Our Pick Of The Very Best Hotels In London

11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea

Proudly individual and boutique, 11 Cadogan Gardens and its new sister hotel, The Chelsea Townhouse, are the only Relais & Châteaux hotels in London. Expect five-star service, quirky design, and a playful vibe. Spread across four interconnected redbrick Victorian townhouses, it has 56 guest rooms, including 22 suites that are as memorable as they are luxurious (one is especially flamboyant and a little risqué). All have high ceilings and a wealth of natural light that floods through the bay windows. The hotel has a drawing room, the Chelsea Bar, and the popular Hans’ Bar & Grill, which has an all-day seasonal menu rooted in British produce – ideal locations for afternoon tea, late night cocktails, family breakfasts and everything in between. Looking for a little more privacy or a longer stay? Located a stone’s throw from the hotel, across the leafy garden square, are The Apartments by 11 Cadogan Gardens. Each floor features a one, two or three bedroom residence, offering a true home from home in the heart of London.

Doubles from £489; +44 (0)20 7730 7000

The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington

Excellently located on Gloucester Road and part of Leng’s Collection, The Bailey’s has set itself apart thanks to its inspired fusion of British meets Asian heritage. Opened in 1876 by James Bailey, a butler-turned-hotelier, it was the first purpose-built hotel in the area. The Victorian grandeur of this Grade II-listed redbrick townhouse is deeply British, as are the stylish, super comfortable 212 rooms, with eye-catching interiors focusing on British craftsmanship. It’s the elegant restaurant that introduces the Asian influence. Named after one of Singapore’s most popular shopping districts, The Bugis Singapore Restaurant offers authentic Singaporean dishes influenced by Malaysian and Chinese cuisines. In The Bailey’s Bar, mixologists conjure cocktails in a sophisticated space with high ceilings, chandeliers and panelled wood. Do try the signature The Bailey’s Cocktail – a delicious combination of Baileys, Kahlúa, Grand Marnier and orange juice. There’s also an excellent gym to keep you in shape. But do leave time to head outdoors for a stroll – cultural adventures are a stone’s throw away.

Doubles from £189; +44 (0)20 7373 6000

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, gentrified Spitalfields, Batty Langley’s lives up to its unusual name. Under the same ownership as the equally captivating Hazlitt’s and The Rookery, it was 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 fine 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. Nods to the 21st century are discreetly hidden. Your most difficult choice, though, will be which of the three warmly decorated sitting rooms to occupy. Our pick is The Tapestry Room, with its honesty bar stocked with local spirits and French doors that open onto a pretty courtyard.

Doubles from £369; +44 (0)20 7377 4390

Beaverbrook Townhouse, Chelsea

This town companion to Beaverbrook in Surrey (see p63) opened four years ago in a pair of restored Georgian houses and quickly became a not-so-secret Sloane Street hit. The ground floor is all about socialising: sipping cocktails in the Art Deco-detailed Sir Frank’s Bar and tucking into sensational Japanese food in The Fuji Grill where the new Tapasu concept centres around tapas-style small plates. For an al-fresco experience, guests can pull up a chintzy chair and watch the world go by from The Terrace. There’s also The Butterfly Room, a private dining room for up to 16 guests, with access to a pretty private terrace. Upstairs, each suite is named after a London theatre and has framed programmes of past productions on the walls. They are designed by Nicola Harding (she was behind the rooms at Beaverbrook’s Garden House and new The Village) who has combined her trademark 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 £510; +44 (0)20 3988 6611

The Beaumont, Mayfair

Set on a quiet garden square a stone’s throw from bustling Oxford Street (near Selfridges) and Bond Street’s luxury boutiques, The Beaumont Mayfair has embodied the spirit of grand Art Deco hotels since it opened in 2014. Get ushered through the chequerboard lobby floor by the charming doorman, where walls are lined with early 20th-century paintings and cabinets showcase gleaming antiques – and enter one of the capital’s most wonderful hotels.

There are 101 rooms (a new 29-room wing was added in a recent refurbishment) including the presidential penthouse; The Roosevelt Suite, which has a private outdoor terrace and can be transformed into a luxurious five-bedroom suite; and ROOM, a unique, dark- fumed oak bedroom within a giant semi-abstract sculpture by globally renowned artist Antony Gormley. Each airy, light-filled room has a selection of original prints, books and paintings.

