Top 10 List
Top 10 London Resorts & Hotels
The best places to stay in London, compared honestly — who each resort suits, what it realistically costs, and how to book it well.
No. 1
The Savoy
- Best for
- Special occasions, theater trips and classic London luxury
- What makes it special
- A London legend on the Strand, The Savoy blends Edwardian and Art Deco style with famous bars, fine dining and impeccable service. It has hosted royalty, writers and film stars for well over a century.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Book a river-view room and reserve afternoon tea or dinner well in advance — both are popular with non-guests too.
- Price level
- Ultra-luxury
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 2
The Ritz London
- Best for
- Traditional grandeur, afternoon tea and old-world service
- What makes it special
- The Ritz is London's most famous grande dame, with opulent Louis XVI-style interiors, white-glove service and one of the city's most celebrated afternoon teas in the Palm Court.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Afternoon tea sells out weeks ahead — reserve before you book flights, and note the dress code.
- Price level
- Ultra-luxury
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 3
Claridge's
- Best for
- Art Deco style, celebrity history and Mayfair shopping
- What makes it special
- Claridge's is Mayfair's Art Deco jewel, known for its glamorous foyer, legendary Christmas tree and a guest list that has included royalty and Hollywood for generations.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Even if you don't stay, book the foyer for drinks or afternoon tea to experience the hotel's famous atmosphere.
- Price level
- Ultra-luxury
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 4
The Langham
- Best for
- Classic luxury near Regent Street and the West End
- What makes it special
- One of Europe's first grand hotels, The Langham pairs Victorian heritage with modern polish, a well-regarded spa and the acclaimed Artesian bar.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Ask for a room on a higher floor facing Regent Street for the best outlook, and don't miss a cocktail at Artesian.
- Price level
- Luxury
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 5
Shangri-La The Shard
- Best for
- Unmatched skyline views and modern five-star comfort
- What makes it special
- Occupying the upper floors of The Shard, this is London's highest hotel, with floor-to-ceiling views over the Thames, Tower Bridge and the city from rooms, the pool and the bar.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Book a city-view or bridge-view room rather than a standard category — the view is the whole point of staying here.
- Price level
- Luxury
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 6
The Dorchester
- Best for
- Park Lane glamour and Hyde Park access
- What makes it special
- A Park Lane icon since the 1930s, The Dorchester is known for its promenade lobby, celebrated restaurants and suites overlooking Hyde Park.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Request a park-facing room, and consider Sunday lunch or afternoon tea in The Promenade even on a short stay.
- Price level
- Ultra-luxury
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 7
Rosewood London
- Best for
- Grand architecture with a calm courtyard near Covent Garden
- What makes it special
- Set behind a dramatic Edwardian carriage courtyard, Rosewood London combines grand public spaces with quiet, residential-feeling rooms and an excellent spa.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- The courtyard entrance is one of London's most impressive arrivals — arrive by taxi at least once for the full effect.
- Price level
- Luxury
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 8
The Connaught
- Best for
- Discreet Mayfair luxury and world-class dining
- What makes it special
- The Connaught is Mayfair's most refined address, with understated rooms, a celebrated bar and some of London's finest restaurants, all on a quiet garden square.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Book the Connaught Bar for an evening cocktail — it regularly ranks among the world's best, and hotel guests get priority.
- Price level
- Ultra-luxury
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 9
Sea Containers London
- Best for
- Riverside style on the South Bank at a more approachable price
- What makes it special
- A striking design hotel on the South Bank, Sea Containers pairs river-view rooms and a rooftop bar with a playful, nautical-inspired interior.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Book a river-view room for Thames and St. Paul's views, and visit the rooftop bar at sunset.
- Price level
- Upper-midrange
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
No. 10
The Resident Covent Garden
- Best for
- Strong value in an unbeatable central location
- What makes it special
- A smart, well-run boutique hotel steps from Covent Garden Piazza, offering comfortable modern rooms with handy in-room mini-kitchens at prices well below the grand hotels.
- TopTenTravelDestinations tip
- Rooms are compact but cleverly designed — book a larger category if you're staying more than a couple of nights.
- Price level
- Mid-range
Rates vary by season, room type and availability.
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