like temperature and lighting controls adjusted via a touch-screen interface, fresh flowers provided daily, organic toiletries, and a good section of drinks and snacks,
