London is calling and it’s not calling out to you from the bunk of a dormitory.
No, England’s capital—the home of the British monarchy—beckons you to experience the royal treatment in one of the best luxury hotels in London. These lavish lodging options are sensory experiences that offer Michelin-starred food, award-winning spas, and the most luxurious levels of detail you can possibly imagine.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Barry Winiker. Image Location: The Langham, London
Your guide to luxury hotels in London, England
What’s the richest hotel in the UK?
While we’re not exactly sure which hotel has spent the most cash on its interior delights, we’re pretty sure that you can put the most money down for a luxury hotel in London with a one-night stay in The Lanesborough’s Royal Suite or The Langham’s Sterling Suite. Each will run you roughly $31,000 and can accommodate at least a dozen guests. And, yes, the lavish amenities match the price tag.
Image Credit and Location: The Langham, London
What hotel do celebs stay at in London?
You’ll find celebs hiding out at many of the luxurious hotels mentioned here, with additional mentions to The Landmark Spa and Health Club, the Baglioni Hotel London, the Sanderson Hotel, and The Rosewood.
What’s the oldest luxury hotel in London?
The oldest luxury hotel in London is likely Brown’s Hotel. There’s some debate about this historic hotel in Europe (Claridge’s was a smaller hotel years before Brown’s opened) but you can rest assured that whether you’re in a double room or the Kipling Suite, you’ll receive the same world-class hospitality that’s made Brown’s one of the most iconic 5-star hotels in London since 1837.
Image Credit: Rocco Forte Hotels. Image Location: Brown's Hotel, Mayfair, London
What’s the most luxurious hotel in London?
Ask a London cabbie (taxi driver) what the most luxurious hotel in the city is and you’ll probably hear a variety of responses, including any of the hotels included here. But one that you'll hear mentioned often is The Savoy. With suites with Thames views, duck feather pillows, a Gordon Ramsey masterclass, and one of the best afternoon teas in London, The Savoy offers a level of luxury few other hotels can match.
Image Credit: Jack Hardy. Image Location: The Savoy, The Strand, London
Are there any 7-star hotels in London?
There are no 7-star hotels in London—strictly speaking, hotels can only go up to 5 stars. But if you're looking for a truly grand experience, you'll find all of your opulent needs met by The Peninsula, the new arrival on London's luxury hotel scene. When you stay at The Peninsula, you have access to a rooftop restaurant headed by a two Michelin-starred chef. Claude Bosi’s expertly crafted British menu will have you salivating while the view of London’s skyline from floor-to-ceiling windows will leave your jaw dropped.
The best luxury hotels in London
The Savoy. The Langham. Brown’s. The best luxury hotels in London are in a class all their own. Check out (and check into) these other luxury hotels in London, England, fit for a king, queen, and intrepid American traveler who knows a thing or two about luxe lodging.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrew Holt. Image Location: Claridge's, Mayfair, London
The best 5-star luxury hotels in London
Two of the most luxurious hotels in London, both with 5 stars.
Claridge’s | Best for wine lovers
Closest Underground station: Bond Street
While there’s nothing stopping you from taking the London to Paris train and visiting the best wineries in France, Claridge’s lets you sip on rare vintages without leaving the UK. Spend time exploring the eclectic collection in Claridge’s Wine Cellar then float on the bubbly back up to your Grand Piano Suite.
The Connaught | Best for a spa day
Closest Underground station: Bond Street
Among London’s best luxury hotels are also the best spa hotels in Europe, one of which is The Connaught. A visit to the Aman Spa’s black granite swimming pool and massage table will leave your body, mind, and soul feeling weightless.
Image Credit and Location: The Goring Hotel, Belgravia, London
The best luxury boutique hotels in London
Keep the guest list small, but still keep it classy, at the best boutique hotels in London.
The Goring Hotel | Best for those who love the royals
Closest station: London Victoria
Wave to the monarchy across the street at Buckingham Palace when you stay at The Goring Hotel. The aptly named Royal Suite features the same wall silks used in the RMS Titanic’s First Class Dining Room and in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room.
L’Oscar | Best for interior design fanatics
Closest Underground station: Holborn
Once a Baroque church, L’Oscar has been decadently redesigned with gilded panels, leather and velvet-draped walls, and opulent motif doors. Every inch of L’Oscar is dripping with a flamboyant swagger that will playfully stroke your curiosity.
Image Credit: Grégoire Gardette. Image Location: L'Oscar, Holborn, London
Charlotte Street Hotel | Best for cinephiles
Closest Underground station: Goodge Street
Think of it like dinner and a movie and a night in one of London’s 5-star boutique hotels. Refresh in a walk-in steam room in your penthouse suite, order a shellfish platter at Oscar’s, then settle in for a screening at the hotel’s Firmdale Film Club.
Image Credit and Location: Charlotte Street Hotel, Fitzrovia, London
From train to pillow
Let us show you the luxuriousness of London that would make the royals blush. Download the Trainline app and take a first-class train ride to the best luxury hotels in London today. Arriving into the British capital via one of London's many airports? Check out our guides to getting into the center by train from London's Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Grant Faint