Best 5 Star & Luxury Hotels In London

The London Hilton on Park Lane, a cornerstone of Mayfair’s luxury hospitality since 1963, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a multimillion-pound refurbishment. This extensive renovation introduced two new dining venues, an open-plan social lobby featuring the ‘Falling Still’ art installation by Giles Miller, and comprehensive updates to suites, the executive lounge, and guest rooms. The hotel offers 453 rooms and suites, including the Balmoral Suite on the 27th floor, which provides expansive views of Hyde Park. Guests can enjoy amenities such as the Executive Lounge, the Revery Bar with live DJ sets, and the Park Corner Brasserie serving modern British cuisine. The hotel’s prime location on Park Lane places it within walking distance of Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace, and New Bond Street, with Hyde Park Corner Underground Station nearby for convenient access to central London.

The Landmark London in Marylebone is a magnificent five-star Grande Dame hotel and has, since its debut over 125 years ago, remained an icon of quintessential and elegant London charm. The space offers guests an oasis of luxury and serenity in the heart of the capital. One of the oldest railway hotels in London, The Landmark London was born in the romantic era of train travel, combining the opulence, grandeur and timeless service and design of those times with contemporary flair and five-star amenities. This is best represented in its iconic and soaring eight-storey-high glass atrium that has been at the centre of the hotel since its opening. Centrally located in Marylebone, there are a plethora of shops, restaurants and London landmarks to explore, and the helpful concierge is always happy to guide guests and make recommendations. There really is no need to leave the hotel with the fantastic amenities on offer, the hotel is home to a sensuous spa featuring a health club, four treatment rooms and a sublime 15-metre chlorine-free indoor swimming pool, one of the only five-star hotels in the capital to have one.

88 bedrooms and suites (including two-bedroom family rooms) at this Knightsbridge hotel, come with The White Company bathroom amenities, iHome radio alarms and Nespresso coffee machines. Chef Isabela Vaz heads up the bistro-style restaurant, The Lowndes Belgravia, with service from 7 am to 10 pm. There’s a chauffeur-driven car to whisk you to and from the airport. And there’s The Map Room, catering for any meetings, receptions and private dining requirements you may have while in town. Jumeirah Lowndes is every bit the modern urban boutique hotel, with a palette of muted tones and plush furnishings. It’s also dog-friendly.

Walking distance from the poshest landmarks in the city, The Hari is an exclusive pad for distinguished travellers. Its 85 bedrooms include 14 suites, draped in velvet and marble with contemporary artworks on the wall (the hotel hosts its own annual art prize). Dine in-house at the refined Italian restaurant, il Pampero, drink in the Hari Bar, and relax with a cocktail on the Garden Terrace during warmer months. The Hari’s fitness room includes a Peloton bike and you can book personal training sessions. The hotel has strong eco-credentials too, having received Silver Accreditation from EarthCheck.

Housed in a 19th-century building on Holbein Place, this Victorian mansion now exudes French sensibilities along with an eternal British charm. Hotelier Costes and designer François-Joseph Graf have created a discreet home-from-home with just 30 period bedrooms and suites, ranging from a “Mini” to a two-bedroom apartment. Enter via the Neo-Greek lobby and descend to the lower-ground floor speakeasy bar. Or climb to the top, where you can dine in the candlelit restaurant, surrounded by stained-glass windows, a mosaic floor and an antique collection of Anglo-Chinese vases. Vintage albums and a signature scene throughout create an immersive feel at One Sloane.

Bringing Big Apple attitude to Bow Street, this NoMad Hotel is housed in a grade II-listed that once served as a Magistrates’ Court and Police Station. Design studio Roman and Williams was enlisted to overhaul the 19th-century building in Covent Garden. And Ricari Studios and Katie England were brought on board as spa partners. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in a glass conservatory with a soaring triple-height ceiling. Drink in Side Hustle (once the Bow Street Police Station); The Library; and Common Decency cocktail bar. Book a Signature Suite for a clawfoot tub, entertaining spaces and views of the Royal Opera House.

Set on the corner of Russell Square, this hotel with a Grade II listed facade was relaunched as part of the Kimpton collection, in 2018. Unmissable, as it occupies an entire block of this prestigious neighbourhood, the building incorporates a Burr & Co. coffee shop, Palm Court (perfect for an elegant afternoon tea) and the Galvin Bar & Grill, led by the Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. Chandeliers, wrought iron balustrades, marble columns, gilt finishings and ornate period plasterwork sit alongside the brand’s signature contemporary design, creating a grand, yet fashionable vibe.

