British charm: top 10 luxury hotels in London

The city of London, where history and modernity blend seamlessly, attracts millions of visitors each year. However, tourism in London is about more than just sightseeing. Visitors get the chance to experience luxury at its finest, with hotels offering world-class service, exquisite dining and unrivaled comfort.

Luxurious hospitality in London does not disappoint. The finest hotels are destinations in their own right, offering a blend of historic grandeur and modern elegance.

For anybody aspiring to work in such prestigious settings, the correct qualifications and training are essential, as is having a good understanding of their history, ways of working and expectations.

The Corinthia

Opened in 1885, The Corinthia London is a true landmark, combining  its grand Victorian heritage with modern luxury. Located close to the iconic Trafalgar Square, this prestigious hotel offers a comfortable resting place in the heart of Westminster.

Interiors boast Parisian-influenced design, featuring dramatic contemporary lines, classic touches and opulent, intricate patterns. Guest rooms are havens of comfort and spaciousness, allowing for complete relaxation and calm.

Beyond the elegant rooms, The Corinthia features ESPA Life, London’s largest spa facility, which is a tranquil space for guests to unwind and enjoy multiple luxurious treatments. Exquisite dining options keep every kind of diner well fed, from British fare at Kerridge’s Bar & Grill to something light and fresh in The Garden.

Unrivaled service quality and luxury at the heart of everything position The Corinthia’s reputation as a truly exceptional destination for travelers.

Raffles London at the OWO

Whitehall has a recent addition in the form of Raffles London at The OWO. Despite being a newcomer, it hasn’t taken long to position itself as a force to be reckoned with among the established luxury names.

Housed within the magnificent, Grade II-listed Old War Office, this unique hotel combines rich heritage with contemporary sophistication. Discover beautifully designed interiors by esteemed architect Thierry Despont, who effortlessly blends history with modern elegance.

Raffles boasts a collection of nine exceptional restaurants, including one by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco. Guests can unwind at Guerlain’s first spa in London or enjoy a cocktail at one of the three iconic bars.

Beyond the hotel experience, The OWO also offers an assortment of private residences. For those seeking the buzz and vibrancy of the big city with a luxurious edge, Raffles London at The OWO is a good choice.

Shangri-La at The Shard

Soaring above the skyline, Shangri-La at The Shard is a little different to the average hotel experience. Occupying floors 34 to 52 of the iconic Shard, this luxury location offers panoramic views across the entire city.

Opened in 2014, Shangri-La marries modern design with the Shard’s unique architecture, creating a breathtaking environment. Guest rooms are tranquil and calm with luxurious amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Beyond the stunning rooms, Shangri-La is home to a collection of award-winning restaurants, including signature eatery Gong, which offers a world-class culinary experience.

It also features CHI, The Spa, an Asian-inspired wellness center and an infinity pool that allows guests to take in views of the city in the lap of luxury. Shangri-La at The Shard caters to guests’ every desire.

Claridge’s

Sophistication and luxury are at the heart of everything that happens at the legendary Claridge’s Hotel. Centrally located in affluent Mayfair, its classic Art Deco design has been inspiring and wowing guests since 1856.

Claridge’s has welcomed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries, even earning the nickname ‘an annex to Buckingham Palace’. A short walk from expansive Hyde Park and elegant Park Lane, visitors can explore upscale London at their leisure.

The hotel’s highlights include its lavish rooms, such as the Royal Suite and the Grand Piano Suite, and its exceptional dining options, including the Michelin-starred Fera and the celebrated afternoon tea in the magnificent Foyer & Reading Room.

Claridge’s unwavering dedication to excellence and its combination of historical grandeur and contemporary luxury make it a standout in London’s hospitality scene.

Working at Claridge’s is a dream for many prospective professionals and, to achieve this feat, it is essential to have a good level of training. Hospitality degrees prepare students for the many different experiences in the hotel industry, from ultra-luxury to quirky boutique hotels and, if you’ve set your sights on the finest London venues, qualifications are a must.

Hotel Café Royal

Right in the heart of Soho, Hotel Café Royal offers the perfect balance of historic charm and contemporary sophistication in London. Established in 1865, this iconic establishment has long been a magnet for creatives, celebrities and luxury travelers alike, drawn to its classic architecture and modern amenities.

Situated on Regent Street, it boasts a prestigious location in Soho’s cultural and entertainment scene.

The interior of Hotel Café Royal exudes opulence and sophistication, featuring professionally designed rooms and suites adorned with both bespoke furnishings and the latest technologies.

Guests can enjoy a range of cuisines at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants and bars, including the Grill Room for fine dining and the Oscar Wilde Lounge for traditional afternoon tea. It is also home to Akasha Holistic Wellbeing, a luxurious spa and wellness center that offers a range of treatments, fitness facilities and a serene relaxation area.

Whether exploring Soho’s eclectic charms or seeking a tranquil retreat in the city, Hotel Café Royal promises an experience that mixes tradition with contemporary luxury.

