London is home to dozens of officially rated five-star properties, from historic landmarks like Claridge’s to contemporary newcomers such as art’otel London Hoxton. To help you compare the leading options, this guide draws on verified rankings, pricing data, and guest reviews from multiple sources. According to LuxGetaway, Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Lanesborough sit at the absolute top of London’s luxury hotel hierarchy.
Last checked: 2026-09-19
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Number of 5-star hotels in London: Over 30 · Average nightly rate: £300–£600 · Top hotel according to Forbes Travel Guide: The Connaught · Celebrity hotspot: Claridge’s
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-19.
Sources reviewed: official property websites, Booking.com listings, TripAdvisor reviews, Skyscanner and Kayak pricing data, LuxGetaway rankings, UK ETA budget guide, Time Out editorial guides, The Hotel Journal roundups, Tablet Hotels curations, CPP-Luxury analysis.
We did not conduct on-site visits, staff interviews, or independent price verification. All pricing data is drawn from third‑party booking and analysis platforms as of mid‑2025–2026.
Snapshot: London’s five‑star hotel market
- Approximately £412 per night for 5‑star hotels, with occasional lows around £49 (Skyscanner)
- Revenue per available room in the luxury segment reached approximately £318 (UK ETA Visitors Budget Guide)
- Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Lanesborough are consistently ranked at the absolute top of London’s luxury hierarchy (LuxGetaway)
- Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park was named the overall leader among London luxury and five‑star hotels in a post‑pandemic ranking (CPP-Luxury)
| Number of 5‑star hotels in London | Over 30 (Tripadvisor) |
| Average nightly rate (Skyscanner, 2025–2026) | Approx. £412 (Skyscanner) |
| Luxury RevPAR (Q1 2026) | £318 (UK ETA Visitors Budget Guide) |
| Top‑tier hotels per LuxGetaway | Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Lanesborough (LuxGetaway) |
| Overall leader per CPP-Luxury | Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (CPP-Luxury) |
| 7‑star hotels in London | None (no hotel claims a 7‑star rating) |
What are the top 5 star hotels in London?
Multiple platforms publish curated lists of London’s best five‑star properties, and the names that appear most consistently are Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Dorchester, The Londoner, Pan Pacific London, and the recently opened art’otel London Hoxton. TripAdvisor’s dedicated five‑star page lists dozens of guest‑rated properties, while Forbes Travel Guide counts several London hotels among its starred recipients — The Connaught is one of the few to hold a Five‑Star rating from Forbes.
Below is a comparison of six top contenders based on location, pricing, and standout features.
| Hotel Name | Location / Neighbourhood | Star Rating | Price Range (per night) | Best For | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Londoner | Leicester Square / West End | 5-star | £350–£600 | First‑time visitors, couples | Rooftop bar with panoramic views |
| Claridge’s | Mayfair | 5-star | £540–£4,200 | Celebrity‑spotters, heritage lovers | Art Deco lobby, celebrity guest list |
| The Connaught | Mayfair | 5-star | £600–£5,000 | Luxury seekers, foodies | Three‑Michelin‑star restaurant |
| The Dorchester | Mayfair / Park Lane | 5-star | £500–£4,000 | Families, luxury seekers | Family suites, kids’ programs |
| Pan Pacific London | Liverpool Street / City | 5-star | £250–£450 | Business travelers, couples | Wellness floor, direct tube access |
| art’otel London Hoxton | Hoxton / East London | 5-star | £200–£350 | Culturally curious, design lovers | Artist‑designed interiors, skyline pool |
The bottom line: The Connaught and Claridge’s lead on prestige and price, while Pan Pacific and art’otel offer more accessible entry points without sacrificing five‑star service.
Where do most celebrities stay in London?
Claridge’s has long been synonymous with celebrity guests — from Hollywood royalty to British aristocracy. The Dorchester and The Ritz also maintain a reputation as discreet luxury landmarks where high‑profile guests regularly stay. According to LuxGetaway, Claridge’s sits at the absolute top of London’s luxury hierarchy, a status reinforced by its history of hosting everyone from Audrey Hepburn to contemporary film stars.
The Connaught and The Lanesborough offer a quieter, more private alternative. Both are located in Mayfair and Knightsbridge respectively, with dedicated concierge teams accustomed to high‑discretion requests.
“Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Lanesborough sit at the absolute top, with The Peninsula London joining them since its 2023 opening.”
— LuxGetaway editorial team
What this means: if you’re hoping to spot a celebrity, Claridge’s and The Dorchester are your best bets. For a similarly elevated but more private experience, consider The Connaught or The Lanesborough.
What is the newest five-star hotel in London?
The most recent high‑profile addition to London’s five‑star scene is generally considered art’otel London Hoxton, which opened in 2024 and is featured on Booking.com’s curated list of top five‑star properties. It brings artist‑inspired design, a rooftop pool, and a more accessible price point to East London. Another notable newcomer is Raffles London at The Old War Office in Whitehall, which debuted in 2023 and quickly earned a place in luxury rankings.
Time Out’s 2025 guide called 1 Hotel Mayfair the “best modern” five‑star hotel, highlighting the trend toward eco‑conscious luxury in central London.
The trade‑off: newer hotels like art’otel and Raffles offer modern amenities and fresh design, but they lack the decades of service polish that historic properties like Claridge’s have refined.
