hotel london

Hotel Beaufort

Consistently praised and with a high percentage of faithful regulars, this is an exceptional townhouse hotel. It is noted for the friendly attitude of its mainly female staff, the smart, tasteful decor, and the wealth of extras included in the rates (airport limo, cream teas, champagne). In a quiet street near Harrods. 33 Beaufort Gardens, London SW3 1PP.

Hotel Cadogan

This quietly old-fashioned hotel on the borders of Chelsea and Knightsbridge is where Oscar Wilde was arrested (room 118). You can stay here, surrounded by photographs of the playwright. (In Paris, at l’Hotel, you can stay in the room in which he died.) Lilly Langtry’s home was also here. Dignified, warm and comforting. 75 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SG.

Hotel Connaught

For service – the type of impeccable, deferential service perfected by Jeeves – look no further. Now almost a living time-warp, this bastion of Britishness continues to turn a haughtily blind eye to the modern world; there are few newfangled frills. Restaurant is managed by top chef Gordon Ramsay. Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL.

Hotel Colonnade

Set amongst the canals and bridges of Little Venice, the Colonnade occupies a pair of Victorian townhouses that once did duty as a maternity hospital (Alan Turing was born here). Sigmund Freud stayed here; you can too, in eclectic but comfortable surroundings. Eat contemporary Mediterranean in the Enigma bar and restaurant. 2 Warrington Crescent, Little Venice, London W9 1ER.

Hotel Covent Garden

If you are at home in a trendy location and starry company, you will delight in this exceptional hotel, smack in the bustling heart of London. The former hospital combines inspired design and the latest technology with panache. Stunning drawing room with honesty bar; smiling young staff. Screening room. 10 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HB.

Hotel Halkin

Armani-dressed staff deliver seriously good service at this sleek, minimalist yet friendly hotel. Michelin-starred Thai restaurant. 5 Halkin St, London SW1X 7DJ.

Hotel Knightsbridge

Green Comfortable, friendly, no-frills hotel midway between Harrods and Harvey Nics. Excellent full English breakfast. 159 Knightsbridge

Hotel Five Sumner Place

Award-winning, recently renovated, fairly priced South Kensington B&B. 5 Sumner Place, London SW7 3EE.

Hotel Dorchester

Of London’s great hotels, this has the edge, sweeping into the lead after its 1990 refurbishment. The 1930s building, looming over Park Lane like an ocean liner, was designed as the perfect grand hotel, and it is. It encompasses corporate events, film star guests, traditional atmosphere, and sumptuous modern luxury. Park Lane, London W1A 2HJ.

Hotel Franklin

This is a top-notch townhouse hotel by any standards, protective and relaxing, but what sets the Franklin apart is the bedrooms. Some are enormous, or look onto beautifully kept communal gardens, full of white roses in summer. Inside are florals and stripes, flounces and swags and huge beds, some canopied. 28 Egerton Gardens, London SW3 2DB

Dukes Hotel

Discreetly set back in its own gas-lit courtyard, this civilized Edwardian hideaway contrives to be both intimate and animated. This is particularly true of the clubby bar, renowned for its dry Martinis. English country house decoration without excess; charming, helpful staff. Health club and spa. St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NY.

Hotel Gore

With loads of character, including an animated public bar and bistro but a contrastingly quiet sitting room, this makes a delightfully congenial place to stay. Walls are covered in paintings and prints; bedrooms are crammed with antiques and idiosyncracies – ornate beds, a throne loo here, a gallery there. 190 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5EX.

Hotel London Bridge

Glossy, elegant business and leisure hotel in regenerated area near City. 8-18 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG.

Hotel Pembridge Court

Two ginger cats, a friendly manager and a mass of framed fans are some of the distinguishing features of this cosy hotel. 34 Pembridge Gardens, London W2 4DX

Hotel Millers

Literally crammed with antiques and collectables, a theatrical, well-run hideaway owned by antiques expert Martin Miller. 111a Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UW.

Hotel Rookery

Created from 18th-century brick buildings and full of clubby period charm. 12 Peter’s Lane, Cowcross St, London EC1M 6DS.

Hotel Hazlitt’s

Visiting authors leave signed copies for literary folk who like their comforts authentic yet stylish. A good Soho base, the three unspoilt Georgian townhouses have retained their sloping floorboards (it can be an uphill walk to bed). They have been decorated with suitable antiques, busts and prints, and Victorian bathroom fittings. 6 Frith Street, London W1D 3JA

Milestone Hotel and Apartments

At once opulent and refreshingly low-key, the Milestone occupies a spectacular position opposite Kensington Palace. An exclusive townhouse hotel with individually themed rooms and suites, it has won several top awards. 1/2 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL

L’Hotel

Baby sister of, and adjacent to, the suave Capital Hotel, this is an upmarket B&B, well situated for shopping sprees at Harrods. Breakfast is taken in the basement restaurant, Le Metro; there is no sitting room or room service. Bedrooms are mostly quite small, but sophisticated and well-equipped. 28 Basil Street, London SW3 1AS.

Hotel Number Sixteen

The elegant South Kensington B&B encompasses four smart terraced houses, and exudes a familial atmosphere of home: richly traditional, harmonious decor, with the bonus of a conservatory and patio garden. Bedrooms are well-proportioned; four have their own terrace. 16 Sumner Place, London SW7 3EG.

Hotel Savoy

Still charismatic, and a byword for luxury and Art Deco elegance. The Savoy Grill has a strong draw for the country’s elite. The Strand, London WC2R 0EU.

Hotel Strand Palace

Opposite the Savoy, and very different; but fresh, pleasant rooms represent very good value. Perfect for theatre visits. Strand, London WC2R 0JJ.

Hotel Tophams Belgravia

Cosy family-owned hotel with plenty of personality. Small rooms. 24-32 Ebury St, London SW1W 0LU.

Hotel Sydney

Spread across a terrace of mid- 19th-century townhouses, a luxury B&B with an international feel. 24-hour room service. 9-11 Sydney St, London SW3 6PU.

Hotel One Aldwych

High-profile contemporary hotel whose dramatic lobby has a bar rather than reception desk centre-stage. The best of the soothing bedrooms is the circular suite overlooking Waterloo Bridge. All are filled with state-of-the-art equipment – and flowers – though the vacuum plumbing can be anything but restful. 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4RH.

Hotel Portobello

The stylish Notting Hill base appeals to people who appreciate its laid-back approach, eclectic Victoriana furnishings, and airy, 24-hour restaurant/bar. Rooms vary from tiny ‘cabins’ to sybaritic suites (bath in bedroom, mirrors above bed). The best have antique beds and baths – others have showers only. 22 Stanley Gardens, London W11 2NG.

Winchester Hotel

Stands out among budget options for its neat rooms, excellent housekeeping and en suite facilities (shower only). 17 Belgrave Road, London SW1 1RB.