Brown’s Hotel
Widely recognized as London’s oldest luxury hotel, Brown’s Hotel has welcomed a legendary roster of guests over the years, including royalty, literary greats, and Hollywood stars. Situated in the upscale Mayfair neighborhood, the property pairs its rich history with thoughtful modern updates. Glossy marble bathrooms, vibrant textiles, and mahogany walk-in closets have breathed new life into the historic stay, while architectural homages such as stained glass windows, untouched entryways, and wrought-iron façade detailing forge a tangible bond with its past.
Shopping editor Audrey Lee notes that contemporary florals, Regency-inspired furniture silhouettes, and mosaic tiling bring a quintessentially English feel to the interiors. Beyond its prime proximity to landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, the hotel draws visitors with an inviting staff and dapper design that make the experience feel more like a private residence than a temporary stopover. In the lobby, guests frequently spot prominent film actors en route to Sunday roast at Charlie’s restaurant or enjoying drinks from the updated menu at the iconic Donovan Bar. The hotel’s literary legacy is equally storied, having hosted figures such as Rudyard Kipling, Bram Stoker, Agatha Christie, and Stephen King, the latter of whom famously outlined his bestselling novel Misery during a stay. Surrounded by world-class shopping and premier museums, guests can easily spend their days exploring the multi-floor retail flagship at Dover Street Market or roaming the neoclassical architecture and art collections at Sir John Soane’s Museum. Rates begin at $966 per night.
The Portobello Hotel
Nestled among Notting Hill’s famous pastel townhouses, The Portobello Hotel places travelers in the heart of one of London’s most scenic neighborhoods. The property’s richly layered interiors serve as a primary draw, featuring vibrant color palettes and unexpected textural pairings that cultivate a cozy atmosphere. Maximalism is a recurring theme throughout the building, yet no two guest rooms look quite alike, establishing it as one of the most eclectic accommodations in the capital. Elaborate headboards, lush textiles, and curated wallpapers greet visitors after a long day of perusing the endless stalls at Portobello Road Market or stopping to photograph the famous door from the 1999 film Notting Hill. Rates start at $731 per night.
Zetter Bloomsbury
As the newest addition to a portfolio that includes properties in Clerkenwell and Marylebone, the Zetter Bloomsbury opened its doors in April and quickly established itself as a neighborhood fixture. Created by joining six traditional Georgian townhouses, the hotel features 68 distinct rooms where no two layouts are identical. Designer James Thurston Waterworth drew direct inspiration from the British Museum located just in the hotel’s backyard, favoring a collected-over-time aesthetic rather than anything cookie-cutter. Antiqued treasures from across the globe adorn each vignette, while the standout feature remains the Orangery restaurant. This light-filled atrium sits adjacent to the garden, offering generous skylights, lush greenery, and overstuffed banquettes designed for lingering over afternoon tea. Despite its recent debut, the property carries a lived-in, established feel. Rates begin at $358 per night.
The Dorchester
Operating in the realm of old-school glamour since the 1930s, The Dorchester has long drawn royals, dignitaries, and celebrities through its Art Deco doors. Queen Elizabeth II famously attended a dinner party at the hotel the day before her engagement was announced in 1947, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower utilized the property as his headquarters during World War II. Nearly a century later, the hotel maintains its dedication to grandeur following a major renovation unveiled in 2023, which enlisted designers Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki to refresh the historic spaces while preserving their foundational style. Today, guests can experience fine dining at the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse, enjoy authentic Cantonese fare at China Tang, or settle into The Promenade for traditional afternoon tea and prime people-watching. Rates start at $1,300 per night.
Claridge’s
As a long-standing Mayfair staple welcoming guests since 1812, Claridge’s stands as a blueprint for considered, quintessentially English service. Regulars return for the atmospheric fumoirs, polished salons, and headline-grabbing Christmas trees created in collaboration with designers like Jimmy Choo and Dior. Upstairs, the guest rooms embody legendary standards of luxury with shiny chinoiserie, grand English glitz, and inclusive 24-hour butler service. Following a comprehensive renovation, the property features a five-story basement spa and a rooftop pool suite. Remaining discreet, iconic, and deeply appealing, Claridge’s continues to attract well-heeled local and international travelers alike. Rates begin at $1,259 per night.
