The grandeur, history, and stories connected with London’s hotels are famous around the world. With Michelin-starred dining, exquisite architecture throughout, and some of the most prestigious hotelier brands providing flagship establishments, it’s easy to see why London is widely regarded as the luxury hotel capital of the world. With this prestige and high quality inevitably comes an elevated demand and appetite for bookings that is reflected in the price. These prices represent the exclusivity that one can expect during a stay and often act as a reassuring accreditation for the first-class care you will receive.
With all of this in mind, we have carefully curated a list of the most expensive hotels in London. Read on to discover all.
The Lanesborough
Located a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace and offering panoramic views of Hyde Park, The Lanesborough has long been considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels. This iconic establishment is located in a prestigious Georgian building and presents a truly refined stay; every guest benefits from exceptional attention and care through personalised services. This 5-star offering has 93 luxurious rooms and is complemented by The Lanesborough Grill, an elegant British restaurant helmed by executive chef Shay Cooper. The hotel further boasts a magnificent club and spa.
Among the many amenities, the Royal Suite presents a 24-hour butler service, seven rooms, and seven bathrooms for up to seventeen guests. A chauffeur service is also available to drive you and your guests around the city in a Rolls-Royce Phantom. The pick of the lodgings is the alluring Presidential Suite, which features a grand living room which opens up onto a private terrace, offering unrivalled views of Wellington Arch. This view complements this level of style and tradition perfectly; a truly sophisticated hotel experience.
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The Raffles London at the OWO
When this London hotel opened in 2023, it was one of the most talked-about ventures in town. Owned by the Hinduja Group, it has very quickly become one of the most expensive hotels in the world.
Raffles London is based in Whitehall, just a short walk from the Thames, while also boasting proximity to the seat of the British government, 10 Downing Street. The building is actually the Old War Office in which Winston Churchill originally drafted his D-Day plans, and as such, carries a certain weight of historical significance.
The hotel presents 120 meticulously crafted rooms, 85 residences, nine restaurants, a Guerlain spa and a ballroom, in addition to a swimming pool and gym. Each signature suite is named after a pivotal historical figure in recognition of the building’s impact on some of the most seismic political decisions ever made in Britain.
The suites are astonishing, with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing views of the London skyline. Rooms also boast marble en suites and beautiful wood fixtures. Chef Mauro Colagreco brings his experience working in Michelin-starred kitchens to the signature restaurant, drawing culinary aficionados from across the world. Step back into history in this renovated spy headquarters and relax in one of the most spectacular hotels in London.
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The Dorchester
An iconic part of British Heritage, The Dorchester is a legendary hotel situated on the glamorous Park Lane in the heart of Mayfair. This world-renowned landmark boasts a 1930s art deco exterior housing 250 rooms and suites bearing a classical aesthetic, making them feel both majestic and intimate at the same time. This luxurious hotel undeniably evokes a feeling of Britishness and captures the energy of London with a lively, welcoming community readily awaiting your arrival.
For special occasions, dining offers an immaculate three-Michelin-starred experience courtesy of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, while The Grill by Tom Booton supplies fresh, innovative ideas. A special recommendation here would be one of the Vesper Bar’s signature martinis.
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The Savoy Hotel
Open since 1889 and an icon of the London hotel game, The Savoy Hotel is housed in a stunning Edwardian building with Art Deco stylings throughout. The inside of the hotel sparkles with timeless elegance and glamour across its 268 guestrooms and suites. Interestingly, it’s also home to London’s first ever electric lift, originally known as the ascending room.
This is the only five-star hotel located on the River Thames and has been at the forefront of the luxury hotel world for over 130 years. Throughout time, The Savoy has evolved to meet the modern traveller's needs, benefitting from a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2010.
You will find refined rooms, gourmet dining experiences, and an exceptional range of amenities including a spa and a world-famous cocktail bar. The team at the Savoy demonstrates wonderful attention to detail and commitment to all residents, even offering an unpacking and repacking service for your stay.
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Brown’s Hotel
A historical masterpiece, Brown’s Hotel was established in 1832, making it London’s first ever 5-star hotel. It is owned by Sir Rocco Forte and located in Mayfair, just a short stroll away from Bond Street. Past guests include a renowned cast of patrons comprising royalty, presidents, Oscar-winning actors, and musicians.
