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The 15 Best Hotels in London

You’ll love these T+L award-winning hotels and editor-loved properties.

Exterior of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London
Photo:

Mandarin Oriental

When I first started visiting London on a regular basis, sleeping arrangements consisted of friends’ sofas and shared beds. 12 years later, with a decade of travel writing under my belt, my trips across the pond are now usually bookended by overnight stays in some of the most reputable hotels in Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Covent Garden, and beyond.

Given my profession and familiarity with the city, I’m often asked for recommendations about where to stay. While the exact answer will change based on the desired budget and neighborhood, I’ve found that the best hotels fall into one of two categories: they’re either London institutions, like The Savoy or Claridge’s, or they’re newer properties using innovative design and a more modern approach for a different but equally as enjoyable experience.

No matter how long they’ve been around, the city’s top-tier hotels rarely rely on reputation alone to keep them on “best of” lists. Instead, they’re constantly innovating, renovating, and striving to achieve an inimitable level of perfection — one that will allow them to compete with the other award-winning hotels in their bracket. We’ve rounded up this list of the best of the best based on a combination of our firsthand experience at editor-loved properties and past and present winners of T+L’s World’s Best and It List awards. Read on to discover the best hotels in London of 2024.

The Savoy

A shell pink guest room at The Savoy London hotel

The Savoy

What We Like
  • The Savoy’s location on the River Thames grants guests unbeatable views of the London Eye and the passing water traffic.

What to Consider
  • The fitness facilities feel a bit cramped when more than three or four guests are using them.

There are London hotels — and then there are British icons. Admittedly, I wasn’t the most familiar with The Savoy’s history and prestige before my stay in January 2024, but the service, attention to detail, and river views won me over within minutes of stepping foot inside. While it’s certainly a stalwart character in the city’s hotel scene, The Savoy — which received high marks in the 2023 World’s Best Awards — still feels relevant and exciting. It has a compelling identity that stems, in part, from the addition of Gordon Ramsay’s on-site restaurant, the Savoy Grill; partnerships with Gucci; and unexpectedly modern amenities, like an indoor pool and Dyson hair dryers.

The larger hotel story, though, wouldn’t be complete without noting The American Bar (the “longest surviving cocktail bar in London”) and the famous Red Lift. After I checked in, the bellman took me to my fourth-floor room via this little slice of history, otherwise known as London's first electric elevator.

The Details: 

  • Neighborhood: Northbank of the Thames; equidistant from the City of London, Knightsbridge, and Mayfair
  • Distance from Airport: 16 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden Market, St. James’s Park
  • Accessibility: The hotel has six fully accessible rooms, and the restaurants and bars are wheelchair accessible. Elevators are also located in the Front Hall and in each of the hotel’s wings (West and East); the Thames Foyer, Beaufort Bar, and The River Restaurant can also be accessed via elevator.
  • Rates: From $737 per night
  • Parking: Valet parking, £60.00 (around $75) per day

Brown’s Hotel

The great hall of the Brown's Hotel, London

Brown's Hotel

What We Like
  • Even with its storied history and luxury accommodations, there’s still a welcome sense of informality within the common spaces; guests can even bring their dogs.

What to Consider
  • For a true luxury experience, you’ll need to upgrade to one of the suites.

The title of London’s oldest hotel typically goes to Brown’s Hotel, a distinguished member of the Rocco Forte hospitality group with roots dating back to 1832. Tucked away on Albemarle Street, just off bustling Piccadilly, it’s a type of property that takes you by surprise — in the best way possible. It almost feels like a secret club, one you can access with a room card or a reservation for dinner at Charlie’s, a table at Donovan Bar, or afternoon tea in The Drawing Room.

One of the hotel’s features that immediately won me over was the lobby; sophisticated, yes, but also warm, charming, and ever-so-photogenic (thanks to Olga Polizzi’s creative lead and hand-painted wisteria wallpaper). During your stay, you’ll probably hear whispers of the hotel’s association with larger-than-life names; past guests include literary figures like Stephen King, Mark Twain, Agatha Christie, and Rudyard Kipling. It’s this sense of wonder — and five-star features like a spa, 24-hour in-room dining, and a fitness room — that earned Brown’s Hotel a spot in the 2021 and 2023 World’s Best Awards.