The Connaught
Tucked just off Mount Street in Mayfair, The Connaught remains a benchmark for British grand dames, successfully marrying proper English tradition with contemporary comfort. Guest rooms pair heritage details such as corniced fireplaces, wood paneling, and gold accents with modern amenities, supported by intuitive service. The Connaught Bar sets a global standard with martinis served cold from a silver trolley and mixed tableside with precision, drawing a cool crowd of Mayfair regulars and discerning travelers every evening. Dining options carry equal weight, ranging from Hélène Darroze’s Michelin-starred finesse to Jean-Georges’s popular menu overlooking appointment-only galleries and designer shops. Below ground, the subterranean Aman Spa offers a black-granite sanctuary of pools designed for peace and quiet. Rates start at £930 per night.
Grand Hotel Bellevue
Opening a high-end property in Paddington—a neighborhood historically better known for its transit hub than stylish overnight crowds—was a bold move, but Italian architect and interior designer Fabrizio Casiraghi aimed to draw a cooler, quieter demographic to the area. Housed within a Victorian townhouse, the interiors embrace a signature palette of deep greens, burnt oranges, and dark woods, with accommodations ranging from petite, cabin-like rooms to light-filled lofts. Adding to its distinct design pedigree, the lobby was curated by designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla. Upholding an intentional atmosphere of discretion, entry to the hotel requires ringing a bell at the door. Rates begin at $203 per night.
At Sloane
Opened in 2023, this classic townhouse turned boutique hotel brought a sophisticated presence to Chelsea’s Sloane Square. Located within a prime West British redbrick building, At Sloane operates with a hybrid identity that blends the discretion of a private members’ club with the intimate feel of a private residence, complemented by a buzzy basement bar. Sharing ties with Paris’s popular Hotel Costes, the French influence is unmistakable in the interiors designed by Atelier Mériguet-Carrère, which feature sumptuous fabrics, period wallpapers, candlelight, and antique decor. Upstairs, soundproofed bedrooms offer a peaceful retreat offset by wildly patterned curtains and black-and-white tiled bathrooms. Rates start at $812 per night.
The Broadwick Soho
Positioned in the center of London’s vibrant dining and drinking district, The Broadwick Soho is a 57-room property designed by Martin Brudnizki that merges townhouse maximalism with mid-century disco energy. The eclectic aesthetic incorporates Murano chandeliers, mirrors by Sogni di Cristallo, custom Pierre Frey fabrics, and minibars disguised as brass elephants shipped from Jaipur. Guests are greeted in the lobby by two giant elephants wearing top hats, setting a tone of playful extravagance that continues upstairs through shimmering wallpapers and whimsical prints. The rooftop bar, Flute, functions as a destination in its own right, while Dear Jackie serves Sicilian classics by candlelight. Rates begin at $711 per night.
The Twenty Two
Opened in Mayfair in 2022, The Twenty Two quickly captured the attention of fashion week crowds and international travelers drawn to its exclusive members-club atmosphere and decadent interiors. Housed in an Edwardian manor near Grosvenor Square—within walking distance of Regent Street and New Bond Street—the 31 guest rooms provide a quiet respite from city noise. Cherry-red four-poster beds, delicate wallpaper, and tasseled furniture lean heavily into 18th-century French design motifs. Despite the high-end setting, the staff maintains a welcoming approach, assisting guests with personalized requests and traditional Sunday roasts served in the blue-hued dining room. Rates start at $880 per night.
