The Ultimate Guide to Where to Stay in London

To feel like royalty: The Lanesborough

This is where you stay when you want a quintessentially British experience, just steps from Hyde Park. 93 rooms and suites, polished yet warm service, and the infamous hotel cat, Lilibet.

To bring the kids: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

One of London’s most family-friendly luxury hotels, MO Hyde Park offers unique kids programming, amenities to make traveling with small kids easier, and 50 percent off connecting rooms.

For wellness enthusiasts: The Emory

Designed as a true urban sanctuary for wellness seekers. Guests enjoy exclusive access to Surrenne, a four-floor members- and hotel-guests-only wellness club featuring a 22-meter lap pool, Tracy Anderson fitness studio, yoga garden, spa therapies, and advanced medical diagnostics.

The buzzy new kid: Rosewood Chancery

Located on Grosvenor Square in the former American Embassy, this is THE hotel opening of 2025. The 144 suites are stylish and spacious, the interior design is striking, and the eight bars and restaurants will be the place to be for both tourists and locals.

For foodies: The Connaught

In my opinion, no hotel in London has a better collection of bars and restaurants than The Connaught in Mayfair. Three restaurants, three bars, and a too-pretty-to-eat patisserie. And of course, we all know a martini at the Connaught Bar is a must.

For a personal touch: The Cadogan

To me, The Cadogan is a “just right” hotel: not too big and not too small, not too formal and not too casual, not trying too hard and in my favorite London location. It's an intimate hotel that provides the warmest, most personal service.

Like staying at a chic friend’s London flat: Beaverbrook Town House

With just 14 rooms and suites in a perfect Chelsea location, Beaverbrook Town House is for in-the-know travelers who don't need all of the fuss and fluff. The rooms are spacious, the design is on point, and the bar and restaurant are fantastic.

For a Parisian touch: At Sloane

Designed by renowned interior design François-Joseph Graf and from the same team behind Hotel Costes in Paris, At Sloane is sleek and sexy, and there's nothing quite like it in London.

For history lovers: Brown’s

Brown’s Hotel is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. Opened in 1837 as London's first-ever hotel, it has hosted FDR on his honeymoon and stays where both Agatha Christie and Rudyard Kipling penned novels, and it was the site of Alexander Graham Bell's first-ever UK telephone call. Today, it's as charming as ever.

Best “chain”: Firmdale Hotels

No one does color and pattern quite like Kit Kemp, the mastermind behind Firmdale Hotels. Each of their eight Firmdale Hotels across London oozes charm and personality paired with the loveliest service. No matter which Firmdale Hotel you choose in London, you can't go wrong.

There is no shortage of great places to eat in London, and so much will depend on where you are staying and going, but here are a few of my faves:

1. Bagels and coffee at Kuro Bagels in Notting Hill

2. A classic Italian dinner at Sale e Pepe in Knightsbridge

3. Grab food at the Food Hall at Harrods and picnic in the park

4. A casual and affordable steak dinner at Flat Iron, with locations across the city

5. Afternoon tea is a must. You can go classic at The Goring or Corinthia or whimsical for the kids at One Aldwych.