The Details: 

  • Neighborhood: Mayfair
  • Distance from Airport: 15 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus
  • Accessibility: The hotel can accommodate travelers with disabilities via a portable ramp at the entrance, wheelchair-height tables, and elevators; there are also two guest rooms with fully accessible bathrooms. It’s important to note, however, that there’s a 6-inch step into the property and steps to the check-in area.
  • Rates: From $829 per night
  • Parking: Valet parking, £50 per day (around $63)

“Tucked into London's buzzy Mayfair neighborhood steps from some of the city's best shopping, Brown's Hotel is an iconic property with a long and storied history. I loved how close the hotel was to many of London's top tourist attractions while still feeling discreet and intimate.”

– Elizabeth Rhodes, Special Projects Editor

Shangri-La The Shard

VIew of London from the pool at the Shangri-La The Shard hotel

Shangri-La the Shard, London

What We Like
  • It’s home to London's highest hotel infinity pool.

What to Consider
  • Travelers who are averse to heights may not enjoy the panoramic views.

If you’re searching for an elevated (in every sense of the word) London experience, there’s only one hotel to book: Shangri-La The Shard. Taking home honors in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 World’s Best Awards, the 202-room hotel is known for its location within The Shard — the pyramid-shaped, 72-story building on the Thames — but I found that its impressive address is only the beginning of a thoroughly unforgettable stay.

The hotel itself starts on the 34th floor, occupying 18 total floors, and guests have access to four separate dining destinations: TĪNG, GŎNG Bar, BAR 31, and the Sky Lounge. While you may not want to leave your well-appointed guest room with its floor-to-ceiling windows and heated bathroom floors, you’d be remiss not to experience my favorite part of the hotel: the Infinity Sky Pool (just be sure to book your time slot in advance).

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Southwark
  • Distance from Airport: 19 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Tate Modern, Borough Market, St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Accessibility: The property notes its facilities have “accessible access,” and past guests share that it’s extremely wheelchair-friendly.
  • Rates: From $625 per night
  • Parking: Valet parking is available for £55 per day (around $70)

Claridge’s

Sitting area in a guest room at the Claridge's Hotel

Claridge's

What We Like
  • For a particularly glamorous weekend, book a treatment at the spa; designed by André Fu, the restorative space is inspired by Japanese temples and Kyoto’s Zen gardens.

What to Consider
  • You’ll have to pay a pretty penny to experience this level of luxury.

Claridge’s is synonymous with glamor and an unwavering commitment to hotel excellence, as I can attest following a visit to the London property in late 2021. While the five-star hotel recently appeared in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 World’s Best Awards, it’s been welcoming guests since 1856. Over the years, famous names like Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Bing Crosby, Jackie Onassis, and Diane von Furstenberg have spent time within its walls.

The fluttering Union Jack flags are the first sign you’ve arrived at the destination — in case you don’t recognize the building's iconic Art Deco architecture — and from there, you’ll repeatedly be impressed (perhaps even blown away) by the design and amenities. Sipping a cocktail or two in Claridge’s Bar, The Fumoir, or The Painter's Room is the perfect way to celebrate your London trip, and the traditional afternoon tea in The Foyer & Reading Room, complete with sweet and savory British delicacies, is certainly one of the property’s most famous highlights.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Mayfair
  • Distance from Airport: 15 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Oxford Circus, Green Park, Hyde Park
  • Accessibility: The property notes it is “fully accessible for guests with disabilities,” but travelers with specific questions are welcome to reach out to the team before their stay.
  • Rates: From $938 per night
  • Parking: Available at the neighboring Parkbee Care Park

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Terrace of the Four Seasons London Park Lane hotel

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

What We Like
  • Sit down to a Michelin-starred meal from Chef Yannick Alléno at Pavyllon London.

What to Consider
  • It doesn’t have as extensive of a history as hotels like Claridge’s and The Savoy.

Like any Four Seasons property, the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is defined by a certain level of splendor. Featured in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 World’s Best Awards, the 196-room, dog-friendly Mayfair hotel boasts all of the bells and whistles — including a Bentley house car (which offers complimentary service within a two-mile radius), a rooftop Forbes Five-Star spa, an in-house florist, and an extra-large dose of British charm.

