London has long been synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and world-class hospitality. The city's hotel scene continues to set global standards, as evidenced by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 awards. This year, an impressive 19 London hotels have achieved the coveted 5-star rating, cementing the British capital's reputation as a premier destination for discerning travelers seeking the ultimate in luxury accommodation.
From historic landmarks that have hosted royalty to sleek modern skyscrapers offering panoramic views, London's 5-star hotels combine heritage with contemporary elegance. Whether you're planning a special celebration, a business trip, or simply want to experience the pinnacle of British hospitality, these award-winning establishments promise an unforgettable stay.
Situated in Knightsbridge, The Berkeley combines timeless elegance with contemporary luxury. Known for its innovative design, this iconic hotel houses the famed Blue Bar and the Michelin-starred Marcus restaurant. The Berkeley's Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea—inspired by the latest fashion trends—has become a London institution, delighting guests with pastries and cakes that mirror the season's high-fashion creations.
As London's first hotel, established in 1837, Brown's Hotel balances rich history with modern sophistication. Located in Mayfair, this quintessentially British establishment has welcomed numerous notable guests, including authors Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie. The hotel's Donovan Bar, adorned with photographer Terence Donovan's work, serves some of London's most innovative cocktails.
Reflecting its fashion house heritage, the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge exudes Italian style and contemporary design. This ultra-luxurious property features a spectacular spa with a 25-meter swimming pool lined with gold leaf tiles. The hotel's Sette restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine, while the adjacent Nolita Social provides a sophisticated nightlife experience.
Situated in Chelsea, The Cadogan artfully blends historic charm with contemporary comfort. This boutique hotel was once home to Oscar Wilde and has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its artistic legacy. With direct access to the private Cadogan Gardens, guests enjoy a rare green sanctuary in the heart of London.
An emblem of timeless luxury, Claridge's in Mayfair has been a society favorite since the 1850s. This art deco masterpiece is renowned for its impeccable service and iconic black-and-white checkerboard lobby. The Claridge's Bar, The Fumoir, and Davies and Brook restaurant collectively offer some of London's finest dining and drinking experiences.
Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Connaught combines English heritage with contemporary flair. Home to the award-winning Connaught Bar—famed for its martini trolley—and Hélène Darroze's three-Michelin-starred restaurant, this hotel offers exceptional culinary experiences. The Aman Spa provides a serene retreat from the urban bustle.
Overlooking Hyde Park, The Dorchester has embodied luxury since opening in 1931. Recently completing a major renovation, this iconic hotel continues to set the standard for opulence with its plush interiors and exceptional service. The three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and China Tang offer world-class dining options.
This intimate townhouse hotel in Knightsbridge offers a more personal luxury experience. With just 28 rooms and suites, The Egerton House Hotel provides bespoke service in a refined setting. The hotel is renowned for serving London's best martinis in its cozy drawing room, along with an award-winning afternoon tea.
Combining an ideal Mayfair location with Four Seasons' legendary service, this hotel offers breathtaking views of Hyde Park and the London skyline. The rooftop spa provides a serene urban sanctuary, while the Amaranto Restaurant serves refined British cuisine with an Italian twist.
With spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the Thames, this Four Seasons property combines modern luxury with a prime location. The hotel features a vitality pool, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and the acclaimed Rotunda Bar and Lounge, where guests can enjoy creative cocktails while taking in London's iconic skyline.
As London's only family-owned luxury hotel, The Goring in Belgravia offers quintessentially English charm and sophistication. Holding a Royal Warrant from HM The King, the hotel famously hosted Catherine Middleton the night before her wedding to Prince William. The Michelin-starred Dining Room serves refined British cuisine using the finest seasonal ingredients.
Perched atop The Rubens at the Palace, Hotel 41 offers boutique luxury with just 30 rooms and suites. This intimate hideaway opposite Buckingham Palace features striking black-and-white design throughout. The Executive Lounge, available exclusively to guests, serves complimentary refreshments throughout the day.
Occupying a historic building near Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborough combines Regency splendor with exceptional service. Each room features 24-hour butler service and tablet controls for all room functions. The Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant serves refined European cuisine in a magnificent glass-domed setting.
Following an extensive renovation, this Knightsbridge icon offers renewed splendor with views over Hyde Park. The hotel houses Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, where historic British gastronomy meets modern innovation. The spectacular spa includes a vitality pool, amethyst crystal steam room, and treatments influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine.
As one of London's newer luxury hotels, Pan Pacific brings Asian hospitality to the historic square mile. This contemporary property features a wellness floor with an infinity pool offering city views. The Straits Kitchen restaurant showcases Singapore-inspired cuisine, while Ginger Lily serves innovative cocktails inspired by the Pacific Rim.
Bringing Japanese minimalism and hospitality philosophy to Marylebone, The Prince Akatoki offers a serene aesthetic rarely found in London hotels. The property embodies the concept of "omotenashi"—Japanese hospitality focused on mindfulness and anticipation of guests' needs. TOKii restaurant serves Japanese-fusion cuisine in an elegant setting.
As one of London's most anticipated hotel openings in recent years, Raffles London occupies the historic Old War Office building in Whitehall. This magnificent Edwardian baroque landmark, where Winston Churchill once worked, has been transformed into a haven of luxury with multiple restaurants, an extensive spa, and immaculately designed rooms and suites.
Housed in a 1914 Edwardian Belle Époque building in High Holborn, Rosewood London combines English heritage with contemporary sophistication. The hotel's Scarfes Bar, named after cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, offers a convivial atmosphere with live jazz and creative cocktails. The Mirror Room serves elegant modern European cuisine and an artful afternoon tea.
As London's first luxury hotel, opened in 1889, The Savoy on the Strand continues to define British heritage and luxury. The hotel houses the legendary American Bar and Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill. The magnificent Thames Foyer, where afternoon tea is served beneath the famous glass dome, remains one of London's most beautiful spaces.
Occupying floors 34-52 of The Shard, Western Europe's tallest building, this hotel offers unparalleled views of London. Floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms provide spectacular vistas, while the infinity pool at level 52 offers one of the world's most dramatic swimming experiences. TĪNG restaurant serves Asian-inflected British cuisine against the backdrop of the city skyline.
London's collection of Forbes 5-star hotels for 2025 showcases the remarkable diversity and consistent excellence of the city's luxury hospitality sector. From historic establishments that have defined British luxury for generations to contemporary properties introducing new concepts and designs, these hotels collectively offer something for every discerning traveler.
Whether you seek the timeless grandeur of The Savoy, the sleek modernity of Shangri-La The Shard, or the intimate charm of The Egerton House Hotel, London's 5-star hotels promise unforgettable experiences defined by exceptional service, world-class dining, and sumptuous accommodations.
As global travel continues to evolve, London remains at the forefront of luxury hospitality, and these Forbes 5-star winners represent the very best the city has to offer.
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