The 1931-built Dorchester is one of London’s most legendary properties, hosting many elite guests over the years, from Prince Philip to Elizabeth Taylor. The luxury, 250-room property exudes opulence through its traditional English decor -- think floral patterns, high-end fabrics, and plenty of marble -- not only in its public spaces, but also in the guest rooms. With four restaurant options, including the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, it’s not only a luxurious place to stay, but also a top dining destination. Another highlight is the spa, but there's no pool here. The hotel is located in stylish Mayfair just across the street from Hyde Park, though it’s a bit far from most major tourist attractions. For a similar historic, swish hotel with a more central location, consider The Savoy.
The 1931-built Dorchester is one of London’s most legendary properties, hosting many elite guests over the years, from Prince Philip to Elizabeth Taylor. The luxury, 250-room property exudes opulence through its traditional English decor -- think floral patterns, high-end fabrics, and plenty of marble -- not only in its public spaces, but also in the guest rooms. With four restaurant options, including the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, it’s not only a luxurious place to stay, but also a top dining destination. Another highlight is the spa, but there's no pool here. The hotel is located in stylish Mayfair just across the street from Hyde Park, though it’s a bit far from most major tourist attractions. For a similar historic, swish hotel with a more central location, consider The Savoy.
The 145-room DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich is an upscale business hotel located a 15-minute walk from central Greenwich. Rooms have modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and contemporary decor in grey and black. Hotel highlights include a stylish restaurant serving a decent seasonal menu, a bar offering afternoon tea service as well as drinks, and on-site parking for a fee. Location a short walk from the DLR makes it a decent pick for those attending events at the O2 Arena or meetings in Canary Wharf, but guests looking to explore London’s attractions may want to stay closer to the city center.
The 145-room DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich is an upscale business hotel located a 15-minute walk from central Greenwich. Rooms have modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and contemporary decor in grey and black. Hotel highlights include a stylish restaurant serving a decent seasonal menu, a bar offering afternoon tea service as well as drinks, and on-site parking for a fee. Location a short walk from the DLR makes it a decent pick for those attending events at the O2 Arena or meetings in Canary Wharf, but guests looking to explore London’s attractions may want to stay closer to the city center.
This 35-room upscale Best Western chain property offers comfortable accommodation at a lower rate than many hotels in the affluent Kensington area. Its location is fantastic, right on Kensington High Street and a five-minute walk to the tube, though the entrance can be tricky to spot. Rooms are brightly and elegantly decorated, but some are tiny -- the modern bathrooms, in particular, are miniscule. There’s a free simple continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi is free, though it can be spotty. But the whole place feels a bit cramped -- the breakfast room and lounge bar are right in the lobby, for instance -- and features are next to non-existent. As an alternative, the similarly priced but larger Park International Hotel has a bar and gym, and is walking distance from Hyde Park and museums.
This 35-room upscale Best Western chain property offers comfortable accommodation at a lower rate than many hotels in the affluent Kensington area. Its location is fantastic, right on Kensington High Street and a five-minute walk to the tube, though the entrance can be tricky to spot. Rooms are brightly and elegantly decorated, but some are tiny -- the modern bathrooms, in particular, are miniscule. There’s a free simple continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi is free, though it can be spotty. But the whole place feels a bit cramped -- the breakfast room and lounge bar are right in the lobby, for instance -- and features are next to non-existent. As an alternative, the similarly priced but larger Park International Hotel has a bar and gym, and is walking distance from Hyde Park and museums.
The mid-range Holiday Inn Express London - Park Royal is located outside London's city center, and trips into the city can take up to 35 minutes by public transportation or car. Its 108 rooms, which have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and kettles, are contemporary but a little cramped. A breakfast buffet is included in the room rate, and there's a cafe and bar on-site, along with a meeting room and a business center. This property is a good alternative for travelers looking for some relief from London's high prices, but those seeking a hotel closer to the city center might want to check out the Hanover Hotel Victoria, whose rates also include breakfast.
