#1 Rosewood London
Rosewood's London outpost is an elegant retreat offering luxurious and stylish interiors with playful touches, a serene spa, solid dining options and a very popular cocktail bar, Scarfes. Upon entering the hotel, guests are met with effortless elegance, yet the place doesn't take itself too seriously, with cages of fake birds and models of a bulldog and bear by the lifts. Corridors are dark and sultry, with eye-catching touches such as a rose gold mirrored ceiling. Rooms are spacious, and the Holborn Dining Room is an Art Deco, brasserie-esque setting with high-end touches such as oversized flower displays and glam lighting. The bar stocks more than 500 gins; taking a recommendation (including tonic pairing) is your best bet. The sommelier also makes good suggestions.
#2 Corinthia Hotel London
This landmark building had one of the most lavish makeovers the UK had ever seen when it opened as the Corinthia – the scale and quality of the fixtures and fittings provided an impressively contemporary wow-factor, as did the aesthetic that David Collins brought to the bar and restaurants – the Bassoon Bar, with its giant piano that doubles as the actual bar itself, is a great beauty. The hotel is palatial but modern, from the soaring ceilings and crystal orb chandelier in the Crystal Moon Lounge to the floral fantasia of the in-house florist. The flagship ESPA spa, spread over four floors, is definitely one of the best and most pleasingly designed in the city, with acres of black marble and mosaics, hydrotherapy and swimming pools.
#3 The Berkeley Hotel
After its inauguration, the Berkeley fast became a hit with debutantes and their beaus – in modern times, it still is, and remains a popular celebrity hangout. While it was at the forefront of the hotel scene in its heyday, today it focuses more on maintaining itself as a luxury pillar of London’s fast-moving hotel scene. This isn’t to its detriment – the hotel epitomises elegance, and is known for its collaborations with revered designers. Service is of the highest order. Top-hatted doorman wish you a good morning; turndown service happens like magic; the waiters in Koffman’s – at all hours of the day – remind you what good restaurant service should be. Facilities are excellent for a central London hotel – there’s even a Ferrari atelier, where you can custom-design your own car.
#4 The Lanesborough
Beginning life as elegant country house for Viscount Lanesborough in 1719, the Lanesborough was rebuilt in 1827 as St George’s Hospital and only became a hotel in 1990. Perhaps this newness is what has given it probably the most cosmopolitan feel of all London’s Grande Dame hotels, helped by its location overlooking ever-busy Hyde Park Corner. It dazzles with gold-leaf embellishment, ornamental frosting, and a down-to-earth charm that effuses the feel of a private residence. Service (everywhere) is where The Lanesborough triumphs. All rooms come with butlers, and Michelin-starred Céleste and the spa are worth a visit alone.
#5 Claridge's
Claridge's hotel is a legendary bolthole for kings, queens, grannies and Barbara Cartland (until she finally expired) now more frequented by those in search of British pomp with a modern twist. Reminders of a more dignified age include the wrought-iron lift with its comfy seat and uniformed attendant. It feels frozen in time, an Art Deco period piece that must never change. Suites, which come with a personal butler, range from Deluxe Studio to the elegant Claridge’s and Terrace suites (fresh flowers, champagne and use of a Burberry trench coat during the stay). Penthouses, with superb roof-top views, have antique furniture and grand pianos. Tea in the Grand Foyer, to the strains of violins, is the real highlight.