London is a city rich in history – and that extends to its hotels, too. Stay in one of these fascinating historic hotels in London for a truly special trip. Our list of the best heritage hotels in London will help you enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday in the British capital.
Royal Horseguards Hotel
2 Whitehall Court, SW1A 2EJ London, UK.
Built as a luxury apartment block in 1884, this hotel has a grand design inspired by a French château. It has been used as the MI5 & MI6 headquarters and also played a key role when the American Embassy was based here throughout World War II. During the Blitz, Winston Churchill made use of the secret tunnels hidden under the hotel. While the luxurious rooms are thoroughly modern, the grand interiors are awe-inspiring, boasting chandeliers, spectacular paintings and gilded details.
Book Royal Horseguards Hotel on Destinia
Standard room at the Royal Horseguards Hotel
St Paul’s Hotel
153 Hammersmith Road, W14 0QL London, UK.
If the exterior of this boutique hotel reminds you of Hogwarts, don’t be surprised – St Paul’s is built in a converted school building. Once the largest school in England, this smart gothic building was also used as a government base in World War II. It was here that Winston Churchill and his cabinet planned the D-Day Landings. Elegant rooms, a modern British restaurant and a great location in trendy Kensington all make this a good choice for your trip to London.
Book St Paul’s Hotel on Destinia
Standard room at the St Paul Hotel
The Ritz Hotel London
150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR London, UK.
Opened in 1906, the Ritz has served as a landmark luxury hotel for over a hundred years. It played a role in both World Wars, the British abdication crisis and many other key 20th-century events. The British government used it as a location for secret strategy meetings during World War I. During the inter-war period, it was frequented by illustrious visitors from Mahatma Gandhi to Noel Coward. King Edward VIII and his future wife, Wallis Simpson, used to have clandestine meetings at the Ritz. It was also used for meetings between the Allied leaders in World War II. Stay here to enjoy both rich history and incredible luxury.
Book The Ritz Hotel London on Destinia
Tea room at The Ritz Hotel London
Brown’s Hotel
Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP London, UK.
One of London’s oldest hotels, Brown’s first opened its doors in 1837. It is set in a row of 11 Georgian townhouses, and no two rooms are alike. Here, you can see the telephone on which Alexander Graham Bell made the first call in history. Guests have included Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, Haile Selassie, Agatha Christie, Theodore Roosevelt and countless European royals. The interior retains its Victorian charm, and the rooms come with marble bathrooms, luxury bedding and high-quality amenities.
Book Brown’s Hotel on Destinia
Charlie’s Restaurant at the Brown’s Hotel
Courthouse Hotel London
19 – 21 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7HL London, UK.
Many of the hotels on the list are former stately homes or similarly grand buildings. The Courthouse is different. This building was once home to the Great Marlborough Street Magistrate’s Court, and it played a huge role in 20th-century legal history. Oscar Wilde, the Kray brothers, John Lennon and the Rolling Stones all found themselves up against the law in this building. Today, it is a luxury hotel, complete with a fine dining restaurant, rooftop terrace, bowling alley and indoor pool. Check out the iron bars in the luxury bar, a little reminder of its past.
Book Courthouse Hotel London on Destinia
Seda Restaurant at Courthouse Hotel London
The Dorchester Hotel
Park Lane, W1K 1QA London, UK.
Much of the Dorchester interior design dates back to the 1930s. It first opened its doors in 1931 and immediately became one of the trendiest hotels in London. Famous for hosting the UK’s finest writing talent at its “literary luncheons”, this hotel was also the location of Prince Philip’s stag party before he married Queen Elizabeth II. It was Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s favourite place to stay in London, and the two were frequent guests during their tumultuous relationship. Its luxury rooms offer charming, old-fashioned balconies overlooking Hyde Park, and its high tea is a London institution.
Book The Dorchester Hotel on Destinia
Suite at the Dorchester Hotel
Rubens at the Palace
39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS London, UK.
If you’re looking for history in London, it’s hard to beat Buckingham Palace! Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, this site hosted Palace servants, a pharmacy, a stationery shop and a royal dressmaker. In the early 20th century, it was converted into a hotel and became an instant hit, with debutantes attending royal functions. A glamorous ballroom, stylish contemporary restaurant and excellent children’s facilities all make the Rubens a popular choice – as well as its superb location next to Buckingham Palace itself.
Book Rubens at the Palace on Destinia
Executive Suite at the Rubens at the Palace Hotel
The Bloomsbury Hotel
16 – 22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN London, UK.
From its elegant interiors and traditional decor, you might think the Bloomsbury was purpose-built as a luxury hotel. In fact, it was designed as the YWCA Central Club, providing a meeting place for the city’s women. In the Second World War, it was used as housing for service men and women, and some marks of bombings can still be seen in the windows of the hotel’s grand hall. Today, it’s a stylish hotel with an emphasis on the literary traditions of the Bloomsbury area. Afternoon tea is available, and the rooms are chic and comfortable.
Book The Bloomsbury Hotel on Destinia
The Coral Room at the Bloomsbury Hotel
The Clermont Hotel London Victoria
101 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0SJ London, UK.
The Clermont was constructed as a railway hotel right beside Victoria Station. Dating back to 1862, this hotel is now a Grade II listed building. Along with marble pillars and gilded details, the lobby features an enormous, dramatic staircase. While the common areas retain their Victorian ambience, the bedrooms are entirely modern, featuring Egyptian cotton sheets and fully equipped bathrooms.
Book the Clermont Hotel on Destinia
Tea room at The Clermont London Victoria Hotel
The Savoy Hotel
Strand, WC2R 0EU London, UK.
The Savoy was London’s first luxury hotel. It opened in 1889 to much fanfare, thanks to its modern innovations, like hot & cold running water, electric lifts and electric lighting. It is located in the heart of Theatreland in the West End, so it’s no surprise that it has hosted so many great actors and musicians, from Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe to Frank Sinatra and the Beatles. The rooms are decorated in either Art Deco or Edwardian style and have all the modern luxuries you could ask for.
Book The Savoy Hotel on Destinia
River view suite at the Savoy Hotel
