Living in London, certain things become inevitable. Your default walking pace will be a rapid clip, fuelled by a £4-plus oat flat white. You won’t talk to strangers but will cast a baleful glance at anyone standing on the left on the Tube escalator. You will probably acquire a pair of Margiela Tabis and a Bedlington Whippet. And you will be regularly inundated with requests for recommendations – for the best restaurants in London, the best pubs in London, or the biggie: the best hotels in London.

That last one is a question the team takes especially seriously. Every property on ’s list of the best hotels in London has been tried and tested by a member of the team who has checked in and experienced the thread count, shower pressure, turndown service and breakfast buffet.

If you’re a first-timer – or just in town for a flying visit – then a W1 hotel will put you within easy reach of most landmarks, whether you choose a Mayfair institution such as Claridge’s or a relative newcomer, like Broadwick Soho. If you’re a regular, it’s well worth venturing beyond central to experience different sides of the city. Smaller spots like At Sloane or Chelsea Townhouse offer a taste of where the most affluent Londoners live, while east London is a good place to base yourself if you’re planning to party.

Courtesy of Claridge’s

One of the most famous hotels in the world, with the clientele to match, the property’s reputation for excellence dates back as far as 1812, when it began operating from a single terraced house at 51 Brook Street. Fast forward 200 years, and the hotel is as energised as ever, not least thanks to the addition of a five-storey basement – as deep as the hotel is high – which now houses a Japanese-inspired wellness sanctuary. At Claridge’s there’s an understandable reverence for tradition, but the team is also across the latest in luxury – you’ll find an outpost of Josh Wood, Augustinus Bader products and Facegym treatments at this historic spot. A note for parents: little ones get an especially warm welcome here – think plush mini bathrobes and teddies dressed to match the doormen. – 

• Is there a spa? It was a long time coming, but it’s now one of the best in London
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? If any, the price. Staying at Claridge’s is bookmarked for some of life’s biggest milestone moments, so expect to splurge

We can’t really talk about luxury hotels without mentioning one of London’s very first. The Savoy opened its doors in 1889, and has been catering to well-heeled and high-profile guests – the likes of Oscar Wilde, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland – ever since. This is far from a crumbling heritage property, though: the hotel has undergone plenty of refreshes. The renovated river view suites look out over a sun-drenched Thames by day and a glittering neon cityscape by night. Booking one also gets you a “butler” – an old-fashioned phrase, but a purposefully winking one – at your beck and call, and an especially elaborate in-room dining menu (I opted for grilled kippers and lemon sauce with a matcha latte chaser). Basically, the Savoy is where you go if you want frills with a capital F. There are endless restaurants nearby – this is the West End, after all – but if convenience is what you’re after, then succulent steak frites, melt-in-the-mouth scallops and the sort of whipped-up Eton mess people write soliloquies about are all on offer in ground floor dining spot, Gallery. – 

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? It’s a huge hotel, so don’t be surprised if you get lost at least once

Molly-Mae Hague once told this hotel is her favourite place to stay. It’s easy to see why: the Corinthia is the place to go if you’re in need of some real pampering. In fact, plenty of Londoners come here just for the day (their ESPA Life Spa is the city’s largest). Visually, the hotel isn’t shy – opulence is what it’s known for. Think: vast marble lobbies and grand pianos and enormous crystal chandeliers. Though the overall vibe is grand, the rooms are a little more homely (wood panelling, a neutral colour palette, casual throws). The new suites especially, which are more like mini apartments, really lean into that “home away from home” vibe (velvety earth-toned furniture, cow-print rugs and screens in each room). Most importantly, the beds are plush and comfortable. –

• Is there a spa? Yes, London’s largest
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? It’s a popular hotel, so the lobby can get busy during peak times

If you threw a dart on Park Lane (the closest thing London has to a hotel district), it would stand a good chance of landing on a five-star hotel. If it’s quieter, calmer sort of luxury you’re after, though – rather than, say, pomp or chintz – look no further than Four Seasons Park Lane, which sits smack in between the lush expanses of Hyde Park and Green Park. With it’s subtle Art Deco interiors, enormous windows and understated colour palette, the Four Seasons is an environment in which to properly de-stress (this is a great hotel to visit on your own, for instance).

