Our Pick Of The Very Best Hotels In London

From heritage townhouses in Soho to riverside sanctuaries in Nine Elms and Grand Dames in Mayfair, the British capital is home to a whole host of world-class hotels. Hundreds of them, in fact – with new openings popping up every year. Whether you live in London and fancy a change from your own four walls, or you are a country dweller craving a dose of London’s buzz, shopping, thrilling culture and equally thrilling world-class restaurants, below we cut through the noise. Here are 19 of the very best hotels in London, handpicked by the C&TH team for our 2026 edition of Great British & Irish Hotels.

1 Hotel Mayfair – Mayfair

Nature has been brought behind closed doors at 1 Hotel Mayfair, an urban oasis in the heart of the capital. The 181 rooms, thanks to collaboration with artisan makers, are bedecked in sustainably sourced British oak flooring, hand-chiselled stones and reclaimed timber from British estates – and there are over 1,300 plants, shrubs and trees across the hotel. That’s before accounting for the stunning views of London’s skyline. Four signature suites come with a dedicated VIP butler service, while all guests have access to the in-house car, an electric Audi. Then there’s the food. Led by two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers, Dovetale serves reimagined European classics, while the Dover Yard bar and lounge shakes up innovative cocktails crafted with natural ingredients. If you’re rushing off, there’s Neighbour’s café, with healthy grab-and-go snacks, cold-pressed juices and fairtrade coffee. If you’ve got time, unwind at the Bamford Wellness Spa. There’s a wonderful range of treatments, from facials and massages to body scrubs (available in-suite, too). Or go for a stroll – Green Park, St James’ Park and Hyde Park are just on your doorstep.

Doubles from £500; +44 (0)20 3988 0055; 1hotels.com

The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington – South Kensington

The excellently located The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington stands apart thanks to its British-meets-Asian heritage. Opened in 1876 – and celebrating its 150th anniversary – the Victorian grandeur of this Grade II-listed redbrick townhouse sets the scene for stylish rooms with eye-catching interiors. The Signature Suite features a roll-top bath and separate living area; the spacious Luxury Family Suite has two double beds. The Asian influence is in evidence at The Bugis Singapore Restaurant which offers authentic Singaporean dishes such as steamed prawn dumplings followed by Malaysian chicken curry and topped off by fresh mango coconut cream. Skilled mixologists conjure up cocktails in The Bailey’s Bar; a sophisticated space with high ceilings, chandeliers and panelled wood, it’s perfect for both a quiet drink with family and friends or a work meeting. Some of the capital’s biggest attractions including The Natural History Museum, the V&A and Hyde Park, are a stone’s throw away.

Doubles from £168; +44 (0)20 7373 6000; millenniumhotels.com

Batty Langley’s – Spitalfields

As you walk through the doors of this charming hotel, packed with character and Georgian detail, you feel as if you’re entering another era. In lively Spitalfields, Batty Langley’s lives up to its unusual name. Under the same ownership as the equally captivating Hazlitt’s and The Rookery, the hotel is inspired by the 18th-century architect and landscape gardener of the same name, who published handbooks designed to help inexperienced clients plan their Georgian houses and gardens in the most grand taste. The panelled interior, with its open fires, countless books and oil paintings, feels more like a private house than a hotel. Cocooning their inhabitants in comfort and calm, the 29 bedrooms and suites are furnished with 17th- and 18th-century carved oak beds or four-posters, heavy silk curtains, and bathrooms with restored period fittings. Your most difficult choice, though, will be which of the three warmly decorated sitting rooms to occupy. The Tapestry Room is complete with an honesty bar stocked with local spirits and carefully curated wines plus French doors that open onto a pretty courtyard.

Doubles from £429; +44 (0)20 7377 4390; battylangleys.com

Beaverbrook Town House – Chelsea

This sister hotel to Beaverbrook in Surrey opened five years ago in a pair of restored Georgian townhouses and quickly became a not-so-secret Sloane Street hit. The ground floor is all about socialising: kickstart the evening sipping cocktails at art deco-detailed Sir Frank’s Bar, named after Sir Frank Lowe, creative director and curator of the capital-inspired artwork throughout. Then tuck into Japanese food in The Fuji Grill, an elegant dining room adorned with 19th-century woodblock prints. The innovative ‘tapasu’ concept centres around tapas-style small plates, including taco-style temaki and charcoal-grilled wagyu. At lunchtime there’s a bento box option; in the evening, a nine-course omakase experience. The Butterfly Room is a private dining room for up to 16 guests, with access to a pretty terrace. Upstairs, Nicola Harding-designed suites combine cosy fabrics and printed textiles with modern four-posters, fringed velvet sofas and bold colour palettes. Ask at reception and staff will lend you the key to Cadogan Gardens opposite for peaceful afternoon meandering.

