Five of the best: London’s quintessentially British hotels

by James Wilkinson

Get a quintessentially British experience at these London hotels ideal for business and leisure trips. By James Wilkinson.

Rosewood has some of London’s best suites

ROSEWOOD LONDON

Walk through the archway and into the grand Edwardian courtyard of Rosewood London where classical elegance and modern design awaits. At London’s most buzzing mid-town hotel, find brasserie fare at Holborn Dining Room, late night cocktails and live music in whiskey den Scarfes, the city’s best treatments at Sense Spa, 262 spacious rooms and 44 suites, and Pearl, the hotel’s resident golden retriever, who’s always keen for a walk. 252 High Holborn, London, England. +44 20 7781 8888. Tube: Tottenham Court Rd.

The Savoy is one of London’s most iconic hotels

THE SAVOY

Those seeking a quintessential British stay will love what’s on offer at The Savoy, one of the few hotels in the world that could truly call itself ‘iconic’. There’s the grand entrance off the Strand; classic drinks den the American Bar, which takes inspiration from the roaring 20s cocktail days; and the rooms, decorated in Edwardian or Art Deco, and let you know you are in the heart of England. Upgrade to a suite, even for just one night. Strand, London. +44 20 7836 4343. Tube: Covent Garden.

The Langham London is known for its exceptional food and beverage offerings

THE LANGHAM, LONDON

A short stroll from Oxford Circus, the grand Langham London isn’t just the place to stay for the legendary cocktails in the Artesian Bar (especially our drink, the Pistachio Batida) and shopping mecca location. Here, the rooms are classically stylish and a steal for the 244 pound rate you’ll find during the off-season (compared to 440 pounds during summer), while the day spa is amongst the best in the capital. 1c Portland Pl, London. +44 20 7636 1000. Tube: Oxford Circus.

Find designer Kit Kemp’s brilliant style across the Knightsbridge Hotel

KNIGHTSBRIDGE HOTEL

Take a turn off Brompton Road down the tree-lined, quiet and quaint Beaufort Gardens and you’ll find the Knightsbridge Hotel, which offers 44 Kit Kemp-designed classical London townhouse rooms away from the hustle and bustle of this shoppers’ paradise. On the ground floor, find two drawing rooms complete with working fireplaces, libraries and British artworks, the ideal spot for afternoon tea before a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum down the street. 10 Beaufort Gardens, London, SW3 1PT. +44 20 7584 6300. Tube: Knightsbridge.

London Marriott Park Land has had a stylish makeover

LONDON MARRIOTT PARK LANE

Fresh from an extensive makeover, the London Marriott Park Lane has a contemporary yet modern British feel across the hotel from the décor inside the expansive rooms that overlook Hyde Park through to the cuisine at in-house restaurant Lanes of London. Book a Junior Suite which has separate lounge rooms and bedrooms, alongside marble bathrooms and luxury bath products, as well as executive lounge access. 140 Park Ln, London W1K 7AA. +44 20 7493 7000. Tube: Marble Arch.

ESSENTIALS: GETTING THERE

The best way to get to London in style and comfort.

Arrive in London after a quintessentially British experience in the air

BRITISH AIRWAYS

British Airways flies daily to London via Singapore on modern Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring First, Club World (Business), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) and World Traveller (Economy) cabins. Wayfarer recommends booking a ticket in Club World, which offers flatbed seats, restaurant calibre cuisine, French and Australian wines, hundreds’ of hours of entertainment on demand and great British service from check-in to disembarking.

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