Once you’ve spent the afternoon lounging in the top-tier spa, you can slink downstairs to its French Michelin-starred restaurant, Pavyllon, for seasonal fine-dining and fresh, zingy ingredients prepared in an open-plan kitchen (great for nosy people like myself who like to watch how it’s all done). For those with a bit of extra dollar, the property’s 14 newly-renovated suites – all autumnal hues and wood panelling – feel like a genuine sanctuary. – 

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? Location-wise, this part of London can feel a little austere.

Famous for the palm trees in its soaring foyer, the Landmark London sits in a prime Marylebone location. The rooms marry tradition with mod-cons (think: neutral tones and gold-tinged lighting plus slick marble bathrooms), with impossibly plush carpet and cloud-like beds that come with the risk of sleeping through your alarm. The Winter Garden restaurant is well worth a visit, both for quality of cooking and value – £55 for a three-course set menu, with champagne? Undeniably reasonable for a property this grand. The Landmark also has a spa with all the requisite facilities, from a sauna and steam room to a 15-metre chlorine-free, heated swimming pool. All in all, an excellent all-rounder of a hotel. – 

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? If you’re ultra sensitive to sound, you might be able to hear the faint rumble of trains down below

Courtesy of The Connaught

After entering the grand lobby, and taking in the roaring fire and magnificent central staircase, you might imagine you have the Connaught clocked. But there’s more to this property than traditional bedrooms, gilded paintings and polished balustrades. The Connaught Bar, with its martini trolley service, is frequently named as one of the best cocktail bars in the world, but it was the Red Room Bar – hidden behind a heavy curtain – that won over this writer. The club sandwich (surely the greatest stomach-liner of all time?) is an essential part of any stay. If money is no object, the Mews is an almost comically sublime suite that expands over two storeys, with its own private street entrance, two fireplaces and serious art. Oh, and a grand piano. –

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? Only the price. This is an exceptional hotel and the cost reflects that

The Royal Suit at The Dorchester

Landmark hotel The Dorchester has been presiding over Hyde Park Corner since the 1930s and – as is the prerogative of any fabulous grand dame upon reaching a certain age – she’s recently had something of a refresh – not least including the introduction of their Royal Suite; a lavish, sun-drenched top-floor suite that’s all pastel-coloured fabrics and spectacular, panoramic views. The tweaks – overseen by the revered French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon – encompass transformed rooms and suites, a heavenly spa, and an entirely overhauled ground floor that now incorporates the Artists’ Bar as a focal point, where the gleam of the grand piano is rivalled only by the Lalique crystal décor.

Other things have not changed. The Dorchester still serves as a plush, hushed respite from the sounds of supercars zipping along Park Lane, the service is still exceptional, and you can still get a phenomenal martini in Vesper Bar. The guest rooms have had a modern makeover, but you won’t find any bouclé sofas, industrial light fittings or cement console tables here. The Dorchester’s suites are all about un-ironic English chintz: think skirted dressing tables, Colefax and Fowler floral wallpaper and (in some rooms) hand-painted de Gournay headboards – all in soothing shades of pink, yellow, blue or green. –

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? We visited in glorious weather, which rather highlighted the limited outdoor space

After 113 years in business, the Goring is London’s last family-owned luxury hotel – not to mention a royal favourite. (A certain Kate Middleton got ready for her 2012 wedding here as a bride-to-be.) The discreet hotel sits on a quiet mews and has a vast garden that really comes into its own during warmer months (not many of London’s grand dames can say the same). Enjoy afternoon tea on the veranda, book a table in the whimsically-decorated dining room, or swing by the cocktail bar for a perfectly mixed drink. What to order? A “Thank You, Your Majesty”, obviously – a raspberry, gin and champagne concoction named for King Charles III. –

• Is there a spa? No, but there is a fitness room
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? It’s a splurge

BOOK NOW: BOOKING.COM

London’s first all-suite hotel, with its rooftop overlooking the vast expanse of Hyde Park, feels a bit like its own haven where time and space is fleetingly paused. Gazing at an endless tapestry of tree-tops from your light-filled suite is practically guaranteed to lower your cortisol (visit in autumn to experience it at its best). There’s an emphasis on wellness here: too often hotel restaurants in the UK whack out the same truffle-heavy menus, but at abc kitchens it’s more about seasonal, sustainable produce. Meanwhile you can book in at the four-storey spa, Surrenne Belgravia, for everything from a massage to a “lymphatic body boost”. If switching off is the goal, you’re in the right place.

