Best Hotels In London: Top Places To Stay When Visiting England's Capital -

London has a rich history and cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for travelers worldwide. With so many sights to see and things to do, choosing suitable accommodation is essential. It’s no wonder that a city with so much to see, do, and taste would also have a slew of nicknames, including “The Big Smoke,” “London Town,” and “The Square Mile,” among others. But before you take a tour on a double-decker bus, visit the Tower of London, picnic at Hyde Park, or ride the London Eye, you’ll need to find a great hotel to start your days and end your nights at. If you’re looking a list of the consensus best hotels in London, you’ve come to the right place.

It’s important to do plenty of research first before choosing your hotel. One recent study found that luxury hotels actually post fake online reviews to compete with Airbnb. Those seemingly earnest online reviews may seem the best way to see whether it’s worth booking a hotel or an Airbnb, but these ratings might not always be so honest.

Speaking of honesty, it’s certainly the best policy if you’re in the United Kingdom. Pull any shady moves in England and you might find it hard to find forgiveness. According to one recent survey, while Americans are the most forgiving people in the world, Brits are the exact opposite. The poll of 8,000 adults across seven countries shows that folks in the UK hold tightly to grudges. In all, 42 percent of U.K. citizens in the survey say they would never trust a business or person again after being let down or wronged. So think before you speak when writing that real online review of yours.

All that said, if you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or something in between, we are here to help. London has a wide range of hotels to suit every taste and budget. We visited 10 “expert” websites to find the five best London hotels, looking for the most frequently recommended sites across the reviews. If you have suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

The List: Best Hotels In London, According To Travel Pros

1. The Connaught, Mayfair

Out of all the sites we reviewed, The Connaught was the most ranked and highly recommended hotel.

“Some places just have magic in their bones: the whiff of a vast Cire Trudon candle in the lobby; the gleam of 200-year-old oak banisters; or the hum from a perfectly low-lit bar, where a martini trolley is being wheeled from table to table. The Connaught is a place where the original lifts still creak elegantly, rain patters on the roof, and solid walls make it feel like, whatever troubles befall the world, all will be well within,” writes CN traveler.

And according to US News & World Report, “Travelers also enjoyed the superb service received throughout the hotel, citing the concierges, doormen and restaurant employees as attentive and courteous. Other high points include the Aman Spa’s pool and spa treatments, the afternoon tea offered daily at the Jean-Georges restaurant and the food served at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught – a two Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in farm-to-table French fare.”

Time Out adds, “Chef Hélène Darroze’s cuisine has won three AA Rosettes and two Michelin Stars, and the hotel’s modern wing houses a swanky spa and 60 square-metre swimming pool. But if that’s not enough? Jean-Georges Vongerichten has recently opened up Jean-Georges at The Connaught – further adding to the serious culinary appeal here. ”

Glamour Magazine calls The Connaught “a totally timeless classic. “For slick staff, classic British decor and Michelin-starred dining experiences, make a beeline for Mayfair’s The Connaught. Rooms are classic, despite having been given a 21st-Century touch-up just a little over a decade ago, with the four-poster beds a standout feature.”

2. The Savoy Hotel

“It’s really hard to describe a hotel like The Savoy with words and do it justice. The hotel is royal, everything inside it is expensive, and every detail is opulent. I wonder if the king himself has it this good,” writes The Tour Guy. “The location is also striking. You have views of London’s waterways, the London Eye, and many monuments. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of everything.”

Adds Earth Trekkers: “This world-famous hotel dates back to 1889. It sits on the River Thames and from here it’s just a short walk to Covent Garden and the British Museum. Have a drink in the famous American Bar and dine in Gordon Ramsey’s Savoy Grill”,

CN traveler says The Savoy is the most iconic there is in London. “Rumored to have been a favorite of Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich (who has a suite named after her), the Savoy was the first hotel in Britain to have elevators and electric lights, and it is still at the top of its game after an elegant refurbishment during London’s COVID-19 lockdown.”

And when it comes to feeling like celebrity, there may be no better place than here. “Where do we start? If you want to sleep on a mattress worth £40,000 or stay in rooms approved by Frank Sinatra, Edward VII and Judy Garland, then the Savoy is where you can dream easy,” says Luxury London. “As the first luxury hotel in Britain, the Savoy trades on tradition in both service and look. Immaculately turned-out staff have an ethos of ‘personal service naturally’ and the hotel was the first to establish its own school to train professionals.”

