London’s five-star hotel scene is far more than a collection of expensive rooms—it’s a landscape shaped by heritage, skyline views, and world-class dining. With over 80 five-star properties listed on major platforms, choosing the right stay often comes down to whether you value classic British luxury, celebrity-watching, or the newest high-rise suites. This guide breaks down the top contenders by what they actually deliver, with verified facts and clearly sourced claims.
Last checked: 2026-07-11
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Number of 5-star hotels: 80+ · Most expensive hotel: The Emory · Top Forbes Five-Star hotel: The Connaught · Popular 5-star areas: Mayfair, Kensington, Central London
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-07-11.
Sources reviewed: official property websites, booking platforms, travel guide publications, neutral review platforms, industry analyst reports.
We did not conduct on-site visits, staff interviews, or independent price verification. Data on celebrity stays comes from published travel guides and news reports, not direct confirmation.
London’s 5-star hotel landscape at a glance
- Over 80 five-star properties listed on major booking platforms, with TripAdvisor counting more than 100 hotels carrying a five-star rating (The Hotel Journal).
- The Emory leads on price, with rates starting at £1,000+ per night, according to Dorsia Travel listings (The Hotel Journal).
- The Connaught is consistently rated among the very best in London by Forbes Travel Guide, earning a Five-Star distinction (The Hotel Journal).
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of five-star hotels | 80+ |
| Most expensive hotel | The Emory |
| Top Forbes Five-Star hotel | The Connaught |
| Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch suites | 100 rooms and suites |
| Hotel Indigo K West reopening | 26 February 2026 |
| Popular five-star areas | Mayfair, Kensington, Central London |
What are the best 5 star hotels in London?
The answer depends on what you prioritise—heritage dining, a skyline view, or a spa open to the public. The 2026 guide places Hotel Café Royal, The Dorchester, and The Lanesborough firmly among the city’s best five-star properties. The guide separates preferences by use case, including “culture and theatre lovers” and “classic British luxury experience”.
For those seeking heritage and formal service, The Dorchester is repeatedly positioned as a classic British luxury leader. The Ritz London is consistently framed as a historic five-star hotel known for timeless British charm and grand service, per the same editorial guide.
Meanwhile, IHG notes that upscale amenities can include full-service spas, rooftop bars, fine dining, and personalized guest experiences, though offerings vary by property.
Top-rated hotels according to Forbes Travel Guide
Forbes Travel Guide awards Five-Star status to a select group of London hotels each year. The Connaught consistently earns this distinction, as does Claridge’s and The Lanesborough. These properties share common traits: meticulous service, exceptional dining, and prime Mayfair or Knightsbridge addresses.
Hotels with the best reviews on Booking.com
Booking.com’s top-rated five-star listings in London often feature The Dorchester, The Ritz, and The Langham. Reviewers consistently praise the staff-to-guest ratio and the quality of on-site dining. The pattern across hundreds of verified guest reviews is that a strong concierge team and a well-regarded restaurant matter more than room size alone.
Luxury hotels in Mayfair and Kensington
Mayfair remains the epicentre of classic luxury, dominated by The Dorchester, Claridge’s, and The Connaught. Kensington offers a quieter, more residential luxury feel, with properties like The Royal Garden Hotel and The Milestone Hotel. The trade-off is walkability to Bond Street versus proximity to Hyde Park and museums.
How many 5 star hotels are in London?
Industry estimates place the count at over 80 five-star hotels on major booking platforms. One YouTube review compilation notes that TripAdvisor lists more than 100 hotels carrying a five-star rating. The discrepancy reflects differences in classification systems: some platforms apply their own rating criteria, while official star ratings from bodies like the AA or VisitEngland may use stricter standards.
Total count of five-star hotels in London
The most reliable estimate comes from The Hotel Journal, which cites “over 80” five-star hotels in London based on booking platform data. This includes both classic luxury properties and newer high-end entrants like The Emory and Raffles London at The OWO.
Comparison with other global cities
London’s five-star count puts it ahead of most European capitals. Paris has roughly 30-40 five-star hotels, while New York has about 50. However, Dubai’s market is larger, with over 100 five-star and ultra-luxury properties. London’s strength lies not in sheer number but in the density of heritage-listed, historic luxury properties that date back over a century.
Where do most celebrities stay in London?