The glamorous hotel restaurant has a crowd-pleasing menu that uses the best of British ingredients, including a traditional Sunday roast and the famous build-your-own sundae selection. Tucked away behind a red velvet curtain (and perfect to hideaway in if you need a moment to yourself), the speakeasy-style bar Le Magritte serves classic and signature cocktails, such as the rum-based Anything Goes and Volare, made with rose-infused gin and vermouth. There is also the Gatsby Room, a relaxed, intimate spot to enjoy an award-winning afternoon tea, accompanied by live music from the in-house pianist, and a terrace for al fresco drinks, lunches and suppers throughout the year surrounded by lush greenery. Three private dining rooms, with 1920s-inspired interiors by the world-renowned designer Thierry Despont, offer numerous options for family celebrations and corporate events.

Last but not least, the spa is small but perfectly formed – and one of London’s best-kept secrets. Whether you are looking for a particular treatment or a rejuvenating day of pure indulgence, the menu of massages and facials has been curated to calm the mind and soothe the soul. A haven in which to totally unwind, it also has a private hammam, steam room, sauna, ice bar and gym.

Doubles from £600; +44 (0)20 7499 1001

The Biltmore Mayfair

From shopping on Bond Street to the Royal Parks and West End theatre, Mayfair has something for everyone – and this hotel is brilliantly located on Grosvenor Square, within easy reach of it all. A masterclass in modern luxury, The Biltmore Mayfair has 250 elegant rooms, each with bespoke furnishings and a soothing colour palette. Plus, there are 49 refined suites and eight sanctuary-like signature suites (the latter come with butler service) including, for instance, the Lord Harrowby Suite, a stately retreat with a grand living space, dining for six, and two sumptuous ensuite bedrooms. You’ll find a trio of destination restaurants and bars: Grill 88 is an intimate steakhouse with Art Deco interiors and excellent cuts such as wagyu tomahawk and chateaubriand on the menu; brasserie-style Café Biltmore invites leisurely all-day dining, especially on the covered summer terrace; and Pine Bar has a curated selection of rare cognacs, fine wines, and caviar for the true connoisseur. And, if you don’t reach your step count exploring the capital, there’s also a state-of- the-art gym, open 24/7.

Doubles from £480; +44 (0)20 7629 9400

Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond

Bingham Riverhouse began life as two Georgian townhouses and, from 1899 to 1910, it was home to the poets Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper. ‘I have rubbed myself against nature’s great warm hand,’ wrote Katherine, after a bout of gardening, ‘in a spirit of pagan delight.’ Today, the laidback Riverhouse Restaurant is overseen by award-winning South African chef Vanessa Marx, a champion of slow food who whips up modern comfort dishes, while the drawing room bar has the feel of a country house kitchen. The B-Corp Riverhouse has its own members club, which is increasingly becoming a hub for entrepreneurs who make a beeline for the tranquil Thameside work setting, private bookable meeting rooms and events, and a new treatment room and sauna. There are 15 rooms, each with a handmade Naturalmat bed and yoga mat so guests can join the daily in-house wellbeing classes; some also have freestanding copper baths. But it’s the bucolic Richmond setting that adds that extra magic: the river is just at the end of the terrace with its pretty walled garden, and there’s a towpath by the water where rowing boats splash by all day.

Doubles from £160; +44 (0)20 8940 0902

Bulgari Hotel London, Knightsbridge

Perfectly positioned between Hyde Park and Sloane Street, Bulgari Hotel London is the ultimate city escape. The hotel pays tribute to Bulgari’s silversmith origins and Britain’s noble manufacturing traditions with an understated, elegant design concept with silver forming the underlying theme. Generously proportioned rooms and suites are combined with unrivalled facilities, including The Bulgari Spa’s 25-metre swimming pool and 12 single treatment rooms. Located over two floors, the spa offers a selection of the most advanced beauty and health-enhancing treatments, in addition to its pioneering Workshop Gymnasium with on-site personal training team. Guests can also enjoy spending time in the luxurious 47-seat private cinema room, which offers an exclusively curated library of more than 200 new and classic films, or visit the hotel’s Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop & Sampling Lounge, where rare and vintage cigars can be sampled and purchased. The Bulgari Lounge offers all-day dining in the comfort and glamour of an Italian-style living room. Guests can indulge in afternoon tea, crafted to savour the richness of Italian flavours.

