London hotels for every traveller

Best for families

The Cumberland

The lowdown… This musical-themed hotel has everything you need for a family holiday that truly rocks. The rooms blend simplicity and style, featuring fun decor like mirrors marking the height of pop stars. Gold Family rooms can sleep up to four guests and feature amenities like fast Wi-Fi and a TV (which is useful when the kids – and the adults – need a little downtime). You can even borrow a Fender guitar during your stay. Just visit the concierge desk to arrange a visit to the ‘Fender room’ and choose your guitar – or, as some poetic musicians might say, let it choose you.

When you’re not jamming at the hotel, get some fresh air on a walk around Hyde Park and take the children out on a pedalo or rowing boat. Hop on the underground to Leicester Square, where you’ll find the Lego shop and M&M’s store. Come evening, catch a musical in the West End and return to your hotel to form your own band, re-enacting the songs from your favourite show.

In the know… Every evening the SOUND Cafe is filled with rhythm and zest as upcoming artists take to the stage to play live. The cafe is open to the general public but, as a hotel guest, you’ll get priority reservations. Want a pint or cocktail to toast to your holiday as the tunes blast? You can also hear the nightly live music from SOUND bar.

Best for couples

The Clermont London, Charing Cross

The lowdown… Looking for a romantic couple’s retreat? Settle in at The Clermont London for a break that will leave you both starry eyed. Start your day right and pop to The Clermont Restaurant & Bar. Sit beneath a chandelier and stare out of the large windows at the Strand as you indulge in a Full English or continental breakfast. Then, when you’re ready, head out for an adventurous day together.

This Grade II-listed Victorian railway hotel boasts a sensational location. You’ll be perfectly set up to see London’s best sights with ease – start in nearby Covent Garden before venturing beyond. When you return to your room, unwind beneath your rainfall shower with toiletries infused with essential oils. Choose between the complimentary mini-fridge soft drinks or Nespresso coffee machine to refuel before heading to dinner.

In the know… Pop back to The Clermont Restaurant & Bar for a post-dinner cocktail. See the city sparkle beyond the windows as you sip tantalising concoctions. Try the hotel’s signature tipple: The Clermont Cocktail. This bittersweet delight is delivered in a cloud of smoke – it’s all very theatrical.

Best for solo travellers

Kimpton Fitzroy London

The lowdown… Taking time out on your tod? Splash out with a stay at the five-star Kimpton Fitzroy on your trip to London. Your jaw might drop as you enter the lobby – the decor is strikingly impressive. Check in and make yourself at home. Even if you’ve forgotten something, don’t worry. The hotel’s friendly staff will help you sort it – just kick back in your room and release any ebbing stress with a spot of yoga. Your in-room yoga mat was placed there for any such occasion.

The hotel’s convenient location next to Russell Square underground station makes exploring the city easy. Otherwise, stretch your legs and amble to nearby landmarks – the British Museum is just across the square. When you return in the evening, pull up a pew at the raw bar for fresh seafood at the Neptune restaurant. Tuck into caviar, slurp on oysters and sip Champagne. The bar is an ideal spot to spark a conversation.

In the know…The hotel puts on hosted evening social hours, making it easy to get chatting to other guests if you’re feeling like a social butterfly.

Best for luxury

Raffles London at The OWO

The lowdown… You’ll be blown away by the grandeur of Raffles London in the Old War Office building in Whitehall. The likes of Sir Winston Churchill and James Bond creator Ian Fleming once walked through the halls of this Grade II Edwardian Baroque building – you might even recognise the setting from some 007 films. Now you’ll find luxury-seekers and glamorous holidaymakers gliding through the gorgeous lobby. Experience fine dining and pampering aplenty, and make yourself at home in an elegant room complete with a marble bathroom and walk-in shower.

Stroll through nearby St James’s Park or Covent Garden, or admire close landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, before unwinding in the hotel’s spa. Plunge into a pool, sit back in a sauna or book an indulgent treatment. Once you’re feeling suitably serene, pull up a chair in one of the nine restaurants or three bars on site. Sample gorgeous seasonal produce as you dine on dishes inspired by English gardens at chef Mauro Colagreco’s signature restaurant.