Doubles from £550; +44 (0)20 3988 6611; beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk

Eagle Bar, The Chancery Rosewood

The Chancery Rosewood – Mayfair

One of the hottest, most anticipated hotel openings of 2025, The Chancery Rosewood is housed in the former US embassy on Grosvenor Square. Led by David Chipperfield, the Grade II-listed building’s restoration features suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and design by Joseph Dirand, who has chosen a palette of warm tones punctuated with gold accents that complement the stone façade. Those staying in the signature suites or houses have access to a private butler. The hotel also has five new restaurants including Serra, Tobi Masa (which marks the London debut of Japanese chef Masayoshi Takayama), and Jacqueline (a tearoom helmed by executive pastry chef Marius Dufay). For cocktails, Eagle Bar on the rooftop has a wrap-around terrace and a curated, vinyl-first music programme. During your stay, don’t forget to visit the subterranean Asaya Spa, home to the Taktouk Clinic (which combines advanced dermatological expertise with a holistic approach), a 25m pool, treatment rooms and a thermal suite.

Doubles from £1,400; +44 (0)20 7889 7000; rosewoodhotels.com

Charlotte Street Hotel – Fitzrovia

Right in the heart of Fitzrovia, which traces its creative roots back to the Bloomsbury Group, this hotel is part of the inimitable Firmdale collection. Soho is on the doorstep; as are West End theatres and some of the capital’s most happening bars and restaurants. Be sure to carve out time for eating at the hotel’s restaurant Oscar: it has an open kitchen, relaxed brasserie vibe, menus ranging from all-day weekend brunch to afternoon tea, and cocktails – which are best enjoyed on the terrace as the sun shines. The 52 rooms and suites are everything Firmdale fans have come to expect from creative director Kit Kemp’s distinctive modern English style. In other words: a riot of tasteful pattern, colour and texture delivered through striking fabrics, eye-catching headboards and mural wallpapers. In keeping with the cultural surroundings, there are weekend film club screenings in the intimate cinema; private art walks with Firmdale art ambassador Willow Kemp that take in the hotel’s collection and local galleries; monthly book salons with celebrated authors; and a cocktail menu inspired by the Bloomsbury Group.

Doubles from £510; +44 (0)20 7806 2000; firmdalehotels.com

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa – Chelsea

This urban riverside resort stands as a beacon of luxury on London’s waterfront. The suites and four penthouses each have plush, king-size beds, large living spaces and panoramic views over the Chelsea Harbour marina and the River Thames. The Savile Penthouse is spectacular, with a white marble bathroom and home cinema. Inspired by the age-old trade on the Thames with all the feel of a classic yacht, The Anchor restaurant is a picture of elegance. In the kitchen, executive head chef Rohan Mehta and his team create Mediterranean plates using the freshest local ingredients, including just-caught fish and succulent lobsters. Afternoon tea is also a must, with a tremendous amount of cake, sandwiches and scones. In the bar, enjoy whisky served with a cigar, maritime classic rum punches, and gin and tonics. The spa is the place to unwind: treatments range from nourishing facials and hot stone massages to the Perfect Legs treatment – the ideal tension-buster after exploring on foot. There is also a 17m indoor swimming pool and a gym. The King’s Road boutiques are only five minutes’ walk away and the rest of the city is within easy reach.