• Is there a spa? Yes, a big one
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? This is quiet luxury over boom boom luxury, which could be a con or pro depending on your tastes. And it obviously doesn’t come cheap

Sleeping at the top of the Shard is perhaps a bit absurd. But still, given the opportunity you should absolutely do it once. The main draw of Shangri-La the Shard, wedged into levels 34 to 52 of London’s tallest building, is – of course – the spectacular view. (Rooms are even equipped with binoculars.) But tear your eyes away, and you’ll discover enormous beds, heated floors, and top Asian fare at sleek restaurant Ting. – 

• Is there a spa? Yes, with an impressive infinity pool
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? Its main pull is the view, so you might not want to book for a drizzly day (hard in London, I know). The breakfast buffet felt a bit airport-ish, too

Courtesy of The Berkeley

Elegant and firmly contemporary in style, the Berkeley has rooms and suites by five different designers, including Joyce Wang, André Fu and John Heah. In a vast, Heah-designed suite called the Apartment, details include modern art suspended over fabric-covered walls, classic Serge Mouille lamps, and the occasional piece of 1950s Italian furniture. The vibe is undeniably luxurious: note the monogrammed bathrobes, Frette towels, and bespoke pre-mixed cocktails in the mini-fridge. Beyond your room, the confections of visionary French pastry chef Cédric Grolet see lines forming at the takeaway counter, but the best seat in the house is the chef’s table. For cocktails, head for the Berkeley Bar. The pink snug is the ideal spot to settle in with a martini. –

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The room price could be prohibitive unless it’s a special occasion

Consider this property a sexier, more low-key cousin to the Dorchester – all masculine tones, polished wood and monochrome artwork. It’s the sort of place that makes you want to pick up a cigar and a scotch on the rocks. (The vibe is more luxe business than family-orientated.) Dinner at Cut is a must: they take their steak very seriously, and the cocktails – think pickle-infused umami martinis – are lethally good. Make time for the guest-only spa, too. With its 20-metre pool, it’s perhaps the hotel’s best-kept secret. –

• Is there a spa? Yes, for hotel guests only
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The room could have done with a few more easily accessible plug sockets, including by the bed

Courtesy of The Londoner

Perched directly on Leicester Square, the £500 million behemoth that is The Londoner extends eight storeys above ground and eight storeys below, an iceberg of a hotel that feels a little like an impossibly luxurious cruise ship. There are 350 rooms to choose from, each of which comes with floor-to-ceiling windows and state-of-the-art amenities (Dyson hair dryers, Toto loos, binoculars on the bedside table for studying the skyline), but really, you don’t check in here to hunker down in a suite. For starters, you’ve got the National Gallery practically on your doorstep, to say nothing of the West End. –

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The location is perhaps the most polarising thing about The Londoner – not everyone will love being absolutely bang in the middle of the most touristy square in London

Courtesy of NoMad London

Opened in the former Bow Street Magistrates Court in 2021, the NoMad is dark and moody, with ornate fabrics, wood panelling and cosy lamp light drawing you in from the cold. Thankfully, the masterful layering of textures, soft lighting and best-in-class displaying of art continues to the bedrooms. In the Royal Opera Suite, with its views of the opera house, design details include marble fireplaces, peach satin curtains, a curated book selection, a John Derian pen pot with marbled pencils, various excellent lamps and gigantic wall-leaning artworks (there are over 1,600 pieces of art throughout the hotel).The interiors are the main hook here. There’s occasional noise from outside – but then you are in the heart of Covent Garden. – 

• Is there a spa? There’s a small gym and spa treatments by Ricari Studios and Katie England
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The best suites all face the main road, so you might hear the occasional burst of loud pop music from passing rickshaw riders, otherwise nothing to report

Courtesy of Ham Yard Hotel

Ham Yard Hotel has got the important elements just right. It’s amazingly quiet and well-located – our room was silent, and yet just two minutes’ walk from Regent Street. The bedrooms feel characterful and considered – plus the designers understand the importance of layered lighting. There’s a large, little-known roof terrace with plenty of seating (this is where the hotel grows seasonal veg and keeps bees) and downstairs in the basement, there’s a full-sized bowling alley. The Firmdale group is especially popular with American guests and I understood that. It feels eccentric and British without any dated fanfare or stuffiness. Crossing paths with an A-list Hollywood actress in the lobby was the icing on the cake. –

