There are reoccurring moments in everyone’s life when it’s necessary to have a change of scenery, recharge batteries, perhaps even plan a romantic getaway. Here are London’s best hotels, whether you’re rich, poor, a dedicated follower of fashion or a foodie.
For splurging
London’s most expensive room is The Lanesborough, but if you don’t have £7k to spare for a suite, more affordable luxury hotels include The Dorchester with rates starting from £315 night, and The Langham, from £325. Both are habitual celebrity haunts, with the Dorchester having the added bonus of its legendary afternoon tea, and The Langham benefiting from Roux at the Landau. Suites at these two are half the price of the Lanesborough, and being more like apartments (the Dorchester’s even has a private terrace) makes them ideal for a longer, more decadent stay.
For thriftiness
It’s obvious that you get what you pay for when it comes to any sort of accommodation in the capital, and in the case of Tune Hotels you can choose exactly what amenities you wish to cough up for. The basic room rates start at £35, however the use of the hairdryer, television, wireless internet, fresh towels, toiletries, in-room safe and daily cleaning are extra, meaning that if all you’re after is a bed for the night this is by far the most economical option. Be aware that rooms are tiny, and really only suitable for sleeping in.
For fashionistas
Stepney Green’s 40 Winks was set up with members of the creative and fashion industries in mind, and its romantic opulence crossed with shabby chic has been the setting of many a Vogue photoshoot. The vision of David Carter, who owns the building, has seen numerous actors and models passing through its eccentric walls, but that is not to say the non-fashion public aren’t welcome to stay here. There are only two guestrooms so you can expect a lengthy waiting list, and unfortunately the spectacularly lavish gilded bathroom complete with silver tub is shared between the rooms. On the plus side, rates start from £105 per room, and you’re guaranteed a unique experience. Additionally 40 Winks is the setting for ‘Bedtime Stories’, essentially a pyjama party held on various dates throughout the year, where gin is consumed and fairytales are read out loud by storytellers and actors.
\n\nFor the homely experience
Church Street Hotel in Camberwell feels more like a Cuban guesthouse than a south London hotel, and great care has been taken in likening this quirky hotel to a Latin family home. The walls are brightly painted and the bedspreads are reminiscent of Peruvian rugs, the bathrooms feature colourful mosaics, and another charming touch is the honour bar, which permits guests to mix their own drinks and pay for them later. Prices start from £70 for a single room, £130 for a double.
For lovers
The Rookery may not carry the cache of The Savoyor The Berkeley, but the old fashioned rooms ooze romance thanks to period furniture, panelled walls and fireplaces. Rates start from £235 for a double room, but for the ultimate in glamour the suite has a huge bed flanked by sculptures in each corner, a Victorian bath, and a staircase leading up to the living room, which just so happens to be contained within a spire. It’s £550 a night for this impressive abode.
For easy access to Heathrow
Who said airport hotels are soulless? Hotel 55 is housed within an Edwardian townhouse, and has been designed with comfort in mind. The breakfast room has a glass ceiling and walls, allowing plenty of natural light in, rooms are spacious and Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries are included. Prices start from £89, and its Hanger Lane location means it’s just half an hour away from Heathrow Airport.
\n\nFor the best food
The award for lengthiest waiting list goes to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental, where the acclaimed chef abandons his lab experiments in favour British recipes dating as far back as the 1500s. So hotly tipped was this restaurant when it opened that eager diners had to wait a minimum of three months to gain a foot in the door, but to appease this reservations are now limited to two months in advance. The hotel is suitably chic (with prices to boot, however check their special deals which sometimes offer bed and breakfast for £369), but unfortunately is usually fully booked. The Zetter in Farringdon is hipper (and cheaper, with rooms starting from £165), and boasts the excellent Bistrot Brunot Loubet, with bistro-style French fare. For Michelin stars, splash the cash at Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley and Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester.
For the best bars
The Library Bar at the Lanesborough is comfortable in an old world kind of way, with dark wooden shelves filled with antique books, a roaring fireplace and deep leather sofas. The wealth in the room is palpable, with customers consisting of smartly suited gents and ladies with perfectly coiffed hair. What more would one expect from the most extravagant hotel in the city? For cocktails, the Artesian at the Langham cannot be rivalled, but if you’re after a slightly more boho experience head to Dean Street Townhouse, with art deco features popping up throughout this Georgian townhouse in the heart of Soho. Rooms are sleek and feature standalone bathtubs and rainforest showers. Rates start from £370, or £278 for Soho House members.
For chilling out
The spa at The Intercontinental on Park Lane has it all: facials, numerous types of massage, a floatation tank, a steam room, footbaths, products by Elemis and a complimentary chauffer service so as not to suffer the stress of public transport after all the pampering. A VIP relaxation suite can be booked for three hours at a cost of £210 for the ultimate stress-busting session, or a nap.
