Sometimes the number of luxury hotels in London is surprising, are there really that many visitors who are able to drop tens of thousands of pounds a night? For the celeb-hungry, the hotels listed below are the most rock ‘n’ roll the capital has to offer, but if you can’t afford to stay at one of them, try hanging around in the bar. They love a drink, those A-listers.
The Cumberland
The luxurious Cumberland hotel was rather different in the 70s, when it was favoured by touring rock stars who hung out here with their groupies. One such character was Jimi Hendrix, whose death certificate lists the Cumberland as his residence. On the 40th anniversary of his passing this five star hotel inaugurated the Jimi Hendrix Suite, a room with psychedelic wallpaper, framed articles mentioning the musician and a reproduction of his white Flying V guitar on the wall; this is not the room he stayed in, and it’s not even styled to look like it. Located close to Marble Arch, some of the rooms have a view of Oxford Street’s Primark.
Rock ‘n’ roll rating: 2/5
Sanctum Soho
There is a hot tub on the roof, the room furnishings are flamboyant enough for Louis XIV, the bar is open 24 hours a day and two members of Iron Maiden are investors. Sanctum Soho have worked hard to give their hotel a rock ‘n’ roll reputation, down to little touches like adding Guitar Hero to the suites’ entertainment (a guitar for practising is stashed away at reception) and advertising the dressing areas of the Loft Suite as being “perfect for pre-party entertainment”. Yet for all its aspirations Sanctum Soho’s celebrity customers include the likes of Peter Andre, Katie Waissel and Vanessa Feltz.
Rock ‘n’ roll rating: 2/5
K West
Its Shepherd’s Bush location means it’s a little out of way, however it does make it handy for entertainers in town recording at the nearby BBC’s Television Centre. Their spa has innovative treatments like Ytsara and a caviar body polish, and the bar opens till the small hours. With Mark Ronson, Lilly Allen and the late Amy Winehouse having partied here the walls could surely tell us of some juicy shenanigans, but K-West is ultra-discreet; another reason why the stars love it.
Rock ‘n’ roll rating: 3/5\n\nThe Landmark
Liam Gallagher and Nicole Appleton had their wedding reception at the five star Landmark on Marylebone Road, and Justin Timberlake is said to be a fan of their whirlpool bath. On a far more morbid note, Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia beat his servant to death here, who he was allegedly in a secret sexual relationship with. No one ever said money can buy you sanity.
Rock ‘n’ roll rating: 4/5
The Dorchester
In its 80 year history, the Dorchester may well have had the highest proportion of famous guests of any other London hotel. This is where Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey stay when they’re in town, and where Brad Pitt dumped Jennifer Aniston. At the time of writing Lindsay Lohan has been living at Elizabeth Taylor’s favourite hotel as a guest of the son of the Sultan of Brunei Prince Haji Abdul Azim, who summoned her for a personal appearance at an NYE party he was hosting in the Ballroom. Or as her dad more succinctly put it, the actress – who recently played Taylor in ‘Liz and Dick’ - is being paid for dates now.
Rock ‘n’ roll rating: 5/5
The Portobello
Kate Moss and Johnny Depp had a champagne bath together in room 16, and we’d dare anyone to not want to reach for the bubbly after catching a glimpse of any of the romantic, individually styled rooms at this charming hotel. Four-poster beds, standalone Victorian bathtubs and canopies are standard, and room 16 in particular – the most popular for couples on their honeymoon – has a Moroccan lantern and a balcony overlooking the garden. There are other, more debauched rumours too, like Alice Cooper keeping his pet snake in the bath; this secluded hotel has evidently seen a hedonistic tryst or two. \n\nAlso…
The hip Long Bar and the Purple Bar at the Sanderson have witnessed plenty of celebs rolling out in the early (and late) hours.
Staff at Claridge’sgo out of their way to make their guests as comfortable as possible. It is not unusual for them to take photographs of guests’ suites so they can reassemble the furniture and other items in exactly the same way when they return.
George Clooney, members of the Black Eyed Peas and footballers Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole have been spotted propping up the bar at Whisky Mist at Zeta the Hilton on Park Lane.
Madonna has been known to stop by at the Covent Garden Hotel with her brood to watch DVDs - doesn’t she have her own DVD player by now?
Ultra-luxe Blakes has accommodated Victoria and David Beckham in the 007 Suite, while Tarantino prefers the Library Suite. Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson also stayed here when they were a couple.
The Savoy is no longer as fashionable as it once was, but in its heyday the Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Humphrey Bogart were regulars.
The very cool Blue Bar at the Berkeley attracts even more famous faces than the hotel itself, although both are beloved of the fashion pack.
Even celebrities need to diversify, which is why Elizabeth Hurley was briefly an investor in Knightsbridge hotel No 11 Cadogan Gardens. Who better to advise on a suite with its own exit to avoid waiting paparazzi?
The Lanesborough is the capital’s most expensive hotel (the costliest suite is around £14,000 a night) and has seen the likes of Madonna, Jim Carrey and several royals pass through its doors, perhaps attracted by the round-the-clock butler service and department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nicks being a very short chauffeur-driven car ride away.
Newcomer W Hotel is a favourite for fashion dos and afterparties, but guests who actually wanted a good night’s sleep have complained this isn’t possible because of all the wild partying going on.
Check out our top 10 hotel bars here.