• Is there a spa? A small one
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? For a hotel of this size, it’s surprising there isn’t a swimming pool

Courtesy of The Ned

A 250-room hotspot for fun in an otherwise corporate corner of town, the Ned is a member of the Soho House family, but more of a cousin than a sibling, since the huge hotel and members’ club has its own entirely separate membership. Set a coin’s toss from the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange, this isn’t the typical location of choice for tourists, but in a way, that’s the Ned’s superpower. The City is much quieter at the weekend, and the Tube is on your doorstep. You don’t even need to leave the hotel, since facilities for guests include a serene library lounge and a large Cowshed spa with a sleek low-lit swimming pool. There’s also a choice of bars and seven (seven!) restaurants, with an elevated central stage for regular live music. – 

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The rooftop bar and club, with its open-air terrace and swimming pool, is only for Ned’s Club members and not available to hotel guests

Courtesy of 1 Hotel Mayfair

A relatively new kid on the London hotel scene, sustainability is the thing here, so everything from the materials used in the rooms to the brand partners have been chosen for their minimal environmental impact (think spa products by Bamford and electric cars by Audi). Even the artworks on the ground floor are made from found objects and waste plastic. It all feels serene and luxurious, but look closer, and there’s a carefully considered decision behind everything in the building. There’s no feeling of restraint where comfort or detail is concerned, but this five-star hotel is leading the charge with positive change. They offset their CO2, donate to several charity partners and work with specialist advisors to make sure they’re minimising waste. The filtered water tap in our bedroom (and every room) is a genuinely useful feature that every hotel should have.

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? This is one of the flashiest addresses in central London, so book the upper-floor rooms to be as far as possible from the occasional roar of a passing supercar

Courtesy of Hotel Café Royal

There are central London hotels, and then there are London hotels. The five-star Hotel Café Royal has a front-row seat on the sweeping curve of Regent Street. The building’s history goes back more than 150 years and it has played host to everyone from Virginia Woolf to Harry Styles. It’s also where David Bowie threw a party to retire his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. The now hotel was once known as a favourite hangout of Oscar Wilde, and when we peeked in during afternoon tea service, it was clear the gilded, Grade II-listed Grill Room has retained all the OTT opulence of its Victorian-era heyday. It’s astonishing how quiet the rooms are considering you’re sleeping next to Piccadilly Circus – it’s rare to find a spot so central and yet so well sound-proofed. – 

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? A certain lack of cohesion with the décor

Courtesy of Rosewood London

Set back from the bustling roads leading to Covent Garden sits the Edwardian mansion that houses Rosewood London; accessed through a grand and secluded courtyard, it’s no wonder the hotel attracts an A-list clientele seeking sanctuary, with acres of marble and mahogany everywhere you look. The rooms are some of the most spacious in London, and there are a number of dining spots to explore, including the Holborn Dining Room with its relaxed brasserie vibe. A nightcap at Scarfes Bar is an essential add to the itinerary, and a note for animal-lovers: four-legged friends are welcome. – 

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? It can feel a little anonymous at times

Courtesy of The London Edition

With its imposing marble columns and modern art, the Edition’s lobby bar is permanently bustling thanks to a no-reservation rule; expect to see people having coffee meetings on its emerald velvet couches by day and spontaneous cocktails there after midnight (it’s open until 1am). The all-day restaurant, Berners Tavern, also boasts one of the city’s most impressive dining rooms, complete with ornate 19th-century ceilings. Once you’re done socialising, retire to your minimal, cabin-like bedroom, complete with wood-panelled walls, cosy throws and Le Labo toiletries. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? If you don’t feel like venturing out for dinner but aren’t in the mood for room service, the 9.45pm closing time at Berners Tavern can feel a little premature