Given its prestigious Park Lane address, you can also expect the rooms and amenities to bat well above average. Take the 42 bespoke suites, for example; this room level comes with a fireplace, terrace, and incredible London views. When it’s mealtime, pop into Pavyllon London or request in-room dining; and if you want to get some early morning steps in, choose between neighboring Hyde Park or Green Park.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Mayfair
  • Distance from Airport: 15 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Hyde Park, Wellington Arch, Buckingham Palace
  • Accessibility: The hotel offers wheelchair-equipped rooms as well as flashlights and visually-impaired and hearing-impaired kits upon request.
  • Rates: From $918 per night
  • Parking: Valet parking, available for £55 per day (around $70)

Kimpton Fitzroy London

Exterior of the Kimpton Fitzroy London hotel

Kimpton Fitzroy London

What We Like
  • Its nightly rates are on the more affordable end of the luxury hotel spectrum.

What to Consider
  • Standard guest rooms tend to run small.

Like many aspects of “The Big Smoke,” the Kimpton Fitzroy London (featured in the 2022 and 2023 World’s Best Awards) keeps one foot planted in the past and the other facing ahead, embracing modern amenities and luxury touches.

Upon arrival — or even just passing by the Russell Square hotel — you’re immediately drawn to the detailed, terracotta facade guarded by four British queens. The interiors are equally impressive, combining some of the building’s original details with modern design direction from Tara Bernerd & Partners and Russell Sage Studio. On top of 334 guest rooms, there are four drinking and dining spots, including Fitz’s, a glamorous cocktail bar named after the original architect of Kimpton Fitzroy London, Charles Fitzroy Doll. And if you have to send a few emails? Head to the on-site coffee shop, Burr & Co, where you’ll find an assortment of caffeinated drinks, baked goods, and strong Wifi.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Bloomsbury
  • Distance from Airport: 17 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Kings Cross, Charles Dickens Museum, The British Library
  • Accessibility: The hotel notes that it accommodates all disabilities; rooms, restrooms, showers, baths, restaurants, an exercise facility, and public spaces are all accessible. Communication features, closed captioning, and decoders are also available.
  • Rates: From $277 per night
  • Parking: No on-site parking; guests are directed to car parks by Bloomsbury Square and Brunswick Square.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

The lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel

Mandarin Oriental

What We Like
  • Its location puts you within walking distance of some of the top tourist attractions and Royal Family residences — including Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.

What to Consider
  • It's located in a relatively busy area of London.

If you’re seeking glitz and glamor, look no further than the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, a five-star hotel that earned top-ranking spots in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 World’s Best Awards. The Knightsbridge property stacks up nicely among its competition, with 168 rooms, 25 suites, a spa, bar, indoor swimming pool, three restaurants, and one cocktail bar.

Its stellar location, however, is what really sets it apart — especially for those travelers who want to take advantage of London’s world-class shopping. Directly outside the hotel, you’ll find the Knightsbridge underground station, allowing for easy access to the Piccadilly line, and iconic stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols can be reached on foot. And if you’re fighting a bout of jet lag? Book a treatment at the spa, where you can also enjoy the steam room, sauna, and vitality pool.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Knightsbridge
  • Distance from Airport: 13 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Harrods, Sloane Street, Hyde Park
  • Accessibility: The hotel has accessible rooms with roll-in showers; the property’s restaurants are also wheelchair-accessible.
  • Rates: From $938 per night
  • Wi-Fi: £15 per day (around $19)
  • Parking: Valet parking to a secure neighboring car park; may cost an undisclosed fee (although the hotel offers some rates with parking included)

Rosewood London

A black and white hotel guest room in London

Rosewood

What We Like
  • Rosewood London's Art Afternoon Tea service is a unique spin on the traditional, quintessentially British meal.

What to Consider
  • The property doesn’t display its accessibility features on the website; to request specific services and/or confirm room functionality, you’ll need to call ahead.