Suites from £195; +44 (0)20 7823 3000; millenniumhotels.com

The Egerton House Hotel – Knightsbridge

Set on a quiet street in the heart of Knightsbridge, this charming Victorian townhouse is just moments from Harrods and the V&A. Part of the Red Carnation Hotels collection, the 28 rooms and suites have beautiful Savoir beds covered in 200 thread count Belgian linens. Choose one of the deluxe king rooms, with their full-height bay windows and inbuilt Bose music system. Service is naturally personal, shaped by a close-knit team whose warmth and attention to detail is immediately felt. Interiors are layered with art, antiques and rich fabrics, giving the hotel the feel of a luxury private residence. Guests enjoy a special partnership with the V&A, with a beautiful V&A suite in the hotel and complimentary VIP access to exhibitions. Dining is relaxed yet polished, with British classics served in the lounges, alongside an excellent breakfast. The bar, known for its expertly crafted martinis and convivial atmosphere, is a highlight; for those keen to learn more, book a martini masterclass. Ideal for couples and solo travellers seeking something discreet and full of character.

Doubles from £505; +44 (0)20 7589 2412; egertonhousehotel.com

The Goring – Belgravia

Created from the maverick mind of Otto Goring in 1910, The Goring imbues both the splendour and mischief of the pre-war Edwardians. Today, the hotel maintains its original spirit and is richly woven with a particular brand of Britishness. Every detail is a slice of escapism, from the scarlet-red coattails worn by the footmen to the handcrafted Gainsborough silk in the luxurious suites and bedrooms. There are fantastic family rooms: sleeping two adults and up to three children, everything is at hand from cots, bottle warmers and babysitters to books, activities and dressing-up boxes. It’s also within strolling distance of multiple Royal Parks for little ones to let off steam. One of the few family-run hotels that is truly independent, staff welcome guests like age-old friends. Whether stopping for a chat during afternoon tea or delivering a surprise visit from Teddy the Shetland pony, they exude a delightful, old-fashioned flair for service. The recently refreshed Michelin-starred dining room includes a new state-of-the-art kitchen and chef’s table, while the cocktail bar, with its live pianist, is an elegant setting for a post-dinner digestif.

Doubles from £790; +44 (0)20 7396 9000; thegoring.com

The Hari – Belgravia

Strolling through the leafy streets of Belgravia, one building naturally draws the eye: The Hari. Its striking navy and glass façade, adorned with cascading greenery, offers a glimpse of the residential retreat within. Inside, 85 newly refurbished rooms – including 14 suites – feature sleek marble bathrooms, skyline views, and contemporary artworks by luminaries such as Tracey Emin and Mario Testino. The hotel champions the arts, hosting an annual £14,000 prize in collaboration with A Space For Art. Sustainability is also a priority and has earned The Hari an EarthCheck Silver Certification, the global benchmark in environmental accreditation for travel and tourism. Tucked beneath a canopy of ivy, the garden terrace is a hidden oasis ideal for leisurely, al fresco lunches or cosy dinners. With its retractable roof and heaters, it remains a welcoming spot in any weather. Meanwhile, the intimate yet glamorous Hari Bar is perfect for a cocktail or two before dinner at Italian-inspired Il Pampero. All this just moments from Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, the Royal Albert Hall, and the city’s most exclusive shopping districts.

Doubles from £540; +44 (0)20 7858 0100; thehari.com

Hazlitt’s – Soho

Hazlitt’s is the real deal: as genuine, amusing and revealing a hotel as you could hope for, especially in bustling Soho, a short walk away from London’s best spots. It’s named after radical essayist William Hazlitt, who died in poverty in 1830 at 6 Frith Street – one of three adjoining townhouses that the owners (and experts on the Georgian era) fashioned into Hazlitt’s in 1986. A fourth building behind was converted to create a sitting room with an honesty bar and an additional eight bedrooms. As befits an establishment with such literary connections, the hotel is popular with authors, who leave signed copies of their works when they depart: the heaving bookcases are full of signed tomes from former guests including Bill Bryson, Ted Hughes and Seamus Heaney. The sloping, creaking floorboards have been retained and the 30 rooms – decorated with antiques, busts and paintings – are individually furnished, with splendid bathtubs and Victorian fittings. Like its distinctive sister establishments, Batty Langley’s and The Rookery, the rooms at Hazlitt’s are delightfully different from other London hotels.

