Trafalgar Square. Buckingham Palace. Piccadilly Circus. Never mind the edges; These timeless, iconic landmarks will always be found right next to our top picks for hotels in central London.
Book your stay at one of these spectacular hotels in central London, and dive into the UK capital in style.
Central Park Collection – a stone’s throw from Hyde Park
While those seeking Central Park itself are in the wrong city, the Central Park hotel London collection can bring a slice of transatlantic class to your stay in the big city.
With four luxurious, boutique hotels all situated just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Hyde Park, you’re free to pick the property that’s most convenient for your break or business meetings. Each Central Park room is individually decorated, with a focus on clean, contemporary style and comfortable furnishings to make you feel instantly at home.
The Hyde Park Boutique, Prince William and Royal Eagle (all part of the Central Park hotel London collection) also channel the rich history of London’s Victorian age with their original, renovated townhouse facades.
Best of all, whichever Central Park hotel you choose, you’ll find yourself right in London’s thriving heart, with some of the world’s best restaurants, bars,
The Grosvenor Hotel, Victoria – step back in time with this luxury hotel
A trip to a historic city like London wouldn’t be complete without a little step back through time. The Grosvenor is one of the most convenient and splendid luxury hotels in London, built in 1862 next to Victoria Station. The Grosvenor boasts dramatic, classical architecture that will still make your jaw drop today. Inside and out, you’ll find yourself marveling at balconies, pillars and majestic stone carvings. Step into the sumptuous reception on your arrival to see just what we mean. Pink marble, gold leaf, and crystal chandeliers create a symphony for the senses, steeped in the old fashioned glamor of another time.
Thankfully, The Grosvenor’s traditional fittings are matched by thoroughly modern services. A 24-hour concierge, high-quality gym and host of well-equipped meeting rooms make sure your stay is perfectly suited for business travel and tick all the boxes compared with other hotels in central London.
Due to its stellar location near Victoria Station, The Grosvenor is a perfect base to enjoy the city’s center, with an added dash of old-world charm.
Z Victoria – modest, central hotel in London
High quality doesn’t always have to mean high prices. Z Hotels offer well-designed, modern rooms that are ideal for a short stay in London.
As its name suggests, Z Victoria is one of the hotels nearest to Victoria Station and is also in a prime spot for sightseeing, just a short walk from Buckingham Palace, London’s glittering West End, and many other cultural treasures.
This hotel is all about stylish simplicity. From the sleek wood veneers and monochrome color palette to the easygoing but efficient staff, it’s tailor-made for business travelers who find the typical pomp of some luxury hotels in London a little overwhelming. Instead, Z Victoria sidelines the formality while still being totally welcoming, giving you space to breathe and the freedom to get the most out of your London visit.
As if that isn’t enough, guests can also take advantage of an unlimited wine and cheese buffet every night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Be careful, you might never leave the lobby.
The Hospital Club – Covent Garden hotel, rich in history
Discovering a hotel that chimes with your own style can be a real joy. The history of The Hospital Club is fascinating enough by itself – but it’s the hotel’s unique character that you’ll take home with you, and rave about to all your friends. Once upon a time, The Hospital Club really was a working London hospital, before a plan hatched by entrepreneurs Paul Allen and Dave Stewart (of Microsoft and Eurythmics fame respectively) reinvented the dilapidated old building into a one-of-a-kind creation that upped the game for other boutique hotels in London.
Today, the vibe is ultra-cool, retro-chic. Lush wood paneling, fuzzy furnishings, and vintage ornaments and furniture recall 70s fashions turned up to 11 but expertly curated. These are statement rooms – as bold, theatrical and fun as TV sets. Bespoke touches like a nightly cocktail trolley (direct to your door), neon sculptures and smoking terraces complete a truly distinctive experience. As far as hotels in central London go, there’s nothing quite like it.
All this before we’ve even mentioned the location – opposite the historic Cross Keys pub and almost as close to the picturesque Covent Garden. If a night-time
Sea Containers London – picturesque views of central London skyline
The South Bank of the Thames has long presented visitors with a fascinating blend of architectural styles, its heavy-duty brutalism somehow blending with regency riverside walkways and bridges to gorgeous effect. Sea Containers London follows very much in the footsteps of this melting pot of tradition, offering guests unrivaled views of the river and skyline from rooms that inject a modern twist on a luxurious 1920s cruise ship vibe.
Hotel designer Tom Dixon has crafted a unique atmosphere, striking a balance between playful, retro nautical touches and the subtlety of an art gallery. Copper, wood, leather, and low lighting all come together in sumptuous harmony. An abundance of balconies and terraces overlooking the river below make Sea Containers London ideal for a business meeting where you need to impress – perhaps even more than 5-star hotels in London.
Beyond the ambiance, the hotel’s location is exceptional for cultural sightseeing. Borough Market, the Tate Modern, and St Paul’s Cathedral are all just a short distance away, and can all be reached via a stroll along the Thames – surely one of the best ways to soak up the capital at its finest, on a sunny day at least.
If you find yourself looking out for where to stay in London, you will surely come across everything you could think of as this city is one that always provides.
Nick Hagan
Nick Hagan is a freelance writer based in Oxford and Reading, UK. He runs Curio Books and Culture in Oxford, and enjoys writing about culture, travel, film, psychology and just about everything in-between.