This modern glass-fronted building has 249 naturally styled bedrooms and suites, each with traditional Japanese tea sets, Grown Alchemist toiletries, 4k ultra HD TVs, contemporary detailing and the brand’s own luxury mattresses. A wellness centre includes a Pilates Reformer studio and treatments such as Nobu Zen, the brand’s signature ritual incorporating stretching and massage. Whether you stay here or not, do eat here. Nobu’s international range of restaurants have a trademark style, incarnated by the highly acclaimed Tokyo-based Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. There’s a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea, lounge, bar and Laurent-Perrier Terrace overlooking Portman Square and serving Nobu’s signature dishes.

Stay in an elegant heritage hotel opposite Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. The Milestone offers 43 deluxe rooms, 13 individually designed suites and six two and three-bedroom residences, your home-from-home in the city. Go to Cheneston’s restaurant for fine English cuisine by Executive Chef Daniel Putz, the Stable’s Bar for hand-made cocktails and the Park Lounge, for a refined daily British afternoon tea service. Additionally, The Milestone has its own chapel, The Oratory, catering for small private events. Below ground, you’ll find a fitness centre, treatment rooms and a resistance pool.

Escape the noise of the capital, with this Belgravia townhouse as your base.  The grand building, formed of arched windows, portland stone and Georgian brick, has been reimagined inside, by Milan-based architecture studio Laboratorio Associati and Linzi Coppick. 41 bedrooms and suites channel the elements, in a sophisticated, warm, elegant and upscale home-like style. The COMO Shambhala philosophy is evident throughout, be it in the healthy cuisine options, or the in-room therapeutic treatments (there’s no spa onsite, but guests have access to the Halkin’s sister property’s wellness facilities, a ten-minute walk away). Families are catered to with mini bathrobes and COMO the Halkin teddy bears for little ones.

With gardens, tennis courts and its own health club (The Peak Fitness Club) with a 20-metre naturally-lit indoor pool, this feels more like a resort than an urban hotel. The Carlton Tower has an enviable Knightsbridge address on Sloane Street. Inside, are 186 guest rooms, of which the three-bedroom Royal Suite is the pièce de résistance, with incredible views. Dine on modern-meets-classic Italian dishes at Al Mare. And don’t miss the award-winning nature-inspired afternoon tea in The Chinoiserie Lounge. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is the sister hotel to the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Raffles London at The OWO, the first Raffles hotel in London, has officially opened its doors at the iconic Whitehall address. This magnificent new destination features 120 rooms and suites, a luxurious Guerlain Spa, and an array of restaurants and bars curated by acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco. The OWO, a building with a storied history, has been meticulously restored and transformed into a haven of timeless luxury. Guests can explore its grand spaces, including Heritage Suites once occupied by influential leaders, and enjoy three unique dining experiences by Chef Colagreco. The hotel also offers two atmospheric bars, extensive spa facilities, and grand event spaces, making it the ultimate venue for memorable celebrations. Raffles London at The OWO represents a new era for Whitehall, now a vibrant hub for fine dining, entertainment, and opulent living.

Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses in swanky Sloane Street provide the setting for this art-filled boutique hotel, a sister property to the Beaverbrook Hotel in Surrey. Inside is a gem of a destination restaurant, the Japanese Fuji Grill. Sample the 12-course omakase tasting menu, or take a leather seat at the sushi bar for some of the best sashimi in the capital. Meanwhile, 14 bohemian bedrooms follow a theatrical West End theme, with fringed and canopied beds. Guests also have their own Chromecast, Roberts radio, a complimentary minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, East India Company teas and Bamford bath products.

Less than a mile from the iconic attractions of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, the Conrad London St James is set within two 19th-century townhouses which were once Queen Anne’s Chambers and government offices. This property has been the Conrad London St. James since September 2014 and part of the Hilton Worldwide group, it became the brand’s 24th hotel, taking on the US chain’s upscale approach to international hospitality. There are plenty of nods to its past connections, not least in its fascinating and thoughtfully curated art collection as well as plenty of dining experiences from its themed afternoon teas, an art deco-inspired dining concept The Pen, The Hedgerow bar and a traditional London pub. This property oozes luxury and is one of our favourites in London.

