For those who appreciate the finer things in life, few areas of London embody elegance and sophistication quite like Knightsbridge. With its proximity to Hyde Park and world-famous department stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols, this exclusive enclave remains one of the capital’s most desirable locations.
Knightsbridge’s roots stretch back to mediaeval London, its name derived from a bridge where knights once crossed the River Westbourne. Originally a village on the city’s edge, it evolved through the 19th century into one of London’s most fashionable districts, synonymous with affluent living and a wealth of luxury homes and venues.
Below, we reveal five of the best luxury hotels the neighbourhood has to offer.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Commanding a prime position between Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of many hotels from the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Group. Originally built in 1889 as an exclusive gentlemen’s club and converted into a hotel at the turn of the 20th century, the hotel has long been associated with grandeur and opulence.
Following an extensive renovation in 2000, the hotel features 141 rooms, 40 suites alongside three restaurants and has long been a favourite destination for royalty and celebrity guests. Its renowned spa offers a serene retreat in the heart of the city, with treatments such as traditional Chinese medicine therapies, Bastien Gonzalez manicures and pedicures, Rasul Water Temple rituals and a 17-metre twin lane, stainless-steel indoor swimming pool. Dining is another highlight, with Heston Blumenthal’s celebrated restaurant offering meals in the elegant main room, at the chef’s table or in a private space. Afternoon tea in the Rosebery Lounge, meanwhile, provides a quintessentially English moment of calm amidst the day’s bustle.
Bulgari Hotel London
For a more modern take on luxury, the Bulgari Hotel London offers an entirely different yet equally impressive experience on the edge of Hyde Park. Opened in 2012 and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine, this sleek and silver-toned property leads the way for luxury hospitality in the British capital.
The hotel’s interiors are designed with Italian precision – marble, polished wood and subtle metallic details – reflective of Bvlgari’s renowned design sensibility. The Bulgari is home to one of London’s most impressive hotel spas, complete with a 25-metre swimming pool, vitality pools and private treatment rooms. Suites come with butler service, while the hotel’s restaurant and bar offer a glamorous space for fine dining or evening cocktails. A 47-seat Screening Room, a Cigar Shop and sampling lounge, and a magnificent Ballroom all contribute to an experience unlike any other in the city.
The Emory Hotel
Tucked beside its celebrated sister property, The Berkeley, The Emory in Knightsbridge is Maybourne Hotel Group’s new masterpiece, an all-suite sanctuary that redefines contemporary London luxury.
Founded by the late Sir Richard Rogers, the hotel embodies understated sophistication, with steel-and-glass lines rising into sculptural “sails.” Inside, each floor and suite has been envisioned by a different leading interior designer, from Pierre-Yves Rochon and Patricia Urquiola to Champalimaud Design and André Fu. Designers Rigby & Rigby are behind the two 3,200-square-foot wraparound penthouses enveloped in floor-to-ceiling glass. The interiors glow with warm wood tones and curated art, including Damien Hirst’s ethereal Secret Garden paintings and a radiant stained glass installation by Sir Brian Clarke.
Each of The Emory’s 60 suites features natural woods, soft marbles and park-inspired tones of moss and blush. Guests can enjoy touches including complimentary unpacking, Dyson hair tools, artisan-stocked bars, Surrenne Ascend bath products and plush sheepskin slippers. Service is polished yet personal, with guests welcomed by their own “Emory Assistant” and chauffeured to and from the airport in an electric BMW i7. The experience extends below ground to Surrenne, the hotel’s four-level spa and wellness retreat featuring a 22-metre pool, Technogym and Peloton equipment, and treatments by FaceGym, Dr. Lara Devgan and Stella McCartney.
The Berkeley
Located between Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, The Berkeley offers an elegant escape in the heart of London, perfectly placed for stylish autumn stays. Guests can choose from beautifully designed suites and rooms – each crafted by acclaimed designers – and enjoy sweeping terrace views ideal for starlit gatherings around the firepit.
Dining at The Berkeley is an experience in itself, with options ranging from the glamour of the French Riviera at La Môme London to the exquisite creations of Cédric Grolet’s Counter and afternoon tea. The Berkeley’s luxurious suites include access to the Surrenne spa at The Emory Hotel, a rooftop pool, Dom Pérignon champagne and private return airport transfers.
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London
The Cadogan is a Belmond property that perfectly captures the spirit of classic British hospitality. Situated on Sloane Street, between the chic neighbourhoods of Chelsea and Knightsbridge, the hotel was once home to socialite Lillie Langtry and, famously, the site of Oscar Wilde’s arrest. Today, it has been reimagined as a haven of calm and sophistication, offering just 54 rooms and suites.
The décor is refined yet contemporary, with soft tones, elegant furnishings and subtle nods to the property’s history, and many of the appointed suites offer sweeping London views and open fireplaces. At The LaLee restaurant, guests can gather over European cuisine and vintage wines, while the Essence of Marie Antoinette Afternoon Tea celebrates artistry, scent and indulgence in collaboration with the V&A Museum.
Knightsbridge remains one of London’s most desirable areas, its tree-lined streets and proximity to Hyde Park matched by some of the capital’s most distinguished hotels. Many of these properties occupy historic buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, providing Michelin-starred dining alongside bespoke services such as private suites, in-house spas, and personal butlers. Staying here offers more than comfort; it is an immersion in a neighbourhood where luxury has long defined the city’s finest hospitality.
