London is known for its bustling streets, fashion and history. The hotel scene is one of the best in the world with new openings and old favourites that keep tourists returning year after year, transforming what was always a traditional range of stays into the most imaginative and exciting ones on the planet.
Some of the best hotels in London are ones you might not have even heard of, but that give places with prestigious reputations a run for their money. From old Georgian buildings to skyscrapers and renovated pubs, London hotels are a step above the rest and staying in one will only make you want to give them all a try.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, a week or even longer, The Big Smoke has a lot to offer in terms of what to do. With theatre shows, operas, romantic restaurants, museums and – of course – the iconic stores (Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty and more), it’s safe to say you’ll be kept busy when to travel to the capital. You’ll want somewhere nice to return to after wearing yourself out exploring what the city has to offer.
As with any world-class city, there’s no shortage of five-star stays in London. In fact, there are over 300 of them on Booking.com alone. With that, though, comes a lot of decision making and choices to narrow down. There’s an awful lot of reviews to read alongside galleries and information packages to look through when booking a place to stay, so it’s just as well that we’ve narrowed it down to the 17 best hotels in London and done all that (less exciting) stuff for you.
For something steeped in history, book a stay at Claridges. The hotel began in 1856 and is one of the capital’s most renowned to this day. Spacious, luxurious, and sumptuously furnished with nods to the 1930s, each room at Claridge’s boasts a luxury marble bathroom and peaceful views of the courtyard.
Looking for a new hotel? The NoMad London opened its doors in May 2021 and is the company’s fourth and latest addition after its success in New York and places along the West Coast. It’s set inside the former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station in Covent Garden, a historic building located across the street from the Royal Opera House, and its interiors pay homage to English heritage while exploring the intersection of New York and London’s art scenes.
Save when you book the best hotels in London with these Booking.com discount codes.
If you’re seeking more travel content, then take a look at the best hotels in the UK as well as Airbnbs in the Cotswolds or Wales, girls weekend away ideas, and holiday cottages with hot tubs.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Associate Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.