Travel Inspiration

7 Best Hotels in London

Fora Shella Zelenz Travel Agent wears grey rimmed glasses and brown shirt with ocean in the background

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Shella Zelenz

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London is a city unlike any other, with its royal affairs, afternoon teas and rolling accents. Here, in England’s capital, history mingles with modernity as historical monarchs parade down avenues where innovation, punk music and culinary strides unfold. When visiting this iconic city, your hotel should reflect an aspect of the city’s culture — be it a storied past, quintessential English decor or service that makes you feel like royalty. Read on for the best hotels in London. 

Brown’s Hotel

Image courtesy of Brown's Hotel

Brown’s Hotel is a historic hotel found in the very heart of the Mayfair neighborhood in London. This classic five-star hotel first opened its doors in 1837 and has since played host to notable guests and personalities. It was here that luminaries, inventors, writers and actors cut their teeth, such as William Faulkner and Alexander Graham Bell (who made his first phone call from this very hotel). Considered London’s first hotel, the history here is palpable. Expect charming rooms with a flair for English decor (think patterned wallpaper and luscious fabrics) and an on-site restaurant, bar and tea room. The tearoom, known as the Drawing Room, is where Queen Victoria would reportedly sip her afternoon tea alongside homemade scones. If it’s good enough for a queen, you know it’ll be good enough for you. 

Fora Perks:

  • $100 food / beverage credit. 

  • Daily breakfast for two.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.

Rosewood London

Image courtesy of Rosewood London

Think London, and you expect a level of regality. This is, after all, the city of English monarchs, royal weddings and crown jewels. The Rosewood London captures the city’s very essence within its regal walls. Tucked behind a wrought-iron fence, the hotel whisks you away to a world of marble floors, spacious rooms and attention to detail. Notably, the hotel offers curated experiences, whether you’re keen to try a pastry-making class, explore Covent Garden, or take a horseback ride through Hyde Park. 

Fora Perks:

  • $100 food / beverage credit. 

  • Daily breakfast for two.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.

Claridge’s

Image courtesy of Claridge's

Also found in Mayfair, Claridge’s is a historic hotel dating back to the 1850s. What sets it apart from, say, Brown’s Hotel, is its Art Deco style, replete with baby pink scalloped chairs and gold accents. During the swinging 20s, Claridge’s became a haunt for movie stars, designers and politicians to imbibe in stiff cocktails while staying in luxury accommodations. Today, the hotel retains that jazz-age glamor, especially in its on-site bar, the Fumoir. Serving dignitaries and legends throughout the decades, this tucked-away bar is a must-visit for bespoke cocktails in a quiet setting. 

This season, book with a Fora Advisor and receive 10% off a two-night stay at Claridge's, plus:

  • $100 resort credit. 

  • Daily breakfast for two.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.

Fine Print: Offer is valid until 30 April 2024 for two nights in your choice of Mayfair Suite, Claridge’s Suite, Mayfair Terrace Suite, Claridge's Terrace Suite, Corner Suite or Corner Terrace Suite.

The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, London

Image courtesy of The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, London

The Cadogan is a Belmond Hotel that’s a bit more modern than some of the other historic institutions on this list. Touting itself as an urban hideaway, the hotel’s gardens are (in my opinion) the main draw. I’m talking about a guest-access-only garden that is lush and bursting with delicate flowers in bloom. Every day, you can enjoy the serenity of the gardens and whatever al fresco entertainment is happening that afternoon, or partake in a game of tennis at the on-site courts. In a city like London, it is always great to have a place of calm where you can breathe and reboot, and The Cadogan offers just that. 

This season, book with a Fora Advisor and receive a fourth night at The Cadogan's free of charge, plus:

  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Daily breakfast for two.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Dorchester 

Image courtesy of The Dorchester

Right at the heart of London, on Park Lane and Deanery Street, The Dorchester embodies luxury and elegance, offering a range from stylish rooms to lavish suites. With an iconic interior and celebrated restaurants and bars, The Dorchester effortlessly blends classic ambiance with modern sophistication. Having played host to royalty and thrown A-list parties, this place has a wealth of experience, ensuring an unforgettable stay through top-notch hospitality. Recently emerging from its most extensive renovation since '89, The Dorchester is back, primed to impress visitors with its revitalized and improved atmosphere, all while retaining its timeless charm.

Fora Perks:

  • $100 food / beverage credit. 

  • Daily breakfast for two.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.

Charlotte Street Hotel

Image courtesy of Charlotte Street Hotel

The Charlotte Street Hotel sits in the trendy Soho neighborhood, putting guests within walking distance of the city’s best bars, restaurants, cafes and theaters. The hotel’s decor is funky-meets-eclectic, with vibrant multi-colored furniture alongside professional dress forms that fashion designers would use. Equally colorful is the on-site Oscar Bar & Restaurant, which features a wall-to-wall display of contemporary art depicting London life. 

The Twenty Two

Set inside an Edwardian manor on Grosvenor Square, The Twenty Two is a hotel-meets-cultural space attracting creatives. Here, you’ll find 31 spacious rooms that give a nod to 18th-century French decor. But the real reason to stay at Twenty Two is for access to the devastatingly chic and ultra-exclusive members-only club called, well, The Club. It’s here that artists and intellectuals hobnob across four members-only spaces on the ground and lower floors. Access to the club, which requires an application for members (or proof you’re staying at the hotel), not only introduces you to the city’s creative set, but allows you entrance to an outdoor terrace with views of Grosvenor Square, along with the the Vault Bar, Music Room and the Dining Room.

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