These properties offer something for every type of traveller.
Did you know that, according to some estimates, there are 1,124 hotels and 110 hotel chains in London? The city’s hospitality scene is an embarrassment of riches, and choosing just one is no small feat — regardless of whether you’re looking to save or splurge. But what if you booked a stay at the property that somehow spoke to you? We scoured the offerings, shortlisting 18 London hotels that know exactly who their guests are and how to appeal to them.
1 Hotel Mayfair
Perfect for the: nature lover
London’s green spaces are part of its appeal, and 1 Hotel Mayfair continues that connection to nature indoors. Located on Berkeley Street, steps from Green Park, the property incorporates living walls and around 1,300 plants, shrubs and trees into its surroundings. Its environmental approach extends to practical details, including filtered water taps in every room, rainwater irrigation and lighting systems that respond to occupancy. Rooms offer a soothing retreat from the neighbourhood’s busy streets, while Bamford Wellness Spa provides another reason to slow down. Dining at Dovetale and drinks at Dover Yard keep evenings close to home, although the nearby Royal Parks remain an invitation to venture outside.
Where: 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8DL
Contact: www.1hotels.com
Artist Residence
Perfect for the: aesthete
Located in the prim and proper Pimlico, yet brimming with youthful energy due to the cool, quirky artwork hosted within, Artist Residence stays true to its name. Owned and run by hoteliers Justin and Charlotte Salisbury, its story dates back to 2006, when Justin had to leave university in order to help out with his family’s B&B in Brighton after his mother had an accident. Inspired by the local arts scene, he placed an ad inviting artists to decorate rooms in exchange for accommodation. Hundreds responded, and that’s how the concept was born and named. Today, each of the ten rooms at Artist Residence is playfully decorated with unique works of contemporary art, but the likes of plush beds, powerful rain showers, and tempting minibar offerings are a given throughout.
Where: Artist Residence, 52 Cambridge Street, Pimlico, London, SW1V 4QQ
Contact: www.artistresidence.co.uk
Claridge’s
Perfect for the: glamour devotee
The Mayfair institution balances its celebrated Art Deco identity with rooms and suites that range from Victorian grandeur to contemporary design, allowing guests to choose their own interpretation of London luxury. Tea in The Foyer & Reading Room remains a defining ritual, with carefully prepared pastries and the hotel’s own seasonal tea blend encouraging an unhurried afternoon. There’s a quieter side, too, in the subterranean spa designed by André Fu, whose Asian influences offer a change of pace from the hotel above.
Where: Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR
Contact: www.claridges.co.uk
Henrietta Hotel
Perfect for the: design buff
It may reside in the heart of Covent Garden, but Henrietta Hotel feels like a secret that few are privy to. The boutique hotel comprises two adjacent Victorian townhouses on the quiet Henrietta Street, where painter Samuel Scott, actress Kitty Clive, and novelist Jane Austen were once residents. The hotel’s décor is instantly appealing, drawing inspiration from both the 1970s and its British architectural heritage. Renowned interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon is the talent behind it, and her genius is evident in everything from the handmade Art Deco headboards that mix mirror with fabric to the brass bedside lights, retro armchairs with brushed aluminium, terrazzo-patterned carpets, and light Carrara marble skirting — all representative of Henrietta Hotel’s nod to Italian design.
Where: Henrietta Hotel, 14-15 Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8PS
Contact: www.henriettahotel.com
Henry’s Townhouse
Perfect for the: bibliophile
With only six rooms and impeccable service, Henry’s Townhouse is the ultimate bolthole in London — and its interiors instantly add a sense of place. The décor was inspired by Jane Austen’s favourite brother, Henry – who lived at this address during the 18th century – translating to antique furniture, curated artworks, and sumptuous fabrics that echo a bygone era. Not only does every room feature its own style (each has been individually designed as a glamorous reimaging of the Regency period), but it’s also packed with contemporary amenities like Dyson hairdryers, L:a Bruket organic bath amenities, and a complimentary minibar filled with smoothies and local artisan spirits. The hotel’s location in the chic residential area of Marylebone is just the cherry on top.
Where: Henry’s Townhouse, 24 Upper Berkeley Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 7QH
Contact: https://henrystownhouse.co.uk
Hotel Café Royal
Perfect for the: wellness seeker
Most hotels that claim to cater to wellness seekers are merely home to a spa, but when it comes to self-care in London, Hotel Café Royal is the real deal. In fact, its underground oasis of holistic wellness, Akasha Holistic Wellbeing, spans 13,000 square feet. Here, everything from yoga and meditation to Reiki, Watsu, a hammam, and bespoke nutrition guidance is on offer, culminating in a menu of treatments unlike anything offered by other hotels in London. The onsite wellness programme, meanwhile, includes regular visits from renowned therapists, trainers and practitioners from around the world. There’s room to play, too — the hotel stands on the edge of Piccadilly Circus, and is therefore a minute’s walk from some of the city’s best theatres and nightlife venues.