Doubles from £690; +44 (0)20 7151 1010

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa

This magnificent five-star, all-suite urban riverside resort stands as a beacon of luxury on London’s waterfront. The hotel’s 154 luxury suites and four penthouses overflow with space and style, with stunning panoramic views of the Thames. Each is beautifully appointed, with plush kingsize beds, large living spaces and elegant interiors. The floor- to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light and some suites have private balconies. Overlooking Chelsea Harbour on the water’s edge, The Anchor continues the excellence. Inspired by the age-old trade on the River Thames with the feel of a classic yacht, every corner of the restaurant is a picture of elegance. In the kitchen, executive head chef Rohan Mehta and his skilled team produce vibrant Mediterranean plates. The spa is the perfect place to unwind, with a wide range of treatments. While there’s plenty in the hotel to keep you busy, The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa is perfectly positioned for getting out and about in London. The fabulous boutiques of the King’s Road are only five minutes’ walk away and the rest of the city within easy reach.

Doubles from £195, room only; +44 (0)20 7823 3000

The Chelsea Townhouse

Sitting in the heart of London’s vibrant Chelsea neighbourhood, The Chelsea Townhouse is the newest addition to the Iconic Luxury Hotels portfolio. Debuting in September 2023, it has 36 rooms and suites spread across three handsome Queen Anne-style, Victorian red-brick townhouses. A discreet doorbell entrance reveals a patchwork tiled floor and sweeping staircases, where guests are welcomed in by Townhouse Hosts. Heritage fixtures such as marble fireplaces and ornate crown mouldings are paired with restored furniture and trinkets from around the world, lending the property a sense of grandeur and timeless charm. Thoughtful touches include a welcome Chelsea Bun, plus the four Chelsea Studio Suites each come with their own kitchenette that can be pre-stocked with artisanal produce from nearby Pavilion Road. Downstairs, there’s a buffet breakfast which can be eaten in the Dining Salon or the light-filled library. Best of all, guests have access to the private Cadogan Gardens – a tranquil oasis of lush greenery, towering mulberry trees and the sound of birdsong – as well as 11 Cadogan Gardens, including use of the restaurant, bar and gym.

Doubles from £548; +44 (0)20 7730 6466

Corinthia London, Westminster

A luxury hotel for the 21st century, with the river and central London at its door. It doesn’t matter which entrance you use – Northumberland Avenue or Whitehall Place – you’ll be struck by the wow-factor elegance of the Crystal Moon Lounge, lit by a dramatic Baccarat chandelier and a must for afternoon tea. Built in the 1880s as the Metropole Hotel and later home to government departments, it opened in its present incarnation in 2011 after a super-lavish refit. Now there’s plenty to impress: Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge’s first London venture, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill; al fresco drinking and dining in The Garden; cocktail and champagne bar, Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese and, coming soon, an Italian restaurant, Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei. Corinthia London also has some of the city’s most spacious hotel bedrooms and a multi award-winning spa. The new concept, launching this autumn, will include a state-of- the-art fitness centre curated by AMP, sleep pods, an amphitheatre sauna, a vitality pool and a Lab Room, where regenerative therapies are on offer as part of a partnership with the London Regenerative Institute.

Doubles from £1,000; +44 (0)20 7930 8181

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Mayfair

Mayfair has its fair share of five-star hotels. However, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane stands out from the crowd with its Art Deco elegance, vibrant interiors and all-round excellence. Opened in 1970, this big hitter is the most established Four Seasons in Europe but shows no sign of slowing down, celebrating its 55th anniversary this year. The 196 recently renovated rooms and suites add further sparkle, from the beautifully-appointed Executive Conservatories to the Hyde Park Suite, with sweeping views of Hyde Park. The beds are quite possibly the comfiest in London. When it comes to dining, chef Yannick Alléno has brought his modern French cuisine to the Michelin-star Pavyllon London, producing highly crafted and innovative plates – book a table at the counter to experience serious culinary theatre. Bar Antoine serves up superb cocktails, and has a terrace for alfresco dining. Just don’t miss the jaw-dropping tenth floor spa – a serene lesson in oak and stone – with nine glass-walled treatment rooms plus delicious relaxation pods. The service is faultless and the best of the city is right on your doorstep.

Doubles from £800, room only; +44 (0)20 7499 0888

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: an era when those in the know excelled at having a good time. Today, the hotel maintains its original spirit and is still richly woven with a particular brand of Britishness. From Gainsborough silks hand- crafted with historic tales in the luxurious suites and cosy bedrooms, to the scarlet red coattails worn by the footmen, every detail is a slice of escapism (it’s also within strolling distance of the Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace). One of the few family-run hotels that is truly independent, staff here welcome guests old and new 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. Refreshed last year, the Michelin-starred Dining Room includes a new state-of- the-art kitchen and chef’s counter, while the Goring Cocktail Bar, with its live pianist, is an elegant setting for a post-dinner digestif. The perfect way to end a day in London.