5 star london hotel cheap
Affordable five‑star options do exist, especially if you are flexible with location or booking window. Skyscanner reports an average rate of £412 per night, with lows around £49 at certain off‑peak times. Kayak’s data shows that Monday arrivals are cheapest (around $293) and Wednesday nights most expensive (around $665).
Properties like Pan Pacific London (from £250) and art’otel London Hoxton (from £200) typically offer full five‑star service without the £500+ price tags of Mayfair landmarks. For airport convenience, Sofitel London Heathrow frequently starts below £150 per night, according to Trip.com.
The pattern: the cheapest five‑star rates are found in fringe locations (airport, City fringe) and on less popular arrival days. Central Mayfair and Knightsbridge properties rarely dip below £500.
Best 5-star hotels in London for families
The Dorchester is often considered a standout for families, offering dedicated family suites, kids’ activity programs, and babysitting services. Its Mayfair location provides easy access to Hyde Park and the West End. The Londoner, in Leicester Square, is often recommended as a family‑friendly choice thanks to its central location and spacious family rooms. For a quieter experience, Pan Pacific London’s wellness‑focused amenities include a kid‑friendly pool and direct transport links to family attractions.
The Connaught and Claridge’s, while luxurious, are generally considered less oriented toward children — their clientele tends to be adult‑focused, and suites designed for families come at a premium.
Why this matters: the choice often comes down to location – Mayfair properties offer park access but higher prices, while City‑fringe hotels provide better value and modern family amenities.
Choosing the right 5-star hotel for couples and business travelers
Couples often gravitate toward the romance and history of Claridge’s or the modern elegance of 1 Hotel Mayfair. The latter, named “best modern” by Time Out, appeals with its eco‑conscious design and spa. Pan Pacific London, with its wellness floor and central City location, is a strong option for couples who want a base for both sightseeing and relaxation.
Business travelers value efficiency and connectivity. Pan Pacific London (adjacent to Liverpool Street station) and The Londoner (two minutes from Leicester Square tube) offer fast access to financial districts and meeting rooms. The Savoy, on the Strand, provides a grand setting for corporate entertaining.
The implication: couples looking for intimacy should prioritize Mayfair or Knightsbridge; business travelers should look to the City or West End for transport links and modern facilities.
Pricing bands at a glance
- Entry‑level (under £250): art’otel London Hoxton, Sofitel London Heathrow (airport)
- Mid‑range (£250–£500): Pan Pacific London, The Londoner (off‑peak)
- Premium (£500–£1,000): The Dorchester, Claridge’s (standard rooms), The Savoy
- Iconic suites (above £4,000): Claridge’s Royal Suite, The Connaught Penthouse
All prices are approximate and based on 2025–2026 data from Skyscanner and UK ETA Visitors Budget Guide.
Location and neighbourhoods of London’s 5-star hotels
Mayfair is the most concentrated area for luxury hotels, home to Claridge’s, The Connaught, The Dorchester, and Four Seasons Park Lane. Knightsbridge and Belgravia host The Lanesborough, The Peninsula London, and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park — an “old‑money” corridor with Harrods and embassy buildings. Covent Garden and the Strand are dominated by The Savoy and Rosewood London, attracting theatre‑goers. The City (financial district) features Pan Pacific London and The Londoner, with direct tube access to Heathrow and Gatwick. Recent years have seen a shift eastward, with art’otel Hoxton bringing a five‑star option to East London’s creative scene.
What to watch: the opening of Raffles London at The Old War Office in Whitehall (2023) signals a growing luxury corridor around St James’s and Westminster, appealing to history‑focused travelers.
Our picks for different traveller types
- Luxury seekers: The Connaught — three‑Michelin‑star dining, Mayfair address, and Forbes Five‑Star status.
- Families: The Dorchester — dedicated kids’ club, family suites, and central location near Hyde Park.
- First‑time visitors: The Londoner — Leicester Square location, rooftop terrace, and concierge able to book West End shows.
- Celebrity‑spotters: Claridge’s — Art Deco lobby where A‑list guests have stayed for decades.
Frequently asked questions about London’s 5-star hotels
Is there any 7 star hotel in London?
No. No hotel in London claims a seven‑star rating. Internationally, only a handful of hotels (such as the Burj Al Arab in Dubai) are marketed as seven‑star, but no official rating body recognizes a seventh star.
What is the poshest hotel in England?
“Poshest” is subjective, but Claridge’s in Mayfair is frequently described as the most prestigious. In 2026 LuxGetaway ranked Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Lanesborough as the absolute top tier of London luxury hotels.
Which is the only 7 star hotel in the world?
There is no official 7‑star category. The Burj Al Arab in Dubai is often called “seven‑star” as a marketing term, but it holds an official 5‑star rating. Other hotels labeled as seven‑star include the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
How much does it cost per night to stay at a 7‑star hotel in Dubai?
The Burj Al Arab’s all‑suite hotel starts at approximately $1,500–$2,000 per night for the smallest suite, with the Royal Suite exceeding $24,000 per night (rates fluctuate seasonally).
What is higher than a 5 star hotel?
While there is no formal rating above five stars, some hotels use terms like “luxury”, “boutique luxury”, or “palace” to differentiate. Forbes Travel Guide awards five‑star ratings to the highest hotels, with no six‑star designation.
Which is better, a 3 star or a 5 star hotel?
A five‑star hotel offers superior service, amenities, and dining options, typically with a higher price. A three‑star hotel provides comfortable, budget‑friendly accommodation. The choice depends on your budget, expectations, and travel purpose.