Hotels
The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in London
The grand hotels that are destinations in their own right, whether you stay the night or just stop for a drink.
In short: our top picks are Claridges, The Connaught and The Savoy. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London does grand hotels better than almost anywhere, and the best of them are destinations in their own right: a bar worth the trip, a tea worth dressing for, a sense of being properly looked after. These are the rooms to book when the stay is part of the occasion.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Claridges | Mayfair | ££££ |
| The Connaught | Mayfair | ££££ |
| The Savoy | Strand | ££££ |
| The Berkeley | Knightsbridge | ££££ |
| The Ritz London | St James's | ££££ |
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Editor’s choice
Claridges
Why we pick itThe art deco grande dame of Mayfair, all polished service and a bar that is a destination in itself. The benchmark for a London grand hotel.
The benchmark grand hotel.
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The Connaught
Why we pick itDiscreet, impeccable and quietly world-class, with one of the best bars in the city downstairs. Luxury without the show.
Discreet luxury and a world-class bar.
-
The Savoy
Why we pick itA riverside icon with the American Bar, the Thames Foyer for tea, and a sense of theatre that has not faded in a century.
Riverside icon, full of theatre.
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The Berkeley
Why we pick itModern luxury done with real style, from the rooftop pool to the fashion-themed afternoon tea. The most contemporary of the grand hotels.
The most modern of the grand hotels.
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The Ritz London
Why we pick itGilded, formal and gloriously old-school, with the most famous afternoon tea in London. Dress up and lean into the occasion.
For gilded, old-school occasion.
Before you book
Rates swing wildly by season, so be flexible and book direct, where the best rooms and small extras live. If you are not staying, most welcome you for a drink, tea or dinner, which is the cheaper way to feel the place. And ask: an upgrade is far more likely when you simply enquire.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Claridges is our editor's choice: The art deco grande dame of Mayfair, all polished service and a bar that is a destination in itself. The benchmark for a London grand hotel. Claridges, The Connaught and The Savoy 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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