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

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 views of London’s iconic skyline, sleek marble bathrooms, and contemporary artworks by luminaries such as Tracey Emin and Mario Testino. The hotel champions the arts, hosting an annual prize in collaboration with A Space For Art, which gifts the finalist a generous £14,000. Sustainability is also a priority, earning The Hari a Silver Accreditation from EarthCheck, the global benchmark in environmental certification for travel and tourism. Tucked beneath a canopy of ivy, the Garden Terrace is a hidden oasis. With its retractable roof and heaters, it remains a welcoming spot in any weather. Meanwhile, Il Pampero serves up enticing Italian-inspired menus, complete with homemade pasta and Dolci Momenti Afternoon Tea. 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

Hart Shoreditch

The location of Hart Shoreditch couldn’t get any better, with Old Spitalfields, Brick Lane and Columbia Road Flower Market pretty much on its doorstep. But there’s a lot more to it than the address. Craftmanship is the big thing here, with Hart Shoreditch drawing inspiration from the area’s rich industrial history, blended with elevated design. A passion for arts and culture continues the creativity. The hotel regularly hosts a thrilling line-up of events, hands-on workshops and activities. Then there’s the Communal Table – a free workspace for local entrepreneurs, freelancers and creatives. The 126 bedrooms are thoughtfully designed by Fabled Studio. A muted, elegant colour palette is the backdrop for copper mirror accents, deep green leather detailing and modern furnishings. The bathrooms are warm, yet urban spaces – picture concrete vanities, herringbone flooring and bold geometric tiling plus, impressively, vegan Shoreditch-crafted soap. The UBA restaurant serves exquisite pan-Asian contemporary street food, while the Lobby Bar is the perfect spot for drinks, with handcrafted cocktails and vibrant music, cementing the buzzy vibe.

Doubles from £207; +44 (0)20 3995 3655

Hazlitt’s

Hazlitt’s is the real deal: as genuine, amusing and revealing a hotel as you could hope for, especially in bustling Soho. It’s named after the radical essayist and master of English prose, William Hazlitt. He died in poverty in 1830 at 6 Frith Street, one of three adjoining townhouses that the owners, 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, reached by a lift. As befits an establishment with such literary connections, the hotel is popular with authors, who leave signed copies of their works when they depart, and 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 rooms, decorated with antiques, busts and paintings, are individually furnished, with splendid bathtubs and Victorian fittings. Like the rooms in its distinctive sister establishments, Batty Langley’s and The Rookery, they are delightfully different from other London hotels.

Doubles from £369; +44 (0)20 7434 177

Hotel Café Royal

A Regent Street landmark for over 160 years, this iconic hotel has welcomed the likes of Oscar Wilde, David Bowie, and Winston Churchill. A grand Murano glass chandelier sets an opulent tone in the lobby, leading to elegant interiors and the reimagined Café Royal Grill – a refined all-day café- restaurant fusing French culinary flair with the best of British ingredients. Rooms and suites offer calm luxury with English oak panelling and marble bathrooms. The iconic Dome Penthouse Suite features two terraces with panoramic London views, a Ming green bathtub, and three spacious bedrooms. Equally sanctuary-like is the underground Akasha spa which offers a full range of wellness experiences – from Watsu treatments to fitness consultations. Culinary highlights include chef Alex Dilling’s two Michelin-starred restaurant, where modern French tasting menus take centre stage, and Albert Adrià’s Cakes & Bubbles, known for its irresistible desserts and pastries. With its rich history and modern elegance, the hotel remains a sanctuary of style and indulgence in the heart of London.

Doubles from £795; +44 (0)20 7406 3333

Lime Tree Hotel, Belgravia

It’s rare to find an affordable hotel in central London; even more so in smart Belgravia. But the Lime Tree is just that, and what’s more, it has the air of a place in the country, with painted furniture and breakfast menus chalked jauntily on blackboards. The guesthouse, which is spread across two Grade II-listed townhouses, underwent a major six-month refurbishment in 2020, transforming it into a delightful 26-room bolthole. The rooms are simple, stylish and homely, each with soothing colour palettes and pretty geometric patterned cushions, and Bramley goodies in the bathroom. There’s also a cosy guest lounge and The Buttery, a café-style restaurant (which is open to the public) full of chatter where friendly staff serve up delicious breakfasts and an all-day brunch menu, which includes homemade aubergine parmigiana, spicy shakshuka and Nutella french toast. When the weather allows, relaxing outside in the peaceful walled garden feels like having discovered a magical secret oasis, a whole world away from the heady bustle of nearby Sloane Square and the King’s Road.

