You’ve made it all the way to the Big Smoke. Treat yourself like a movie-star with a night’s stay in one of London’s eight most luxurious luxury hotels!
Connaught Hotel London, 5-star – Mayfair, Central London
Exuding a perfectly judged, understated elegance, the Connaught has been gracing this refined neighbourhood since 1815. The rooms can be small, but the overall experience and royal style is unbeatable.
Historically, the Connaught’s restaurants – having featured such stellar chefs as Michel Bourdin and Angela Hartnett, and currently under the helm of French chef extraordinaire Hélène Darroze – have been reasons to visit in themselves.
The gorgeous Coburg and Connaught bars, which specialise in cocktails and fine wines, are both cosy and glamorous, while the soothing Aman Spa provides the best in pampering. Save up so you can splash out!
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, 5-star – King’s Cross, Central London
This glorious Gothic Revival building, designed as a railway hotel in 1873 by famed British architect George Gilbert Scott, is a London landmark with its red-and-cream brick exterior and its lofty spires. Thus Londoners were delighted when, after lying empty for many years, it was brought back to life as a Marriott hotel.
In the heart of the revitalising King’s Cross area, almost next to the Eurostar station, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel’s excited bustle and grand public spaces evoke the glamorous, classic days of train travel.
The Rookery Hotel London, 4-star – Clerkenwell, Central East London
The Rookery is a ravishing boutique hotel situated in a small cluster of townhouses from the 1700s. Some of which have served as brothels, bakeries and other businesses through the passage of time.
Each antique-filled room is different, named after a local famous personality from history. The Victorian bathrooms are carefully refurbished ‘pull-and-slip’ toilets and lovely period bathtubs.
There is no restaurant, but you can order a hearty breakfast in bed. There’s an honesty bar, and you can relax by the roaring fireplace in the cost wooden panelled lounge.
Draycott Hotel, 5-star – Chelsea, Southwest London
The Draycott, with just 35 rooms, is a little piece of luxury in the swankiest part of town.
The hotel sits within three Edwardian townhouses in a street behind Sloane Square. Crossing the threshold takes you into a world from times gone by. Some of the rooms even have their own small fireplaces.
You’ll feel like you are living in the home of some Lord or Lady from a hundred years ago, except for the fact that you can surf on your satellite TV while browsing the internet on the Wi-Fi.
Rosewood London, 5-star – Holborn, Central London
The swanky Rosewood offers old-style comforts, like leather armchairs, real fires, and gleaming Art Deco fittings, with contemporary pizzazz.
Take a look at the glass art installation in the leafy courtyard and, if you’re here on a Sunday, visit the hotel’s Slow Food Market, where you can browse the best seasonal and artisan produce from local suppliers. Check out the staff’s tweed jackets – traditional and whimsical at the same time.
The glamour doesn’t end with the vast public spaces. The rooms are unusually large for London, making it a very appealing prospect to laze around and relax – just as the Rosewood would want it.
The Zetter Townhouse, 4-star – Clerkenwell, Central East London
The funky Zetter boutique townhouse in the heart of Clerkenwell abounds in nifty special details – that hot water bottle in knitted cover on the bed, the paint-box bright palette, the vintage paperbacks, colour matched to the decor. There is humour and vivacity here in abundance.
The cheapest of the double rooms is not big, but space is well used. There’s a cool bar on the ground floor; breakfast is served in the bistro, a popular local haunt.
The building was originally a department store, and, incidentally, has its own water supply – a well buried deep under the foundations.
One Aldwych, 5-star – The Strand, Central London
Having made its name by offering contemporary luxury in an unbeatable location near the Thames, Covent Garden and the theatres of the West End, One Aldwych is a trusted five-star hotel that wins lots of repeat customers.
Look behind the stylish surface and you’ll discover the real secret – it’s the impeccable, friendly service and its attention to small details, from fresh fruit in your room to staff knowing you by name that set this hotel apart.
And for bit of belly-filling fun, don’t miss the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea, complete with smoking drinks, candy-floss and golden eggs.
Arosfa, 3-star – Bloomsbury, North London
For those who want a 5-star experience at a fraction of the cost, give this gorgeous Georgian townhouse a go.
The Arosfa is more than just a hotel, it’s a family home. Home with a living room with a TV and a shared computer for guests to use.
Most of the guest rooms are rather small, but that’s standard for London hotels in this inexpensive price range, and as the rates include a full breakfast, it is difficult to feel cheated – especially when you take into account that you are within walking distance of the British Museum, Soho and Covent Garden.
The hotel has family rooms for up to four people. Make sure to book well in advance.