Where: Hotel Café Royal, 10 Air Street, London, W1B 5AB
Contact: www.hotelcaferoyal.com
Raffles London at The OWO
Perfect for the: history buff
Few London hotels can compete with the stories held within the former Old War Office. Standing on Whitehall, Raffles London at The OWO occupies a building associated with Winston Churchill, military decision-making and the intelligence world that helped inspire Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Its transformation into a hotel has preserved that sense of significance, with grand staircases and imposing corridors leading to 120 rooms and suites. The historical setting is balanced by thoroughly contemporary comforts, including a Guerlain Spa and restaurants overseen by chef Mauro Colagreco.
Where: Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2BX
Contact: www.raffles.com
Six Senses London
Perfect for the: urban escapist
You don’t have to leave London to make a proper retreat of your next hotel stay. Occupying part of the former Whiteleys department store in Bayswater, Six Senses London applies the brand’s wellness philosophy to a setting within easy reach of Hyde Park and Notting Hill. The main attraction is its expansive spa, where a 20-metre indoor swimming pool and magnesium pool sit alongside facilities for cryotherapy, flotation and recovery. There’s also a hammam and an Alchemy Bar, adding a hands-on element to the experience. Upstairs, rooms and suites offer a comfortable base for exploring the neighbourhood, while Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar & Café takes care of the social side.
Where: Six Senses London, 1 Redan Place, Bayswater, London, W2 4SA
Contact: www.sixsenses.com
St. Clement
Perfect for the: cultural insider
For travellers who like their hotel to feel connected to a creative neighbourhood, St. Clement offers a base at 180 The Thames. The venture from Soho House founder Nick Jones sits within the wider 180 Quarter, where culture, hospitality and working life share the same address. Accommodation ranges from bedrooms and studios to River Lofts and a River Penthouse, offering different ways to settle into the city. Café Clement takes care of all-day dining, while Bobbi’s Bar gives evenings somewhere to continue. Corner Shop 180 adds a grocer, bakery, café and wine bar to the mix, with a health club offering a pool, gym and spa nearby.
Where: St. Clement, 180 The Thames, 12 Temple Place, Temple, London, WC2R 2NF
Contact: www.stclement.co.uk
The BoTree
Perfect for the: neighbourhood explorer
Choosing between Marylebone’s village feel, Mayfair’s boutiques and Soho’s nightlife becomes considerably easier at The BoTree. Positioned where the three neighbourhoods meet, the hotel offers an ideal base for travellers who prefer exploring on foot and letting the day unfold. Inside, botanical motifs and colourful interiors establish a lively personality, while rooms and suites offer somewhere comfortable to regroup between outings. Some suites add private outdoor space, with the Harley Suite pairing a balcony with views across Marylebone and Mayfair. Downstairs, LAVO serves Italian cooking with coastal influences, giving guests a convenient dinner reservation after a day of discovery. The real luxury, though, is the location: you can change the mood of your trip simply by walking in a different direction.
Where: The BoTree, 30 Marylebone Lane, Marylebone, London, W1U 2DR
Contact: www.thebotree.com
The Chancery Rosewood
Perfect for the: architecture enthusiast
Some hotels occupy landmark buildings; The Chancery Rosewood makes its building’s identity central to the stay. Set within the former US Embassy on Grosvenor Square, the Mayfair property preserves the modernist character of Eero Saarinen’s 1960 design through a transformation overseen by David Chipperfield Architects. Inside, French interior architect Joseph Dirand has shaped 144 suites and the communal spaces, giving the former diplomatic headquarters a softer, residential feel. The appeal extends beyond the architecture, with eight restaurants and bars offering ample reason to stay close to home, while Asaya Spa provides a quieter retreat.
Where: The Chancery Rosewood, 30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, W1K 9AN
Contact: www.rosewoodhotels.com
The Dorchester
Perfect for the: special-occasion traveller
Some stays deserve more than a comfortable bed, and The Dorchester makes a persuasive case for celebrating properly. Occupying a prime position on Park Lane, the Mayfair landmark pairs its established reputation with interiors refreshed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. Rooms and suites take inspiration from English gardens, with floral fabrics, soft colours and carefully commissioned craftsmanship creating a residential feel. Downstairs, The Promenade provides the setting for afternoon tea, while the glittering Artists’ Bar and Martin Brudnizki-designed Vesper Bar offer two different ways to toast the occasion. Even choosing a gift becomes part of the experience at Cake & Flowers, the hotel’s boutique dedicated to elaborate pâtisserie and floral arrangements.