Doubles from £180; +44 (0)20 7730 8191

Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park

The celebrated Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is a byword for luxury and outstanding service. This original London outpost is no exception. Interior designer Joyce Wang cited the beauty of Hyde Park, the hotel’s royal heritage and the glamour of the early 20th-century’s golden age of travel as her inspiration. The Art Deco influenced bedrooms are sanctuaries of calm, with bespoke furniture, curated artwork and Volakas marble bathrooms. For dining, there’s two Michelin-star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, The Rosebery for all-day dining and The Aubrey, an exceptional Japanese izakaya restaurant. Hyde Park Garden, a seasonal opening for the summer, is the latest addition, with a menu designed by the team behind Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Then there’s the Mandarin Bar, one of London’s favourite nightspots. Spa offerings include facials in partnership with Oskia, holistic health workshops and nutritional consultations with Clinique La Prairie, and the BodySpace Momentum Studio. Fans should check out Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, which opened last year.

Doubles from £900; +44 (0)20 7235 2000

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Mayfair, W1 This sleek new boutique hotel in Hanover Square hits all the high notes. At the crossroads of art, fashion and culture, the exceptional contemporary design and superb service set this newcomer apart. Then there are the 50 tranquil suites and rooms, with richly textured interiors, hand-painted de Gournay wallpapers, marble bathrooms and high-tech features. Guests can also stay in a series of private apartments. The food is equally impressive. Chef Akira Back makes his UK debut here, with exquisite modern Japanese in his eponymous restaurant and a Korean menu at the chef’s table at Dosa by Akira Back, which has recently been awarded a Michelin star. Couple that with the buzzy ABar Rooftop, boasting stunning panoramic views, mouthwatering cocktails and light bites. The spa is the perfect antidote after a day out in the city, where clued-up therapists offer an innovative array of personalised treatments. There’s also a 25m indoor pool (Mayfair’s largest), a state-of-the-art fitness centre and Bodyspace, which addresses every aspect of your lifestyle.

Doubles from £1,000; +44 (0)20 7889 8888

The Mayfair Townhouse

Located on Half Moon Street, alongside Piccadilly, The Mayfair Townhouse sits across 15 Georgian townhouses, seven of which are listed. Rich in history and once a known haunt for colourful characters, it evokes a debonair Oscar-Wilde-meets-Alice- in-Wonderland aesthetic. Touches of whimsy combine with practicality in the 172 individually designed guestrooms and suites which range from the Cabin Rooms to The Garden Suites that open onto a courtyard patio, or the Signature Suites offering the best in old and new world exclusivity in a glamourous setting. The Dandy Bar, an intimate and sophisticated cocktail bar where style meets decadence, is the heart and soul of The Mayfair Townhouse, while The Lower Ground is a vibrant space to work, connect and eat. An expertly curated collection of over 550 pieces of art, including a Swarovski crystal peacock sculpture, is woven seamlessly throughout the hotel. Stepping out into the heart of Mayfair, there is a wealth of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and museums on the doorstep; a short walk leads to Shepherd Market, Green Park and Buckingham Palace.

Doubles from £390; +44 (0)20 8138 3400

The Milestone Hotel & Residences, Kensington

What a fantastic location this red-brick Victorian hotel has, right opposite Kensington Palace. Rooms are classic and elegant; suites are truly unique. They include The Ruhlmann in black and chrome, inspired by French designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann; the handsome Hermès with its custom furniture and green colour scheme; and the Noel Coward, which nods to Art Deco. Staff can organise tailored shopping tours in Knightsbridge or a fabulous picnic hamper to take to Kensington Gardens but for a culture fix, there are blockbuster museums and the Royal Albert Hall on the doorstep too. After a day out exploring, head back for nourishing spa treatments and a swim in the pool at the recently revamped Wellness Club. British fare is the focus at Cheneston’s Restaurant (if you’re feeling hungry, go for the eight-course tasting menu) while the redesigned Stables Bar & Hideaway, with its wood-panelled walls, racing green leather banquettes and brass lamps, is the place for imaginatively crafted cocktails. Afternoon tea in the Park Lounge is also a must.