Courtesy of At Sloane

At Sloane has claimed a handsome corner spot on a residential street of grand redbrick townhouses, mere feet from Sloane Square. The intentionally discreet setting and lack of any outwards sign that it is indeed a hotel (besides the sharply dressed doorman) all lends itself to the feeling of a luxurious home from home. It’s undoubtedly one of London’s most exceptional hotel openings of the last few years and yet it remains thrillingly under the radar, despite being the five-star sister to Paris’s Hôtel Costes. You’re in one of London’s most exclusive postcodes, but the interiors by celebrated French designer François-Joseph Graf feel decidedly Parisian. In the mouse-quiet bedrooms, hidden cupboards and mirrored panelling are cleverly used to create a cocooning sense of symmetry, with the visual mess of wardrobes and tea stations tucked out of sight. The bedrooms with two-person bathtubs are something special. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The bedrooms are exceptionally comfortable and soundproofed, but they are compact for the price point

Courtesy of Beaverbrook Town House

The smaller, newer, younger sibling to the much-loved Beaverbrook in Surrey. (Famous all over again as the wedding venue of a certain Tom and Zendaya.) The interiors here are by celebrated designer Nicola Harding and each room is unique – drenched in bold colour and print. Because of its attention to detail, relatively small size and townhouse layout, it feels more like a thoughtfully decorated jewel box of a house than a glitzy five-star hotel.There’s a bar and adjoining restaurant, the Fuji Grill, which offers an excellent omakase experience. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The bar and restaurant were empty during our visit, so the atmosphere wasn’t there

Courtesy of The Twenty Two

A relatively new addition to the London hotel scene, the Twenty Two is luxurious but far from stuffy. Thanks to its friendly staff and vibey private members’ club, this is an opulent yet playful serve with picture-perfect interiors from the previous owner of Blakes. Set within an Edwardian manor just off Grosvenor Square, all 31 rooms (a mix of bedrooms, suites and even a two-storey mews house) have a decadent but youthful feel, each one designed individually, taking inspiration from 18th-century French design. Think beautiful Pierre Frey patterned wallpapers, four-poster beds, trompe l’oeil carpets and plump velvet tasselled sofas. – 

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes, one fully accessible deluxe room
• Any downsides? There isn’t a spa, but the location, atmosphere and interiors make up for it

Courtesy of The Covent Garden Hotel

One of the earliest Firmdale properties in Kit Kemp’s distinctive line-up and one of the first true boutique hotels in the city, you’ll likely recognise the Covent Garden Hotel’s striped awning and handsome terracotta exterior. Design-lovers gravitate towards the Firmdale group for the richly layered textiles and punchy colour palettes, though this property is particularly popular with guests from the US. Perhaps it’s the central Seven Dials location, or the appealing touches of English chintz. (Like the floral curtains flanking the reception desk.) –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The room layouts and décor vary enormously – if you’re particular, contact the hotel in advance with any specific preferences

Courtesy of Redchurch Townhouse

This small outpost from the Soho House group – tucked away on Whitby Street, mere moments from the larger Shoreditch House – feels unassuming in the best way possible. The 37 individually designed rooms range in size from Tiny to Large, with the more bijou options perfect for a shorter stay. That said, there are all of the little touches you would expect from a Soho House property: Roberts radios, Cowshed products and vintage knick-knacks from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s dotted around the rooms. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? If you’re looking for lots of space, book elsewhere

Courtesy of The Chelsea Townhouse

The type of place that could only exist in the British capital – staying here feels less like checking into a hotel, more like visiting a well-heeled friend with a green thumb, a collector’s eye and a top-notch wine cellar. It’s set in the buildings that once occupied the Draycott, but gone are the old hotel’s dust ruffles, tasselled curtains and chintzy wallpaper, refocusing visitors’ attention on the property’s marble fireplaces, intricate cornices and antique chandeliers, which refract the light that pours in through the generously sized sash windows and French doors. The snug attic rooms, propped under the eaves, are the sort of place you fantasise about writing a novel from start to finish, with a Conway Stewart pen no doubt, fortified by cups of Earl Grey and toast brought up on a sterling-silver tray. Meanwhile, on the ground floor, suites give out onto Cadogan Gardens – a park so beautiful you can picture Henry James characters taking the air on the lawn. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? No
• Any downsides? If you’re looking for a hotel where the MO is to see and be seen, this isn’t the place for you; discretion is paramount here, especially as certain royals are frequent visitors

