When it comes to luxury accommodation, London has a staggering choice of both independently run and 5-star chains hotels. There have been many openings in the past 15 years, making the local scene quite vibrant and competitive. Some are “grande dames” that have remained solid contenders for best service for generations. Others arrived lately and took part of the market with a more contemporary look and feel.
I love these hotels even though I opt to stay either with friends or at lower-price range. However, that does not stop me from making a visit to the hotel’s bar or restaurant, to pamper myself with a nice dinner or a cocktail. Some even have amazing spas available for non-guests. When choosing one of them for a special stay, of course you have to take into consideration the location, the hotel’s size, its amenities and style. The most remarkable are:
CLARIDGE’S
Brook Street W1K 4RH | Mayfair
Visit for: Afternoon Tea and Michelin-starred restaurant Fera, by Simon Rogan
Image from Claridge’s on Instagram
MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK
66 Knightsbridge SW1X 7LA | Knightsbridge
Visit for: Two great restaurants, the Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Bar Boulud, by Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud
Image from the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park on Instagram
LANESBOROUGH
Hyde Park Corner SW1X 7TA | Belgravia
Visit for: Afternoon tea at Céleste and drinks at the very British Library Bar
Image from The Lanesborough on Instagram
BULGARI
171 Knightsbridge SW7 1DW | Knightsbridge
Visit for: the incredible Spa, a drink at Il Bar (or reserve the Spirit Room for you and your friends) and a meal at Rivea, with chef Alexandre Nicolas being championed by master Alain Ducasse.
Image from Bulgari Hotel London on Instagram
DORCHESTER
53 Park Lane W1K 1QA | Mayfair
Visit for: The Grill, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester or China Tang
Image from The Dorchester on Instagram
BROWN’S
33 Albermarle Street W1S 4BP | Mayfair
Visit for: Hix Mayfair, by Mark Hix with contemporary British art on the walls
Image from Brown’s Hotel London on Instagram
THE SAVOY
Strand WC2R 0EU | Strand
Visit for: Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill, the prized Beaufort Bar or the anthological Simpson’s-in-the-Strand restaurant
Image from Fairmont The Savoy on Instagram
BERKELEY
Wilton Place SW1X 7RL | Knightsbridge
Visit for: the famous Prêt-à-portea afternoon tea, the two Michelin-starred Marcus by Marcus Wareing and on a summer day book a day at the spa to get the chance to swim at the rooftop pool.
Image from The Berkeley on Instagram