A quintessentially British property, The Churchill is right at the heart of Marylebone, moment’s away from Selfridges and Oxford Street but offering a more peaceful setting overlooking Portman Square Garden. Its namesake (the iconic Prime Minister Winston Churchhill), is remembered in details and subtle nods throughout. A large property, it has 390 bedrooms and 50 suites – some of the latter offering multiple bedrooms and expansive living areas. It’s also home to the award-winning Churchill Bar and Terrace, Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli and the all-day dining venue, The Montagu Kitchen. The Churchill is part of the Hyatt Regency collection.

Located in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair, is part of LXR Hotels & Resorts and is the essence of style and opulence. Guests immediately feel the distinctive character of this hotel which showcases splendid décor and unrivalled service. These qualities flow throughout the entire hotel which comprises of 250 stylish rooms and 57 curated suites with stunning views of London’s iconic skyline, personalised touches and extra comfort for the discerning traveller. Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, leads the team to present guests with a superb choice of both formal and casual dining options; from brunch at the tranquil Café Biltmore & Terrace through to a sophisticated evening at The Pine Bar or celebratory Afternoon Tea in the Tea Lounge there is a delicious culinary creation to tantalise every appetite and to fit any occasion.  Guests can also take advantage of one of Mayfair’s largest gyms within the hotel – with 24-hour access to the latest fitness technology and a private workout studio.

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Stately five-star luxury in the heart of London is exactly what guests can expect when they visit this historic hotel. The hotel is conveniently located in the regal St James’s, Mayfair area and is just minutes from many of London’s iconic landmarks and must-see attractions. Accommodation is set across four distinct areas; within the main Victorian house, the Mews Suites, the Carriage House and the Gate House. Rooms are stylish with sumptuous furnishings – some with four-poster beds and the hotel’s suites are truly elegant boasting a range of unique and exclusive services for guests. The Game Bird, is the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, presents a modern British menu, delivered with great flair and creativity. The ambience is cool and sophisticated. The American Bar is for those in the know, serving a range of creative cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Its cosy corners are perfect for intimate meetings, the atmosphere encourages lively chats and the private courtyard is perfect for al fresco dining. The Wine Cellar is a fascinating space; built in the 17^th Century and used as an air-raid shelter during WWII it is now home to a collection of over 8,000 of the world’s finest wines.

Period features meet contemporary interiors in this hotel opened in 1837. The design by Olga Polizzi was inspired by literary works and former guests – Rudyard Kipling wrote many of his novels here and it’s believed that The English Tea Room was the inspiration for Agatha Christie’s ‘At Bertram’s Hotel’. As such, the Afternoon Tea is popular with history lovers, seeking to retrace the steps of heroes and heroines in this award-winning, wood-panelled establishment. Now owned by Rocco Forte, modern comforts in the 33 suites and 82 rooms abound. Elegant muted shades are offset with pops of colour and unique artworks. The in-house restaurant Charlie’s, named after the founding Forte Lord Charles, is all about British cooking. While Donovan’s bar (named after photographer Terence), is an intimate and playfully decadent spot to enjoy a bespoke sixties-themed cocktail.

This recently launched 16-storey establishment on the corner of Leicester Square is defined in a new category of accommodation: super boutique. While large in size, the hotel is intimate in nature. Operated by the privately owned Edwardian Hotels London group, it blends style with sustainability and high-end facilities. Guests unable to sleep – or those who like to socialise into the night – can frequent The Y Bar, The Drawing Room, and The Whisky Room.  A Japanese restaurant, bar and terrace are found on the eighth floor. While below ground, lies The Retreat, a wellness sanctuary with holistic therapies for body and mind, as well as a soothing hydro pool.

Base yourself here and you’ll be perfectly situated for both the shops and world-leading theatres of England’s capital. Located in Marble Arch, the bustle of Oxford Street is a stroll away, but in this salubrious Mayfair neighbourhood, guests are cocooned in elegance. Some of the executive rooms and suites at this 5-star establishment offer views over Hyde Park, balconies and sofa beds, with all bathrooms crafted from Italian marble. Suites come complete with lounge access offering complimentary food and drinks throughout the day and evening in the Lanes of London restaurant. A fitness centre features an indoor pool, steam room and gym with optional massage and spa treatments available too. And the hotel’s restaurant, Lanes of London is a chic venue for classic British-inspired dishes, botanical afternoon teas and craft cocktails. 

