20 of the Best Hotels in London

Are you planning an adventure to London, England? The nation’s capital is full of historical gems, amazing eateries and things to do. After a fun day of exploration, you’re going to need somewhere to put your head down. In this article, I’m sharing some of the best hotels in London.

Please note, in each of these articles I try to include a variety of budget and luxury options. But, that very much depend on the location.

Finding the Best Hotels in London

There’s something for every type of traveller when it comes to the best hotels in London. You can find everything from budget accommodation near famous attractions to luxury surrounds with skyline views of the city.

1. Leman Locke, Aldgate

It’s safe to say that the streets of London can be hectic, which is why I’m kicking off this list with an aparthotel that offers a lot of space. Leman Locke presents beautifully-designed apartments with all of the amenities you would expect from a boutique-style hotel.

I, personally, love the pastel-hued tones adorning the apartments here. They perfectly complement the open-planned spaces where you can unwind after a long day on your feet. 

Address: Leman Locke, Aldgate, 15 Leman Street, London, E1 8EN

Booking.com: Leman Locke, Aldgate

2. The Lost Poet

Have the colours of Notting Hill been fuelling your imagination while planning your trip? If so, you might want to consider staying at The Lost Poet. This unique guesthouse places you right on the doorstep of Notting Hill, where staying in a Victorian townhouse really brings your surroundings to life.

There are a few different options here in terms of rooms, where each space has a unique colour palette. My favourite would have to be The Muse, a 2-level suite that comes complete with a freestanding bathtub, private roof terrace and sun room.

Address: The Lost Poet, 6 Portobello Road, London, W11 3DG

3. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

A luxurious hotel that places you just a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is a gem. Following a fire in 2018, this hotel was entirely renovated and gained a lot of modern charm in the process.

Once you’re done seeking the best sights London has to offer, the views on the Hyde Park side of the Mandarin Oriental offer a great evening backdrop. It’s amazing being able to leave your hotel and walk straight into one of the idyllic Royal Parks.

Address: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LA

Booking.com: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

4. Shangri-La, The Shard

From scenic views of the Royal Parks to views of the cityscape as a whole, it’s safe to say that Shangri-La, The Shard offers a new perspective on life in London. From this vantage point, you can see some of London’s most famous landmarks peppering the storied capital.

Each of the rooms here are categorised by the view that they offer, giving you a lot of choice regarding what you get to gaze out over. If you’ve seen a photo of one specific view you want, I would highly recommend getting in touch with the hotel to see if that can be arranged.

Address: Shangri-La, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9QU

Booking.com: Shangri-La, The Shard

5. Native Bankside

Brought to us by Native, an award-winning offerer of aparthotels, Native Bankside offers a great location along the banks of the River Thames. Within minutes, you can be tasting your way through Borough Market or watching a performance at The Globe.

Native Bankside offers a lot in terms of charming industrial touches, nestled within the walls of what was once a tea warehouse. Expect a lot of exposed brick walls and wooden finishes throughout the hotel, with pops of colour where they need to be.

Address: Native Bankside, Empire Warehouse, 1 Bear Gardens, London, SE1 9ED

Booking.com: Native Bankside

6. Sea Containers London

Immediately recognisable, the glowing Sea Containers sign atop the Brutalist building is quite the sight. This hotel is a unique option, offering views over the River Thames that offer a great end to the day as the city lights up in the evening.

From here, you can easily access some of London’s main attractions by foot. The Globe Theatre is the perfect stop for a performance, and is just a short stroll away. Most of the rooms have nautical touches, with wooden panelling and porthole-like mirrors.

Address: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PD

Booking.com: Sea Containers London

7. Ham Yard Hotel

Searching for a boutique escape in this busy city? Ham Yard Hotel is full of artistic scenes from the mind of Kit Kemp, where playful patterns and colours collide. There are almost a hundred rooms, complete with individual designs and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Located in Soho, there’s a lot to be found right on your doorstep here. You’re just a short walk away from some amazing attractions, spots for food and bars. The hotel itself is also home to a spa, gym and roof terrace, as well as Croc Bowling Alley, complete with an original 1950’s bowling alley.