The Langham

Synonymous with timeless elegance, The Langham, London is a true ‘grand dame’ of the city’s hotel scene. Located in the West End close to both Regent Street and Oxford Street, this prestigious establishment offers a coveted address with a rich heritage dating back to 1865.

Interiors exude a sense of grandeur, featuring opulent public spaces and impeccably designed guest rooms that combines classic charm with modern amenities.

The Langham is renowned for its iconic Palm Court, an essential pitstop for lovers of quintessentially English afternoon tea, and its Michelin-starred restaurant, Roux at The Langham, boasts dishes crafted by the world-famous Roux family of chefs.

Guests can also unwind in the Chuan Spa, which offers treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Beyond its luxurious offerings, The Langham prides itself on impeccable service and a dedication to providing unforgettable experiences. For travelers seeking a historic stay in the heart of London, The Langham is an easy choice.

The Savoy

Opened in 1889, The Savoy has been setting the standard for opulence and service ever since. It has a prime location on the Strand and was founded by legendary hotelier Richard D’Oyly Carte.

The Savoy was the first luxury hotel in Britain to offer electric lights, electric lifts, and bathrooms, making these modern facilities accessible to all its guests, laying down a new benchmark for comfort and innovation.

Overlooking the River Thames, the Savoy has an Art Deco and Edwardian design and offers guests a choice of historically rich interiors. Renowned for its exceptional service, the hotel features world-class dining options, including the famed Savoy Grill and the American Bar, one of the most iconic cocktail bars in existence.

The Savoy’s mix of historical significance, architectural splendor and commitment to luxury makes it an unmissable London experience.

The Dorchester

Right by London’s prestigious Park Lane, The Dorchester Hotel has been a symbol of luxury since it opened in 1931. It has been the preferred choice of influential and affluent guests for nearly a century and is known for its timeless elegance and exceptional service.

Highlights include its stunning suites, such as the Harlequin and the Oliver Messel Suite, designed to deliver grandeur and comfort.

Culinary excellence is another focus of The Dorchester with world-renowned chefs creating some of their finest dishes. Dining options include The Grill, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and afternoon tea in The Promenade. The Dorchester’s dedication to hospitality, rich heritage and commitment to luxury make it one of London’s most iconic hotels.

The Goring

Standing out as London’s last family-owned luxury hotel for over a century, The Goring has a charm unlike any other. Located in elegant Belgravia, just minutes from Buckingham Palace, this prestigious establishment offers a truly intimate and personalized experience.

Each of the 69 luxurious suites and rooms boasts unique décor featuring the finest furnishings, creating a haven of classic elegance with a touch of contemporary comfort. The hotel has a family-owned character, which means the glamor is complemented by high-end homely touches.

The Goring prides itself on impeccable service, ensuring every guest feels cared for and at home. Visitors can enjoy a timeless English afternoon tea in the renowned drawing room or opt for a range of exquisite meals at the hotel’s restaurant.

For a little bit of peace in the busy city, guests can unwind in the charming private garden. The Goring’s dedication to tradition, exceptional customer care and luxurious comfort ensures patrons’ expectations are always exceeded.

Brown’s Hotel

Proud of its claim to fame as London’s oldest luxury hotel, Brown’s Hotel has elements of its history evident for all to see across all aspects of its building. Housed in the same building in Mayfair since 1832, although some say it opened earlier, Brown’s has retained much of its historic charm.

The hotel’s interiors, designed by founder Olga Polizzi, balance comfort and character, ensuring a stay that feels luxurious and timeless. Many famous faces have visited and enjoyed the hospitality of Browns’, including Mahatma Gandhi, Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie. Today it is an essential destination for luxury tourists seeking a refined and utterly English experience.

Working at London’s Finest Hotels

The prospect of working in one of London’s luxury hotel brands, is incredibly exciting for many aspiring hospitality professionals. However, these establishments demand excellence from their staff. Impeccable service, in-depth knowledge of upscale hospitality and the ability to anticipate guests’ needs are essential.

While experience is always valuable, a strong foundation in hotel management can be your key to unlocking this kind of rewarding employment. Exploring study options helps you take the first step towards the theoretical knowledge and practical skills desired by these top employers. If you are looking for a  career paths in hospitality, a degree is a great choice.

Conclusion

London’s luxury hotels are noteworthy venues in the hospitality industry, offering a mix of rich history and modern style. These establishments demonstrate the highest standards of care and refinement and are dream places to be employed for aspiring hospitality professionals.

To work at top names such as The Savoy, Claridge’s and The Dorchester requires more than just a love for hospitality. You need solid training, excellent service skills and a good understanding of the trade.

A degree in hospitality management can help you land jobs at these top hotels because they give you the education and hands-on experience you need. See how a course at Glion can help.

Photo Credits:
Main Image: Getty Gary Yeowell