London is a great city with plenty of hotels to choose from. But how do you choose the best hotels? The best way to start is to think about your budget. If money is no object then you want to be looking at saying in one of the more luxury hotels. Below are my top 3 luxury hotels, all 5-star.
The Savoy
Top of my list is The Savoy. The Savoy is a well known luxury hotel in central London close to the Victoria Embankment Gardens, Covent Garden, and Royal Opera House. The hotel has lots of recreational amenities including an indoor pool, health spa, gym and even has many body treatments on offer such as facials and massages. Average cost to stay is around £500 per night.
Claridge’s
Claridge’s is in a great location in the heart of London’s Mayfair. One the doorstep to Bond Street, Selfridges , Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. Again the hotel has plenty of facilities including a fitness center and spa offering many treatments in a peaceful and tranquil environment. The cost to stay for two in one room starts from about £480.00 per night but can go up to £720.00 at the weekends.
The Dorchester
The Dorchester is another 5-star hotel located in Park Lane, Mayfair. The hotel has all the typical high quality amenities such as a spa and restaurants. They also host weddings or events in their many luxurious banqueting rooms. Cost wise this hotel comes out at the most expensive with a room for two costing just over £1000.00.
When it comes to mid-range hotels in London, there are hundreds to choose from, my top 3 hotels are as follows:
Strand Palace Hotel
The Strand Palace Hotel has recently has a new in-house gym built for guests. Prices range from £75 – £235 and you get all the room facilities such as free WiFi, en-suite bathrooms, TV with satellite channels, in-room safes, and 24 hour room service.
Rubens at the Palace
Prices to stay at Rubens at the Palace hotel range from £260.00 – £560.00. Location wise it is opposite The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. It is a 4-star luxury hotel which offers all the typical facilities but also allows pets. There are not many hotels in London that are pet friendly so this is a great attribute.
St George Hotel
The St George Hotel is a grade II listed Town House in London’s West End. Close to Oxford street it is a 4 star hotel. Rates start at around £110 and go up to £195 for the deluxe room, or a little more for a family room. All the in room amenities you expect but does not have a gym or spa.
If you are after a more intimate experience when staying in London you should forget the large chain hotels and head for a boutique hotel. The service is more peronsal and each hotel is generally quite unique. They will not have spas, restaurants or gyms but will have beautifully designed rooms with modern amenities. Some of the best boutique hotels are situated in trendy Kensington. My top 3 are:
The Gore
The Gore hotel in South Kensington is close to Royal Albert Hall. It is a traditional hotel with a twist, 10 of the rooms are feature rooms including some rooms which would be ideal for a honeymoon stay. Cost wise you can pay anything from £156 to £230 for a night.
The Milestone
The Milestone over looks Kensington Palace and has won many awards over the years. It is a luxury Grade II listed boutique hotel with average prices per night are £470.00 – £1,180.00. There are dining facilities’ and a chic conservatory where you can relax and enjoy the 5 star food on offer.
Chiswick Rooms
Chiswick rooms is a more affordable London boutique hotel which rates as a 4-star. Room prices range from £75 – £115 with each room offering modern amenities. This hotel has invested in new and innovative environmental friendly products and energy saving technologies to help with the growing environmental issues.
Those looking for a cheap stay in the capital will find many budget hotels to choose from. Borough Budget Rooms is located in South East London and is close to the Ministry of Sound and Brixton Academy. Ideal for students or backpackers as rooms can start from just £10 a night.
Barkston Rooms is ideal for those visiting all the top London attractions on a tight budget. The hotel is close to Earls Court, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Prices start from around £15 a night.
The last budget hotel I am going to talk about is the London Eye Hostel which offers rooms from £15 a night. Again great location, the Tate Britain is just a stroll away and as is the London Eye, River Thames and Big Ben.
There really is no reason why anyone cannot visit and stay in London. There is a hotel for everyone with every budget. If you are still stuck at which one to choose I would decide which area of London you would like to stay in, do some research for suitable hotels in your budget and then I would take a look on trip advisor and read what people who have stayed at these hotels have had to say.
Photo Credit: Flickr/Tim Morris
