London hotels are famous for a plethora of reasons. They embody the spirit, history and rich culture that the city represents and everything that attracts the 30 million visitors that descend on the capital each year. Known for being a city that attracts the super wealthy, London is a seasoned expert at catering to needs of the rich and famous, with a vast repertoire that extends to some of the most exclusive venues and offerings.
Many reasons combine to make London one of the most iconic cities on the planet and a large part of its rich legacy is due to the people that make the city. Whether it be Winston Churchill unwinding with an umbrella cocktail to escape the follies of war, or Her Majesty and Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II throwing a party to celebrate her birthday, the walls of these famous hotels have been privy to an exceptional amount of history.
Best Luxury Hotels in London
From novels, to films, documentaries to scripted shows, you often see these iconic hotels making an appearance and they are as key a component of London life as the black cab or the big red bus. The wheels on the bus may go round and round but these hotels never go out of style.
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The Ritz
One of the most iconic scenes in 20th Century cinema takes place in The Ritz in Richard Curtis’s seminal Notting Hill and there’s a reason this film titan picked this location. Synonymous with the grandeur, glamour and decadence that London delivers, this spot is easily the most iconic hotel in the world, not just in London.
Before you have even crossed the threshold it is evident you're not just entering a hotel; you're embarking on a transcendental journey through time, a lavish odyssey through the pages of a glossy, golden-hued history book. Opulence is apparent at every turn and the scent of legacy is palpable –it's a symphony of luxury, a couture-clad cocoon in the heart of London, every experience is unforgettable.
The Ritz probably has the most impressive visitors book of all time; nothing endorses a space more than the fact Her Royal Grand Highness Queen Elizabeth II chose to have her eightieth birthday there.
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The Savoy
The hotel is known for a touch of the theatrics and has been ever since it opened its doors in 1809. What it continues to successfully achieve is embracing modernity, and all the comfort that comes with it, while continuing to honour the space’s iconic heritage.
The guests that have stayed in The Savoy, undoubtedly one of London’s most iconic hotels, speak to the level of service and grandeur they offer. Oscar Wilde was a full time resident at one point, Winston Churchill was fond of their restaurant, but it wasn’t just iconic Londoners that enjoyed the space, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra were all visitors who often returned. Over a hundred years after it opened it remains one of the most famous hotels in the world.
The experience is second to none. Whether you chose to book out a suite with enviable views of the river Thames, where Monet and Whistler both stayed and created phenomenal pieces of art, inspired by their views, or simply feel like stopping in for a cocktail when passing by, the iconic nature of the hotel is startling evident. It is no wonder it has been a favourite of high society for over a century, and there is no sign of slowing down.
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Claridges
Claridge’s origins are much more humble than the institution it has become today; it initially opened in the 1800s as a singular house for travellers before expanding into the great titan it has become today.
This hotel is frequently referred to as one of the best on earth, a place of legends, exclusive, yet welcoming, grand, yet designed to make you feel at home. Nowhere is more indulgent than Claridges, and isn’t that the point of a luxury hotel? The iconic spot has been a home-from-home for high society since 1850. What makes Claridges so iconic is that it is so quintessentially English. Plus, it offers some of the most spacious suites in London.
From Audrey Hepburn, to Lady Gaga, some of the leading figures of the past century have chosen to reside at this iconic hotel, with full certainty that they can relax in comfort, knowing their every need will be met.
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Mandarin Oriental
The hotel’s Edwardian origins contrast with tranquil, contemporary interiors and bursts of vivid colour. Glorious art-deco-styled rooms and suites offer respite and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The building was initially a gentlemen’s club but high society were appalled by the initial plans of the structure. They feared the building was too loud, too tall and would block views of their beloved Serpentine. Today it has become an iconic part of the cityscape and has entertained some of the most notable people on the planet. President Xi of China met with King Charles here, and a plethora of international superstars chose to stay in Mandarin Oriental when in town.
In 2015 the iconic building fell victim to a devastating fire which tore through the structure but thankfully it has once more been restored to its full state of grandeur.
The architecture, service, history and people that make these hotels what they are today, is a reflection of London itself. London is a city of icons, and thankfully, a city of iconic hotels. It is a city that hosts millions of people from all over the world each year and part of the reason it draws such large crowds is thanks to its ability to cater to everyone’s needs no matter who you are and where you’re from. So whether you are passing through or fancy some respite from everyday life, there will be a hotel that is as iconic as you out there. Just explore and see.
