There’s something magical about London. It’s not just the red buses, the Big Ben selfies, or the royal family gossip. It’s the feeling you get when you step into a hotel that doesn’t just offer you a bed but welcomes you into a living piece of history, where silver service and signature cocktails are just the beginning.
I’m talking about the most legendary five-star hotels in London – the kind of places where movie stars sip champagne next to monarchs, and where every hallway could tell you a dozen stories… if only the wallpaper could talk.
If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to London (or just like daydreaming in style), I’m taking you behind the velvet ropes of Claridge’s, The Savoy, The Connaught, The Dorchester, and The Ritz London – the five most iconic luxury hotels in the city.
Each one is like its own world: with jaw-dropping suites, Michelin-starred restaurants, secret celebrity histories, and that rare kind of service that makes you feel like royalty.
- Need flights to London? Check this flight search for the best international and business class deals.
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- And if you’re traveling from abroad, I recommend using Surfshark VPN to safely access booking sites without regional restrictions.
Let’s kick things off with one of the most beloved names in the game…
1. Claridge’s: Where Old-School Glamour Meets Modern Cool
Why I’d stay here again and again
Claridge’s isn’t just a hotel. It’s the kind of place where history whispers through the chandeliers, and where butlers in tailcoats still know your name. I don’t say that lightly. This Mayfair legend has hosted everyone from Queen Victoria to Beyoncé – and somehow still manages to feel fresh and current.
Whether you’re here for afternoon tea or the grand piano suite, there’s a reason people call it “an extension of Buckingham Palace.”
A little Art Deco, a lot of royal elegance
Claridge’s opened in the 1850s, but its real glow-up happened in the 1920s and 30s, when the hotel embraced Art Deco design with shimmering glass, mirrored walls, and an opulent lobby that looks like a movie set. Picture a mix of Gatsby glam and British restraint – with actual Laliques built into the walls.
But what I love most is how they’ve kept the soul alive while making space for new energy. Top designers like Diane von Furstenberg and David Linley have helped reimagine the interiors, blending historic charm with cool, modern edge. There’s nothing “stuffy” here – it’s elegance with a wink.
Dining like you mean it
Claridge’s is kind of a foodie temple. The Claridge’s Restaurant nails elevated British cuisine with seasonal twists, while The Foyer & Reading Room serves what’s probably the most iconic afternoon tea in London. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a ritual. (The scones alone are worth the reservation.)
Craving something a bit more intimate? Head to The Fumoir – a 1930s-style bar hidden behind a mirrored door – or The Painter’s Room, a pastel dreamscape with cocktails that look like they belong in an art gallery.
Suites that are basically private palaces
Claridge’s doesn’t do basic rooms. Even their “smallest” rooms feel indulgent. But the Royal Suite, designed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, is next level. We’re talking hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, historic grand piano, and gold details that make your Instagram sparkle.
Want something with a fashion twist? Book the Grand Piano Suite, styled by Diane von Furstenberg herself. If you’re after real royal gossip, ask about the Prince Alexander Suite, where a literal king was born during WWII (and yes, Churchill was involved).
A spa that feels like a secret garden
Beneath the hotel, you’ll find the Claridge’s Spa, a serene space inspired by Japanese zen gardens. There’s a dreamy pool, saunas, and treatments curated by wellness concierges. Even if you don’t book a treatment, it’s worth just wandering the space. It’s like an emotional reset button.
Famous guests, royal births, and one wild war story
During WWII, Claridge’s became a sanctuary for exiled royals. The most famous story? In 1945, Winston Churchill declared Suite 212 “Yugoslav territory” for a single day so that Crown Prince Alexander II could be born on Yugoslav soil. That’s right – a baby prince born in a London hotel, thanks to a loophole in international law.
Over the years, Claridge’s has hosted Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Kate Moss, and even the Rolling Stones. But despite the celeb sparkle, it never feels pretentious. It feels… respectful. Like the kind of place where time slows down and everyone stands a little taller.
Quick look: Claridge’s at a glance
| Feature | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Style | Art Deco meets royal heritage |
| Signature Experience | Afternoon Tea in The Foyer |
| Michelin Rating | 3 Keys |
| Famous Suite | Royal Suite (with a historic piano) |
| Vibe | Classic London glam with modern flair |
2. The Savoy: Timeless Glamour with a View of the Thames
This place literally changed how hotels work
You know how some places feel like they’ve always been ahead of their time? That’s The Savoy. This riverside icon didn’t just raise the bar for British hospitality – it invented it. We’re talking electricity before Buckingham Palace, en-suite bathrooms in the 1800s, and a vibe that’s been both royal and rock-and-roll ever since.
If you want theatrical elegance, next-level service, and a side of history with your martini, The Savoy is the move.
Where modern hospitality was born
When impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte opened The Savoy in 1889, he wasn’t messing around. He brought in tech straight out of science fiction: electric lighting throughout, “ascending rooms” (aka elevators), and private bathrooms in most rooms – at a time when most Brits were still boiling bathwater by hand.
It became the first truly modern hotel in the UK. But don’t expect it to feel outdated. The Savoy has been lovingly renovated by top designer Pierre-Yves Rochon to blend its Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco past into something that feels luxurious and very, very now.
Legendary chefs, cocktails, and culinary drama
Let’s just start with this: The Savoy was where Escoffier himself ran the kitchen. Yes, that Escoffier – the father of modern cuisine. He cooked for kings and created dishes like Peach Melba right here.
Today? It’s all about Gordon Ramsay’s empire. You’ve got:
- Savoy Grill: Think steak, oysters, caviar, and a bit of old-school swagger.
- Restaurant 1890: Michelin-starred, intimate, and just as elegant as it sounds.
- The River Restaurant: Dreamy seafood with epic views of the Thames.
But real talk – the American Bar is where magic happens. It’s the oldest surviving cocktail bar in London and still ranks among the best in the world. Think live piano, gold walls, and a bartender who knows your drink before you ask. For something even moodier? Head to Beaufort Bar, all black and gold and pure Bond villain energy.
Suites made for icons (and Gucci lovers)
You know how some hotel suites just scream “celebrity stayed here”? The Savoy takes that and dials it up. Especially the Royal Suite by Gucci – an entire floor of glam, draped in custom Gucci Décor furniture, with wraparound windows showing off the Thames like a postcard.
Add in Savoy Butlers, personalized service, and spa access with a naturally lit pool, and yeah – it’s basically living like royalty, minus the paparazzi.
Guests who changed the world – and pop culture
This hotel is a magnet for legends. Oscar Wilde? Frequent guest. Winston Churchill? Held strategy meetings here. Marilyn Monroe? Stayed with her then-husband Arthur Miller. Claude Monet even painted the Thames from his suite window – and you can literally see where.
Oh, and in post-WWII London? This is where Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip made their first public appearance as a couple.
You’ll spot the Savoy in countless books and movies, but nothing beats actually walking those black-and-white tiled hallways and knowing you’re a part of the story now, too.
Quick look: The Savoy at a glance
| Feature | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Location | On the Strand, overlooking the Thames |
| Signature Bar | The American Bar – iconic cocktails |
| Michelin Dining | Restaurant 1890 (1 star) |
| Designer Suite | The Royal Suite by Gucci |
| Vibe | Grand, cinematic, and full of secrets |
Pro travel tip:
Booking The Savoy through Hotels.com or Expedia sometimes includes perks like complimentary breakfast or free upgrades – especially off-season. And when using hotel Wi-Fi (especially in big cities), I always keep ExpressVPN running to protect my browsing and streaming accounts.
3. The Connaught: Discreet Luxury with an Artistic Soul
Understated, refined, and impossibly elegant
If you’re the type who prefers quiet confidence over loud luxury, The Connaught might just steal your heart. It’s the kind of hotel that whispers class instead of shouting it, and that makes you feel like part of an inner circle the moment you step inside.
Think modern art meets timeless service, a three-Michelin-starred dining room, and a bar where ordering a martini turns into an actual performance. If Claridge’s is where you go to be seen, The Connaught is where you go to completely disappear – in the best way possible.