Where: The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA
Contact: www.dorchestercollection.com
The Emory
Perfect for the: privacy seeker
Having London on your doorstep is appealing; having somewhere to withdraw from it is equally valuable. Tucked away on Old Barrack Yard in Belgravia, The Emory makes space and privacy central to the experience. Its 61 suites and studios feature interiors by designers including André Fu, Patricia Urquiola and Alexandra Champalimaud, with entire floors available for guests travelling together. The details are reassuringly practical, too: breakfast, a stocked minibar, unpacking and pressing on arrival, and a dedicated 24-hour butler service are included. Guests also have access to Surrenne Belgravia, the private wellbeing club, while Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s abc kitchens provides a reason to emerge for dinner. It suits travellers who want the freedom of a private residence with the support of a luxury hotel.
Where: The Emory, Old Barrack Yard, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7NP
Contact: www.the-emory.co.uk
The Lanesborough
Perfect for the: Regency romantic
If your ideal London address involves grand rooms, decorative flourishes and someone else taking care of the details, The Lanesborough makes a persuasive case. The Knightsbridge hotel embraces Regency style throughout its accommodation, with individually furnished rooms and suites that feel far removed from the standard city hotel. Stripes, florals and period-inspired furnishings establish the mood, while contemporary technology keeps the experience firmly in the present. Every room includes dedicated, round-the-clock butler service, making the level of attention a defining feature rather than a privilege reserved for the largest suites. Guests also receive access to The Lanesborough Club & Spa, including its hydrotherapy pool, gym, saunas and steam rooms.
Where: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Contact: www.oetkerhotels.com
The Langham, London
Perfect for the: culinary enthusiast
If your travel itinerary starts with restaurant reservations, The Langham deserves a place on the shortlist. Welcoming guests since 1865, the Portland Place landmark has a longstanding association with afternoon tea, served in Palm Court with all the ceremony the occasion deserves. There’s more to explore beyond the cake stand, however. Artesian offers an inventive approach to cocktails, while The Wigmore provides a relaxed setting for modern British pub food. Those who would rather get involved can book a class at Sauce by The Langham, the hotel’s cookery school, and return home with something more useful than another souvenir. Its position at the top of Regent Street also makes shopping and sightseeing straightforward, provided you can find a gap between meals.
Where: The Langham London, 1C Portland Place, London, W1B 1JA
Contact: www.langhamhotels.com
The London EDITION
Perfect for the: cool kid
With hotelier Ian Schrager partnering with Marriott International, it’s unsurprising that the resulting London EDITION is achingly hip — the so-called disco king is the co-founder of Studio 54 and widely credited with creating the concept of this hotel in Fitzrovia. Hosting some of the city’s buzziest parties, it has seen everyone from Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne to Leonardo DiCaprio and Uma Thurman revel within. Guests are greeted by a swanky lobby filled with art and activity before stepping into a room designed to create a cabin-like feel, reminiscent of a private yacht. Elsewhere, Jason Atherton’s Berners Tavern serves contemporary British cuisine with a focus on upscale comfort food, while the intimate Punch Room offers 20 speciality punches accompanied by impromptu live performances.
Where: The London EDITION, 10 Berners Street, Covent Garden, London W1T 3NP
Contact: www.editionhotels.com
The Peninsula London
Perfect for the: grand-tour traveller
If your London wish list includes landmark views, destination dining and a generous helping of ceremony, The Peninsula London makes a fitting base. Set beside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, the hotel places Belgravia, Knightsbridge and the Royal Parks within easy reach. Peter Marino’s interiors take inspiration from grand British houses, with 190 rooms and suites offering a calm retreat from the capital. Upstairs, Brooklands by Claude Bosi pairs its rooftop setting with design references to British aviation and motorsport, while Canton Blue explores Cantonese cooking and the maritime connections between Britain and Asia. There’s ample opportunity to unwind, too, particularly in the 25-metre indoor pool, where landscape mosaics and lighting that simulates daylight make swimming feel like an occasion in itself.
Where: The Peninsula London, 1 Grosvenor Place, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7HJ
Contact: www.peninsula.com
The Savoy
Perfect for the: cocktail connoisseur
A good hotel bar can become the highlight of a trip, and The Savoy gives cocktail enthusiasts two compelling reasons to check in. The American Bar’s long association with celebrated bartenders makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in the craft, while the Beaufort Bar offers another setting for an evening of drinks and live music. Opened in 1889, the Strand landmark has a theatrical history and an enduring sense of occasion, with Edwardian rooms providing a suitably characterful retreat. Beyond the bars, there’s afternoon tea beneath The Gallery’s glass dome and British and French cooking at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill. With so much happening downstairs, the most difficult reservation to keep might be the one you’ve made elsewhere.
Where: The Savoy, Strand, London, WC2R 0EZ
Contact: www.thesavoylondon.com