Part of the Luxury Collection group, The Park Tower is a five-star establishment in the heart of Knightsbridge and Belgravia. It first opened to guests in 1973, a noticeable new landmark on the west London skyline, with its unusual circular architecture. All 271 rooms and suites come with a view thanks to its unique shape, as well as 200-thread count cotton sheets, robes, slippers and deep soaking tubs. In-room spa services are available, as well as The Park Tower Butler, for your every need. The Hyde Bar is the hotel’s main dining establishment, with afternoon teas served in The Knightsbridge Lounge.

Awarded the No. 1 Hotel in London by the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, the Lanesborough is part of the Oetker Collection. Found in the centre of Knightsbridge the hotel is comprised of 93 suites and bedrooms, an opulent spa, dynamic bars, a ‘Withdrawing’ room and its Michelin-starred restaurant, Céleste. Here you receive dedicated butler service 24/7 – no matter what grade of the room you choose. Following a major refurbishment in 2015, the interiors have been aligned with Regency and Georgian style by renowned design agency Albert Pinto. Lying just a short stroll from Harrods, this hotel is ideal for an upmarket combined shopping and spa stay in an ambience of timeless classic elegance. The hotel is known as the most expensive in London, and with one of the finest suites setting you back a cool £20,000 per night, it doesn’t get much more special than this.

One of our favourite luxury properties in London, the Wellesley Knightsbridge. Positioned in one of the best addresses in London 11 Knightsbridge, Belgravia, overlooking Hyde Park, The Wellesley Knightsbridge is a luxury hotel unlike most others in the capital. Petite in size at just 36 rooms, which means attention to detail is flawless and service is personal. Art Deco features adorn the walls, it feels like stepping back in time to an age of 1920’s elegance, while finishing touches like a butler and a chauffeur services for guests further elevate the luxury experience.

Base yourself here and you’ll be perfectly situated for both the shops and world-leading theatres of England’s capital. Located in Marble Arch, the bustle of Oxford Street is a stroll away, but in this salubrious Mayfair neighbourhood, guests are cocooned in elegance. Some of the executive rooms and suites at this 5-star establishment offer views over Hyde Park, balconies and sofa beds, with all bathrooms crafted from Italian marble. Suites come complete with lounge access offering complimentary food and drinks throughout the day and evening in the Lanes of London restaurant. A fitness centre features an indoor pool, steam room and gym with optional massage and spa treatments available too. And the hotel’s restaurant, Lanes of London is a chic venue for classic British-inspired dishes, botanical afternoon teas and craft cocktails. 

Designed in the Beaux-Arts style and opened in 1922 as the Port of London Authority building, this hotel is now a Grade II listed building. At its opening, it was one of the tallest structures in the capital and the 100 current rooms still command excellent views. This member of the legendary Four Seasons chain popular with business and leisure travellers offers a number of fine dining options. Creative French cuisine can be enjoyed in Anne-Sophie Pic’s Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic London. Contemporary Chinese and Japanese dishes are served at Mei Ume. And the stunning domed Rotunda Lounge and bar, at the hotel’s heart, is the setting for a unique Crown Jewels-inspired afternoon tea. Below ground, the lavish contemporary spa contains one of the most dreamy pools in the city.

Constructed in four blocks between 1912 and 1960, this Grade II listed building is a grand landmark in Covent Garden in the West End. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 2000, the Rosewood’s 262 rooms offer guests an ideal blend of British heritage and contemporary sophistication. Another distinctive afternoon tea is found here. Many visit for the art-themed pastries and sweet treats inspired by the work of sculptor Anthony Gormley and created by Executive Pastry Chef, Mark Perkins. Families are made especially welcome with interconnecting rooms (the second room is complementary), activities, games and cosy dog beds for the furry family members. Take part in the Rosewood Room Hunt and hunt for clues in an immersive scavenger adventure on specified dates. There’s also a Sense Spa for wellness and beauty, incorporating the Face Place and Matthew Curtis Hair Salon.

One of the most famous hotels in London, if not the world, the Savoy opened in 1889 on The Strand, as the first luxury hotel in Britain. It quickly became a byword for elegance and grace, with interiors designed by Collinson & Locke. Now owned by the Fairmont group, it has an illustrious history – Frank Sinatra, Geroge Gershwin and Noel Coward all entertained here, while Oscar Wilde, Laurence Olivier, Edward VII, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles and many other legends have counted among its guests. Hosting royalty and a wide variety of celebrities is all in a day’s work for this titan of the hotel industry. Many of the 268 rooms provide stunning views across the nearby River Thames, and the hotel also has 7 restaurants for a wide variety of fine dining options. As an English icon, The Savoy is very popular with tourists seeking a quintessentially classic British stay.

