News, Top Main Featured News | September 17, 2025

London Calling: The Most Luxurious Places to Stay in England’s Capital Right Now

News, Top Main Featured News | September 17, 2025

Laura Schreffler

By Laura Schreffler, Editor-in-Chief

THE DORCHESTER

London hotels Photo Credit: The Dorchester Collection

The Dorchester isn’t just a hotel — it’s a London legend, reborn. Since 1931, this Park Lane icon has defined British luxury, and its recent refresh only elevates the magic. Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon brings garden-inspired hues, hand-painted de Gournay headboards, and bespoke floral details to light-filled rooms and suites, while even the corridors get a glow-up with custom carpets. The Vesper Bar oozes Bond-era glamour, and the Artists’ Bar dazzles with mirrored pianos and cocktails inspired by original artworks. Dining impresses at every turn — from Alain Ducasse’s three-Michelin-starred French fine dining to China Tang’s decadent dim sum and modern British plates at The Grill. With a world-class spa and the chic new boutique Cake & Flowers, The Dorchester feels as timeless as ever — but completely of-the-moment. 53 Park Ln, W1K 1QA

THE PENINSULA LONDON

London hotels Photo Credit: The Peninsula London

The Peninsula London, located in elegant Belgravia, is where British sophistication meets the warmth of Asian hospitality. Designed by Peter Marino, its 190 serene rooms and suites feel like private sanctuaries. Think: floor-to-ceiling windows, bespoke British details, and marble bathrooms stocked with locally inspired Scents of the City. Service is next-level, with a signature jade-green fleet (including an electrified vintage Austin taxi) offering stylish rides around central London. Wellness is front and center, thanks to a tranquil spa with Thai-inspired treatments and an ozone-filtered indoor pool lined with plush loungers. Dining is an experience in itself — especially at Canton Blue, where the design evokes a 19th-century Chinese junk in the most cinematic, transportive way. Every inch of this hotel is a love letter to detail, culture, and calm. The Peninsula may be a newcomer to London’s luxury scene, but it arrives with the quiet confidence of an instant icon. 1 Grosvenor Pl, SW1X 7HJ

THE CONNAUGHT

London hotels Photo Credit: The Connaught The Connaught is the definition of quiet glamour — understated, elegant, and effortlessly iconic. The new Suite Collection at this Mayfair mainstay is a study in thoughtful luxury: expect cocktails mixed tableside by the World’s 50 Best award-winning The Connaught Bar team, pastries by Nicolas Rouzaud, and even shoeshines courtesy of John Lobb. But it’s the atmosphere that truly sets it apart. Every detail, from the Guy Oliver and David Collins Studio-designed suites to the handcrafted touches by Turquoise Mountain Foundation artisans, is intentionally refined and deeply British. Dining is just as elevated, with three-Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze leading the charge while Haute Living ambassador Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings a modern twist with his eponymous Jean-Georges at The Connaught. Whether you’re savoring a martini at the world-famous Connaught Bar, slipping into serenity at the Aman Spa, or indulging in wood-fired excellence at the Connaught Grill, it all feels quietly cinematic. Carlos Pl, W1K 2AL

BVLGARI HOTEL LONDON

Photo Credit: Bvlgari Hotel London When you want your London stay to feel cinematic, seductive, and quietly extravagant, Bvlgari Hotel London delivers. Set in sleek Knightsbridge, just steps from Harrods and Hyde Park, it’s a masterclass in Italian glamour with a British edge. The rooms and suites — some of the city’s largest — are all glossy marble, rich silks, and sculptural design. The crown jewel? The 4,300-square-foot Bvlgari Suite with wraparound terraces and next-level privacy. Below ground, the 25,000-square-foot spa is a sanctuary of stillness, complete with a 82-foot pool, 111Skin and Swiss Perfection facials, and private vitality suites. Add in a private cinema, curated cigar lounge, and Sette by NYC’s Scarpetta team, and you’ve got modern luxury done right. 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW

ROSEWOOD LONDON

Photo Credit: Rosewood LondonHidden behind a grand carriageway near Covent Garden, Rosewood London feels more like a private manor than a hotel. Housed in a restored Belle Époque building, it makes a dramatic first impression with its marble staircase and soaring dome. The rooms and suites — especially the Grand Manor House Wing, complete with its own postcode — exude the polish of a chic London residence, blending elevated finishes with quiet glamour. But there’s more. Scarfes Bar is a World’s 50 Best libation destination, known for live jazz, witty cocktails, and walls lined with hand-drawn caricatures. Holborn Dining Room serves up British brasserie classics, while The Pie Room is heaven for pastry lovers. Afternoon tea in the Mirror Room turns desserts into edible art, with rotating teas inspired by specific artists, and the bamboo-lined Sense Spa offers a calming urban escape. 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN

THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LONDON AT TOWER BRIDGE

London hotels Photo Credit: Four Seasons London at Tower Bridge
Tucked inside a grand 1920s Beaux-Arts landmark just steps from the Tower of London, the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge is the kind of place that makes you whisper ‘wow.’ The vibe? Historic British power meets modern luxury, all under a soaring rotunda that once belonged to the Port of London Authority. Rooms and suites feel quietly opulent, with just the right amount of drama — and if you’re lucky enough to land one of the private residences or the 9,000-square-foot Skyline Penthouse, prepare for next-level indulgence (private cinema, gym, skyline views). The Roman-inspired spa is a destination in itself, complete with a hammam, vitality pool, and world-class facials. And the dining? From the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic to dim sum at Mei Ume, it’s all top-tier. 10 Trinity Square, EC3N 4AJ

THE BEAUMONT MAYFAIR

Photo Credit: The Beaumont The Beaumont feels less like a hotel and more like a well-kept secret. Tucked into a quiet Mayfair garden square, it’s all old-world charm and Art Deco elegance — lacquered wood, leather banquettes, brass details — executed with effortless style. There’s nothing flashy here, just timeless design and soul in every corner. The standout? The Antony Gormley ROOM, a suite that doubles as a sculpture and an experience. Service is warm and intuitive, the kind that makes you feel like a regular on your first visit. Magritte Bar is pure late-night magic — negronis, jazz, and just the right amount of mischief, while the hotel’s newest concept, Rosi, will offer a spirited interpretation of Modern British dining come September. The Beaumont doesn’t clamor for attention. It doesn’t need to. It simply gets everything right, quietly and confidently. The result? A hotel you return to — not just because it’s beautiful, but because it feels like yours. 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, W1K 6TF

BROADWICK SOHO

Photo Credit: Broadwick SohoBroadwick Soho is as bold, bohemian, and unapologetic as the neighborhood it celebrates. Tucked in the heart of London’s West End, this 57-room hideaway channels Soho’s raw energy and creative spirit into a wildly stylish escape. Dreamed up by a group of friends with deep local ties, it’s a love letter to the area’s eccentric past and electric now. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the interiors are pure fantasy — Jazz Age glamour meets Italian romance, English cheek, and a touch of disco sparkle. It’s less hotel, more seductive townhouse, where every corner surprises with texture, color, and personality. It is equal parts luxury and mischief — a winning combination. 20 Broadwick St, W1F 8HT

NOMAD LONDON

Photo Credit: Mark Anthony Fox Set inside Covent Garden’s historic Bow Street Magistrates’ Court, NoMad London feels more like a decadent New Yorker’s townhouse than a traditional hotel. It’s moody, magnetic, and packed with surprises — from the soaring glass atrium at Twenty8, where foie gras-stuffed chicken and Galician steak take center stage, to a cheeky martini menu that reimagines NYC cocktail culture. Martin Brudnizki’s design is pure maximalist fantasy: think vintage palm court, dramatic hearth, and rattan-glam accents alongside portraits of Oscar Wilde. Upstairs, the World’s 50 Best award-winning bar, Side Hustle, serves up Latin American flavors in a sultry, candlelit space, while The Library is a velvet-draped haven of art books and quiet luxury. It’s all layered, indulgent, and effortlessly cool — a love letter to London, New York, and the spaces in between. 28 Bow St, WC2E 7AW

CORINTHIA LONDON

London hotels Photo Credit: Corinthia London

Corinthia London is the kind of hotel where heritage meets modernity and world-class wellness. Set between the Thames and Trafalgar Square, this grande dame exudes quiet luxury, drawing creatives, jet-setters, and insiders alike. Its 279 rooms and suites — including seven penthouses — combine classic elegance with a fresh, residential feel: soft silks, botanical tones, and bespoke British touches. Dining is top-tier, from the lively Kerridge’s Bar & Grill to the sultry Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese, plus afternoon tea beneath a dazzling Baccarat chandelier in the Crystal Moon Lounge. But the real standout is ESPA Life at Corinthia — a four-floor sanctuary with a dramatic pool, thermal areas, and next-level, results-driven treatments. Service is warm and seamless, the vibe refined yet relaxed. Whitehall Pl, SW1A 2BD

THE LANESBOROUGH

Photo Credit: The Lanesborough If you’re after London luxury with real character, The Lanesborough has it in spades. Overlooking Hyde Park Corner, this grand Regency mansion blends timeless British elegance with modern ease — antique art, 24-hour butler service, and interiors by design icon Alberto Pinto. Its 93 rooms and suites strike the perfect balance between classic charm and cutting-edge tech (even pets are pampered). But it’s not just about where you sleep. The Library Bar is a glamorous, cozy escape, while the Garden Room cigar terrace comes alive at dusk. At The Lanesborough Grill, chef Shay Cooper delivers modern British cuisine with flair. And for those craving wellness, the Club & Spa is a destination in itself — offering personalized programs in one of London’s most exclusive fitness and wellbeing spaces. Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA

MANDARIN ORIENTAL LONDON, MAYFAIR

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental MayfairMandarin Oriental Mayfair brings refined luxury and quiet elegance to Hanover Square, right in the heart of London. With just 50 rooms and suites, the vibe is intimate and polished — think hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, marble bathrooms, and a sense of calm sophistication. Michelin-starred chef Akira Back’s first UK restaurant headlines the culinary offering, blending Japanese and Korean flavors in a sleek, light-filled space. Upstairs, the ABar Lounge serves inventive cocktails in a setting that’s effortlessly chic. Wellness is a highlight too, with a tranquil spa featuring a 25-meter pool, vitality pools, and treatments that fuse tradition with innovation. Just steps from Bond Street and the Royal Academy of Arts, this is a true city sanctuary — exclusive, stylish, and quietly spectacular. 22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JP

PARK HYATT LONDON RIVER THAMES

Photo Credit: Park Hyatt London River ThamesPark Hyatt London River Thames is the city’s newest quiet powerhouse — elegant, design-led, and perfectly positioned along the river with views of Westminster and Battersea Power Station. As the first Park Hyatt in the U.K., it delivers the brand’s signature understated luxury: impeccable service, serene interiors, and thoughtful British design touches like William Morris patterns, marble finishes, and curated contemporary art. Rooms are spacious, light-filled, and many offer sweeping river views. Dining shines at Yú Gé, a refined Cantonese restaurant blending tradition with modern flair. The spa is a destination in itself, featuring an infinity pool, six treatment rooms, two saunas, and a relaxation lounge featuring two Somadome Pods. Located in up-and-coming Nine Elms — across the bridge from Chelsea — the hotel is ideal for travelers who appreciate calm over flash. 7 Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, SW8 5PH

THE GORING HOTEL

Photo Credit: The Goring If you know, you know — and if you don’t, meet The Goring: London’s most charmingly English five-star hotel. Family-owned since 1910 and the only hotel ever granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty The Queen (appropriate, given that it’s located in Belgravia near Buckingham Palace), it’s long been the go-to for royals, dignitaries, and lovers of tradition done right. With just 69 rooms and suites (including the regal Royal Suite), it blends grandeur and intimacy with ease. Expect footmen in scarlet coats, Michelin-starred dining by Russell Sage, and rooms wrapped in Gainsborough silks. The private garden — London’s largest for a luxury hotel — is a dreamy spot for afternoon tea or a sun-soaked G&T. Add in theatrical tableside service and cocktails crafted with herbs grown on-site, and you’ve got a stay that feels both timeless and personal. 15 Beeston Pl SW1W 0JW

THE SAVOY

Photo Credit: The Savoy/Jack HardyThe Savoy has always defined London glamour, and its 2025 redesign marks a bold new chapter. Partnering with the acclaimed G.A Group, the hotel has reimagined its Edwardian and Art Deco rooms with rich textures, modern elegance, and a deep respect for its storied past. Edwardian rooms feel luminous and romantic — ivory silks, marble, and Savoy Theatre-inspired art — while Art Deco spaces go bold with geometric lines, high-gloss finishes, and signature green tones. Many suites offer sweeping Thames views, framed by custom window seats perfect for lingering, just as Monet once did. Even the amenities are upgraded: yoga mats in every room, Dyson hairdryers in suites, intuitive controls, and color-shifting vanity mirrors. The chic new all-day restaurant, Gallery, adds to the refresh. With this glow-up, The Savoy remains as iconic as ever — steeped in history, yet perfectly poised for the now. Strand, WC2R 0EZ

45 PARK LANE

London hotels Photo Credit: The Dorchester CollectionThe Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane is The Dorchester’s art-savvy, steak-loving younger sister — sleek, seductive, and unapologetically modern. With just 45 Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites, it feels like a private Mayfair residence (with Hyde Park views and a Wolfgang Puck restaurant downstairs). Interiors by Thierry Despont channel moody glamour — all sculptural lines, rich textures, and mirrored details — while a rotating collection of contemporary British art (yes, that’s a Damien Hirst in the dining room) makes the hotel feel more like a gallery than a lobby. CUT at 45 Park Lane is a destination in its own right — Puck’s first European restaurant — and upstairs, BAR 45 is where Londoners in the know come for vintage Negronis and a few “Rough CUTs” (steak sliders, wagyu skewers) with their martinis. Down a hidden hallway, Sushi Kanesaka offers a Michelin-starred omakase that’s pure theatre. Add in personal hosts for every room, a stunning spa and pool, and you’ve got a hotel that nails high-touch service with downtown cool. 45 Park Ln, W1K 1PN