Courtesy of Soho House

A true Soho establishment, Kettner’s was originally founded as a French restaurant in the 1860s, before being acquired by Soho House in 2016. The refurb has the group’s signature understated elegance, but many of the original Georgian details have been retained, and that authentic Kettner’s charm along with it. The rooms here are named for their size – from Tiny to Big – besides the largest of all, the Jacobean Suite, which accommodates a freestanding copper bath and a spacious seating area, and benefits from its own private entrance on Greek Street. Arguably one of the best rooms in the house is the second-smallest Tiny Plus room, which features vintage-esque interiors and a dinky (but divine) private courtyard terrace. – 

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? There are lifts to bedrooms, but check with the hotel which rooms are fully accessible as there are steps in some corridors
• Any downsides? The location can get busy at certain times of day, but that’s also part of the Soho charm

The Experimental Group’s stylish and petite London crashpad is tucked away in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it building on bustling Henrietta Street. Affordability, location and comfort are all key here. Design-lovers will appreciate the Experimental Group’s recognisable interior styling, the beds score 10 on the comfort scale, and the crisp white sheets were memorably smooth to the touch (to the extent that I checked for the label). At the Henrietta the rooms are divided between the main building (which features a tiny reception area and restaurant) and a separate annexe across the street. The standard of the rooms is equal in both locations, but if you’d prefer to be in the main building, be aware before booking. In some ways (and this is partly due to its small size), it could be described as a no-frills experience, but it’s surprisingly comfortable and quiet considering the proximity to Covent Garden Piazza. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? We had a disappointing experience with a frosty staff member, but feedback was given and I was assured it was a rogue one-off

Even if you passed Zetter Bloomsbury on your commute every day, you could easily fail to realise it’s there. The property has a certain if you know you know quality that adds to its charm. Despite the fact it occupies six townhouses, the James Thurstan Waterworth-designed hotel is inherently cosy. Plush fabrics are rendered in earthy tones and offset by colourful accents, antique wooden textures are spotlit by warm bulbs, and conversation-worthy ornaments that nod to the area’s literary pedigree are dotted about the place. Zetter exudes homeliness, but it’s also elevated – as evidenced by the Georgian-inspired rooms and suites, some with with four-poster beds and claw-foot bathtubs. Echoing the Tardis-like nature of the property itself, the outdoor area is larger than you would expect, with a BBQ area, bar and patio seating encircled by greenery. The courtyard is a tranquil spot to enjoy breakfast – or alternatively, a late-night cocktail. – 

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? Though buzziness is a plus for many guests, the communal areas can get busy – especially at weekends

Affordable options

Courtesy of The Standard London

The Standard doesn’t offer unbridled luxury, but it does promise an excellent night’s sleep in a dead-central location, and one of the fairer price points for design-led hotels at that level. The bedrooms are like playful retro space pods – think electric-blue carpets, purple sofas and beds bang in the centre of the room. Decimo, the vibey, Palm Springs-ish restaurant on the 10th floor, is another good reason to visit. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? The retro interiors and younger clientele might not suit everyone, but request a room on a quiet floor and you shouldn’t have an issue

The City of London itself – home to banks, bars and much of what keeps the capital’s commuter class ticking over – isn’t overrun with bougie boltholes for an overnight stay. So the arrival of Sir Devonshire Square, part of the Amsterdam-based Sircle Collection, was a welcome one. The group’s first property on UK soil, the ghosts of the East India Company – who once occupied these buildings – have been excised. In their place now sits a warm palette of earth-tones and thoughtful textures courtesy of Maison 191, the London- and Cornwall-based designers. The rooms are super comfy. Hot tip: be sure to book one overlooking the square itself. The mish-mash of brick, glass, steel, and architecture that spans the centuries of London life is a glory to behold. And you can be at your masters-of-the-universe finance meeting in minutes…

• Is there a spa? No, but the gym is cut above
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? British Thursday post-office-drinks culture is real. But maybe that’s an upside

Courtesy of The Princess Royal

Boasting vibrant wallpapers from Rapture & Wright, Robert Kime antiques and Victorian-inspired Lefroy Brooks bathrooms, the interiors at the Princess Royal alone are worth a look and offer the perfect balance of style and comfort. Elsewhere you have a light-filled conservatory where breakfast is served, alongside a buzzy sun terrace, plus all the typical trappings of a good old English gastropub: think warm wooden countertops, leather seating and soft lighting. The perfect example of old meeting new. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? The main pub space is accessible, but all rooms are up a steep staircase, which may be tricky for wheelchair users
• Any downsides? Rooms are on the smaller side