Housed inside a Grade II-listed building dating back to the early 1900s, Rosewood London is an art-filled sanctuary accented by bright, bold contemporary design. Its convenient location — not too far from Covent Garden — is part of the reason it made the World’s Best Awards list in 2021, 2022, and 2023, but the food and beverage program is equally appreciated by guests.

Cocktails in the legendary Scarfes Bar are a must, as is an elevated British meal in the Holborn Dining Room, a grab-and-go pie from The Pie Room, and the creative Art Afternoon Tea service. As far as rooms go, most guests are pleasantly surprised by the modern touches (like 24-hour in-room dining, 55-inch LED televisions, and Votary toiletries).

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Holborn
  • Distance from Airport: 16 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Covent Garden Market, Royal Opera House, The British Museum
  • Accessibility: While not viewable on the website, there are accessible King Executive Rooms with roll-in showers.
  • Rates: From $626 per night
  • Parking: Valet parking, £50 per day (around $63)

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel

The view of the train station from the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London

Marriott International

Also available to book at Expedia.com

What We Like
  • Given its easy access to St. Pancras, King’s Cross, and Euston stations, it’s the perfect base camp for exploring London.

What to Consider
  • This hotel may be better suited to those passing through London on a stopover rather than those on a longer stay, as it’s located directly next to the train station (convenient for travelers hopping aboard the Eurostar).

The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel impressed T+L readers so much that it earned a spot in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. The Gothic Revival-style building may be a Marriott-owned property these days, but when it originally opened in 1873, it was known as the Midland Grand Hotel.

In 2011, the hotel completed an extensive renovation, and rooms are now divided into two categories: the pricier historic suites in the Chambers Wing and the more affordable contemporary “signature suites” in the Barlow Wing. No matter which side of the hotel you choose to book, you’ll be able to access the spa, fitness center, and indoor pool.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: St. Pancras / Camden
  • Distance from Airport: 17 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: The British Library, The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾, UCL Art Museum
  • Accessibility: The resort has a wide range of accessibility features, including accessible on-site parking, elevators, and accessible entrances to the pool, fitness center, spa, main lobby, meeting spaces, restaurants, and the rooms and suites. Guests can request rooms with self-closing doors, bathtub seats and grab rails, accessible vanities, adjustable height hand-held shower wands, and more.
  • Rates: From $418 per night
  • Parking: On-site parking, £20 per hour (around $25), or £80 per day (around $100)

The Connaught

Exterior and entrance to The Connaught Hotel in London

The Connaught Hotel

What We Like
  • It’s home to the first Aman spa outside of an Aman property.

What to Consider
  • Nightly rates are relatively steep.

Enjoying an extra-cold drink from the Martini Trolley at the Connaught Bar is a given when you’re staying at one of the nicest hotels in London, but The Connaught goes above and beyond amazing cocktails alone. The frequent World’s Best Award recipient — most recently in 2021, 2022, and 2023 — refuses to compromise on the details (both the big and small), including dependable service and a dedication to delivering a five-star experience. The result is a must-visit destination in one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

From the Aman Spa outfitted with a black granite swimming pool to a restaurant from famed French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, every inch of the Mayfair hotel exudes excellence.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Mayfair
  • Distance from Airport: 15 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Hyde Park, Grosvenor Square, Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens
  • Accessibility: The Connaught notes that while it’s fully accessible for guests with disabilities, visitors are encouraged to contact the property ahead of a visit to request specific features. Two of the suites, The Adams Suite and the Contemporary Studio, can also be made into accessible rooms upon request.
  • Rates: From $881 per night
  • Parking: Self-parking; the hotel shares that metered parking is available on Mount Street and Berkeley Square, and there’s a Q-Park on Park Lane.

The Goring

A guest room at the Goring hotel

The Goring

What We Like
  • The Goring is a favorite among the Royal Family; it even has a Royal Warrant for “hospitality services.”

What to Consider
  • The atmosphere can be a bit intimidating.

Ask any travel editor about the best hotels in London, and you can guarantee The Goring — a World’s Best Awards favorite in 2021, 2022, and 2023 — will be one of the first names out of their mouth. The family-owned hotel is British hospitality at its finest, hence the Royal Warrant, and there’s an element of authenticity throughout the six-floor property. In fact, each of the 69 rooms and suites is individually decorated by a British designer.

