London Hotels

A haunt of London’s moneyed elite since the late 1800s, London’s Savoy re-opened its grand doors in 2010 following a three-year overhaul. Costing around £220 million, the spangly improvements have been enticing high-profile clientele from across the world, with revamped areas including the lavish guest rooms, the American Bar, and the famous Savoy Grill, which is overseen by TV kitchen king Gordon Ramsey. One thing that’s not changed is the stunning view across the Thames.

Sat beside Hyde Park, the glamorous Dorchester is a stately cavern of old-school British class. Dining includes high-end Asian restaurant China Tang and purveyors of modern British cuisine The Grill at The Dorchester, while the extensive spa in the basement is an exceptional pampering space. For all-out luxury, there’s the baroque and rococo Oliver Messel Suite, perched a-top the hotel, with a terrace offering prime views across the London rooftops. 

Since 1906, The Ritz has been providing exemplary service to its well-heeled guests. The interior of this elegant building is fastidiously decorated in Louis XVI style with marble columns, rich fabrics and antique furniture. The rooms are furnished in soothing pastel colours, and the chandelier-filled restaurant is offers classic glamour for formal meals, and the famous Ritz afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court at 1530 or 1700. 

Rooms at this trendy hotel are sumptuously appointed in a modern, eclectic style, not forgetting flatscreen TVs, huge, ultra-comfortable beds, and sleek bathrooms kitted out in grey granite, glass and oak. Befitting a hotel nestled in the heart of London’s entertainment district, there is a swish private event space and two private screening rooms. Onsite restaurant Refuel has an attractive dinner menu, as well as serving afternoon tea and an extensive selection of breakfast dishes. 

This converted warehouse in the heart of Clerkenwell is pretty affordable considering its desirable location. Its 59 rooms are decked in sleek upholstery, cool mood lighting and in-room entertainment systems. Nice little touches, such as hot water bottles and old Penguin paperbacks, add a homely feel. The Zetter’s popular restaurant, which serves modern Mediterranean food, occupies most of the ground floor and looks onto St John's Square. 

In the heart of Hoxton, in the same premises as the popular Hoxton Grill, is this wallet savvy establishment. The Hoxton Hotel forgoes the money-making mini bar and instead has free milk and bottled water in the fridge, and sells the like of sweets and wine at reasonable prices in the lobby. Wi-Fi is also free, and guests receive a simple but tasty breakfast from coffee house chain Pret A Manger delivered to their room.