Each room is uniquely and individually designed, with a harmonious blend of classical and modern amenities.
The hotel is known for its famous, award-winning tea room and a sophisticated spa to add to the contemporary luxury of the establishment. Charlie’s is a classic British restaurant with a modern twist that presents a theme of theatre and humour while you indulge in their exceptional dishes. Even better, the Donovan bar is considered one of the best places to relax in the city for an evening of old-school glamour. A classic hotel that has stood the test of time, Brown’s continues to prove itself worthy of visitors from all over the globe.
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Shangri-La – The Shard
With its unparalleled connection to the city thanks to its location in one of the most iconic buildings in the London skyline, Shangri-La – The Shard unfolds across 18 floors of the renowned building, offering some of the best views found anywhere in the city. Landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market and the Tate Modern are all found within a short walk of Western Europe’s tallest building, meaning the hotel is front and centre where London amenities are concerned.
The hotel itself boasts some 202 rooms and suites, in addition to a range of private dining venues and meeting rooms on the 34th floor. For would-be guests, the Shagri-La Suite is arguably the pinnacle. A sumptuous offering set across more than 2,000 square feet, the room boasts a spacious living area with custom-made furniture, as well as a luxurious en-suite bedroom with a custom super king, walk-in closet, dressing area, two-seater sofa and chaise longue. With a large marble-clad bathroom with walk-in rain shower, the suite also presents heated floors and a Butler service, among many other standout features. At more than £13,000 per night, the suite is among the city’s most expensive.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
One of the most iconic hotel brands in the world, the Four Seasons London at Park Lane is located in one of London’s most refined areas, Mayfair.
This hotel is where understated luxury meets global sophistication and offers sweeping views of Hyde Park – one of London’s most elegant green spaces. The hotel also presents London’s only Michelin-starred breakfast experience: Pavyllon London by Chef Yannick Alleno, and as such, is dripping in exclusivity. In addition, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane provides its discerning guests with a magnificent Penthouse Spa, as well as one of the most comprehensive concierge services in London.
As one might imagine, the sophistication extends to the lodgings, the zenith of which is undeniably the 2,000 square foot three-bedroom Presidential Suite, which features a grey colour scheme with rosewood panels and Gaudi stone marble. The suite also presents lounge seating and dining enough for six, in addition to a private fireplace, while also including round-trip airport transfers – ideal for those who are only in town for a few days. This room is so exclusive that would-be guests must call to make a reservation.
The Peninsula London
Located on the edge of Belgravia, The Peninsula London is easily one of the most expensive hotels in London. The property boasts proximity to some of London’s best amenities while surrounded by some of the most impressive heritage buildings in the city.
Built in 2023, the hotel benefits from being one of the newest in town and as such, provides guests with exceptional suites in an ultra-contemporary setting. The hotel is known for its inimitable style and boasts some of the most knowledgeable staff in the city, all dedicated to maximising your experience.
Undeniably, the best suite on offer is The Peninsula Suite, replete with palatial interiors. This sixth-floor room has to be seen to be believed. Overlooking Hyde Park Corner, the space features an elegant formal dining area, in addition to a living space complete with fireplace and grand piano. The suite is further enhanced by a private gym, in addition to a 13-seat screening room. A quite exquisite addition to London’s hotel scene.
The Emory
Another Belgravia offering, The Emory is also a relatively new addition to London’s high-end hotel market, having only opened its doors in 2024.
With sweeping views of the city from rooms designed by some of the world’s best in André Fu, Pierre Yves Rochon, Alexandra Champalimaud, Rigby & Rigby and Patricia Urquiola, The Emory boasts unique suites, ideal for those who value comfort in one of the most convenient locales in London.
This charming establishment offers The Emory Penthouse as its piece de resistance. Set across more than 3,000 square feet, the living quarters offer an expansive communal space, a private gym and a dining room for 8 guests, in addition to an expansive outdoor terrace. The highlight of this exquisite residence must be the complimentary private helicopter transfers from four airfields close to the capital. To book, guests must contact the hotel directly.