From royal roots to wartime secrets
The Connaught’s story starts all the way back in 1815, when it opened under a very different name: The Prince of Saxe-Coburg Hotel. It was renamed during WWI to honor Queen Victoria’s son, the Duke of Connaught – and the new name stuck.
Fast-forward to WWII, and this elegant spot became the London base of General Charles de Gaulle, who reportedly met with Allied commanders right here in its wood-paneled rooms.
After a major renovation in 2007, The Connaught evolved into something even more special – a hybrid of heritage and high design, where you can admire museum-worthy sculptures one minute and sip Champagne in your soaking tub the next.
Culinary heaven, no menu required
Let’s talk food – because The Connaught isn’t just part of the London dining scene. It defines it.
The centerpiece is Hélène Darroze at The Connaught – a triple Michelin-starred restaurant where you don’t order off a traditional menu. Instead, you choose from a selection of seasonal ingredients, and the kitchen builds a customized culinary journey just for you. It’s intimate, artistic, and unforgettable.
For something a bit more casual (but still elevated), head to Jean-Georges at The Connaught – a bright, contemporary space with street views and seriously good dishes. But the true jewel here?
It’s the Connaught Bar.
The most iconic bar in the world? Probably.
This place has been voted World’s Best Bar more than once – and it’s easy to see why. Designed by David Collins, the Connaught Bar blends elegance with drama, wrapped in silver-leaf walls and smoked mirrors.
But what people come for is the Martini Trolley. A suited mixologist rolls up to your table, discusses your flavor profile like a sommelier, and then creates your perfect martini on the spot – stirred, not shaken, with a twist of performance. It’s half cocktail, half show.
You’ll never drink a basic hotel bar martini again.
Private townhouse, personal butler, total escape
One of the coolest things about The Connaught is how it redefines privacy. Instead of flashy, over-the-top rooms, you get tailored experiences that feel completely yours.
The crown jewel? The Mews – a three-story private townhouse with its own entrance, grand piano, multiple bedrooms, and a secret passage that leads directly into the hotel. You get all the perks of five-star service (butlers, spa access, dining) with the feeling of a private Mayfair residence.
Also worth noting: The Aman Spa at The Connaught is the only Aman spa in the UK, and it’s everything you’d hope for – deeply calming, Asian-inspired, and fully underground for true urban escapism.
Where art isn’t just decoration
Everywhere you look, The Connaught surprises you with original art. I’m not talking hotel prints – I’m talking pieces by Damien Hirst, Barbara Hepworth, Louise Bourgeois, and other legends. It’s like staying inside a curated private collection, one that rewards you for slowing down and looking closely.
Even the staircases feel intentional. Ralph Lauren once said the Connaught’s mahogany staircase inspired the one in his New York flagship store. That tells you everything.
📋 Quick look: The Connaught at a glance
| Feature | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Location | Mayfair, steps from Mount Street |
| Dining Highlight | Hélène Darroze (3 Michelin stars) |
| Signature Bar | Connaught Bar with Martini Trolley |
| Private Stay | The Mews townhouse |
| Vibe | Artistic, discreet, and deeply personal |
🧳 Travel hack:
Want full privacy while traveling? Combine The Connaught with Proton VPN – especially if you’re working remotely or accessing international sites from the UK. You can also check VRBO for longer stays nearby if you fall in love with Mayfair but need more space.
4. The Dorchester: Where Old Hollywood Glamour Meets Hyde Park Views
Come for the views, stay for the vibe
There’s luxury, and then there’s The Dorchester. Perched right on Park Lane, this place practically hums with elegance. It’s got that old-school golden glow, the kind of hotel where you half-expect to bump into James Bond in the lobby or Elizabeth Taylor at the bar. And honestly? You might.
It’s bold, it’s opulent, and it’s one of those rare hotels that feels just as grand today as it must have in the 1930s.
