what is your favorite hotel in London?

This column is adapted from a piece written by my colleague Ellen LeCompte, CTA, an independent associate of Sterling Brownell and a Virtuoso agent. She has been recognized by Travel + Leisure as the top London travel specialist in the nation three years running. It is presented here with her permission.


I am frequently asked, "What is your favorite hotel in London?" My response is always, "It depends..." London has such a wealth of wonderful hotel options. The client's tastes, budget, activities, and family dynamics all have an impact on the choice.

For old-fashioned opulence and elegance, not to mention location, it is hard to beat The Ritz.

For discreet tastefulness, again in a super location, the Stafford is wonderful, particularly for clients in London on business.

If shopping is on the minds of the clients, The Capital is ideal.

For traditional clients who like the feel of a "London Club," the Goring is a good choice.

For families, The Landmark with its huge rooms and location near Regent's Park and Madame Tussaud's is excellent. Another good bet for families is The Athenaeum with its terrific apartments.

For Museum and antique shopping hounds, The Milepost in Kensington is good. I could go on down the list, but I think you get the idea. One size does NOT fit all in London.

FYI, London between Christmas and New Years is pretty dead. Everyone goes out of town. You might want to consider a jaunt into the countryside to someplace like Chewton Glen.


By the way, most of the hotels mentioned in this column are Virtuoso properties, and you should book them through a Virtuoso agent. Why not do it yourself on the internet? Because as a Virtuoso agent, I can get you special rates and amenities you will never find on the internet: upgrades on arrival subject to availablity (and sometimes at the time of booking), complimentary breakfasts, and various other amenities differing by property such as free spa treatments, meals, or airport transfers.

P.S. Virtuoso clients at The Goring enjoy a guaranteed room upgrade at the time of booking.



If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

London luxury hotels Virtuoso travel agent consultant Ritz Stafford Capital Goring Landmark Athenaeum Milepost Chewton+Glen upgrade complimentary+breakfast