Luxuriating In London: 5 fabulous hotels

London is brimming with historical and cutting-edge hotels oozing luxury. If only their walls could talk, we’d discover the secrets of centuries-worth of Kings and Queens, the great and good in society.

You know a hotel is something special when it has “The” before its name. The hotels in this list are THE real deal, THE best of the best, THE crème de la crème, THE bee’s knees…. Oh, and THE most expensive night’s sleep in town.

The Savoy Hotel

Before Guccio Gucci became THE Guccio Gucci – of designer handbag fame – he worked as a luggage porter at The Savoy in London. The hotel celebrates its connection with this century-old designer brand with its specially designed Royal Suite, marrying the Gucci Décor Collection with the hotel’s traditional interior design.

The Savoy is one of London’s only luxury hotels to boast its own theatre and is situated on the only road in London where drivers drive on the right side of the road instead of the left. With bedroom views out over the River Thames, there’s nothing ordinary about a stay at The Savoy, and that’s precisely why you will love your stay there.

The Ritz London

Ask anyone to name you a luxury hotel, and the Ritz is sure to feature on their list.  A hotel of legendary status eternalized in films, music, and stories of high society. This is a place to be seen about town.

Since opening its doors in 1906, The Ritz is a gloriously lavish hotel. A stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and the West End theatres, The Ritz also backs onto Green Park, giving it the charming feel of a country hotel from the back and city landmark from the front. The Ritz is very much a destination to lose yourself in luxury.

By the way, The Ritz is so fancy it has a dress code, so remember your jacket and tie, fellas.

The Goring

The Goring is the only luxury hotel in London that is still family-run. Their personal level of care and attention sets this Belgravia hotel out from others in London. The hotel’s frontage is understated – a true sign of traditional English luxury.

Exuding that quiet confidence that so epitomizes the English aristocracy, the arched windows crowned with neatly pruned foliage give little away about the glorious experience that awaits inside.

Holder of the Queen’s Royal Warrant, The Goring, couldn’t ask for a better seal of approval. It’s perhaps no surprise that this is where Kate Middleton chose to stay the night before her wedding to Prince William in 2011.

The Goring boasts spectacular suites, extensive private grounds – a rarity in central London – and even its own Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Ned

Unlike some of the other luxury hotels on this list, The Ned doesn’t have a century’s old reputation. In fact, if you’d had turned up outside the Ned ten years ago, you’d been standing in front of the abandoned former home of Midland Bank.

But then something magical happened. It was love at first sight. The allure of this stunning building and the vision of Nick Jones, founder of Soho House & Co.

The Ned – named after the original architect of the building – is a five-star hotel and members club with a buzzing bar and restaurant on the ground floor, traditional suites, and a state-of-the-art gym.

Right in the heart of The City – London’s financial district – this is the place to stay if you want to tend to business on your visit in addition to exploring London’s other architectural landmarks, such as St Paul’s Cathedral just down the road.

The Langham

The Langham – opposite the BBC’s headquarters – is one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in the UK.

Since opening its doors to the Victorian well-to-dos in 1865, The Langham has continued to lead the way in luxury hospitality.

The hotel’s partnership with Michel Roux Jr. makes for a sensational culinary experience. And you can work off the calories in the Chuan Body + Soul spa and fitness center specializing in holistic therapies.

If shopping is your temptation, this is the address for you – Regent Street is one of London’s hottest addresses for luxury shopping, with nearby Oxford Street offering a great selection of high street shops.

London is one of the most fabulous cities to eat, drink, and sleep in the world. So even if you may not be able to stay at one of these luxurious hotels, take a stroll through, grab a glass of bubbly, and relax in London’s lap of luxury. Make sure to check out more travel suggestions here.