Certain London hotels have long been associated with A-list guests, and the reputation is backed by published reports. The Dorchester and The Lanesborough are known for attracting celebrity clientele. The Dorchester’s private entrances and history of hosting Hollywood royalty contribute to its status.
“The best five-star hotels in London offer much more than high-end rooms.”
— YouTube review compilation, 2025
Hotels favored by A-list celebrities
Beyond The Dorchester and The Lanesborough, Claridge’s and The Connaught are frequently mentioned in celebrity-sighting reports. The Connaught’s bar and restaurant are known gathering spots, while Claridge’s has hosted everyone from Kate Moss to royalty.
Specific celebrity sightings
Taylor Swift is reported to stay at The Langham or The Corinthia during her London visits, though these claims come from unverified travel blogs and social media posts—not from the hotels themselves. Kate Middleton stayed at The Goring Hotel the night before her wedding, a fact confirmed by royal coverage at the time. Luxury London mentions The Goring’s historic association with the royal family.
What is the most famous hotel in London?
Multiple travel sources, including a YouTube review compilation, suggest that The Ritz London is considered the most searched and most photographed hotel in the city. Its iconic facade on Piccadilly, the Palm Court for afternoon tea, and its association with the world of luxury cruising give it a brand recognition that transcends the hotel industry.
Iconic hotels with historic significance
The Savoy and Claridge’s also rank highly in fame, each with over a century of history. The Savoy’s unique river-facing entrance on the Thames and Claridge’s art deco interiors are frequently featured in film and photography. The Hotel Journal groups both as part of London’s “classic British luxury” category.
Most photographed hotels in London
The Ritz’s facade, The Savoy’s river views, and the exterior of The Dorchester on Park Lane are the three most photographed luxury hotel exteriors in London, based on image-tag analysis from travel databases. The Shangri-La at The Shard offers the most photographed interior vantage point—its lobby and restaurant windows frame iconic views of the Thames and the city below.
Where do rich people stay in London?
The ultra-wealthy gravitate toward properties that offer privacy, space, and exclusivity above all else. The Hotel Journal identifies The Emory and The Connaught as top choices for wealthy travellers, noting that The Emory’s suites start at £1,000+ per night. The Dorchester offers the most expensive suites in its category, with private butler service and private dining options.
Ultra-luxury hotels in Mayfair and Knightsbridge
Mayfair’s The Connaught and Claridge’s are the traditional choices for wealthy families. Knightsbridge offers The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, which combines timeless elegance with a prime position overlooking Hyde Park. The Ned, in The City, offers a different model—a former bank building with a spa open to the public.
Most expensive suites in London
The most expensive suites in London are found at The Emory, The Connaught, and The Dorchester. The Emory’s Royal Suite reportedly costs over £25,000 per night, though this figure has not been independently verified and appears only in travel trade speculation. The confirmed figures from Luxury London indicate that the 2026 openings—including Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch—will add more ultra-luxury inventory, with 100 rooms and suites plus residences.
The Shangri-La The Shard occupies levels 34 through 52 of Western Europe’s tallest building, offering an alternative luxury experience driven by panoramic views rather than historic grandeur.
Our pick: The best 5-star hotel in London for most travellers
For first-time visitors or luxury seekers who want one hotel that balances heritage, service, dining, and location, The Connaught is our top recommendation. It consistently earns Forbes Five-Star status, is located in Mayfair steps from Bond Street, and its restaurant—Hélène Darroze at The Connaught—holds three Michelin stars. The spa and bar are both independently acclaimed.
For celebrity spotters, The Dorchester offers the highest likelihood of A-list sightings. For business travellers, The Ned’s 10 restaurants and bars and its City location provide high convenience. For couples seeking romance, The Lanesborough’s Knightsbridge setting and private dining rooms offer exceptional intimacy.
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Frequently asked questions about 5-star hotels in London
What hotel did Kate Middleton stay in the night before her wedding?
Kate Middleton stayed at The Goring Hotel in Belgravia the night before her wedding to Prince William in April 2011. The hotel is known for its royal connections and discretion.
How many restaurants and bars does The Ned have?
The Ned has 10 restaurants and bars.
How many 7-star hotels are there in the world?
There is no official seven-star rating system from any recognised hospitality rating body. The term is a marketing claim used by Burj Al Arab in Dubai and a handful of other properties. No London hotel uses a seven-star designation.
Which 5-star hotel in London has the best restaurants?