Address: Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT

Booking.com: Ham Yard Hotel

8. Rosewood London

With just a glance, you can see that Rosewood London offers something only a handful of hotels in London do. It offers grand history without anything far too gaudy. The building is an Edwardian mansion, housing everything from a luxury cocktail bar to a relaxing spa surrounded by black slate.

While this hotel feels like it should be a secret escape in a private area, it’s actually just off of High Holburn. Within minutes, you can be at Sir John Soane’s Museum. Venture a little further and it’s the galleries and theatres surrounding King’s College London waiting to be explored.

Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN

Booking.com: Rosewood London

9. The Savoy

A real London staple, The Savoy is a luxurious home away from home. This grand affair has been around since the end of the 19th century and traditions that ran through its core can still be seen today.

With the Savoy Theatre just next door and the West End theatres across the River Thames, The Savoy offers one of the best luxury locations in London for an evening show. There are numerous galleries in the surrounding area, including the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

Address: The Savoy, Strand, London, WC2R 0EZ

Booking.com: The Savoy

10. Hotel Café Royal

Stretching across what was once two office blocks, the Hotel Café Royal is home to 160 well-equipped rooms and suites. This iconic hotel was entirely transformed in 2012, getting the revamp thst it really needed while retaining many of the original features.

The Café Royal offers one of the best locations in London, right on Regent Street and just a minute away from Piccadilly Circus. In this area, there are dozens and dozens of amazing restaurants. Just a mile up the road, you can find Hyde Park.

Address: Hotel Café Royal, 10 Air Street, London, W1B 4DY

Booking.com: Hotel Café Royal

11. Brown’s Hotel

As the oldest hotel in London, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot of history on show inside Brown’s Hotel. This prominent hotel has been welcoming everyone from dignitaries to creatives since it first opened in 1837. Given its close proximity to Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, it’s easy to see why people would be attracted to the location.

Brown’s Hotel can be found right in the heart of Mayfair, where both luxury boutiques and storied heritage sites are scattered everywhere. One of my personal favourite bars, Mr. Fogg’s Residence, is just a few minutes away.

Address: Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4BP

Booking.com: Brown’s Hotel

12. The Ritz London

Perhaps one of the best-known hotels in London, The Ritz really stands out from the crowd. There are many things that make The Ritz special, from the Versailles-inspired dining room, complete with marble columns and chandeliers, to the pastel tones and antiques decorating each of the rooms.

Offering an enviable location, The Ritz places you right next to Green Park. Walk through, and you’ll find yourself at Buckingham Palace. Hyde Park is a ten-minute walk away, where you can go boating on The Serpentine if the weather is nice enough.

Address: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR

Booking.com: The Ritz London

13. Locke at Broken Wharf

Another great option from Locke Hotels, Locke at Broken Wharf is an aparthotel on the banks of the River Thames. The aesthetic here is very different to that at Leman Locke, as calming greens, neutral tones and an industrial edge lead the way.

There are plenty of attractions nearby. Just across the river, you can find Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge are a 20-minute walk away. Many of the rooms here offer river views and I would highly recommend asking for one at the point of booking if it’s what you want.

Address: Locke at Broken Wharf, 2 Broken Wharf House, London, EC4V 3DT

Booking.com: Locke at Broken Wharf

14. The Lanesborough

Nestled at the intersection between Hyde Park and Green Park, The Lanesborough offers a perfect location for anyone looking to explore the Royal Parks. A Regency aesthetic runs throughout the hotel, with rooms containing bold fabrics and televisions that have been carefully concealed to look like oil paintings until you’re ready to use them.

