By Expedia Singapore, on August 8, 2014

The Royal Experience: The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in London

Prince William and Duchess Kate aren’t the only ones who can stay in London like a royal. While you may not have an official title, you can definitely travel like royalty on your holiday in London. London is a city that certainly attracts its fair share of budget travellers, but it is also a place where luxury is encouraged.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to department stores like Harrod’s that have implemented an actual dress code for shoppers, London is a fantastic place to splurge on a luxury getaway. If you are looking for a high-end place to rest your head on your next trip to the British capital, then the following luxury hotels in London are a great place to start the search.

Claridge’s Hotel

History fans will enjoy Claridge’s Hotel where your luxury stay in London comes with a touch of British history.

The hotel was originally opened way back in 1812 and is full of history and royal guests. Among the hotel’s many aristocratic guests are the Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, and Peter II of Yugoslavia, whose heir was actually born in the hotel. Claridge’s quality was not just reserved for the time though. In the 200 years since its opening, it has undergone many renovations and expansions. Familiar personalities who have frequented the hotel in modern times include Audrey Hepburn, Brad Pitt, Cary Grant and the West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

Claridge's London luxury hotel

Claridge’s Hotel in London was known for discretion and for the absolute best of everything that money could buy. Their mattresses were considered to be so amazing that King Hassan of Morocco actually ordered 24 of them to use in his palace! Today, Claridge’s retains this same sense of elegance and glamour that made it so famous. It is listed in the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List of the world’s best places to stay.

You can spend your stay in this top-notch London hotel admiring the interior decor which was picked out by the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, indulge in pampering treatments in Claridge’s spa and health club, or entertain guests in a private sitting room or the cozy lobby cafe. [quote align=right]When Queen Elizabeth II was still a princess, she announced her engagement to Prince Philip at The Dorchester[/quote]

The Dorchester

Art deco design, incredible luxury, and a coveted address on Park Lane are the hallmarks of The Dorchester. Built in the 1930s, this high-end hotel is owned by the Sultan of Brunei, but it is a significant building in the story of 20th century London. When Queen Elizabeth II was still a princess, she announced her engagement to Prince Philip at The Dorchester.

The Dorchester, London luxury hotelImage Courtesy of: Dorchester Collection

None of this classic luxury has been lost, and today the hotel is only one of five that Forbes considers to be truly 5-star in the city of London. Decor in the lobby and in the rooms and suites are sumptuous. You might be tempted to extend your stay just to enjoy the full range of facilities onsite, such as The Dorchester Spa.

While the location of the hotel means that world-famous restaurants in London are just minutes away on foot, you will be treated to no less dining at the hotel’s own restaurants — Alain Ducasse, The Grill, The Promenade, or China Tang. All of these are great restaurants in London and frequented by celebrities and politicians alike.

45 Park Lane

Artsy types who don’t mind missing out on royal heritage, will love the 1930s vibe, Art Deco quality, and luxury of 45 Park Lane. This is a town house hotel, unofficially a part of The Dorchester Family, with a location right next door and mere steps across from Hyde Park.

Ground floor, 45 Park LaneImage Courtesy of: Dorchester Collection

The big treat here is the personal attention. As soon as you check in, you will be assigned a host for the entire stay. This host will be at your disposal as a kind of private concierge. You can ask them to arrange for theatre tickets, dinner reservations across London restaurants, or even to pick up a few essentials from the nearest grocery store.

Like The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane has an intentionally 1930s vibe, and it is easy to feel like a hero or heroine from a novel as you sip a cocktail in the speakeasy bar onsite. Rooms come with private balconies overlooking the greenery of Hyde Park, and an iPad controls the lights and climates for you. The last word in luxury and comfort, 45 Park Lane is definitely a place worth the splurge if you are in the mood to be absolutely pampered.

Grosvenor House

Built in the 1920s and overlooking Hyde Park in Mayfair, Grosvenor House is the epitome of British luxury. From the day it opened more than 80 years ago, this 490-bedroom hotel has catered to celebrities, politicians, aristocrats, and the wealthiest business executives. When wealthy American heiresses came across the pond to try to marry a British peer, a temporary stay at the Grosvenor House was the height of fashion, and no other address would do.

Grosvenor House, London luxury hotel

Today, the hotel hasn’t abandoned its historic roots, but it has embraced all of the conveniences you might expect from a luxury accommodation destination. Each room has a private bar, individual climate control, a satellite television and high-speed Internet. With such a prime location just steps from the West End and Oxford Street though, you should definitely tear yourself from the luxury of your room and go out and see London.

Grosvenor House also boasts an onsite cafe, a library where you can enjoy quiet meals and a world-class steakhouse where meals are extravagant and deliciously impressive.

[quote align=’right’]The Savoy Hotel was the first luxury accommodation in London[/quote]

The Savoy, London

Opened for business in 1889, the Savoy Hotel was the first luxury accommodation in London. Located in Westminster, it paved the way for luxurious turn of the century additions like electric lights, elevators, in-room bathrooms, and even hot and cold running water.

Today, it continues to showcase high-end decor and services for guests, and there are few other locations in the city where you can experience this kind of prestige or indulgence. When you check in at the world-famous lobby, you will be following in the footsteps of Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, the Beatles, Edward VII, President Harry Truman, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Rooms overlook the River Thames in the heart of London. Hotel rooms are decorated with the finest white and gold linens. There are upscale dining establishments onsite, but many guests enjoy starting with a cocktail and then venturing out to explore the area’s eateries.

London certainly has no shortage of high-end hotel choices you can pick from. Whether you stay at the Savoy, the Dorchester or any of the other hotels on the list, expect unforgettable luxury in London.

 

Photo Credits: Feature Image – Savoy Hotel, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts