One of the true grande dames of the city’s hotel scene, The Berkeley’s blend of old-school hospitality with a few contemporary twists—and an impressive ability to wear its illustrious history lightly—means it firmly occupies a place at the top of any list of five-star London stays. Step through the sleek glass and steel entryway designed by starchitect Richard Rogers, and head down one of its rabbit-warren corridors to find the elegantly-proportioned Blue Bar or the cozy snug area of the Berkeley Bar with its playful, hand-painted murals, or simply make a beeline for the bright, airy café to enjoy one of the city’s most popular (and deservedly so) afternoon teas. If you’re looking for a serious treat, however, book yourself in for one of the spectacular counter service tasting menus of wildly intricate pastries and cakes courtesy of the award-winning pâtissier Cédric Grolet. As far as the hotel’s 190 individually-designed accommodations go, with its minimalist, quietly luxurious design scheme, there isn’t a bad room in the house. Arguably the greatest star attraction, however? That would be the breathtaking rooftop pool, with its expansive views across Hyde Park and the Thames. Despite the popular perception of London as a land of drizzly skies and pea-soup fog, when the summer months roll around, the ability to take a cooling dip on a hot afternoon offers a little slice of paradise. —L.H.
Photo: Durston Saylor/Courtesy of Rosewood London
Turning into the driveway and under the archway to enter the grand Edwardian courtyard of the Rosewood London, it feels like you’re in a movie where an American girl goes abroad and stays at a fancy, mind-boggling manor. A former insurance company headquarters built in 1914, the High Holburn building is cavernous, with a marble staircase and black-and-white decor throughout. Its sleek design and spacious, Succession-like rooms (complete with luxurious bathtubs, rain showers, and towel-warmers!) are sweetened up by little bowls of candy placed throughout the hotel. As far as dining options go, you have plenty: The hotel is known for its afternoon tea in The Mirror Room, handmade pies in The Pie Room, and classic British fare in the Holburn Dining Room. In the evening, you can have drinks in Scarfes Bar, voted one of the best bars in the world and named for the famed British artist and caricaturist Gerald Scarfe. The fireplace, dim lighting, library decor, and live music are apt for a date night or gossiping over drinks with friends. As of 2026, Scarfes serves a playful “Heroes & Villains” menu, with signature cocktails inspired by public figures (I had a refreshingly tart lychee cosmo inspired by Victoria Beckham’s Posh Spice era, which was served with a lollipop). Plus, a bonus for the Swifties in your life? The Rosewood London was reportedly where Taylor Swift stayed during the London Eras tour dates, so you know it has the star seal of approval. —A.G.L.
Photo: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