RAFFLES LONDON AT THE OWO

Photo Credit: Raffles London at the OWO

Raffles London at The OWO is pure James Bond fantasy, and rightly so. Set in the former Old War Office — where Winston Churchill strategized and spies once roamed — this storied building has been transformed into one of London’s most opulent new hotels. Think sweeping staircases, showstopping interiors by Thierry Despont, and suites inspired by wartime legends (some with gold bathtubs and dedicated footmen). Mauro Colagreco’s Michelin-starred restaurant leads the dining lineup, alongside the hush of the Drawing Room and the underground intrigue of Spy Bar — a covert speakeasy tucked inside a former interrogation room, complete with secret passages and a vintage Bond car. There’s also a Guerlain spa and a sense throughout that history isn’t just preserved — it’s elevated. Raffles’ first UK property pulls no punches: dramatic, dazzling, and built for legends. 57 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX

SCOTTISH STYLE

TRADE YOUR TEA FOR A DRAM AND GET READY TO EXPLORE MORE OF THE U.K.

SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND: GLENAPP CASTLE HOTEL

Photo Credit: Glenapp Castle HotelGlenapp Castle Hotel is a storybook escape on Scotland’s breathtaking Ayrshire coast — a 21-bedroom Relais & Châteaux hideaway that’s home to Scotland’s largest suite, the Castle Penthouse. It’s the kind of place where a couple of nights can restore your soul. Wander through 110 acres of manicured gardens, private woodland, and sweeping coastal views stretching to Ailsa Craig and even Northern Ireland. Adventure calls with more than 70 activities — falconry, curling, stargazing, and the unforgettable Hebridean Sea Safari — while history whispers through its halls. Designed in 1870 by David Brice and painstakingly restored by the McMillan family over six years, the castle has welcomed everyone from romantic dreamers to world leaders (including Winston Churchill in 1944). Today, Glenapp is celebrated as one of the UK’s finest luxury castle hotels — an enchanting blend of heritage, seclusion, and indulgence. Glenapp Castle Hotel, Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Scotland KA26 0NZ

EDINBURGH: PRESTONFIELD HOUSE

Photo Credit: Prestonfield House Opulence, theater, and indulgence meet at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh’s most exclusive 5-star retreat. Just five minutes from the city center yet set within 20 acres of lush gardens beneath the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, this 17th-century gem offers the seclusion of a country estate with the convenience of the capital. Since the 1950s, Prestonfield has been a discreet playground for Scotland’s social, political, artistic, and business elite — a tradition that continues today. Each of the 18 bedrooms and five suites is a masterpiece in its own right, adorned with antique furnishings, statement beds, and decadent details. At its heart is Rhubarb, its destination restaurant, alongside opulent salons, historic private dining rooms, and the show-stopping Circular Stables — perfect for celebrations of every scale. Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5UT

EDINBURGH: THE WITCHERY

Photo Credit: David CheskinIf you’re craving full-blown gothic romance, The Witchery in Edinburgh is your fairytale fantasy brought to life. Perched on the Royal Mile, this seductive hideaway is all velvet, candlelight, and dramatic flair. With only nine opulent suites, it feels like a decadent secret. Expect four-poster beds, hand-painted ceilings, antique-filled rooms, and sultry bathrooms made for two (the Turret Suite features a silver bateau tub and red-glass mosaic shower). The mood continues downstairs, where you can dine by candlelight in the baroque oak-paneled restaurant or beneath the stars in a secret garden courtyard. Every detail is lush, theatrical, and transportive — like stepping into a Scottish fairytale with a seductive twist. 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS: GLENEAGLES

Photo Credit: GleneaglesThere’s nowhere quite like Gleneagles. This century-old Scottish Highlands icon blends historic charm with modern indulgence across 850 acres of Perthshire countryside. Originally dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world,” it’s now a five-star playground for families, food lovers, and adventure seekers alike. With over 50 country pursuits — hawk walks, horseback rides, championship golf, even bug hunts and gundog handling — days are anything but ordinary. Inside, 233 stylish rooms and suites pair classic elegance with comfort, while the spa offers top-tier treatments from Dr. Barbara Sturm and Tata Harper. Dining is equally exceptional, from the two-Michelin-star Andrew Fairlie to vintage cocktails at The American Bar. Whether you’re sipping by a fire pit, clay shooting in the hills, or soaking in a tub with Highland views, Gleneagles is a luxe escape that’s both nostalgic and wildly fun. Auchterarder, Perthshire PH3 1NF

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