1. The Ritz London
Between the pristine town houses of St. James and the bustling boutiques of Mayfair, The Ritz London has cut a luxurious figure on the English capital’s sprawling skyline since 1906. Over its incredible 108-year history, the hotel has forged a reputation as the accommodation of choice for royal guests, ranging from King Edward VIII to King Alfonso of Spain. Today, The Ritz maintains close ties to the aristocracy, receiving a first-of-its-kind Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Service in 2002.
To truly experience this enduring heritage, stay in one of the hotel’s palatial 860-square-foot Deluxe Suites, overlooking Green Park and Piccadilly. With a private balcony, full range of Asprey amenities and exclusive chauffeur service on offer, you’ll find little cause to leave your room. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a function venue, the Marie Antoinette Suite is decorated in Louis XVI style and can host up to 100 standing guests.
Opened: 1906
Price: from GBP 295 (US $496) per night (based on a one night stay in a Superior Queen Room)
www.theritzlondon.com
2. The Savoy Hotel
When you think of London’s most iconic hotels, The Savoy undoubtedly springs to mind. Built in 1889, it is generally considered one of the first luxury accommodations in Britain – debuting everything from electric lighting to constant hot and cold running water. Today, the hotel is expertly run by Fairmont, who has reinvented the 19th century institution for modern guests while maintaining its antique heritage.
If you decide to stay at The Savoy, a night in one of the hotel’s ultra-luxurious suites will see you join the ranks of former celebrity guests including Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. With a full-service kitchen, eight-seat dining room and views across the River Thames, the Royal Suite is arguably the most opulent, having recently undergone a GBP 2.5 million (US $ 4.1 million) refurbishment.
Opened: 1889
Price: from GBP 390 (US $488) per night (based on a one night stay in a Superior Queen Room)
www.fairmont.com
3. Claridge’s
Located in the pricey Mayfair borough of London, no other hotel embodies the elegant decadence of the 19th Century bourgeoisie than Claridge’s. With a gorgeous pristine interior that perfectly reflects its rich history, the Grade II listed building cemented its reputation for undisputed luxury in the mid-1800s, when visiting Empress Eugenie entertained Queen Victoria in her suite at the hotel.
Of course, no visit to Claridge’s is complete without sampling the hotel’s world-famous afternoon tea – which is served daily in Thierry Despont’s elegantly styled private dining room, Foyer. For a more substantial dining option, the soon-to-open Fera restaurant (run by chef Simon Rogan) is now taking bookings and promises innovative, fresh cuisine crafted from entirely seasonal produce.
Opened: 1812
Price: from GBP 420 (US $707) per night (based on a one night stay in a Superior Queen Room)
www.claridges.co.uk
4. The Langham
Since 1865, The Langham has put the best shopping in London on its guests’ doorstep. Located at the intersection of Regent, Bond and Oxford Street in the capital’s bustling West End, the hotel has not only hosted a wide range of celebrity visitors (including Charles de Gaulle and Diana, Princess of Wale), but has also acted as the setting for Arthur Conan Doyle’s series of world-famous Sherlock Holmes stories.
In more recent history, The Langham has featured in the 1995 James Bond blockbuster Golden Eye and Michael Winterbottom’s award-winning film Wonderland. For a true taste of this cultural high life, enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne in your sprawling spa bath with a stay in the hotel’s ultra-luxurious Infinity Suite.
Opened: 1865
Price: from GBP 360 (US $606) per night (based on a one night stay in a Classic Room)
www.london.langhamhotels.co.uk
5. Andaz Liverpool Street London
Originally built as the Great Eastern Hotel in 1884, Andaz Liverpool Street London sits next to the capital’s busy Liverpool Street Station, just minutes from the city’s renowned Old Spitalfields Market, which has been trading wares since the early 17th century. Notably, in 1897 the hotel featured prominently in Bram Stoker’s horror novel Dracula as the hotel of choice for lead character Van Helsing and, in recent years, has become part of Hyatt’s luxurious Andaz brand.
If you’d like to follow in the footsteps of Stoker’s prolific vampire hunter, a stay in the refurbished version of the hotel is a must. The Andaz Suite is perhaps the most desirable room available, offering an ultra-modern setting in which to relax after a long day’s sightseeing. When it comes to dining, the hotel’s Grade II listed 1901 restaurant offers an array of fine dining options, sourced from local British produce.
Opened: 1884
Price: from GBP 330 (US $555) per night (based on a one night stay in an Andaz Single Room)
www.london.liverpoolstreet.andaz.hyatt.com