Originally built in 1889 as an exclusive gentleman’s club, the building was opened as a grand hotel in 1902 and extensively refurbished in 2000. The Mandarin Group has hotel across the globe and their London residence is situated in fashionable Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park. The hotel has 141 rooms, 40 suites and 3 restaurants and over the years has played host to a number of events involving royalty and celebrity guests. Many stay here to enjoy the oasis of calm at the spa. Chinese medicine treatments, Bastien Gonzalez manis and pedis, the Rasul Water Temple and anti-ageing Nescens facials are all popular items from the wellness menu, while the 17-metre stainless steel pool provides a truly urban luxury style dip. Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant is also a big draw and meals can be taken in the dining room, at the chef’s table or in a private room.

This is an example of modern luxury, being part of the famous Shard building that towers above London. The building was completed in 2012 and was the tallest structure in Europe at the time. The multi-award-winning hotel takes up floors 34-52. It offers stunning panoramic views across the capital from its 202 rooms, decorated in plush silks, satins and cut-pile velvets. The Hong Kong-based multinational hotelier brand is a favourite with business travellers, providing excellent meeting spaces and proximity to the city’s commercial centre. The Shard is now firmly on the London map, so visitors who prefer a sleek, modern Asian influenced style flock to stay at Shangri-La, to swim in the infinity sky pool and dine with a view at TING. There are also packages for wellness, honeymoons and weddings, as well as two funky bars, babysitting, butler and limousine services.

Europe’s first Grand Dame, The Langham opened its doors in 1865, soon racking up an illustrious list of patrons, like Louis-Napoleon III, Charles Dickens, one of the “Cambridge Five” spies Guy Burgess, Mark Twain, Princess Diana, Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie. It has been an innovator on the international hotel scene, with a prestigious reputation. It boasts a timeless elegance and award-winning eating and drinking venues overseen by Michel Roux Jr; Palm Court, Artesian Bar,The Wigmore and Roux at the Landau. Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club has an Asian theme with a huge heated indoor pool.

In recreating the rooms at the Connaught, Guy Oliver and Guy Collins have fused modern styling with retro touches which help keep the overall impression in harmony with this hotel’s architectural roots. Every room is generously apportioned, particularly the suites; the Sutherland Suite has its own Baby Grand Piano. Restaurant Helen Darroze at the Connaught offers a package that won her two Michelin stars. Relax in the restaurant’s magnificent interior, designed by India Mahdavi. Alternatively, dine at Jean-George’s where British classics blend with Southeast Asian flavours. The hotel also has a spa that offers a range of treatments and alternative therapies.

Located close to Buckingham Palace, the Goring was first opened in 1910 and is now the only hotel in London that is still owned and run by the family that built it. At the time of its construction, it was the first hotel in the world in which each of the 69 rooms had a private bathroom and central heating. The Goring, featuring classic English design, is very popular with the Royal Family (recent royal guests include HM The Queen). It was also the hotel of choice for the Duchess of Cambridge, then Kate Middleton, and her family the night before her nuptials with Prince William. Understandably, this placed the hotel firmly on the Royalist tourist trail. The recent opening of Siren was the first new restaurant addition to the hotel for over 100 years. There’s also an elegant main dining room, bar and refined Bollinger afternoon tea service. Live like a monarch by booking the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Royal Suite, with your own dedicated footman, decanter bar and walls lined with silk from the First Class Dining Room of RMS Titanic 1912.

This is an example of modern luxury, being part of the famous Shard building that towers above London. The building was completed in 2012 and was the tallest structure in Europe at the time. The multi-award-winning hotel takes up floors 34-52. It offers stunning panoramic views across the capital from its 202 rooms, decorated in plush silks, satins and cut-pile velvets. The Hong Kong-based multinational hotelier brand is a favourite with business travellers, providing excellent meeting spaces and proximity to the city’s commercial centre. The Shard is now firmly on the London map, so visitors who prefer a sleek, modern Asian influenced style flock to stay at Shangri-La, to swim in the infinity sky pool and dine with a view at TING. There are also packages for wellness, honeymoons and weddings, as well as two funky bars, babysitting, butler and limousine services.