The mid-range Holiday Inn Express London - Park Royal is located outside London's city center, and trips into the city can take up to 35 minutes by public transportation or car. Its 108 rooms, which have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and kettles, are contemporary but a little cramped. A breakfast buffet is included in the room rate, and there's a cafe and bar on-site, along with a meeting room and a business center. This property is a good alternative for travelers looking for some relief from London's high prices, but those seeking a hotel closer to the city center might want to check out the Hanover Hotel Victoria, whose rates also include breakfast.
The Bentley lives up to its name -- this is a serious luxury hotel awash in opulent decor with an air of palatial extravagance. Its Kensington address is as upscale as they come, and it's a short hop to some of the capital's most exclusive shopping. The 64 rooms are spacious and elegant, though not without showing a few signs of wear in places, with flat-screen TVs that include computers with wireless keyboards, minibars, and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and jetted tubs -- the Imperial Suite has a grand piano and a dining room that seats 12. The hotel's Kalon Spa, which includes a small gym, has a Turkish hamman and offers an array of traditional and innovative therapies, while The Bentley's snug bar is a superb spot to unwind.
The Bentley lives up to its name -- this is a serious luxury hotel awash in opulent decor with an air of palatial extravagance. Its Kensington address is as upscale as they come, and it's a short hop to some of the capital's most exclusive shopping. The 64 rooms are spacious and elegant, though not without showing a few signs of wear in places, with flat-screen TVs that include computers with wireless keyboards, minibars, and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and jetted tubs -- the Imperial Suite has a grand piano and a dining room that seats 12. The hotel's Kalon Spa, which includes a small gym, has a Turkish hamman and offers an array of traditional and innovative therapies, while The Bentley's snug bar is a superb spot to unwind.
Opened in 2016 following a full interior overhaul by legendary designer, Anouska Hempel, The Franklin Hotel has 35 stunning rooms and suites. Split across four Victorian buildings, the property occupies a quiet residential street on the fringes of Knightsbridge. Interiors reflect the affluent setting, with decadent fabrics and opulent furniture from Italy and Istanbul. High-end amenities include Samsung Smart TVs, free Handy smartphones, and luxury bath products. The intimate Italian restaurant is run by Michelin-star chef Chef Alfredo Russo and receives excellent reviews, as does the 1920s-inspired bar. There’s also a stylish gym and hammam. Rates are steep, though the central location and one-of-a-kind interiors manage to attract plenty of guests. If you’re a fan of a more whimsical style, try another Starhotels Collezione property close by, The Pelham.
Opened in 2016 following a full interior overhaul by legendary designer, Anouska Hempel, The Franklin Hotel has 35 stunning rooms and suites. Split across four Victorian buildings, the property occupies a quiet residential street on the fringes of Knightsbridge. Interiors reflect the affluent setting, with decadent fabrics and opulent furniture from Italy and Istanbul. High-end amenities include Samsung Smart TVs, free Handy smartphones, and luxury bath products. The intimate Italian restaurant is run by Michelin-star chef Chef Alfredo Russo and receives excellent reviews, as does the 1920s-inspired bar. There’s also a stylish gym and hammam. Rates are steep, though the central location and one-of-a-kind interiors manage to attract plenty of guests. If you’re a fan of a more whimsical style, try another Starhotels Collezione property close by, The Pelham.
The huge 833-room Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington is an upper-middle-range property set in a modern, office-like building. Its relatively quiet, upmarket setting is the main draw, plus it's just a short walk from bustling Kensington High Street and its Tube station. Modern, chain-like rooms have electric kettles, mini-fridges, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and in some, excellent cityscape views, but bathrooms feel a bit worn. There are several eating and drinking options, including a brasserie open for all three meals. All in all, it's not the most polished of hotels and it lacks quality health facilities, but it's cheaper than many of its nearby competitors and conveniently located for central London. For a slightly higher rate, the nearby Park International Hotel includes a free breakfast and more modern bathrooms.