Concrete fortress turned royal refuge
Opened in 1931, The Dorchester was a game-changer from day one. Instead of traditional building methods, it was constructed using reinforced concrete – which not only allowed for massive, open ballrooms but also made it one of the safest buildings in London during WWII.
That’s not just trivia – it mattered. General Eisenhower stayed here while planning the D-Day invasion. Ministers and military bigwigs used it as a base. And when you walk through the hotel today, that sense of quiet power is still very much there – just dressed up in marble and gold leaf.
The hotel’s latest renovation brought in state-of-the-art tech without losing a single ounce of its charm. It’s still unmistakably The Dorchester, just with smarter lighting and even plusher carpets.
Michelin stars and cantons of flavor
Food is serious business here. Let’s start with the crown jewel: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester – a three Michelin star experience that’s all about refined French cuisine, served in a dining room that feels like eating inside a jewelry box.
Other highlights:
- The Grill at The Dorchester – bold British classics with a theatrical twist.
- China Tang – easily one of the best Cantonese restaurants in the city, tucked away in a Shanghai-chic underground space.
- The Promenade – for afternoon tea that feels like an actual ceremony (you’ll spot more designer handbags here than on Bond Street).
And then there’s the Vesper Bar. Yes, that Vesper – as in Vesper Lynd, Bond’s iconic love interest. The vibe? Sleek, moody, and dripping with 007 energy. Shaken or stirred, it hits.
Rooms with a royal view
One thing that makes The Dorchester stand out? That Hyde Park view. It’s not just a nice bonus – it’s the hotel’s defining feature. You get the buzz of central London without sacrificing greenery, and those panoramic windows are no joke.
Top-tier rooms include:
- The Oliver Messel Terrace Suite – designed by the legendary theatrical designer, with fairytale décor and a private terrace that feels like your own garden in the sky.
- The Harlequin Penthouse and The Terrace Penthouse – sprawling spaces with the kind of square footage most Londoners only dream of, and views that’ll stop you in your tracks.
The Dorchester Spa: Art Deco and bubbly
This spa is a stunner. Think pastel Art Deco meets full-body serenity. It’s got luxury written all over it – from heated marble loungers to signature facials by top-tier brands.
And yes, there’s even a Spatisserie, where you can sip Champagne and nibble on bite-sized pastries post-treatment. Because of course there is.
Famous faces and real royalty
The Dorchester’s guest list reads like a Hollywood red carpet mixed with a royal registry. Prince Philip had his bachelor party here in 1947. Queen Elizabeth visited often. And over the years, the hotel’s plush halls have welcomed:
- Elizabeth Taylor (frequent guest)
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Louis Armstrong
- Stevie Wonder
- Karl Lagerfeld
- And pretty much every fashion editor in Europe
Despite all that star power, the vibe remains warm and welcoming. You’re just as likely to see a billionaire quietly checking in as you are a couple celebrating their anniversary with afternoon tea.
Quick look: The Dorchester at a glance
| Feature | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Signature Dining | Alain Ducasse (3 Michelin stars) |
| Iconic Bar | Vesper Bar |
| Spa | Art Deco luxe with Spatisserie |
| Park Views | Available in most upper-tier suites |
| Vibe | Classic glamour, timeless drama |
Planning to mix business and luxury? The Dorchester’s meeting spaces are stunning. For secure browsing while working abroad, I recommend Private Internet Access VPN – especially on public hotel Wi-Fi. And if you want to compare suites side by side, try Agoda for real-time room layouts and deals.
5. The Ritz London: Regal, Radiant, and Forever Formal
For when only the absolute best will do
Let’s not sugarcoat it — The Ritz is not for casual vibes. This isn’t where you stroll in wearing sneakers and order a latte. This is high society in hotel form, a place where tuxedos feel normal, gilded ceilings are expected, and afternoon tea is practically a national ceremony.
But if you’re in the mood to go full fantasy — the kind with chandeliers, gold trim, and live classical music while you sip your Earl Grey — The Ritz is your dream come true.
A Parisian dream built in London
The Ritz opened its doors in 1906, founded by legendary hotelier César Ritz — the same man behind the Ritz in Paris. His vision? Bring the opulence of a French palace to the heart of London. Mission accomplished.
