Steeped in history yet no stranger to innovation, London is one of the finest capitals in the world. Whether it’s your first visit or your one hundredth, there will always be something new to discover. The city celebrates its multiculturalism, with some 270 nationalities living here speaking more than 300 languages. And it is said that every cuisine from around the world can be found here and if it isn’t true, it can’t be far off. In London, you will never run out of exciting things to do, stunning places to visit and the finest food to try. And in the heart of the city, you will find the most luxurious hotels offering the best in English tradition, opulence and refinement. Here’s our independent guide to the best luxury hotels in central London.

The best luxury hotels in central London

From west to east…

1. Egerton House Hotel, Knightsbridge

2. The Beaumont, Mayfair

3. Claridge’s, Mayfair

4. The Goring, Westminster

5. Hotel 41, Westminster

6.Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, Westminster

7. Covent Garden Hotel, Covent Garden

8. Haymarket Hotel, St James’s

9. Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall

10. Shangri-La Hotel, at the Shard, Southwark

Map of the best luxury hotels in London

Egerton House Hotel, Knightsbridge

One of our top choices for wine lovers, Egerton House Hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge has just 28 rooms in total (23 bedrooms, four suites and one master suite) and is just moments away from the shopping delights of Harrods and the outstanding Victoria and Albert Museum.

This charming townhouse hotel was voted Voted No. 1 Luxury Hotel in Europe in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2018.

Check reviews, prices and availability, Egerton House Hotel.

 

Egerton House Hotel

Voted No. 1 Luxury Hotel in Europe in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2018.

The Beaumont

Classic, traditional elegance reminiscent of a bygone age.

The Beaumont, Mayfair
EDITOR’S CHOICE

Stepping into The Beaumont, is like stepping back in time to a more refined and elegant era. Each of the 73 rooms and suites has been beautifully furnished with great attention paid to every detail. The Beaumont is top of our list of the best luxury hotels in central London and a great choice if you are after a hotel with an excellent spa.

Set in a quiet garden square, near Selfridges, The Beaumont is in an excellent location just a few minutes’ walk from Hyde Park, Grosvenor Square and Bond Street.

Check reviews, prices and availability, The Beaumont.

Claridge’s, Mayfair

This art deco icon in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s has been delivering impeccable service in a glamorous setting since the 1850s.

Today they seamlessly blend modern innovation with the traditions of the past, always with one goal in mind, to ensure your visit is an experience you will never forget.

Check current prices and availability, Claridge’s.

 

Claridge's

Impeccable service in a luxurious 5 star setting

The Goring

London’s last remaining family-owned luxury hotel. A grand hotel with impeccable manners.

The Goring, Westminster

Having remained in the loving hands of the same family for over a century, The Goring is the genuine article, a grand utterly English treasure with a dash of the eccentric. Each of the 69 rooms is beautifully appointed, elegantly decorated in soft pastel shades.

With an exceptional Michelin starred restaurant, The Goring is particularly well known for its exquisite cuisine.

Check reviews, prices and availability, The Goring.

 

Hotel 41, Westminster
EDITOR’S CHOICE

Voted the number one hotel in the UK on TripAdvisor, and with a prestigious Forbes Five Star Rating, 41 is a fabulous chic hotel overlooking the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. Each of the 30 rooms and suites has been individually designed and decorated in a stylish black and white theme which is found throughout the hotel.

Be sure to stop by the hotel’s famous Executive Lounge where guests are invited to ‘plunder the pantry’. Without doubt, this is one of hte best luxury hotels in central London.

Check reviews, prices and availability, 41 Hotel.

Hotel 41

 “Trip Advisor’s No.1 hotel in the whole of the UK”

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate

 “Located between the citadels of British monarchy, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Cathedral.”

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, Westminster

Offering personalised service in the most refined of settings, this exclusive hotel is spread across three elegant heritage townhouses, Kings, Minsters and Falconers, with a total of 85 rooms and suites.