Doubles from £429; +44 (0)20 7434 1771; hazlittshotel.com

(© Holly Farrier)

Lime Tree Hotel – Belgravia

It’s rare to find an affordable hotel in central London; even more so in smart Belgravia. But Lime Tree is just that – and what’s more, it has the air of a place in the country, with a beautiful walled garden, painted furniture and breakfast menus chalked jauntily on blackboards. This delightful, 26-room bolthole is spread across two Grade II-listed townhouses, with many rooms still showcasing original features, including grand high ceilings, open fireplaces and original cornicing. While every bedroom is a different size, shape and layout, all are stylish and homely, with soothing colour palettes, geometric patterned cushions and Bramley goodies in the bathroom. There’s also a cosy lounge and The Buttery, a café-restaurant where friendly staff serve up delicious breakfasts and an all-day brunch menu. Don’t miss the American stacked pancakes, heirloom tomato salads and skillets of shakshuka made for sharing. Outside, the peaceful walled garden feels like a secret oasis, with its heart shaped topiary, festoon lights and rustic wooden tables and deckchairs. It’s a whole world away from the bustle of nearby Sloane Square and the King’s Road.

Doubles from £195; +44 (0)20 7730 8191; room-matehotels.com

The Milestone Hotel & Residences – Kensington

Overlooking Kensington Palace, this red-brick Victorian hotel feels more like a beautifully run private home, shaped by Red Carnation Hotels’ thoughtful approach to hospitality. Many of the team have been here for years, creating a sense of familiarity and care that guests return for time and again. Rooms are elegant and comfortable; each suite has its own personality, from the sleek Ruhlmann to the richly detailed, Art Deco-inspired Noel Coward. The Royal Kensington fuses two of the suites to create a 1,000sq/ft space, making it perfect for families. Days can be effortlessly tailored, from private shopping in Knightsbridge to picnics in Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park, with museums and the Royal Albert Hall moments away. Back at the hotel, relax in the pool, sauna or at a calming treatment before refuelling with refined British cuisine at Cheneston’s. The Stables Bar is the place for imaginatively crafted cocktails, with its wood-panelled walls, racing green leather banquettes and brass lamps. Afternoon tea in The Park Lounge completes the experience, making this a hotel that balances a busy location with genuine warmth and ease.

Doubles from £525; +44 (0)20 7917 1000; milestonehotel.com

One Aldwych – Covent Garden

Housed in a beautiful heritage building that was once home to The Morning Post newspaper, One Aldwych is brilliantly positioned on the edge of bustling Covent Garden. Contemporary yet soothing suites and bedrooms are a real sanctuary and come with sweeping city views. Families are beautifully catered for with delightful touches for little ones like mini bathrobes, slippers and a selection of games and treats. The signature restaurant, Indigo, celebrates British producers in seasonal dishes like Devonshire chicken thigh with chicken consommé or Cornish halibut with St Austell mussels. Ease into Sunday with brunch: Bloody Marys mixed tableside, a live DJ setting the tone and a lineup of the very best brunch classics. The Lobby Bar, with its extensive list of cool craft cocktails, is an institution, while the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired afternoon tea is huge fun for all ages. The concierge has the inside track on everything from hot theatre tickets to must-visit exhibitions. Upon return, settle down in The Library with piles of beautiful books. And for pampering, while away a few hours in the deeply cosseting One Aldwych Health Club & Spa.

Doubles from £600; +44 (0)20 7300 1000; onealdwych.com

The Pool at Pan Pacific London

Pan Pacific London – The City

With The Gherkin practically within touching distance, Pan Pacific London is a calm sanctuary in the bustling Square Mile. Rooms and suites are designed to evoke English and Asian gardens, combining soothing neutral shades, botanical bedheads, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows with cityscape views. Dining centres around Straits Kitchen, where Western culinary techniques meet Southeast Asian flavours (try the five-course experience menu for a taste of the chef’s favourites). Meanwhile, Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge is for comforting classics – the triple cheese toastie is a signature – alongside afternoon tea and cocktails. Wellness is also a priority, with the dedicated Sensory spa and wellbeing floor offering an infinity pool, saunas and steam rooms, relaxation beds, and a 24-hour gym. The in-suite Sensory sleep experience guarantees a blissful night’s rest: choose from amenities including an overnight face mask, bath salts, guided meditation, a selection of relaxing teas, and a curated collection of books. Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Pan Pacific gives guests the opportunity to discover the city – then escape it.

