London hotels

London’s most famous and talked about Mayfair Hotel has welcomed everyone from members of the Royal Family and A-List celebrities to foreign dignitaries and aristocrats since it first opened its doors in 1812. Staff are always at the very top of their game and service is traditionally old school. The afternoon tea service is legendary, as are the world-famous Fumoir and Claridge’s bars. Rooms are ultra-luxurious and many are the work of celebrity designers from Andre Fu to Boss Studio. It’s a bucket list hotel that has never failed to woo guests with its throwback charm.

The UK’s first “luxury hotel” has been setting high standards since 1889. Decades on, The Savoy has its fair share of headline restaurants and brilliant bars, the award-winning American Bar and the rather lush River Restaurant (to name just a few). Home to the Savoy Theatre, it’s a hotel that oozes character and history. It was a firm favourite of Oscar Wilde and Charlie Chaplin, and Hollywood greats from Marilyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor have swung by over the years. Rooms are maximalist (the Gucci suite speaks for itself) with comfy beds and roomy tubs, plus the views over the Thames and London Eye are unbeatable.

This one is perfect for foodies and families. Sister to Mayfair grand dame, Claridge’s Hotel, The Connaught is all about fine living. The world-famous Connaught Bar draws buzzing crowds, as do the hotel’s restaurants masterminded by chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Hélène Darroze. Rooms come in all shapes and sizes and feature all the latest luxury amenities. For extra pampering, don’t miss the underground AMAN spa, and if you are looking for great family days out, the concierge can plan everything from a personalised itinerary to car hire and more.

The Hoxton is easily one of London’s coolest stays. The vibe is no-fuss thrills with a design aesthetic that was truly made for the Instagram feed. There are several outposts in the city from the original in Shoreditch to Holborn and White City, but when it comes to wow factor, none beat the hotel’s Southwark outpost. Rooms are cosy, super snug and some come with views of the nearby landmark The Shard. The jewel in its crown is Seabird, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant. The Basque-inspired food is excellent, as are the views.

The latest design-led hotel concept to hit Bethnal Green is the super cool and affordable Mama Shelter. If you are looking for a stay that’s different from the rest, this is where to check in. The bedrooms are flat-packed and feature cheeky toiletries and bright velvet pillows on the beds. It’s more of a one-night kind of hotel, hence the absence of a wardrobe or minibar, but the hope for the owners is that this will force you to explore the local area. Breakfast is delicious, traditional and not to be missed.

If you want to experience a slice of East London, The Culpeper is where it’s at. The pub with rooms is perfect for adults in search of a fun and romantic weekend that won’t break the bank. Rooms are a vision of polished concrete, exposed painted brickwork and finer industrial details, and you’ll also find one of the city’s most exciting cocktail and natural wine list menus in The Culpeper bar. Food? All deliciously seasonal and gourmet with menus that celebrate local suppliers and businesses.

The best part about staying here is its location. You are a hop and skip away from Covent Garden, minutes away from the British Museum and if you want to catch a show, Theatreland is a brisk five-minute walk west. A favourite of the likes of Justin Bieber, stay here if you want something extra special for the family.

24-hour room service is just one of the perks, as is the lower ground temple bar, ultra-moody Scarfe’s Bar and the Dining Room, a lovely spot for dinner. Rooms come with all the mod-cons, including AC and marble bathrooms.

The Treehouse is all about having fun. It’s great for an adult weekend or families looking for a central London stay that does not max out the credit card. Conveniently located on the top end of Regent Street right next to the BBC HQ on Langham Place, the hotel is close to all the top attractions, including shopping haven Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Regent’s Park and posh Mayfair. The hotel takes up five floors, all offering stylish spaces, whimsical backdrops – and from the bedrooms, epic views of the streets below.

Aside from its great prices and perfect location, the beauty of staying at The Standard is that it’s a great base for a double whammy: you can easily explore London and the rest of the UK thanks to nearby King’s Cross Station. Ultra-modern, the spaces attract a cool crowd who love nothing more than to chill on the hotel’s rooftop, which boasts spectacular views. Standard rooms come with comfy beds and thoughtful minibars, and if you splurge on a suite, you’ll be treated to views of the Gothic St Pancras station next door.

For those looking for a very quirky, London-centric stay, say ‘ello to The Zetter Townhouse. Tucked away in Clerkenwell, the homey boutique hotel is an advert for all things eclectic. Fun curios are dotted all around the place, in addition to period furniture and ornaments collected from different periods. There are only 13 rooms and suites, so it’s all about small living, but on a grand scale. The afternoon tea here is also legendary and the concierge will point you in the direction of all the cool shops, restaurants, bars and cafes the locals can’t get enough of.