Hotels
The 5 Best 5-Star Hotels in London
The hotels that earn the fifth star on service and atmosphere, not just thread count.
In short: our top picks are The Dorchester, The Langham London and Corinthia London. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London has more five-star hotels than any city in Europe, so the label alone tells you little. These earn the fifth star on service and atmosphere, not just thread count, and most welcome you for a drink or tea even if you are not staying.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Dorchester | Mayfair | ££££ |
| The Langham London | Marylebone | ££££ |
| Corinthia London | Whitehall | ££££ |
| Shangri-La The Shard | London Bridge | ££££ |
| Rosewood London | Holborn | ££££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Dorchester
Why we pick itA Park Lane legend with one of the great hotel bars and a grandeur that never tips into stuffy.
For old-school Park Lane grandeur.
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The Langham London
Why we pick itLondons original grand hotel, beautifully kept, with the Artesian bar and a calm, gracious feel.
The gracious original.
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Corinthia London
Why we pick itOne of London's largest hotel spas, four floors and 17 treatment rooms
Worth knowingThe scale that makes the public rooms impressive also makes it impersonal, with service professional rather than warm. The spa is the real draw.
Modern luxury and a serious spa.
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Shangri-La The Shard
Why we pick itRooms from the 34th floor up, with views no other London hotel can touch.
For the views, full stop.
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Rosewood London
Why we pick itA seven storey marble staircase inside a 1914 Edwardian insurance headquarters
Worth knowingOver 300 rooms make it busier and less intimate than smaller luxury properties, and High Holborn lacks the prestige some guests are paying for.
Grand but genuinely warm.
Before you book
Book direct for the best rooms and the small extras, and travel in the quieter months for better rates. If you cannot stay, the bar, the tea or the spa are the affordable way in. And always ask about an upgrade.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Dorchester is our editor's choice: A Park Lane legend with one of the great hotel bars and a grandeur that never tips into stuffy. The Dorchester, The Langham London and Corinthia London lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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