Five of the Best Luxury Hotels in London’s West End

Feb 14th 2011

It’s no secret that the West End is one of the most desirable places to stay when you’re spending time in London. Deciding exactly where to stay, on the other hand, is a bit more of a conundrum. To try and help you narrow down your choices, we’ve provided a shortlist of five of the best West End and Mayfair hotels.

Inside a room at Claridge’s – Photograph by Josh Friedman

Claridge’s

The world-renowned Claridge’s is not only a five-star hotel; it is also an important historical site in London. The building has functioned as a hotel for nearly a century, and during this time has entertained a range of illustrious guests, from royalty such as Queen Victoria, to celebrities like Audrey Hepburn. As far as luxury hotels go, you are unlikely to find a better location than Claridge’s. Famous for its stunning art-deco design, this Grade II listed building is the place to stay in London if you are looking for both sophistication and style. Not only are the rooms are spacious and comfortable, Claridge’s is also famous for its food, with Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay as its Chef Patron.

Claridge’s is located right in the centre of Mayfair, near London conference venues at 42 & 52 Brook Street.

Rooms currently start from £299 per night.

The Cavendish

With awards for both service and sustainable tourism, The Cavendish should be high on the list of anyone looking for Mayfair hotels. The staff are known for being friendly, helpful and efficient, while the rooms are spacious and are equipped with all the latest modern equipment, including flat screen televisions and stereos. In recent years, the Cavendish has made serious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, having put in place a variety of measures to save energy and reduce waste. Nowhere is this more true than in the restaurant, Petrichor, which uses seasonal British ingredients sourced locally (where possible) and has a ‘Fair Trade’ policy for all food purchases. Because of this, it has been going from strength to strength, winning two sustainability awards in one week at the end of January 2011. On top of that shining resumé, Petrichor has won an AA Rosette for the quality of its meals. The Cavendish also boasts five well-equipped events rooms, which can be used for a variety of different purposes – it has also won awards for helping organisers to put on ‘low carbon‘ events.

Rooms start from £185 per night.

The Chesterfield

The Chesterfield is a slightly more modest option, with rooms starting from £187 per night. These are generally well-appointed and pleasant, if a little small. For a real experience, however, try the more expensive suite rooms. During your stay, it is highly recommended to try and make time for the hotel’s award-winning afternoon tea. This is a traditional afternoon tea, with a selection of sandwiches and homemade scones. If you are feeling more lavish, there is the option to have a champagne accompaniment. There is also the Butler’s Restaurant, which has won an AA Rosette. If sipping a single malt is more your thing, The Terrace Bar is the place to be at The Chesterfield, boasting a large whiskey selection.

The hotel is also conveniently situated near prestigious London conference venues on Charles Street.

Inside a room at The Berekely – Photograph by Josh Friedman

The Berkeley

A recommended location for either business guests or those staying for leisure, The Berkeley in Knightsbridge has an excellent reputation. The Berkeley is known for understated elegance and superb service, as well as its award-winning restaurants. An outstanding location for both food and drink, the hotel is home to two illustrious restaurants, Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley, which has won two Michelin stars for its French cuisine. If you need a place to drink, visit The Blue Bar, which has a reputation for its cocktails. Afternoon tea is also available from The Caramel Room. These teas take direct inspiration from the latest fashions in their choice of colours and themes.
The hotel also offers a range of additional facilities, including a spa.

Rooms begin at £309 per night.

St James’s Hotel and Club

The St. James’s Hotel and Club has a long and distinguished history, and is famous even by the standards of West End hotels. Originally the venue was a club for diplomats; later it was a gentleman’s club for members of the aristocracy. This opulent style has been maintained in the present day, but with a more modern twist. Rooms are beautifully furnished, as well as being equipped with the latest technology, including LCD TVs and iPod docks. This extravagantly decorated venue is a top spot for anyone looking to stay in the heart of London. The restaurant, Seven Park Place, also has a sterling reputation. It is run by William Drabble, another Michelin-starred chef, who was previously the head chef at Aubergine. If you have children, then during their stay they will get their own Kids’ Concierge, who will recommend activities and venues in the area, based on their age and tastes.

For business guests, the hotel is also on the doorstep of a number of London conference venues on St. James’s Square and Pall Mall.

Double rooms start from £339 per night, including breakfast.

Have you stayed any of these luxury London hotels? Tell us about your experience in the comments below, or let us know some of your own favourite places to stay in the West End.

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