Architecturally, the place is a stunner. Think neoclassical luxury, sweeping staircases, arched windows, and one of the city’s first steel-frame buildings (which allowed for larger rooms and more grandeur). Ritz was obsessive about cleanliness, lighting, and even brass beds instead of wood, because he didn’t want guests to worry about dust. Iconic.
Dining under the chandeliers
The Ritz Restaurant is easily one of the most visually stunning dining rooms in the world. It looks like it was lifted straight out of Versailles — and yes, it delivers on the food too.
Run by Executive Chef John Williams MBE, the restaurant holds two Michelin stars and specializes in elevated British cuisine with French flair. Every plate looks like a piece of art, and the staff floats around like synchronized butlers.
But nothing — and I mean nothing — tops afternoon tea at The Palm Court. It’s not just tea. It’s a ritual.
- Live piano and harp music
- 20+ loose leaf blends
- Silver teapots and tiered cake stands
- A strict dress code (gentlemen must wear jackets and ties)
It’s also the only hotel in the UK that employs an actual Tea Master (yes, that’s a real job). Giandomenico Scanu personally selects tea leaves from estates around the world. No Lipton here.
And when the sun goes down? Head to The Rivoli Bar for vintage cocktails and serious Art Deco drama.
Suites that feel like palaces
The rooms at The Ritz are like stepping into a different era — one with silk wallpaper, hand-carved furniture, and gold-trimmed everything. There’s zero minimalism here. That’s the point.
Highlights include:
- The Royal Suite – housed in William Kent House, a historic mansion next door. This place comes with a private drawing room, marble fireplaces, and views over Green Park.
- The Trafalgar Suite – famous for its cameo in the movie Notting Hill. Yes, that’s the suite where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant held that unforgettable press conference.
Oh, and if you want to arrive (or leave) in style? You can book the hotel’s Rolls-Royce Phantom with a chauffeur. The whole experience is just… next level.
The only hotel with a Royal Warrant
The Ritz is the only hotel in the world to hold a Royal Warrant from King Charles III for banqueting and catering services. That’s not just a fancy stamp. It means the British royal family officially uses and recommends The Ritz. There’s no higher endorsement.
Over the years, the guest list has included:
- Winston Churchill
- King Edward VII
- Charlie Chaplin
- Margaret Thatcher (who spent her final days here)
- The Queen Mother, who had a favorite table in the Palm Court
There’s just no competing with that level of legacy.
Quick look: The Ritz at a glance
| Feature | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Afternoon Tea | The most iconic in London |
| Michelin Dining | Ritz Restaurant (2 stars) |
| Signature Bar | The Rivoli Bar |
| Royal Status | Holds a Royal Warrant |
| Vibe | Grand, formal, and unapologetically regal |
Planning to visit The Ritz? Don’t forget your dress code. And if you’re browsing deals from abroad, you might notice geo-restricted rates use CyberGhost VPN or NordVPN to get access to global booking platforms.
For longer stays in central London, check VRBO or TripAdvisor for ultra-luxe private apartments near Green Park.
Final Thoughts: Picking Your Crown Jewel in London
Each of these hotels offers a different take on luxury — from Claridge’s playful Art Deco glamour to The Connaught’s refined quiet, from The Dorchester’s grand flair to The Savoy’s riverside legacy, and finally The Ritz’s timeless formality.
Here’s how I’d break it down:
| Hotel | Best For | Signature Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Claridge’s | Classic glamour + modern design | Afternoon Tea in The Foyer |
| The Savoy | River views + historic innovation | American Bar cocktails |
| The Connaught | Privacy + culinary mastery | Martini made tableside |
| The Dorchester | Park Lane views + celebrity sparkle | Alain Ducasse fine dining |
| The Ritz | Pure British formality + royal touches | Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court |
Whichever one you choose, you’re not just booking a bed. You’re stepping into a living story one where history, hospitality, and pure indulgence all collide under one glorious roof.
And trust me it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
