Photo courtesy The Savoy Hotel
Central London is known the world over for its endless entertainment and cultural experiences. For great ideas about the best places to stay in Britain’s vibrant capital, read Contributor Beth Hoke’s list of the fanciest luxury hotels in Central London
Located near the city’s top attractions and cultural landmarks, these luxury hotels in Central London will appeal to first-time visitors and returning guests. Everyone from red-carpet regulars to royalty have sought out these hotels for their convenience, comfort, and quality of service.
Whether you’re in town to see the sights, catch a show in the West End, or have dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, their Central London location makes them a perfect home base for exploring the city and everything it has to offer.
Choose from these historic hotels, avant-garde accommodations, and bespoke boutiques for your upcoming stay in the heart of London.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Central London
The Savoy Hotel
The legendary Savoy Hotel has welcomed visitors to London for more than a century. Its premier location on the Strandoffers views of the city and the River Thames to guests who stay in one of their individually decorated rooms and suites.
Patrons of the arts will enjoy the Savoy’s proximity to Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House and London’s famed West End theatre district. Indeed, guests of the Savoy over the years have included some of the most famous performers in the world, from Maria Callas to Sarah Bernhardt.
Even the royal family are fans of the Savoy, and for good reason. The Savoy is in a class of its own, offering world-class service, accommodations, and amenities.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: The Savoy Hotel
The Royal Horseguards
This historic 5-star hotel is ideally located for guests who wants to see the sights of London. Within walking distance of Big Ben, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and many of the city’s other famous attractions, The Royal Horseguards Hotel offers elegant accommodations with your choice of city, river, or garden views.
After a day of sightseeing, guests will enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge or dinner at One Twenty One Two Restaurant followed by drinks at the Equus bar. The perfect end to a perfect day in London includes an evening spent in the comfort of your luxuriously appointed room or suite where you’ll find Elemis toiletries in the spacious bathrooms and crisp cotton linens atop Hypnos beds.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: The Royal Horseguards
St Martin’s Lane Hotel London
One of the most unique luxury hotels in Central London, St Martin’s Lane has an unexpected style.
Unexpected, that is, until you find that its common spaces were designed by Philippe Starck. Surreal and sophisticated, it manages to transcend tradition by offering an original take on classic accommodations and amenities. What appears to be a tea counter hides a speakeasy where bartenders serve handcrafted cocktails inspired by British history.
Visual representations of the renowned British sense of humour decorate the walls of the Den, a lounge that manages to be both cozy and contemporary. Even their partnership with the boutique fitness brand, Gymbox, elevates exercise. Instead of trudging on a treadmill, guests can book a boxing session, head to the holistic studio, or work out to the rhythms of a resident DJ’s masterful mix.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: St Martin’s Lane Hotel London
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
Part of the Renaissance family of luxury properties, this hotel’s proximity to King’s Cross Station makes it an excellent choice for social gatherings and corporate retreats.
The availability of professional event planners, catering services, and state-of-the-art technology ensure that your intimate wedding, important business presentation, or charity fundraiser is equally as impressive as the venue.
Outside the St Pancras Hotel, London lies at your feet. Inside the hotel, it will feel like the city is a world away as you indulge in pre- or post-event spa treatments, creative cocktails in the rooftop garden, or contemporary cuisine at one of several on-site restaurants.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
W London
You’ll want to break out in a chorus of Rule, Britannia when you check into the W London. A Marriott property, this Soho hotel draws its design inspiration from the vibrant red, bright blue, and crisp white colours of the British flag.
While most of the luxury hotels in Central London pride themselves on providing a traditional London experience, the W has turned tradition on its head, offering one-of-a-kind services and amenities.
Your experience at the W London will be uniquely yours when you take advantage of their trademarked Whatever/Wherever concierge services, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail prepared by your personal mixologist, or use the tablet-based Digivalet to dim the lights, stream a movie, or control the temperature in your guest room or suite.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: W London
The Waldorf Hilton, London
One of the best hotels in London for families, the Waldorf Hilton offers a welcoming environment for guests under the age of 12 with a special welcome at check-in, kid-friendly menu selections, and a range of amenities they can choose from to customize their stay. This
historic 19th-century property is located in the heart of London’s theatre district and within minutes of many of the city’s most popular attractions. Guests will even find a unique attraction right inside the Waldorf London itself. The hotel is home to Palm Court, an event venue that was featured in the film Titanic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: The Waldorf Hilton, London
Strand Palace Hotel
Customer service and convenience are hallmarks of the guest experience at London’s Strand Palace Hotel. This exclusive hotel is close to legendary landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, and private transportation options make it easy to explore the rest of the city’s sights.
The dedicated team at the guest service centre can assist with ticket purchases for tours and events throughout London and its environs, make reservations for on-site and off-property restaurants, and give advice on the best places to shop for luxury goods or one-of-a-kind souvenirs. They can also arrange for luggage storage, airport transfers, and currency exchange services.
If you want your visit to London to be stress-free, contact the guest services team at the Strand Palace Hotel any time before or during your stay.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Strand Palace Hotel
Thistle Piccadilly Hotel
The Thistle Piccadilly Hotel’s Central London location is ideal for exploring the city for the first time or revisiting some of your favorite spots on a return trip. Every exit off of Piccadilly Circus leads to a famous London attraction.
Before heading out for the day, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee from your in-room Nespresso machine or join the other guests in the dining room for a full English breakfast. If walking around London isn’t exercise enough, a fully equipped gym with top-of-the-line technology is available on site.
One of several luxury hotels in Central London belonging to the Great London Hospitality group, the Thistle Piccadilly Hotel offers standard and deluxe rooms as well as spacious junior suites with thoughtful amenities including Hypnos beds, rainfall showers, high-speed WiFi, and high-definition smart TVs.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Thistle Piccadilly Hotel
The Cavendish London Hotel
The Cavendish is a 4-star hotel in London’s upscale St James district. Just a short stroll through this exclusive neighborhood will take you to some of the finest dining, shopping, and entertainment in the city.
Whether you choose a Classic, Superior, or Executive room or upgrade to a Junior or Penthouse Suite, you’re sure to be impressed with the high-quality amenities and incomparable service you’ll find at this award-winning hotel.
Matching the Cavendish star for star is the Mayfair Lounge and Grill, an on-site restaurant that serves contemporary cocktails and cuisine as well as daily afternoon tea.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: The Cavendish London Hotel
___________________
Contributor Beth Hoke is a travel and lifestyle writer who has created content for some of the industry leaders in experiential travel, including Google’s Touring Bird; Tui’s blog, Musement; and Vamonde. Her features have appeared online and in print at RileyMag.com, DispatchesEurope.com, and Military Spouse magazine.


Calm in the Capital: The Rubens at the Palace
Enjoy an indulgent stay (with cocktails, of course!) at The Rubens at the Palace in the heart of Royal London

Crowning Glory: The Best Royal Hotels in London
Looking for a ritzy place to stay in London with a connection to British Royalty? Kim Kerr shares this list of the best Royal hotels in London

Shop ‘Til You Drop: Top Luxury Hotels Near Harrods
Bryan Dearsley discovers that opulence isn’t an option at these elegant luxury hotels near Harrods in Knightsbridge, London

Main Attraction: Luxury Hotels in the City of London
Looking for places to stay near London’s top attractions? Location is everything at these top luxury hotels in the City of London

Top Unique & Boutique Hotels in Chelsea London
Looking for somewhere luxurious to stay in London England? Contributor Beth Hoke shares this list of the top unique and boutique hotels in Chelsea London