The best luxury hotel stays in London

You can travel the world far and wide but, in our humble opinion, there’s nothing quite like a five-star London hotel. The pomp of the doormen, the ritual of afternoon tea, the quiet sanctuary of a subterranean spa – and we haven’t even got to the plush suites and Michelin-star restaurants. And, whether you’re a born-and-bred Londoner looking to spoil yourself with a decadent weekend in your home city or an out-of-towner wishing to experience the best the capital has to offer, those seeking a luxury London hotel stay are spoiled for choice.

So, why not let the hotels do the hard work for you? After all, they are the experts. From curated experiences designed to help you discover London’s chicest neighbourhoods to culinary journeys and family-friendly sleepovers, practically every luxury hotel in the capital offers a range of unique packages and special offers promising an unforgettable stay. Here’s our guide to the best to book now.

Festive Escape at Rosewood London, Holborn

Available throughout December, the Rosewood has put together a fantastic package for those looking to finish their Christmas shopping or experience the magic of the festive season in the capital. Check in to one of the hotel’s cosy suites, decked out with a darling Christmas street, where you’ll find champagne on ice and £100 hotel credit to spend during your stay. You’ll also have complimentary access to the fitness suite, sauna and steam room to soothe post-shopping aches while the hotel will treat you to complimentary breakfast daily and press two garments during your stay – ideal if you’re in town for a black tie event. Coming from overseas? The Rosewood will even throw in airport transfers as well.

From £712 per night, rosewoodhotels.com

A Glimmering Retreat at Hotel Cafe Royal, Regent’s Street

Book a stay in the heart of the festive action at the Hotel Cafe Royal, located amid the glittering lights and festive hubbub of Regent’s Street. Offering a calming oasis away from the Christmas chaos, the hotel’s Glimmering Retreat package promises an overnight stay in a room or suite with the signature Royal English breakfast each morning. You’ll also enjoy a bottle of champagne on arrival, an exclusive Cake & Bubbles hamper filled with gourmet sweet treats by Albert Adria and access to the serene Akasha spa and gym. Plus, extend your stay for two nights or more and the hotel will gift you £75 to use towards any spa treatment, while stays from 23-29 December will also be granted use of the hotel’s Kids Corner for little travellers.

From £1,400 per night, hotelcaferoyal.com

Christmas at Town Hall Hotel, Bethnal Green

Fancy spending Christmas in the Town Hall Hotel’s stunning De Monfort Suite (pictured)? Complete with a grand piano and 12-seater dining table, there’s plenty of room for fun and festivities. And, whether you choose this or one of the hotel’s other equally elegant rooms, the Town Hall Hotel’s comprehensive Christmas package is sure to make it one to remember. Check in on Christmas Eve for a two-night stay which kicks off with a festive cocktail reception before awakening to a sumptuous Christmas morning breakfast complete with plenty of in-room treats from the hotel’s very own elves. The big event (aka Christmas dinner) is served at the in-house Elis restaurant after which guests are invited to watch films in the Council Chamber or unwind in the peace and quiet of the lounge.

From £388 per night, townhallhotel.com

Prepare to Party at The Laslett, Notting Hill

Heading out on the town this party season? Available until 31 December 2023 for stays of two nights or more, Notting Hill’s The Laslett hotel is offering the perfect base from which to get party-ready with a special stay dedicated to all things glam. On arrival, you’ll find a mini bottle of champagne and box of skincare goodies waiting to get you dancefloor ready while long lay-ins are guaranteed thanks to a late check-out time of 1pm. Why not use that time to throw in an Ozone Sauna at the downstairs Recharge Rooms? Promising to detoxify and boost energy levels, it’s the perfect cure for sore heads.

From £425 per night, living-rooms.co.uk

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year at One Aldwych, Covent Garden

Another hotel promising to really bring the magic of Christmas to life, Covent Garden’s One Aldwych has devised a family-friendly two-night stay perfect for making the msot of time spent with your little ones. Arrive early on Christmas Eve to enjoy lunch at either the Indigo restaurant or Lobby Bar followed by a screening of Miracle on 34th Street before heading to your room or suite where a bottle of champagne and festive treats will be waiting for you, along with milk, cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeers.

Awake as late as little ones will allow on the big day and head downstairs to the Library for champagne and breakfast canapés before a slap-up lunch is served at Indigo. While away the afternoon with a guided walk of Covent Garden before joining the hotel’s general manager, Janine Marshall, for coffee. Spend the rest of your stay at leisure, safe in the knowledge that a full English breakfast and late check-out are waiting for you on Boxing Day.