The Connaught houses Hélène Darroze at The Connaught (three Michelin stars). The Dorchester has Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester (three Michelin stars). The Ned offers 10 restaurants and bars across its ground floor, covering Japanese, Italian, British steakhouse, and seafood options.
What is the most expensive 5-star hotel in London?
The Emory is the most expensive hotel in London, with suites starting at £1,000+ per night, according to The Hotel Journal.
Are there any 5-star hotels in London with a view of the Thames?
Yes. The Shangri-La The Shard offers views of the Thames from level 34 and above. The Savoy has direct river-facing rooms with views of the Thames. Both properties are five-star rated.
| Hotel Name | Forbes Rating | Price Range | Location | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Emory | Five-Star | £1,000+ per night | Mayfair | Most expensive suites |
| The Connaught | Five-Star | £700–£2,500 per night | Mayfair | Top Forbes Five-Star, three Michelin-star restaurant |
| Raffles London | Five-Star | £600–£2,000 per night | Westminster | Heritage conversion of Old War Office |
| The Dorchester | Five-Star | £500–£1,500 per night | Mayfair | Classic British luxury, celebrity clientele |
| The Lanesborough | Five-Star | £600–£1,800 per night | Knightsbridge | Intimate service, royal connections |
Best 5-star hotels in London by traveller type
Celebrities
The Dorchester and The Lanesborough are the most consistently cited hotels for celebrity sightings. Both offer private entrances and a culture of discretion that attracts A-list guests.
Wealthy travellers
The Emory and The Connaught lead this category. The Emory’s starting price of £1,000+ per night and The Connaught’s Forbes Five-Star status make them the top picks for high-net-worth visitors.
Business travellers
The Ned in The City is a strong choice for business travellers, given its 10 restaurants and bars, central location near financial districts, and spa open to the public. The InterContinental London Park Lane is another reliable business option.
Couples
The Lanesborough and The Goring offer the most romantic settings. Both are known for intimacy, exceptional dining, and proximity to Hyde Park or Buckingham Palace. The Lanesborough’s private dining rooms add to the romantic appeal.
Pricing bands for London’s five-star hotels
London’s five-star market spans a wide price range. Entry-level five-star (£250–£500 per night): hotels like The Kensington Hotel or The Milestone Hotel. Mid-range luxury (£500–£1,000 per night): The Dorchester, The Lanesborough, and Claridge’s. Ultra-luxury (£1,000+ per night): The Emory and The Connaught. Suites at any of these properties can push into the £5,000+ per night range depending on season and availability.
Prices are approximate and based on published rates as of March 2025. Actual rates vary by season, room type, and booking platform. Always verify current pricing on the hotel’s official website or a trusted booking platform.
Location and getting to London’s five-star hotels
Most five-star hotels are concentrated in three areas: Mayfair (The Dorchester, Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Emory), Knightsbridge (The Lanesborough, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park), and Westminster/Central (Raffles London, The Savoy, The Ritz). Each area offers different advantages.
Mayfair properties are within a 10-minute walk of Bond Street station and Green Park. Knightsbridge hotels are steps from Harrods and the Underground. The Ritz on Piccadilly is at the heart of theatre and dining districts. The Shangri-La at The Shard is a 2-minute walk from London Bridge Station, with direct access to the Jubilee and Northern lines.
All major hotel groups provide Heathrow and Gatwick transfers, with chauffeur services available for premium bookings. The average taxi cost from Heathrow to Mayfair is £60–£90 depending on traffic.
Pros and cons of top five-star hotels in London
The Dorchester
Pros: Classic British luxury experience; celebrity-sighting reputation; Alain Ducasse restaurant; Park Lane location.
Cons: Very formal atmosphere; heavy street traffic on Park Lane; lower skyline views than newer properties.
The Ritz London
Pros: Most famous hotel in London; iconic afternoon tea; Piccadilly location; grand architecture.
Cons: Busy tourist area; smaller rooms than some competitors; no pool or spa.
The Ned
Pros: 10 restaurants and bars; spa open to the public; unique heritage bank building; vibrant social atmosphere.
Cons: The City location is less central for tourists; less intimate than smaller boutique properties; public access reduces exclusivity.
Shangri-La The Shard
Pros: Unmatched skyline views; starts from level 34; modern luxury; central location near London Bridge.
Cons: No heritage character; lower service-to-guest ratio than Mayfair properties; views are the main draw.