London hotels for every traveller

Best for families

The Cumberland

The lowdown… This musical-themed hotel has everything you need for a family holiday that truly rocks. The rooms blend simplicity and style, featuring fun decor like mirrors marking the height of pop stars. Gold Family rooms can sleep up to four guests and feature amenities like fast Wi-Fi and a TV (which is useful when the kids – and the adults – need a little downtime). You can even borrow a Fender guitar during your stay. Just visit the concierge desk to arrange a visit to the ‘Fender room’ and choose your guitar – or, as some poetic musicians might say, let it choose you.

When you’re not jamming at the hotel, get some fresh air on a walk around Hyde Park and take the children out on a pedalo or rowing boat. Hop on the underground to Leicester Square, where you’ll find the Lego shop and M&M’s store. Come evening, catch a musical in the West End and return to your hotel to form your own band, re-enacting the songs from your favourite show.

In the know… Every evening the SOUND Cafe is filled with rhythm and zest as upcoming artists take to the stage to play live. The cafe is open to the general public but, as a hotel guest, you’ll get priority reservations. Want a pint or cocktail to toast to your holiday as the tunes blast? You can also hear the nightly live music from SOUND bar.

Best for couples

The Clermont London, Charing Cross

The lowdown… Looking for a romantic couple’s retreat? Settle in at The Clermont London for a break that will leave you both starry eyed. Start your day right and pop to The Clermont Restaurant & Bar. Sit beneath a chandelier and stare out of the large windows at the Strand as you indulge in a Full English or continental breakfast. Then, when you’re ready, head out for an adventurous day together.

This Grade II-listed Victorian railway hotel boasts a sensational location. You’ll be perfectly set up to see London’s best sights with ease – start in nearby Covent Garden before venturing beyond. When you return to your room, unwind beneath your rainfall shower with toiletries infused with essential oils. Choose between the complimentary mini-fridge soft drinks or Nespresso coffee machine to refuel before heading to dinner.

In the know… Pop back to The Clermont Restaurant & Bar for a post-dinner cocktail. See the city sparkle beyond the windows as you sip tantalising concoctions. Try the hotel’s signature tipple: The Clermont Cocktail. This bittersweet delight is delivered in a cloud of smoke – it’s all very theatrical.

Best for solo travellers

Kimpton Fitzroy London

The lowdown… Taking time out on your tod? Splash out with a stay at the five-star Kimpton Fitzroy on your trip to London. Your jaw might drop as you enter the lobby – the decor is strikingly impressive. Check in and make yourself at home. Even if you’ve forgotten something, don’t worry. The hotel’s friendly staff will help you sort it – just kick back in your room and release any ebbing stress with a spot of yoga. Your in-room yoga mat was placed there for any such occasion.

The hotel’s convenient location next to Russell Square underground station makes exploring the city easy. Otherwise, stretch your legs and amble to nearby landmarks – the British Museum is just across the square. When you return in the evening, pull up a pew at the raw bar for fresh seafood at the Neptune restaurant. Tuck into caviar, slurp on oysters and sip Champagne. The bar is an ideal spot to spark a conversation.

In the know…The hotel puts on hosted evening social hours, making it easy to get chatting to other guests if you’re feeling like a social butterfly.

Best for luxury

Raffles London at The OWO

The lowdown… You’ll be blown away by the grandeur of Raffles London in the Old War Office building in Whitehall. The likes of Sir Winston Churchill and James Bond creator Ian Fleming once walked through the halls of this Grade II Edwardian Baroque building – you might even recognise the setting from some 007 films. Now you’ll find luxury-seekers and glamorous holidaymakers gliding through the gorgeous lobby. Experience fine dining and pampering aplenty, and make yourself at home in an elegant room complete with a marble bathroom and walk-in shower.

Stroll through nearby St James’s Park or Covent Garden, or admire close landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, before unwinding in the hotel’s spa. Plunge into a pool, sit back in a sauna or book an indulgent treatment. Once you’re feeling suitably serene, pull up a chair in one of the nine restaurants or three bars on site. Sample gorgeous seasonal produce as you dine on dishes inspired by English gardens at chef Mauro Colagreco’s signature restaurant.