Doubles from £545; +44 (0)20 7917 1000

One Aldwych, Covent Garden

Housed in a beautiful heritage building, once home to The Morning Post newspaper, One Aldwych is brilliantly positioned on the edge of bustling Covent Garden. London’s first luxury hotel to achieve B Corp status, the contemporary yet soothing suites and rooms come with sweeping views of the cityscape below. Signature restaurant Indigo from Executive Chef Dominic Teague celebrates British producers in seasonal delicious dishes, such as Cornish lamb for two or monkfish wrapped in seaweed. The Lobby Bar, with its extensive list of the coolest craft cocktails, is an institution; the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea is huge fun for all ages, featuring snozzberry jam and chocolate swudge milkshake. The concierge has the inside track on everything from the best brunch spots and hottest theatre tickets to must-visit exhibitions. Upon return, settle down in the library with its comfortable sofas and beautiful books. And, for pampering – whether a refreshing swim, a pick-me-up facial or an invigorating massage – you can while away a few hours in the deeply cosseting health club and spa.

Doubles from £800; +44 (0)20 7300 1000

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. Luckily, we know of secret abodes beyond the reach of hipsters and tech geeks. One such hideaway is the deliciously unique Rookery, set in the heart of gastronomic Clerkenwell. After eating top-class grub and partying hard, you can retreat to one of its 33 quirky bedrooms, none of which is the same. Each, though, shares gorgeous Georgian detailing, polished brass metalwork in bathrooms, antiques aplenty and shelves bulging with real 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 are named after those local characters of ill repute. And you won’t worry about the wonky floors or the lack of things like a spa or a gym as 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 £369; +44 (0)20 7336 0931

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 with its majestic stone façades – featuring a beautiful terrace which delivers pop-up experiences that rotate throughout the year – while the Grand Pavonazzo marble staircase soars to a dizzying 166ft cupola. Inside, the hotel is the work of two designers: Tony Chi created the 264 glamorous rooms and 44 suites, splendid Rose Bronze Gallery entrance and the jewel box Mirror Room, which serves an innovative Art Afternoon Tea. Meanwhile, Martin Brudnizki designed both Holborn Dining Room – a British brasserie with a trendy gin bar – and the popular Scarfes Bar, its walls decorated with paintings by satirical artist Gerald Scarfe. Don’t miss Holborn Dining Room’s Pie Room, run by Head Pie Maker Nokx Majozi. Suites come with a dedicated butler, and service is faultless.

Doubles from £750; +44 (0)20 7781 8888

Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge

For the most outstanding cityscape views of London, this hotel wins hands-down. Starting on level 34, it spans 18 floors of the Italian architect Renzo Piano-designed The Shard, which is close to Tower Bridge. Suites have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can see landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral from your bed. G ŌNG bar – the highest hotel cocktail bar in the capital – is the place for sundowners and late-night digestifs, with the surrounding skyscrapers lit up and twinkling below. And, when you’re in the infinity Sky Pool, part of the wellness offering that also includes Elemis facials and massages, a sauna and gym, it can feel like swimming laps among the clouds. Don’t miss dinner at Asian fusion restaurant TĪNG or ground floor Bar 31, where local craft beers on tap can be paired with bites made using fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby Borough Market. Stroll along the Thames to St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and the National Theatre, or venture further into the West End for shopping and a theatre show – knowing that bird’s eye vistas await on your return.

Doubles from £700; +44 (0)20 7234 8000

The Westin London City

The Westin London City, part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, is beautifully situated along the banks of the Thames, overlooking Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern. A contemporary five-star retreat, this sophisticated hotel is rooted in well- being. There are 226 elegantly designed, light-filled guest rooms, suites, and residences, each featuring the signature Heavenly® Bed as part of the Sleep Well programme. The suites have views of St Paul’s Cathedral. Dining can be enjoyed in Hithe + Seek, a stylish bar and kitchen with panoramic river views. Meanwhile, Mosaic, the all-day dining restaurant, offers sustainably sourced dishes, blending the Eat Well menu and delicious elegantly-presented comfort food. This means guests looking for either a health-centric menu or soul-stirring food are sorted. The Heavenly Spa by Westin has Germaine de Capuccini, Aromatherapy Associates, and OTO Well- being products. Guests can also enjoy a 12m pool, sauna, steam room, experience shower, ice fountain and the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio which is fully equipped for an energising Move Well experience.

Doubles from £375; +44 (0)20 3146 2690