From £1,255 per night, onealdwych.com

Timeless Escape at Claridge’s, Mayfair

Dedicated to the golden age of luxury, Claridge’s seasonal staycation invites both locals and tourists to soak up the best of Mayfair. The city retreat begins with an array of cocktails inspired by the Bright Young Things – the high society set that dazzled Jazz Age Claridge’s – and a keepsake copy of Claridge’s Cocktail Book. Promenades and picnics in London’s Royal Parks follow, where guests are given a walking map courtesy of the concierge team which features all the capital’s cultural gems . The package also includes a £100 worth of credits to spend at Claridge’s sister five-star hotels, where you can enjoy drinks at The Berkeley Bar and Terrace, let Carlos Place capture your heart at The Connaught or sit back and relax at Claridge’s Bar. Talk about the best of both worlds…

From £1,410 per night, claridges.co.uk

A Foodie Adventure at The Berkeley, Belgravia

Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing recently announced he would be closing his namesake restaurant at The Berkeley but, determined to go out with a bang, the hotel has put together a gourmet package to help you make the most of your last chance to try the lauded eatery. Available until 26 December 2023, the experience includes an overnight stay and breakfast as well as a bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne waiting for you when you arrive. You’ll also be treated to champagne and a seven-course tasting menu at Marcus before being taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen to see where the magic happens. Even better you’ll receive a signed copy of Marcus Wareing’s cookbook so you can recreate your favourite recipes at home.

POA, the-berkeley.co.uk

Back to Hogwarts at Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross

Capitalising on its prime location next door to King’s Cross station, the Great North Hotel is celebrating back-to-school season with a difference. Dedicated to all things Harry Potter, its Back to Hogwarts package promises aspiring witches and wizards an experience they won’t forget. Upon check-in, you’ll find a special Honeydukes’ Acid Pop cocktail (Buffalo Trace bourbon, kiwi syrup, melon liqueur, apple juice and lemon juice), before departing on the Knight Bus to Watford to visit the highly-praised Harry Potter studio tour. Upon return, you’ll find your room full of magical surprises while, after a restful night’s sleep, you’ll be treated to a slap-up breakfast.

From £599 per night, gnhlondon.com

Bicester Village x InterContinental Park Lane

The InterContinental Park Lane has teamed up with luxury shopping destination Bicester Village to curate the ultimate retail therapy experience. As well as an overnight stay in the room or suite of your choice, enjoy a VIP chauffeur service to Bicester Village where you’ll be welcomed at The Apartment, the Village’s elegant lounge, for the ultimate shopping day. Indulge in a personal shopping appointment, hands-free shopping and a saving of 10 per cent in selected Bicester Village boutiques, before being welcomed back to the hotel with a delicious cocktail in the Arch Bar.

Standard room rate plus £125 supplement, parklane.intercontinental.com

Shamanic Sleep at The Mandrake, Fitzrovia

To mark the launch of its Spiritual Wellbeing Concierge menu, giving guests the opportunity to put together a tailored programme of yoga, sound healing, reiki, massage and chakra healing treatments, The Mandrake has put together a series of targeted packages to help guests get started on their wellbeing journey. Among them is Shamanic Sleep, an overnight stay designed for couples looking for a seriously good night’s rest. As well as bed and breakfast, couples will receive a 60-minute shamanic healing session to put them in the perfect head space for enjoying a gorgeous dinner including aperitifs and wine.

From £627 per night, themandrake.com

Skydiamond Celebration at Shangri-La The Shard

To mark its partnership with Skydiamond, a unique new climate-positive lab-grown diamond brand that creates gorgeous stones using CO2 extracts from the atmosphere, Shangri-La The Shard has put together a luxe package to celebrate all things sparkling. Ideal if you’re planning to pop the question, upon arrival, you’ll find a bottle of champagne in your Deluxe City View Room (with option to upgrade) as well as a dedicated Celebration Butler to help make every moment of your stay perfect. Next, head to a consultation with Skydiamond’s concierge team who will guide you through the stone buying process, with all Shangri-La guests receiving special rates on their perfect diamond, before enjoying a gorgeous celebratory Rooted in Nature dinner made using local, sustainable ingredients and served in the privacy of your room.