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy drinks. Santorini Dave also points to The Savoy. “The hotel’s bars are equally illustrious: the legendary American Bar is London’s oldest and renowned for its cocktails, while the Beaufort Bar is dominated by the icicle-like Lalique-style bar serving original creations. The Savoy is one of the best places in London to enjoy afternoon tea.”

3. The Ritz London

“When César Ritz created his legendary London hotel in 1906, his aim was to please and delight his guests,” writes The Telegraph. “More than a century later, the hotel remains at the top of its game with its attention to detail, impeccable service and surroundings that blend French sophistication with English comfort”.

Of course, Ritz hotels across the world are well-known for being among the most lavish and luxurious. There’s a reason celebrities and public figures have long opted for The Ritz no matter where they are, and that’s certainly the case in London. “Since opening in 1906, princes, politicians and Hollywood stars have all stayed at this five-star hotel on Piccadilly,” says The Times. Palatial suites and Louis XVI-style rooms come with antique furniture and opulent marble bathrooms. The Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, with glittering chandeliers, towering columns and tranquil views of Green Park celebrates the best of British produce. The intimate, gold jewel box-like Rivoli Bar is the spot for early evening cocktails, while the afternoon tea — an elegant affair which takes place in the Palm Court as the resident harpist or pianist plays — is legendary. ”

Adds Earth Trekkers: “Not only does the Ritz offer the highest in luxury when it comes to service and comfort, but you can also dine in The Ritz Restaurant, a Michelin-starred restaurant, or have afternoon tea at the Ritz”,

4. Shangri-La The Shard

Out of all the sites, The Times ranked Shangri-La The Shard as the best overall, pointing out the hotel’s incredible Asian cuisine “with a knockout view.” Their review adds: “Everyone should try and stay at Shangri-La The Shard at least once in their lifetime. Whizz up in the lift to level 34 of the Renzo Piano-designed Shard to this wow-factor hotel, which is spread across 18 floors. The biggest draw is the panoramic skyline views of the city – from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the rooms, which nod to Shangri-La’s Asian roots with decorative Chinoiserie touches; from the infinity pool that’s the highest in western Europe; and from the Gong bar where at night, lit-up London twinkles below.”

Luxury London says the hotel’s amenities are top notch, too. “Rooms and suites, meanwhile, offer contemporary, understatedly elegant interiors that highlight the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows,” the write. “The hotel also has a comprehensive health and wellness offering, including its draw-dropping 52nd floor Skypool, which caused quite the stir when the hotel opened. You’ve never had a workout quite like it”,

Glamour Magazine adds: “Occupying levels 34-52, the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London offers 5-star luxury and breathtaking views of the capital and beyond. It features an exquisite restaurant and serves cocktails until late at the highest bar in London. Each uniquely designed guest room has floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views of the city, and maintains the theme of Oriental elegance found throughout the hotel.”-

5. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

“The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of the most beautiful man-made buildings on the face of the Earth, especially at night when it’s lit up. The building has a victorian design with bold colors that simply look amazing day or night,” writes The Tour Guy. “Inside, you’ll find contemporary and updated finishes throughout the building, which is in line with the Mandarin Oriental’s international design theme. Rooms are spacious with unique and beautiful bathrooms sure to shock and amaze.”

“Rooms and suites are decked out in custom-made furnishings inspired by art deco style and the flora of Hyde Park, just steps away. The hotel sits in Knightsbridge on the south side of Hyde Park, within a 5 minutes walk of desinger shopping and a 15-minute walk of the Victoria and Albert Museum,” adds Santorini Dave.

Glamour Magazine says at least one night in the Mandarin Oriental is a bucket list item. “Famed for the fact that The Queen learned to dance in the ballroom of this property – but now best known for its Hyde Park views, state-of-the-art spa and Daniel Boulud and Heston Blumenthal-run restaurants – everyone should enjoy a stay at The Mandarian Oriental at least once in their lives. It was refurbished back in June 2018, re-opened in April 2019 and has been welcoming guests into its spacious-yet-cosy rooms every day since. This place never gets old.”

Best Hotels In London: Top Places To Stay When Visiting England’s Capital