London’s great hotels are institutions as much as places to sleep. Afternoon tea at the Ritz, cocktails at the Savoy, Art Deco at Claridge’s – and, for something new, the view from the Shard. Here are five of the best and who each one suits.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Savoy ★★★★★ | Covent Garden & Strand | Couples, Luxury |
| 2 | Claridge’s ★★★★★ | Mayfair | Couples, Luxury |
| 3 | The Ritz London ★★★★★ | St James’s & Piccadilly | Couples, Luxury |
| 4 | Rosewood London ★★★★★ | Holborn | Couples, Luxury |
| 5 | Shangri-La The Shard ★★★★★ | London Bridge & Southwark | Couples, Families, Luxury |
How we chose these hotels
We looked for history or a memorable setting, excellent service and a central location. No hotel paid to appear here, and we never quote prices: they change every day, so check availability with the button under each hotel.
1. The Savoy
A London legend since 1889, between the Strand and the Thames, with river views and the famous American Bar. Covent Garden and the theatres are a short walk away.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Covent Garden & Strand
- Location
- Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- A London legend since 1889, between the Strand and the river
- The American Bar, the oldest surviving cocktail bar in London
- Walk to Covent Garden and the West End theatres
Good to know
- River-view rooms are the ones to ask for – book them early
- The Strand is busy; the hotel’s courtyard entrance is famously the only road in Britain where you drive on the right
2. Claridge’s
Art Deco glamour in the heart of Mayfair, with one of the city’s classic afternoon teas and Bond Street around the corner.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Mayfair
- Location
- Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- Art Deco interiors in the heart of Mayfair
- Afternoon tea in the Foyer, one of London’s classics
- Spa, and a concierge who can plan days for families
Good to know
- Afternoon tea must be booked well ahead
- Mayfair is elegant and quiet at night; nightlife is in Soho, a short taxi ride away
3. The Ritz London
Edwardian splendour on Piccadilly since 1906. Book afternoon tea in the Palm Court well ahead – and pack a jacket and tie.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- St James’s & Piccadilly
- Location
- 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- Opened by César Ritz in 1906, on Piccadilly
- Afternoon tea in the Palm Court, with live piano
- Green Park and St James’s on the doorstep
Good to know
- Formal dress code for afternoon tea: jacket and tie for men, no jeans or sportswear
- Tea sittings are booked long in advance
4. Rosewood London
A listed Edwardian building in Holborn with a grand courtyard, a lively brasserie and a spa, a walk from the British Museum.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Holborn
- Location
- 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- Grand Edwardian building entered through a carriage courtyard
- The Holborn Dining Room, a lively British brasserie
- Walk to the British Museum and Covent Garden
Good to know
- Holborn is a business district: quieter at weekends, with fewer restaurants late at night
- A short walk or Tube ride to the riverside sights
5. Shangri-La The Shard
The views: rooms on floors 34 to 52 of the Shard, an infinity pool on the 52nd floor and Borough Market at the foot of the tower.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- London Bridge & Southwark
- Location
- 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
- Best for
- Couples, Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- Rooms high in the Shard, with views over Tower Bridge and the Thames
- Infinity pool on the 52nd floor, for guests
- Borough Market and London Bridge station at the foot of the tower
Good to know
- Pool hours are limited and children may have set times: check when booking
- Some guests find the rooms quieter but less ‘London’ than a historic hotel
Which one should you choose?
- For the river and the theatres: The Savoy.
- For Mayfair elegance: Claridge’s.
- For the most famous afternoon tea: The Ritz London.
- For a calm, central retreat: Rosewood London.
- For the views: Shangri-La The Shard.
Booking tips
- Ask for the view – river, park or city – when you book.
- Book afternoon tea separately, and early.
- Check the cancellation policy before you pay.
If you are still choosing a neighbourhood, read where to stay in London, and plan your days with London in 3 days.