The huge 833-room Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington is an upper-middle-range property set in a modern, office-like building. Its relatively quiet, upmarket setting is the main draw, plus it's just a short walk from bustling Kensington High Street and its Tube station. Modern, chain-like rooms have electric kettles, mini-fridges, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and in some, excellent cityscape views, but bathrooms feel a bit worn. There are several eating and drinking options, including a brasserie open for all three meals. All in all, it's not the most polished of hotels and it lacks quality health facilities, but it's cheaper than many of its nearby competitors and conveniently located for central London. For a slightly higher rate, the nearby Park International Hotel includes a free breakfast and more modern bathrooms.
Located a two-minute walk from Borough Market, the lively St. Christopher’s Village London Bridge is a budget hostel offering 140 beds split between coed and women-only dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms and private double rooms with shared facilities. Known for its "chill" amenities, the hostel includes a rooftop terrace, two bars, a restaurant, a cinema, a comedy club, and a lounge with TVs, foosball, and ping-pong, plus a fridge and microwave, though no full kitchen. Nice dorm touches include individual sockets and light switches, linens, and lockers. Be aware that there's no air-conditioning, and rooms can get noisy. A continental breakfast is available at no extra charge, along with Wi-Fi and laundry service. Travelers might want to also check out the Generator Hostel, which offers a chicer vibe at comparable rates, and has better public transportation links.
Located a two-minute walk from Borough Market, the lively St. Christopher’s Village London Bridge is a budget hostel offering 140 beds split between coed and women-only dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms and private double rooms with shared facilities. Known for its "chill" amenities, the hostel includes a rooftop terrace, two bars, a restaurant, a cinema, a comedy club, and a lounge with TVs, foosball, and ping-pong, plus a fridge and microwave, though no full kitchen. Nice dorm touches include individual sockets and light switches, linens, and lockers. Be aware that there's no air-conditioning, and rooms can get noisy. A continental breakfast is available at no extra charge, along with Wi-Fi and laundry service. Travelers might want to also check out the Generator Hostel, which offers a chicer vibe at comparable rates, and has better public transportation links.
With its edgy architectural themes, dramatic panoramic views, and central location, the Doubletree - Tower of London is a convenient and stylish pick. This 583-room hotel offers sleek, minimalist design with perks like iMac TVs -- both a computer and a TV -- and free Wi-Fi. Beyond the sunny rooms, the most appealing feature here is the SkyLounge, a rooftop bar with sweeping views over East London. There are other dining choices too, including the chic City Cafe or 24-hour room service. The nearby tube station is open daily, but some trains have limited service on weekends.
With its edgy architectural themes, dramatic panoramic views, and central location, the Doubletree - Tower of London is a convenient and stylish pick. This 583-room hotel offers sleek, minimalist design with perks like iMac TVs -- both a computer and a TV -- and free Wi-Fi. Beyond the sunny rooms, the most appealing feature here is the SkyLounge, a rooftop bar with sweeping views over East London. There are other dining choices too, including the chic City Cafe or 24-hour room service. The nearby tube station is open daily, but some trains have limited service on weekends.
The Cavendish London is a large, 231-room hotel in Mayfair. Rooms have a mix of classic and contemporary decor with plush linens, big flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks. The elegant design uses pops of color and rooms have great amenities including electric kettles, Nespresso machines, and minibars. The building is taller than many in the neighborhood, providing sweeping views over London's rooftops. Located near shopping, art galleries, and theater, this hotel is a good launching point for exploring central London. The restaurant, Petrichor, is committed to sustainability and serves seasonal British fare. With free Wi-Fi and excellent service, the room rates are reasonable.
The Cavendish London is a large, 231-room hotel in Mayfair. Rooms have a mix of classic and contemporary decor with plush linens, big flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks. The elegant design uses pops of color and rooms have great amenities including electric kettles, Nespresso machines, and minibars. The building is taller than many in the neighborhood, providing sweeping views over London's rooftops. Located near shopping, art galleries, and theater, this hotel is a good launching point for exploring central London. The restaurant, Petrichor, is committed to sustainability and serves seasonal British fare. With free Wi-Fi and excellent service, the room rates are reasonable.