In the know… The spa at Raffles London spans four floors. On the ground floor you’ll find the atelier selling Guerlain products. Stock up on luxurious fragrances and, if you feel like spoiling yourself even further, ask for an express beauty treatment.

Best for budget

Hilton Olympia

The lowdown... Choose this hotel to stay in a swanky Kensington High Street location without the typical price tag. Fuss-free, comfortable rooms feature all the amenities you’d expect, including a flat-screen TV, coffee and tea making facilities, a mini fridge, an iron and a hairdryer.

An ideal launchpad for seeing London, Hilton Olympia is close to numerous stations. Kensington Olympia overground station is just steps away while High Street Kensington underground station can be reached on foot in 15-20 minutes. Kensington High Street itself is full of elegant boutiques and close to the appropriately lavish Kensington Palace.

Fuel up for a big day with a full English breakfast buffet at Society Restaurant. In a rush to get out and explore? Grab a Costa coffee on your way to nearby green spaces such as Kensington Gardens and Holland Park (two iconic places to see in London that don’t cost a penny).

In the know… There’s also a free fitness centre on site so you keep track of your workout goals, if you feel so inclined.

Best for location

Strand Palace

The lowdown… For a modern and comfortable stay in the heart of London, choose Strand Palace. This stylish hotel is close to many of the city’s top attractions as well as its epic Theatreland. You’ll even be welcomed by doormen when you arrive. Step into the stylish lobby, filled with decor inspired by the 1920s, and drop your bags in your room before stepping back out to explore the city.

Head to nearby museums and cultural attractions. Wander around The National Gallery or enjoy the vibrant bars and restaurants in Soho. Trafalgar Square, Embankment and Covent Garden are all within half a mile from the hotel. Make sure to catch a West End show during your stay – you’re in the heart of Theatreland, after all. Strand Palace is also close to several tube stations, including Charing Cross, so you can easily discover London beyond its centre.

In the know…Reserve a spot in Haxells Restaurant and Bar for a traditional afternoon tea. Tuck into crumbling scones and clotted cream, accompanied by fragrant pots of loose-leaf tea. In the evenings, sip refreshing aperitifs in the elegant Gin Palace.

Best for business travellers

CitizenM London Bankside

The lowdown... CitizenM London Bankside offers compact and convenient rooms – featuring some of the biggest hotel beds in the city – for business stays that actually feel like breaks. After a long day of meetings, return to relax in your room with mood lighting and watch your favourite TV shows using Chromecast. Prepare for your next project at the writing desk or nip out to Borough Market for a bite to eat. If you’re working late, CanteenM is open 24/7 to help you fuel up whenever inspiration (whether that’s work inspiration or simply the inspiration to tuck into a midnight snack) hits. When it’s time to shut your eyes, the blackout blinds will help you shut out the city bustle.

Modern decor, including touchpads for controlling lighting, mixed with a fantastic location make this a great choice. London Bridge and Borough Market are both around half a mile’s walk away. Fancy a little sightseeing? The Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe are even closer, right next to the River Thames.

In the know… Each room has a wall-to-wall window. Request a high-floor room for a better chance of a sparkling city view.

Best for a one-night stopover

The Welbeck Hotel

The lowdown... Edwardian architecture meets modern decor at this hotel in the heart of Marylebone. Despite being minutes from the main throngs of London’s shoppers and diners, there’s an air of calm in this quiet area between Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. Spend a day sightseeing and boutique hopping nearby, making quick stops back at your room to drop off bags and take a beat before rejoining the city.

The Welbeck Hotel is perfectly located for making the most of London when you’ve got a quick turnaround. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Bond Street Underground Station, which is one stop from London Paddington Station on the Elizabeth Line. Oxford Circus Underground Station is also less than half a mile away. Look out for a lot of yellow shopping bags – iconic department store Selfridges is very close.

From Cosy Rooms to Signature Suites, all accommodations are stylishly decorated with a muted palette that complements the period character of the building. You’ll also be provided with the usual bathroom amenities and hairdryer so you can pack light (and save space for those souvenirs).

In the know… Want to freshen up before delving into London? You can order in-room services such as massages, facials and beauty treatments.

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