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London is awash with luxurious hotels. Some have been serving effortless glamour for generations, others have managed to establish themselves as major five-star landmarks in just the last few years. And some, both old and new, are so indulgent that they’ve been named among the finest hotels in the whole world.
Every year World’s 50 Best Hotels enlists the help of 600 experienced hoteliers, travel journalists and ‘seasoned luxury travellers’ to compile its ranking of the greatest hotels on the globe. The list features establishments that go well beyond just providing a comfy overnight stay. They have magnificent buildings, huge glistening pools, Michelin-starred restaurants, some of the most opulent spas you’ve ever seen and brigades of the most polished, professional staff around.
This year, four London hotels were included in the list. Three have made the cut before, but there’s one establishment that features for the very first time.
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The London hotels on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2025
Claridge’s
At number 16, this historical Mayfair institution was the highest ranked UK hotel on the list. 50 Best called it the ‘darling of English of society’ and pointed out that it’s famed for its discretions, having hosted the likes of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana as well as cultural legends like Mick Jagger, Whitney Houston and Paul McCartney.
Time Out’s editor Joe Mackertich agrees that Claridge’s is a ‘truly special place’. In his five-star review he wrote: ‘Inarguably one of Europe’s finest hotels, Claridge’s has a top-to-bottom vibe that exudes Art Deco glamour, historical significance and smoky old-world naughtiness.
‘The 269 rooms are as comfy and as elegant as you’d imagine... Meanwhile, both principal eateries, the Claridge’s Restaurant and the Foyer, manage to justify their price tags with high-quality cooking and exceptional service.’
The Connaught
The Connaught is another long-term favourite of the London elite, and it landed in 29th place on the 50 Best list. It’s been providing luxury five-star service since 1897, with waiters on hand for everything from late-night snacks to shoe shining.
50 Best said that the Connaught’s ‘lodgings tap into traditional and elegant English design motifs, with dark wood and reds offering a time capsule into old world glamour’ and added that its decadent bar ‘has become a destination in its own right for its now-legendary martini’.
Raffles London at the OWO
In at number 31 was the enormous Raffles London at the OWO. After an eight-year £1.4bn renovation, the hotel opened in the storied building of Winston Churchill’s Old War Office in 2023. The landmark is now home to nine restaurants and three bars, with the old high security vaults transformed into a speakeasy and multi-level spa with a 65-foot swimming pool.
50 Best said: ‘Furnishings are suitably historic and grand for their surrounds, and Raffles' signature endearing hospitality completes the package.’ Raffles’ hotel in Singapore, which has been around since 1899 earned fifth place on the list.
The Emory
The levels of luxury at The Emory should hardly come as a surprise, since its from the Maybourne Hotel Group, the same people behind Claridge’s and the Connaught. At number 32, it’s a new entry to 50 Best’s list. It opened in Belgravia just last year as London’s first hotel to be made up completely of suites and studios.
The Emory’s 61 suites range between 600 to 3,000 square feet, all with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Hyde Park. Guests can make the most of its rooftop bar, private cigar lounge, the four-floor members club with a spa and its ABC Kitchen from celebrated chef Jean-George Vongerichten. And for those who arrive in London by private jet (relatable), the Emory has a helicopter on hand to transfer you to the heliport in Battersea, which is followed by a ride in a luxury vehicle to the hotel’s front door.
Check out all of the best hotels in London, from budget-friendly stays to luxurious retreats.
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