When you’re feeling peckish, the award-winning Afternoon Tea should do the trick — or wait to enjoy dinner in the Michelin-starred Dining Room. To round out your experience, meander over to neighboring Buckingham Palace, or bring your current read out into the private gardens.

The Details: 

  • Neighborhood: Belgravia
  • Distance from Airport: 15 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Westminster Cathedral, St. James’s Park, Big Ben
  • Accessibility: Guests have access to ground floor rooms with shower chairs and accessible baths. Guide dogs are also welcome.
  • Rates: From $627 per night
  • Parking: Valet parking, £60 per night (around $75)

The Lanesborough

Ornate living room at the Lanesborough Hotel in London

Oetker Collection

What We Like
  • The dedicated butler service ensures every guest’s needs are met.

What to Consider
  • Its interiors feature more of an old-world style than modern luxury.

When venturing across the pond, some travelers want a more traditional feel — and that’s what you get at The Lanesborough, a five-star property featured in the World’s Best Awards for the last three years. Here, no two guest experiences are the same; each of the 93 rooms and suites is uniquely designed to provide visitors with their own royal treatment.

The common areas, including the restaurants and bars, are just as special. For a pre-dinner cocktail, pull up a seat at the elegant Library Bar — or, if it’s an earlier hour, sip a coffee in the Withdrawing Room. At The Lanesborough Grill, you’ll find a menu focused on regional cuisine, and the year-round Garden Room offers beverages, light dishes, and a collection of Cuban cigars.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Knightsbridge
  • Distance from Airport: 15 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Hyde Park Rose Garden, Harrods, The Queen's Gallery
  • Accessibility: The hotel has several accessible guest rooms with features like adjustable shower heads, wheel-in shower cubicles, grab rails, and raised toilets. The ground floor also has an accessible bathroom.
  • Rates: From $944 per night
  • Parking: Valet parking, £75 overnight/up to 24 hours (around $95)

The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel

Exterior of the Cadogan Hotel in London

Belmond

What We Like
  • With only 54 rooms, it’s an intimate five-star experience.

What to Consider
  • It’s located in a quieter part of Knightsbridge; if you want around-the-clock hustle and bustle, consider another hotel.

The Cadogan made the T+L It List in 2022, a recognition that was soon followed by a place on the 2022 World’s Best Awards. As a member of the Belmond family, you can expect every corner of the property — down to the smallest of details — to be considered and expertly crafted. Given its smaller size, The Cadogan feels more akin to a stay at a close friend’s roomy abode; there’s a cozy fireplace, a terrace for dining, and your reservation includes exclusive access to the neighboring Cadogan Gardens (similar to New York City’s Gramercy Park).

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Knightsbridge
  • Distance from Airport: 14 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Chelsea Flower Show, Duke of York Square, Saatchi Gallery
  • Accessibility: The hotel has wheelchair access and some facilities for disabled guests; it’s recommended to call ahead if you have specific questions or requests.
  • Rates: From $708 per night
  • Parking: Valet parking, £60 per night (around $75)

The Twenty Two

Red and blue hotel guest room interior

The Twenty Two

What We Like
  • It has a unique, hip style that lends it a sort of “private club” feel.

What to Consider
  • There’s no on-site gym, but guests get complimentary use of nearby facilities.

Billed as a “hideaway for the creative at heart,” The Twenty Two opened in 2022 and soon topped the 2023 It List. The grade II-listed Edwardian manor now houses 31 rooms and suites, including a penthouse designed in the style of Christian Dior's private living space.

Given its relative newness and under-the-radar location, it still feels like a secret among those “in the know.” But once you experience its amenities — like the lounge with a balcony overlooking Grosvenor Square and the newspaper offering at breakfast — it’s hard not to tell everyone you know about this little slice of Mayfair luxury.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Mayfair
  • Distance from Airport: 15 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: The Wallace Collection, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus
  • Accessibility: There are a few accessible rooms available, but it’s also a smaller, older building; guests are encouraged to call ahead with specific inquiries or requirements.
  • Rates: From $550 per night
  • Parking: Self-parking; the hotel suggests Q-Park - Marble Arch (a 12-minute walk from the property.