From here, you’re within walking distance to some of the best museums in London. The V&A, for example, is just a 20-minute walk away. The Natural History Museum is just a tiny bit further, right next door to the V&A.

Address: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA

Booking.com: The Lanesborough

15. Middle Eight

Built on the foundations of Kingsway Hall, Middle Eight stands as a vibrant hotel with a very different face to others found in London. Kingsway Hall itself was a prestigious recording venue. In QT, Middle Eight’s speakeasy, you can see how that music-infused heritage has been brought to life with resident artists.

Middle Eight can be found on Great Queen Street and places you within walking distance to the Royal Opera House and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, as well as other venues. Sir John Soane’s Museum can be found just a few minutes away.

Address: Middle Eight, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

Booking.com: Middle Eight

16. Bingham Riverhouse

Are boutique establishments more your thing? If they are, you might want to take a look at Bingham Riverhouse. This charming escape takes you away from the hustle and bustle of central London, and into a little pocket of calm along the banks of the River Thames.

From here, you can catch a train or a taxi into central London. If you embark from Richmond Station, you’ll pass Richmond Theatre on the way. There are lots of surrounding cafés, restaurants and pubs waiting to be explored along the river. If you want a view of it, I would suggest going with a River Room.

Address: Bingham Riverhouse, 61 – 63 Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 6UT

Booking.com: Bingham Riverhouse

17. The Egerton House Hotel

Tucked away on a residential street in Knightsbridge, The Egerton House Hotel can be found within two Victorian townhouses. There are just 28 rooms here, all of which encompass understated luxury. Expect unique wallpaper and antiques. 

The Egerton House Hotel is just a five-minute walk away from the V&A, a world-leading art and design museum. The Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature exhibit will be available at the V&A until the 8th January 2023. Hyde Park is also just ten minutes away.

Address: The Egerton House Hotel, 17 – 19 Egerton Terrace, London, SW3 2BX

Booking.com: The Egerton House Hotel

18. COMO The Halkin

Just a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park, COMO The Halkin can be found on a residential Belgravia street. This address is quite discreet, while still being close to Hyde Park Corner for easy access to the subway.

Each room here blends minimalism with a few Art Deco touches, complemented by effective sound insulation for a peaceful night’s sleep in the busy capital. When you’re ready to explore, Buckingham Palace is just short walk away, along with The Queen’s Gallery and The Royal Mews.

Address: COMO The Halkin, 5-6 Halkin Street, London, SW1X 7DJ

Booking.com: COMO The Halkin

19. Beaverbrook Town House

Be ready for some theatrical roots if you stay at Beaverbrook Town House. All of the suites here are named after some of the capital’s famous theatres, with each offering a unique experience. My personal favourite is The Palladium, and I would highly recommend taking a look and finding if there’s one that best suits your taste.

One unique thing about this hotel is that it comes complete with a key to the exclusive Cadogan Place Gardens. If it happens to be a sunny day, you have the perfect picnic location right on your doorstep. There are even tennis courts there, if you wish to play

Address: Beaverbrook Town House, 115 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9PJ

20. The Ned

There’s a real decadent charm waiting to be found at The Ned. This hotel hit headlines when it opened in 2017, given the partnership at the heart of its creation. Soho House Group and Sydell Group came together to create something wonderful here, using the site of a former banking headquarters to bring The Ned to life.

I would highly recommend spending some time in the spa if you stay here. It’s idyllic, complete with green marble and a long pool. The rooms hone in on the 1920s and 1930s, with mahogany beds and drink cabinets transporting you back in time.

Address: The Ned, 27 Poultry, London, EC2R 8AJ

Booking.com: The Ned

Staying in the Best Hotels in London

As you can see, there’s something for everyone in the English capital. The best hotels in London come in all different shapes and forms, from well-known icons to boutique hideaways tucked down leafy residential streets.

If you have a favourite hotel in London, I would love to hear about it in the comments below.

– Kimberley Ann