Hotelier Ian Schrager designed this one-of-a-kind Fitzrovia hotel, set in a row of Georgian townhouses. It’s ideal for those who want to stay in true luxury but with West End and Soho nightlife on the doorstep. Past and present are blended in this boutique space, where period features are complemented by forward-thinking innovative furnishings and decor. Step inside one of the 172 rooms and suites, and you could imagine you’re aboard a private yacht. Dine at Berners Tavern hosted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jason Atherton and drink in the Punch Room. Many guests visit for the ‘happenings’, a programme of events for adults and families, including immersive gong sound meditation retreats and cocktail masterclasses. But the pièce de résistance has to be the 2098 square foot Penthouse with wraparound landscaped terrace and 360-degree views of the capital.

The five-star Bulgari Hotel, built by the Sir Robert McAlpine construction company between 2010 and 2012, had the distinction of being London’s most expensive hotel when it was first opened and remains one of the most prestigious places to stay in the capital. The hotel contains 85 rooms and suites as well as a ballroom, cigar shop, cinema, fitness centre and gymnasium while the Rivea restaurant offers some of the best French and Italian cuisine to the hotel’s patrons. The bedrooms are separated into Superior, Deluxe and Executive rooms while the apartments are divided into Junior, Studio, Deluxe, Knightsbridge and Bulgari suites.

It’s hosted the stars of Hollywood and members of the Royal Family for over two centuries. Spencer Tracy commented that he’d rather go to Claridge’s than to heaven when he dies. And Gordon Ramsay opened a restaurant here. This hotel is grand and British, with elements of its heritage – notably its art deco years – evident in the decor. Highlights include the Davies & Brook restaurant and The Fumoir, a sultry speakeasy-style glamorous bar. There’s a swish outdoor dining area, a spa and a famous afternoon tea. The kid-glove service is top-notch and attentive, with butlers in suites and the penthouse.

Need some ME time? Mosey on down to The Strand, where you can check into this slick 173-bedroom hotel, designed by Foster + Partners. It was erected on the site formerly home to the Gaiety Theatre and beside the former BBC (Marconi) headquarters. On its 10th floor, the Radio Rooftop bar and restaurant offers far-reaching views of the city’s skyline from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament. STK is the hotel’s refined steakhouse, serving cuts of USDA prime beef, while Luciano is the Italian all day dining destination restaurant headed up by TV chef Gino D’Acampo. And the Marconi Lounge (named after its neighbour) offers a relaxed and chic place to unwind.

You’ll find the Corinthia London where Northumberland Avenue meets Whitehall Place. Positioned on a landmark triangular site, it’s between Trafalgar Square and the Thames Embankment. The building once served as British Government offices and as the Hotel Metropole in the 19th century. Nowadays it’s home to the award-winning ESPA Life at Corinthia, a new 1920’s inspired theatrical cocktail bar named Velvet, The Northall restaurant with its designer dining room, Michelin-starred celebrity chef Tom Kerridge’s Bar & Grill and a glittering lounge, where 1,001 Baccarat crystals provide chandelier lighting for your afternoon tea. Corinthia London accommodates 283 bedrooms including 51 suites and seven penthouses.

This Grade II-listed property (formerly a bank) places you within walking distance of major sights, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Theatreland. Grand inside and out, high ceilings, polished marble floors and period features are complemented by dramatic flower arrangements, antiques and Persian rugs. Enter your room and you’ll notice a step-change; these evoke a more midcentury feel as designed by Pierre Yves-Rochon, plus there’s funky artwork, Nespresso machines and Diptyque amenities. Pay a visit to the Sofitel’s Michelin-star restaurant Wild Honey St James by Chef Anthony Demetre, the Rose Lounge for afternoon tea, a vintage style bar and the spa.

Come here to sample two-Michelin-starred French cuisine by Alex Dilling in the restaurant, or to stay in a suite formerly occupied by legends like Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill and David Bowie. Michelin-starred chef Albert Adrià (believed to be the world’s finest pastry chef) also chose Hotel Café Royal as his only non-Spanish endeavour, where you can order sweet treats and champers. As soon as you arrive into the lobby, you’ll be dazzled by a 700-pound Murano glass chandelier. And the holistic well-being centre provides sound healing and Watsu water therapy.