The Milestone Hotel

Blue and cream guest room at The Milestone hotel in London

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

What We Like
  • The themed suites add a bit of whimsy to your trip.

What to Consider
  • Some of the decor may come off as stuffy or too over-the-top for some tastes.

I made my way to The Milestone Hotel amid London’s infamous 2022 heatwave. While I was excited about the location — I hadn’t spent a lot of time exploring Kensington Gardens — I was mostly looking forward to its air conditioning. What I experienced, alongside the much-appreciated cooler temperatures, was a hotel with character, unexpected amenities, and a cocktail bar I continue to look back on fondly.

The well-equipped fitness center, spa, and indoor pool are always a plus at any hotel, but the equestrian-themed Stables Bar is one of the most memorable features (note the wooden paneling, green leather banquettes, and sporting art donning the walls). T+L readers also found The Milestone Hotel deserving of a few awards; it landed on the World’s Best Awards list in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Kensington
  • Distance from Airport: 13.5 miles from LHR
  • Nearby Attractions: Kensington Palace, Queen Victoria Statue, the Design Museum
  • Accessibility: There is only one accessible ground-floor guest room; it comes with wider door frames, a shower and toilet with grab rails, and no carpeting. There are eight steps to the main entrance, although a ramp to the side entrance is available. The hotel also has accessible elevators, large font menus, and disabled parking arrangements.
  • Rates: From $415 per night
  • Parking: Valet service or self-parking at nearby National Car Parks; any charges can be added to the final bill.

“This is a hotel for maximalists. Every room has different decor, but they are all over the top in the best way. Think patterned wallpaper, colorful velvet chairs, and jewel tone comforters. My room had a decadent red velvet theme. The location of the hotel could not be better, with Kensington Palace and Hyde Park just steps away.”


–Hannah Freedman, Associate Director, Growth & Content Strategy

Know Before You Go

Tipping isn’t always required

Unlike in the United States, tipping isn’t a requirement in London (and in much of Europe). If you experience truly outstanding service, however, you’re welcome to leave between 10 to 15 percent of your bill — a gesture that’s always appreciated. It’s also helpful to carry a bit of cash, so you’re able to tip a couple of pounds to bellhops or doormen who help with your luggage or getting a car.

Remember that they drive on the left-hand side of the road

Even if you’re not renting a car during your travels, it’s still important to understand the traffic patterns and directions. In London, for instance, you’ll need to be particularly cognizant when crossing the street. Luckily, many of the busier crosswalks include signs that remind you to “look left” or “look right.”

Don’t forget your umbrella

London is notorious for its rainy weather. Downpours can happen at any moment, at any time of year, so it’s best to come prepared. A bulky raincoat may be unnecessary, but you’ll benefit from tucking a travel-sized umbrella into your jacket or bag. You’ll also want to make sure your shoes can handle a bit of moisture, especially if you’re exploring on foot.

Have a basic understanding of London’s different neighborhoods

London is a large city, with 32 total boroughs; each borough is then further broken down into different neighborhoods. If you want a hotel with a more central location, consider a property in Soho, Covent Garden, Mayfair, Marylebone, Westminster, Southwark, or the City of London. The further you choose to stay outside of Central London, the more time you may spend on the bus or tube. It’s also important to note that you’ll hear people refer to areas based on their location to the Thames — either north or south of the river.

How We Chose These Hotels

Lydia Mansel is a travel journalist who has spent the last 12 years traveling to and from the United Kingdom. She has spent a significant amount of time in London, specifically — even living there for several months in 2021. Her trips frequently include hotel stays, and she has personally experienced a number of the featured properties.

In addition to her on-the-ground familiarity, she thoroughly researched each hotel's location, unique amenities, dining options, overall atmosphere, and past guest reviews; T+L editors also contributed their own recommendations and vouched for each property on the list. Each hotel aligns with our core T+L Hotel Values and has appeared in the T+L World’s Best Awards, sometimes multiple times, or on the highly coveted It List.

Edited by
Sophie Mendel
Editor Sophie Mendel at a restaurant
Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.

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