Big Ben, London
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Hotels in London
Hotels in London are in very good supply. While, in global terms, it is an expensive city in which to lay your head, those on a budget have many options for cheap hotels in London. The streets around Kings Cross station are chock-a-block with chain hotels and budget B&Bs, and the area in between Bayswater and Paddington is also densely populated with a range of accommodation. Grand and historic 5-star establishments are London’s forte, with the newly refurbished Savoy, The Dorchester and The Ritz leading the way.
The London hotels below have been grouped into three pricing categories:
Luxury (over £300)
Moderate (£100 to £300)
Cheap (up to £100)
These London hotel prices are the starting costs for a standard double room and include taxes and breakfast unless otherwise specified.
The Dorchester
Sat beside Hyde Park, the glamorous Dorchester is a stately cavern of old-school British class and elegance. Dining includes high-end Asian restaurant China Tang and purveyors of modern British cuisine The Grill at The Dorchester, while the newly refurbished and extensive spa in the basement is an exceptional pampering space. For all-out expense, the baroque and rococo Oliver Messel Suite, perched a-top the hotel, is a thoroughly luxurious apartment, and its terrace offers prime views across the London rooftops.
The Lanesborough
Minutes from Buckingham Palace, this lavish London hotel treats its guests like royalty. Formerly Viscount Lanesborough's home, the hotel remains true to its Regency building, with ornate furnishings and décor. Guests can expect 24-hour butler service, personalised business cards and stationery on arrival. Each of the 95 guest rooms and suites are filled with period furniture and 21st-century technology. Michael Jackson, Madonna and Sylvester Stallone have all stayed here.
The Ritz
Since 1906, The Ritz has been providing exemplary service to its well-heeled guests. The interior of this elegant building is fastidiously decorated in Louis XVI style with marble columns, rich fabrics and antique furniture. The rooms are furnished in soothing pastel colours and two members of staff are on hand to service each room. For business matters, a computer, printer and scanner can be arranged in room, as can secretarial support. You can take formal meals in the chandelier-filled restaurant, while the famous Ritz afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Palm Court at 1530 or 1700, for which it is necessary to book well in advance.
The Savoy
A haunt of London’s moneyed elite since the late 1800s, London’s Savoy has re-opened its grand doors following a three-year overhaul. Costing around £220 million, spangly improvements promise to attract a new wave of high-profile clientele, with revamped areas including the lavish guest rooms, the American Bar, and the famous Savoy Grill which is overseen by TV kitchen king Gordon Ramsey. One thing that’s thankfully remained is the stunning view across the Thames.
The Haymarket
The impressive entrance lounge alludes to the stylish hotel beyond, with striking pieces of modern art adorning the walls. The sleek and classy feel continues throughout the hotel, from the light and colourful décor of BRAMUS bar and restaurant to the individually designed granite, glass and oak bathrooms. For a spot of relaxation, head to the spectacularly lit swimming pool and gym, complete with treatment rooms offering massages and beauty treatments. As well as the 50 sumptuous rooms, there are five self-contained townhouses.
The Soho Hotel
The Soho Hotel has quickly established itself as one of the trendiest hotels in London. All 91 rooms and suites have been individually designed and are sumptuously appointed in a modern, eclectic style, with flatscreen TVs and huge, ultra-comfortable beds. The bathrooms are just as nice, all in grey granite, glass and oak. There is a private event space, and as befits a hotel located in the heart of the capital's entertainment district, not one but two private screening rooms, for the ultimate in corporate entertaining. Refuel, the hotel restaurant, serves very decent food at reasonable prices.
The Zetter
This converted warehouse in the heart of Clerkenwell offers stylish affordable accommodation. There are 59 rooms, all featuring sleek upholstery, cool mood lighting and in-room entertainment systems. Nice little touches, such as hot water bottles and old Penguin paperbacks, add a homely feel. The popular restaurant, which serves modern Mediterranean food, occupies most of the ground floor and looks onto St John's Square.
66 Camden Square
Sat at a short distance from the hub of Camden’s eccentric babble – around a 10-minute walk from Camden Market – 66 Camden Square is a charming and unusual bed and breakfast in London. The simple structure was designed by owner Rodger Davis and is made almost entirely from teak and glass, with two guestrooms and a terrace for breakfast. And if Camden isn’t enough to keep you occupied, the owners’ blue parrot also provides entertainment.
Hampstead Guest House
Escape the city bustle at this charming bed and breakfast situated in one of London's most sought-after residential areas. Just 20 minutes by Tube from central London and a short walk from beautiful Hampstead Heath, the stunning Victorian house is tucked away from a high street strewn with stylish boutiques and bistros. There are seven rooms and one self-contained apartment. The ambience is distinctly homely with eclectic, bohemian furnishings, a family dog, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a rambling garden.
Pavilion
This fun 30-room hotel in London is a great value option for those wanting their London stay served with a twist of funky. Each room has its own theme – including Chinese-themed room Enter the Dragon, 1970s infused chamber Honky Tonk Afro, and Moorish-inspired Casablanca Nights – and the hotel claims have housed many celebs and fashion photography shoots over the years. Paddington Station is but a few minutes’ walk away.
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