From £1,200 per night, shangrilaexperiences.com

Time to Tarot at Kimpton Fitzroy, Bloomsbury

Offering a January self-care staycation with a difference, Bloomsbury’s Kimpton Fitzroy hotel has teamed up with occult expert Dr Christina Oakley to create a unique tarot reading experience. As well as a one-to-one tarot reading using a deck of bespoke Kimpton Fitzroy cards designed by illustrator Ari Wisner, guests will also enjoy cocktails in Fitz’s bar, a luxurious overnight stay with breakfast and be gifted their own deck of tarot cards to take home. We can think of worse ways to see what the future has in store.

From £298 per night, kimptonfitzroylondon.com

A Soothing Experience at The Beaumont, Mayfair

Mayfair’s elegant The Beaumont hotel has just unveiled a whole new range of pampering spa treatments making now the perfect time to book its indulgent Spa Break package. Designed for flexibility (the hotel is in the heart of the action so you’ll want to go out and explore), the offer includes a one-night stay with breakfast, a glass of Gusbourne English Sparkling Wine per person in the Gatsby Room, use of the hotel’s chauffeur-driven limousine and access to the spa and gym facilities. You’ll also get 90 minutes worth of treatment time which can be used all at once or split across a massage and a facial so you can tailor your perfect stay.

From £901 per night, thebeaumont.com

Escape to The Berkeley, Knightsbridge

First time in London? The Berkeley has devised the perfect package to help you make the most of the capital. Settle in with a cocktail shaken up at the door of your suite by one of its expert mixologists before allowing its knowledgeable concierge to point you in the direction of London’s gorgeous parks and great shopping (best accessed via Berkeley bikes). You’ll also receive £100 credit to spend in any of the restaurants or bars at The Berkeley, Claridge’s or The Connaught for a great night out on the town before retiring to your room. In the morning opt for an in-room English breakfast or dine in the Collins Room or The Berkeley Cafe.

From £780 per night, the-berkeley.co.uk

Mayfair City Break at The Connaught, Mayfair

The Berkeley’s sister hotel, meanwhile, has honed on its own exquisite slice of the capital with a special package designed to show off the best of Mayfair. You’ll find a chilled bottle of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée champagne and a Connaughty cake in your room on arrival, alongside a walking map of London’s beautiful green spaces, galleries and beauty spots. Dine out with £100 to spend on restaurants and bar at The Connaught, Claridge’s and The Berkeley before sinking into a sumptuous bed. Of course, you’ll also be able to refuel with full English breakfast for two in the morning as well.

From £960 per night, the-connaught.co.uk

Celebration Getaway at Rosewood London, Holborn

Birthday? Anniversary? Tuesday night? Whatever you’re celebrating, Holborn’s Rosewood Hotel has put together a stay to help you mark the occasion in style. As well as an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s high-end rooms or suites, you’ll receive a bottle of champagne on arrival, access to the sauna and steam room at the spa and a relaxed breakfast every morning of your stay. You’ll also receive £75 per day to spend in the hotel’s bars, restaurants and spa so you can treat yourself to the Rosewood Art Afternoon Tea, cocktails in the Scarfes Bar and fine dining in the Holborn Dining Room.

From £608 per night, rosewoodhotels.com

Baby Bloom at Pan Pacific London, The City

If you’re anticipating the imminent arrival of a new addition to your family then it’s time to treat yourself to one last serene escape before the sleepless nights start. Sure, you could jet across the world for a Caribbean getaway or tropical escape – but why bother with the hassle of airports and long-haul flights when the City of London’s Pan Pacific hotel has put together the ultimate treat for expectant mothers?

Upon check-in, you’ll find a bottle of chilled French Bloom (alcohol-free sparkling rosé) waiting in your room, alongside luxurious Diptyque amenities and an enormous bed to sink into. And to ensure the perfect night’s sleep? Unwind with full access to the Wellbeing Floor, including a gym, infinity pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation pods and mindful studio, as well as a 60-minute pre-natal full-body massage. In the morning, rise late and linger over breakfast in Straits Kitchen before leaving ready to welcome your new bundle of joy.

From £545 per night, panpacific.com

The Ultimate Royal Opera Expereince at NoMad London, Covent Garden

Roll up, roll up culture vultures: Covent Garden’s NoMad hotel has partnered with the Royal Opera House to offer ballet fans an unforgettable theatrical experience. This tailored package includes a night in a NoMad suite with themed welcome amenities. You’ll also get the opportunity to view a closed rehearsal or performance of your choice from the Royal Box at the Royal Opera House, receive a signed show programme, breakfast for two, champagne, and pre- or post-performance cocktails in the Library bar.

POA, thenomadhotel.com

Read more: The UK’s best spa hotels