Another fine choice for connoisseurs of fine food, Taj 51 offers an exciting range of restaurants. For Western European cuisine head for Kona or Bistro, for South Indian delights try Michelin-starred restaurant Quilon, while the Bombay Brasserie offers the best Bombay and Indian cuisine.

Check reviews, prices and availability, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate.

Haymarket Hotel, St James’s

This colourful and elegant hotel with just 50 rooms and suites, is within easy reach of London’s theatre district and is also ideally located for Mayfair, Regent Street and Jermyn Street shopping, not to mention Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.

The hotel’s spacious restaurant, Brumus serves fresh, seasonal cuisine and fabulous cocktails, as well as a sumptuous Afternoon Tea.

Check reviews, prices and availability, Haymarket Hotel.

Haymarket Hotel

In the heart of London’s theatre district, next door to the famous Haymarket Theatre Royal.

Covent Garden

All rooms are designed by Kit Kemp in her modern take on English style with a refreshing yet subtle quirkiness.

Covent Garden Hotel, Covent Garden

In the heart of the Covent Garden district at the centre of London’s theatre scene, this discerning boutique hotel with just 58 exquisitely furnished rooms has some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, nightlife and shopping right on its doorstep.

The hotel’s Brasserie Max is open all day serving fresh, seasonal produce and has an excellent and extensive wine list.

Check reviews, prices and availability, Covent Garden Hotel.

 

Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall

Overlooking Whitehall Palace this elegant hotel is a great choice for the discerning traveller and is conveniently located on the banks of the Thames just a short walk from Embankment, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Trafalgar and Soho. One of our favourite features is the fabulous spa offering everything you would expect from a world-class spa including a lounge serving healthy food and drinks.

Service is excellent without being intrusive. The 283 bedrooms include 51 suites and 7 stunning penthouses. A superb hotel that never fails to impress.

Check reviews, prices and availability, Corinthia Hotel London.

Corinthia Hotel London

Elegant bedrooms offering a spacious retreat away from the whirlwind of the city.

Our Expert’s Opinion

“It’s always a treat to stay at the beautifully opulent Corinthia Hotel London. From the moment you step inside you’ll appreciate the luxurious surroundings, stylish and spacious public rooms and discreetly superb service.

Although the Corinthia Hotel London is an historic hotel the renovations bring a contemporary edge. A soft colour palette of muted greys, lilacs and creams interspersed with pieces of modern art add to the feel of modern luxury throughout. The hotel is buzzy and lively but also exudes an air of calm. You’ll find exquisite dining in a choice of two restaurants, live music in The Bassoon Bar, ESPA’s flagship spa for total indulgence and an indoor pool.”

Read Suzanne’s full review Corinthia Hotel London.

Suzanne Jones

The Travel Bunny

Shangri La Hotel at the Shard

With some of the most magnificent views in London, relax at the highest hotel in the city.

Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard, London

Escape the city with a stay at the capital’s highest hotel (with the highest infinity pool). All 202 stunning rooms and suites plus 4 restaurants and bars are on levels 34 to 52 of The Shard. The Shangri-la is another strong contender as one of the best luxury hotels in central London.

In the heart of the city, bustling Borough Market is on your doorstep while Tate Modern and the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral are both within easy reach.

Check reviews, prices and availability, Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard London.

Our Expert’s Opinion

The Shangri-La is synonymous with luxury hotels in Asia. Their first ever hotel in the UK, at The Shard in London, is a stunning translation of that expertise. This luxury hotel is absolutely beautiful but the real wow factor is in the views.

The location is the 34th to the 52nd floors of Renzo Piano’s The Shard building. The hotel has maximized the view in every possible way. Enjoy a cocktail at the Gong Bar on the 52nd floor – the highest cocktail bar in Western Europe. Or how about a plunge in the infinity pool on the same floor?

After you have enjoyed all of this relax in your plush bathrobe and then experience a sound night’s sleep in your 300 thread count Frette linen sheets.”

Amanda O'Brien

The Boutique Adventurer

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