Courtesy of One Hundred Shoreditch

If you want the east London experience, you could do far worse than to book a room at One Hundred Shoreditch, which is right on the main drag in Shoreditch, home to the buzzy Seed Library bar, and within walking distance of Columbia Road (of flower market fame) and Brick Lane, where you’ll find some of the best vintage London has to offer. Head for the rooftop restaurant for Palm Springs-inspired interiors and panoramic views. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? Given the generally bustling atmosphere here, it would be nice to have more common areas in which to fully wind down

While today boarding a train out of London is a pretty prosaic affair, once upon a time riding the rails represented glamour and adventure. The Clermont’s Victoria outpost – which occupies a Grade II-listed Victorian building directly adjoining the station – is a tribute to this golden age, a fact made clear from the moment you step into the stately lobby, a colonnade-framed hall that leads onto a statement marble staircase, dappled in the light of a hulking crystal chandelier. This polish carries through to the teal-painted Tea Lounge and the Réunion Bar, housed in the former first-class lounge for the Brighton Belle train. The rooms themselves, though, are more muted, appointed in calm neutrals with soothing sage and copper accents, with a characterful blend of Scandi furniture and classically British fittings. Think: brushed copper floor lamps and spa-standard clawfoot tubs – just be sure not to get comfortable if you have an early train to catch…

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? While the station location is convenient, it is worth noting that Victoria is one of the city’s main transit hubs, so it’s inevitably a little hectic around the hotel

Something a bit different…

Courtesy of Broadwick Soho

Broadwick Soho is a passion project in the truest sense, with entrepreneur Noel Hayden conceiving it as one part love letter to the seaside hotel his parents ran in Bournemouth in the ’80s, one part paean to Dean, Frith and Beak Streets in their heyday. Martin Brudnizki (of Annabel’s fame) looked after the interiors, which laugh in the face of clean minimalism; expect maiolica tiles and leopard print and elephant-shaped minibars imported from Jaipur, sometimes all within metres of each other. The 57 rooms are predictably fun, with freestanding baths and Murano lights, and there’s a permanently celebratory vibe here; cocktail shakers never stop rattling at the rooftop bar Flute, which offers glorious views over W1 along with nostalgic drinks ranging from Pornstar Martinis to Blue Hawaiians, while the underground restaurant Bar Jackie is all mood lighting and moreish Italian fare. –

• Is there a spa? No
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? If you’re a disciple of Rose Uniacke, you might find the interiors a little bit much, but personally, we think the more pachyderms the merrier

Housed in a landmark Bloomsbury building – its Brutalist facade and angular windows overlooking Russell Square – the Imperial has undergone an extensive refurb, with the writers, artists and creatives that helped to define the neighbourhood in mind. It offers a variety of room categories, from upper floor boltholes that are perfectly suited to business travel, to Hideaway suites that encourage longer stints – what with their standalone bathtubs and private terraces. Take the elevator up to Arcus rooftop bar for cocktails and small plates, while Edit on the ground floor offers all-day dining. If you snagged a ticket to see the Bayeux Tapestry during its stint at the British Museum then you’re staying in the perfect spot, and guests at the Imperial can take advantage of complimentary Chopper bike hire too, which is a nice touch. Fun fact: the late soap legend Barbara Windsor was presented with her Rear of the Year Award (Babs was its inaugural winner!) in the Imperial’s ballroom back in 1976.

• Is there a spa? No, but there is a gym
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? Not so far – this is good value for money in a good location

Courtesy of The Beaumont

The Beaumont is a relatively small, independent hotel in Mayfair, tucked away on a quiet street just metres from Oxford Street and Selfridges. This hotel doesn’t do showy publicity – it’s a discreet, in-the-know spot with a superb reputation that keeps regular guests coming back. The vibe here is timeless elegance: no party tricks or created-for-Instagram vignettes. The service is excellent too – attentive and genuine but not suffocatingly so. Le Magritte Bar is a chic and low-lit spot for a cocktail to start or end the night. An ideal place to take a date or a fancy friend, confident they’ll be impressed with your insider intel. –

• Is there a spa? Yes
• Are there accessible bedrooms? Yes
• Any downsides? No pool