In the know… The spa at Raffles London spans four floors. On the ground floor you’ll find the atelier selling Guerlain products. Stock up on luxurious fragrances and, if you feel like spoiling yourself even further, ask for an express beauty treatment.

Best for budget

Holiday Inn London, Kensington High Street

The lowdown... This hotel might not be as eye-catching as its upmarket Kensington neighbours but what it lacks in opulence it makes up for in affordability. The location, right by Kensington High Street underground station, is fabulous and the amenities are fantastic. Holiday Inn London Kensington even boasts a big indoor pool, which is a rarity for a budget London hotel. There’s also a spa and a gym.

Fuel up for a big day in the city with a hot buffet breakfast at The Boulevard Restaurant or stop off for a light bite at the Lounge Bar. In a rush to get out and explore? Grab a Starbucks coffee on your way to nearby sights like Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens.

In the know… When you want to take a moment away from the hustle and bustle, seek out the hotel’s private garden.

Best for location

Strand Palace

The lowdown… For a modern and comfortable stay in the heart of London, choose Strand Palace. This stylish hotel is close to many of the city’s top attractions as well as its epic Theatreland. You’ll even be welcomed by doormen when you arrive. Step into the stylish lobby, filled with decor inspired by the 1920s, and drop your bags in your room before stepping back out to explore the city.

Head to nearby museums and cultural attractions. Wander around The National Gallery or enjoy the vibrant bars and restaurants in Soho. Trafalgar Square, Embankment and Covent Garden are all within half a mile from the hotel. Make sure to catch a West End show during your stay – you’re in the heart of Theatreland, after all. Strand Palace is also close to several tube stations, including Charing Cross, so you can easily discover London beyond its centre.

In the know…Reserve a spot in Haxells Restaurant and Bar for a traditional afternoon tea. Tuck into crumbling scones and clotted cream, accompanied by fragrant pots of loose-leaf tea. In the evenings, sip refreshing aperitifs in the elegant Gin Palace.

Best for business travellers

Native Bankside

The lowdown... Native Bankside’s apartment-style rooms boast everything you need for a comfortable stay during your business trip. After a long day of meetings, return to your room and sink into a comfy bed before popping on the TV. Then whip up something to eat in the kitchenette, featuring a kettle, sink and hob. Need to prepare for morning presentations? There’s space to work in your room – or you can set up shop in the communal workspace.

Native Bankside is based in a former Victorian tea warehouse, so you can expect plenty of trendy arched windows and exposed brick walls throughout the hotel. Plush velvet upholstery helps make the rooms comfortable and inviting. London Bridge station is around half a mile away, meaning you’ll have great transport links to wherever you need to be in the city. You can even do some sightseeing if you have time. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes in the area for when you don’t feel like using the kitchenette. Borough Market, London’s famous foodie paradise, is very close.

In the know… Being away on business doesn’t mean you have to lose track of your fitness goals – there’s a suite packed with Peloton bikes on the hotel’s top floor. Huge windows let in plenty of light, making it a bright and airy workout space.

Best for a one-night stopover

Rembrandt

The lowdown... Set in a converted Edwardian building, The Rembrandt fits in well with its stately Knightsbridge neighbours. It’s a quiet, comfortable hotel with an adjacent health club. You’ll have to pay to use the health club but hotel guests receive discounted rates. There’s also a restaurant and a lounge bar. If you’re only in London for one night, though, you’ll want to maximise your time outside of the hotel.

The Rembrandt is near South Kensington underground station so you can get the Piccadilly line straight to and from Heathrow’s terminals. You can also take the line in the opposite direction to get to Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Or catch a District line train to Tower Hill and visit the Tower of London. If you feel like staying closer to the hotel, top museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum are within a quarter of a mile on foot. Fancy picking up a fancy souvenir? Harrods is also less than half a mile away.

In the know… The adjacent health club features a heated swimming pool, a sauna, a steam bath and a gym. You can also book a treatment at Ceylon Spa & Beauty, located in the club, for an additional cost.

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