Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Your one-stop-shop for the very best luxury hotels in London.
The promise of city streets “paved with gold” has led many here in search of rich, fulfilling life experiences – and what better way to try it out yourself than with a stay at one of the many luxury hotels in London?
Read on for some of the finest money can buy.
Taj 51 Buckingham Suites and Residences – a luxurious hotel in London
Smack bang in the middle of one of the city’s most exclusive enclaves, many critics feel that Taj 51 pushes boundaries for what 5-star hotels in London can achieve.
Could it be that London’s long-standing flair for luxury is a reflection of the city’s status as a seat of power? Taj 51 certainly backs up the idea. This opulent residence was once the haunt of none other than Winston Churchill, and the building itself has a long and storied history intertwined with London’s own.
Short of securing a stay at Buckingham Palace itself, you’ll find a level of quality here that few hotels in central London can pull off. Three premium eateries on-site include a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Quilon, with a strong emphasis on seafood. Or for something quintessentially British, with added luxury, sample the afternoon tea at Kona.
If you can find a way to prise yourself out of one of Taj 51’s insanely comfortable suites, all featuring beautiful modern kitchens and an ample supply of glorious designer furnishings, you’ll also find a spa with sauna and steam room, a wonderfully genteel library and a fully-serviced business hub. The hub is truly next level if you’re looking to make a good impression on a client… or just think you’ve earned the treat yourself.
The Stafford London – wonderful boutique hotel in the heart of Mayfair
When hunting for luxury hotels in London, Mayfair is a good place to start. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle yet still right next to it, The Stafford London is a perfect bolthole for those seeking to slow down and catch their breath during a busy trip.
Even among hotels in central London, The Stafford London is ripe with history and amazing tales, from its 350-year-old wine cellars (used as a bomb shelter during World War II) to the opening of its much-praised new restaurant The Game Bird in 2017. Highly skilled staff will help you feel more relaxed than you knew possible, attending to your every need.
Choose from the richly decorated Carriage House Suites, overlooking the hotel’s charming cobbled courtyard, or one of the even more private Mews Suites. Four-poster beds and country-inspired interiors abound, and might just convince you that you’ve been on a spectacular rural retreat – without even getting your boots muddy.
The Ritz London – a sleek, five-star hotel
Few places are as synonymous with the idea of luxury hotels in London as The Ritz London. Perched on the corner of Green Park, the hotel’s world-famous dining room alone makes it worth a pilgrimage. Since 1906, this sumptuous restaurant has served up exquisite cuisine and world-class afternoon tea to London visitors in search of the finest the city has to offer.
Today, the same focus on quality and class remains as strong as ever. From the moment you set foot inside, you’ll be blown away by the staff’s next-level service, centered on warmth, efficiency, and attention to detail. Meanwhile, the lavish, old-fashioned suites provide the opulent, relaxing accommodation you would expect from such a London landmark. Everyone should visit The Ritz London once in their lifetime – and preferably a few times more.
Gir Lion Lodge – live on the wild side in London
On a safari for something entirely different, as far away from the traditional boutique London hotels as possible? Don’t worry, we’ve got just the thing. For a unique and truly roarsome experience (sorry, we had to), book yourself into Gir Lion Lodge, located inside London Zoo.
Yes, you read it right – London Zoo is giving visitors the chance to stay inside their Land of the Lions exhibit. You’ll spend the night in a simple but charming Gujarati cabin, brightly painted and part of a vibrant lodge modeled on Indian villages. Far and away from the ambition of so many luxury hotels in London, Gir Lodge is more likely to be a unique, one-off experience rather than a familiar, every-need-met escape from reality. Here you’ll find yourself wandering the zoo after-hours as part of one of their sunset or torchlit tours, getting a truly special view of the animals and maybe even feeding them.
For a little slice of jungle storytelling in the heart of the metropolis, this one is tailor-made for those who are wild at heart.
Sheraton Grand London – a luxurious hotel on Park Lane
Riding high on the back of an extensive, multi-million-pound refurbishment, the Sheraton Grand exudes art deco style and an exceptional range of features – feeling like one of the capital’s freshest five-star offerings despite drawing its inspiration from the Roaring 20s.
Overlooking Green Park (not far from The Ritz), the Sheraton’s location alone is mind-blowing, with Westminster and Buckingham Palace just a short walk away. Add to this a lavish atmosphere and attention to detail designed to dazzle, and you’ve found a truly luxurious spot right in the heart of the city.
Similarly, the facilities here bring together the classic and modern – rooms all come with a complimentary smartphone for guests to use, while the decadent, chandelier-strewn ballroom of the Silvery Gallery lets you step back to the golden age of glamour.
The food and drink on offer push the 20s trend further, with the Smith & Whistle bar offering wild cocktail experiments that celebrate the jazz age and beyond. Meanwhile, Mercante, the Sheraton’s restaurant, brings a touch of Italy to proceedings, with delicious sharing platters inspired by the Amalfi coast. For an all-singing, all-dancing luxury hotel experience, this truly sparkles.
With such premium accommodation at your fingertips, try out a top-quality Blacklane chauffeur service in London to get you there in style.