Doubles from £465; +44 (0)20 7118 6888; panpacificlondon.com

Park Hyatt London – Nine Elms

A short stroll from Battersea Park and just across Vauxhall Bridge from Tate Britain, this hotel is a refined south London sanctuary. Art in the lobby – a striking ribbon-like sculpture intertwining wood and copper by Charlie Whinney, alongside Ian Rayer-Smith’s Land and Water painting – reflects the movement and character of the River Thames, grounding guests with a sense of place. Then there are the sweeping river and city views from floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms and suites. You’ll also find a dedicated wellness floor, featuring one of the largest heated indoor swimming pools among London’s hotels, alongside a two-storey height gym, Somadome meditation pods, sauna and treatments that range from hormone balancing massages to a holistic mind-body-brain detox. The Cantonese restaurant Yú Gé is the ‘it’ spot for dim sum lunches and Peking duck carved theatrically at the table. Meanwhile, the bar and lounge transitions from coffee hub by day to cocktail venue at night and The Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace presents seasonal dishes prepared in an open kitchen. An unexpected setting redefined with quiet sophistication.

Doubles from £695; +44 (0)20 3503 1234; parkhyattlondonriverthames.com

The Rookery – Clerkenwell

Those in the know in London don’t lay their heads in the centre of town – they swerve east to its most fashionable districts. The Rookery, in the heart of gastronomic Clerkenwell, is one such hideaway. After eating top-class grub and partying hard, you can retreat to one of its 33 quirky bedrooms, none of which are the same. Each, though, has gorgeous Georgian detailing, polished brass metalwork in bathrooms, antiques aplenty and shelves bulging with books. In the 1800s, Clerkenwell was teeming with thieves, tarts and ne’er-do-wells; a ‘rookery’ was universally understood to mean ‘a criminal area’ and many of the rooms here are named after those local characters of ill repute. During your stay, you won’t worry about the wonky floors or the lack of things like a spa or a gym while you enjoy the hotel’s calm and mannered atmosphere – a bit like that of a private club – as you settle in the drawing room or courtyard garden with the papers. Plus, you’re only a stone’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral.

Doubles from £429; +44 (0)20 7336 0931; rookeryhotel.com

Rosewood London – Holborn

With its winning combination of English heritage and contemporary sophistication, Rosewood London sits firmly in the highest echelons of the capital’s luxury hotels. The Grade II-listed Belle Époque building has the feel of a stylish London residence; guests enter a grand, wrought-iron gated former carriage arch, leading to the hotel’s historic central courtyard – featuring a beautiful terrace which delivers fun pop-up experiences throughout the year – while the Grand Pavonazzo marble staircase soars to a dizzying 166-foot cupola. Inside, the hotel is the work of two designers: Tony Chi created the 264 glamorous rooms and 44 suites, including fantastic family rooms. He also worked his magic on the splendid Rose Bronze Gallery entrance and the jewel box Mirror Room. Meanwhile, Martin Brudnizki designed both the Holborn Dining Room – a British brasserie with a trendy gin bar – and the dashing Scarfes Bar, its walls decorated with paintings by satirical artist Gerald Scarfe. Don’t miss The Pie Room with its sumptuous selection of hand-crafted pies. Suites come with a dedicated butler, and service is faultless.

Doubles from £750; +44 (0)20 7781 8888; rosewoodhotels.com/london

The Westin London City Hotel & Residences – The City

The Westin London City, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, is beautifully situated along the River Thames just a stone’s throw from Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge and Tate Modern. A contemporary five-star retreat, this sophisticated venue is rooted in wellbeing. There are 226 elegantly designed bedrooms, suites, and residences, each featuring the signature Heavenly Bed. Dine at Hithe + Seek, a stylish bar and kitchen with panoramic riverfront views, small plates and fine wines, or the all-day restaurant Mosaic, which serves sustainably sourced dishes for any occasion. The Heavenly Spa is a beautiful sanctuary offering treatments using Germaine de Capuccini and Aromatherapy Associates products; be sure to book the deeply healing floating sound bath. Guests can also enjoy a 12m pool, sauna, steam room, experience shower, ice fountain and the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio. If all this wasn’t enough, there are also rejuvenating monthly yoga classes and a monthly running club, Rise & Run, making the most of the wonderful running routes right on the hotel’s doorstep.

Doubles from £415; +44 (0)20 3146 2690; westinlondoncity.co.uk

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