NoMad London
Occupying the former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court—once the site of historic trials involving Oscar Wilde and the Kray twins—NoMad London made a dramatic entrance upon opening in 2021 with interior design by Roman and Williams. The studio employed a dark and moody palette featuring paneled walls, peach satin curtains, marble fireplaces, and over 1,600 pieces of art, contrasted by a soaring glass-roofed atrium filled with lime green banquettes and abundant natural light. Guest rooms feature deep soaking tubs and custom details such as John Derian pen pots and mohair accents. Culinary options include Side Hustle for Latin-inspired cocktails and large plates, alongside the recently opened Twenty8 NoMad brasserie downstairs. Rates start at $670 per night.
The Standard London
Opened in 2019 as the brand’s first UK outpost, The Standard introduced an offbeat, retro-modern energy to King’s Cross. Situated inside a restored Brutalist building, the hotel balances curved lines, velvet textures, and advanced sound systems with deep soaking tubs, while select rooms offer direct views of St. Pancras station. The ground-floor bar, Double Standard, serves as a popular late-night gathering spot, and the rooftop bar draws creatives with panoramic cityscapes and creative cocktails. The atmosphere remains casual, clever, and distinct within a dynamic neighborhood. Rates start at $271 per night.
The Berkeley
Operating as a more relaxed and quietly cool sister property to Claridge’s, The Berkeley shares a high standard of service and polished hospitality. Five distinct designers, including André Fu and Joyce Wang, contributed to the neutral-toned rooms, which feature monogrammed robes, Frette towels, and premixed cocktails in-room. Dating back to the late 19th century, the hotel maintains a deep heritage paired with a playful contemporary spirit. Regulars frequent the rooftop pool, designed to evoke an early-1900s ocean liner, alongside the Knightsbridge location situated directly across from Hyde Park. Additional offerings include a Cédric Grolet patisserie and The Berkeley Bar & Terrace. Rates begin at $1,219 per night.
The Kensington
Spread across seven white stucco Victorian buildings near the V&A and Natural History Museum, The Kensington delivers a traditional yet approachable English townhouse aesthetic. Bold headboards and textured bedding accents provide distinct character even within more compact rooms, while airier spaces feature tall ceilings, large windows, and chinoiserie wall coverings. The hotel serves as a quiet retreat for travelers who appreciate understated hospitality, offering roll-top bathtubs and fireside nightcaps in the lounge following a day exploring Regent’s Park or South Kensington boutiques. Rates start at $496 per night.
The Newman
Located in Fitzrovia just south of Regent’s Park, The Newman marks the debut of British hospitality group Kinsfolk & Co. Interiors created by London studio Lind + Almond draw inspiration from Art Deco elements combined with Scandinavian simplicity, utilizing a mossy neutral palette, geometric rugs, fluted glass screens, and graphic flooring that nods to 1930s modernism. Downstairs, Angelica operates as an all-day European brasserie, while Bar Gambit provides a moodier underground setting for a creative local crowd. Upstairs, the penthouse features its own cold plunge pool, complementing a comprehensive spa facility complete with a Finnish sauna and hydrotherapy pool. Rates start at £930 per night.
The Emory
Situated at Hyde Park Corner, The Emory represents a modern addition to the Maybourne group portfolio. Designed by the late Richard Rogers’s firm, the glass-and-steel architecture breaks from traditional heritage-heavy styles. The all-suite concept spans floors shaped by six international designers, including Patricia Urquiola and André Fu, creating environments that resemble private residences rather than conventional hotel rooms. A rooftop bar overlooks Hyde Park, while ABC Kitchen brings a prominent dining scene to the property. Wellness amenities include a four-floor subterranean spa featuring a dedicated space for the Tracy Anderson fitness method. Rates begin at £1,140 per night.
1 Hotel Mayfair
Located just off Piccadilly and steps from Green Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair adopts a nature-focused philosophy centered around sustainability. The property incorporates living green walls, reclaimed timber, raw stone, and filtered water taps into its design. Interiors feature warm textures and abundant natural light, providing a peaceful environment despite the hotel’s proximity to a bustling shopping district. The property establishes a balance between cosmopolitan energy and an eco-conscious retreat. Rates start at £500 per night.
