Destination Spotlight: London, United Kingdom
London calling? This classic European destination and capital city offers an array of history, art, culture, shopping, and contemporary style. Over the past 10 years, the city has heightened its game to offer luxury travelers some of the finest amenities, hotels, and attractions.
In this edition of Destination Spotlight, we worked with Luxury Travel Intelligence to gain valuable insider information on some of London's top hotels, as well as recommended dining and entertainment options.
Some of London's top stores offer highly-regarded dining options, at Harrod's, Luxury Travel Intelligence suggests "Laduree – a lovely Parisian style tearoom with an outdoor pavement terrace. The Champagne Bar on the first floor, also serving some great small plates. Cafe Godiva – skip the line by requesting seats at the counter. And Chai Wu is an opulent full service restaurant with impressive contemporary Chinese cuisine." While Burger and Lobster for a "casual and fun" dining option at Harvey Nichols, and The Wine Bar at Fortnum & Mason has an impressive selection of wines by the glass.
Looking for a unique movie-watching experience? Visit Curzon at the Sea Container Hotel for an intimate setting with comfortable seating and stylish food and drink options.
For a classic London experience, travelers will want to book a traditional afternoon tea. While there is an array of destinations and options for afternoon tea, Luxury Travel Intelligence says, "Our top picks are The Lanesborough in the beautiful Celeste restaurant, and Claridge’s for a real celebration. For impressive panoramic views of London with your afternoon tea, we love Ting at the Shangri-La at the Shard. Or for one of London’s most impressive rooms – perfect for a special occasion afternoon tea – we recommend the Oscar Wilde Lounge at Hotel Cafe Royal."
While the city offers many highly-rated hotels, here are 5 we recommend based on location, amenities, and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks.
5. Rosewood London
Located in the hip 'Midtown' in the High Holborn neighborhood, Rosewood London offers a centralized location within walking distance of many of the city's major sites. Featuring a grand facade, guests enter through wrought iron gates. Set in a Grade II listed Belle Epoque building, Luxury Travel Intelligence says, "Its décor is quintessentially British, yet unusual – whimsical even – but many of the original listed features (the Grand Pavonazzo marble staircase and the 166 feet cupola, for example) remain in tact. You can expect excellent food and drink in the restaurants and bar (they are destinations in their own right), and a great spa and fitness centre."
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" include a full breakfast for two daily in the Holborn Dining Room, $100 USD equivalent hotel credit, per room/per stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full. Excludes Matthew Curtis Hair Salon) and a Chef's choice welcome amenity.
Book a stay at Rosewood London
4. The May Fair Hotel
Situated in the heart of Mayfair along Stratton Street, The May Fair Hotel is a legendary hotel. First opened by King George V in 1927, the property has a glamorous past. Bringing boutique hotel attention to detail with grand hotel service, the property offers 404 luxury hotel rooms and suites, and a diverse array of facilities within the hotel including The May Fair Theater, The Palm Beach Casino, May Fair Kitchen, May Fair Bar, and the May Fair Spa & Fitness Center.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" include a full English Breakfast for each guest daily at May Fair Kitchen, a 50 GBP spa credit per room/per stay (excluding spa products), a welcome card, and a seasonal welcome amenity.
Book a stay at The May Fair Hotel
3. The Langham London
Since opening in 1865 as Europe's first "Grand Hote", The Langham London has been one of the city's finest locales for travelers. Located in the heart of the West End at the top of Regent Street, the hotel has the city's finest shopping, theater district, and cultural attractions at its doorstep. Within the hotel, fine dining is offered at Roux at The Landau, Artesian is an elegant destination for cocktails, and the Palm Court is known as the birthplace of the afternoon tea tradition.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate include a full English Breakfast for two daily and a USD $100 food and beverage credit once during stay.
Book a stay at The Langham London
2. The Goring
Nestled in the heart of Belgravia, The Goring was recently refurbished to offer timeless elegance with the best in British design, and one of the largest private gardens in the city. According to Luxury Travel Intelligence, "Many of the rooms are quite small but they’re overflowing with character and comfort. We recommend taking a Deluxe category room at least, such as room 114, designed by Nina Campbell, which has soft furnishings, a quirky turret bathroom, a huge sleigh bath and a walk-in shower."
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate include continental breakfast for two daily, a welcome gift, and a $100 food and beverage credit in The Dining room per room/per stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full).
1. Claridge's
Luxury Travel Intelligence says, "With its stunning design, elegance and perfect location, Claridge’s is in a class of its own." Offering a range of rooms and suites by well-known designers including Guy Oliver and Diane von Furstenberg, each of the rooms is unique with a range of styles from Art Deco to traditional. All accommodations are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, guests can expect top-quality service, and there are two highly-rated restaurants and two chic bars steeped in history within the hotel.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate include a full English breakfast daily in The Foyer & Reading Room or through room service, a 75 GBP credit per room/per stay which can be applied towards food and beverage or spa services at the hotel, and a welcome amenity.
Explore our entire collection of London Luxury Hotels
Interested in becoming a member of Luxury Travel Intelligence? Click here and use invitation code: FIVESTAR400.
Related Hotels
Book Flight