London in Layers of Luxury: Five Remarkable Hotels I Return to Again and Again

Some cities you visit and move through. But London invites something deeper. It’s a city you inhabit, layer by sumptuous layer, discovering a quiet opulence tucked behind every velvet curtain and stone façade. From storied salons of Mayfair to glass-wrapped suites in the clouds, the capital’s most extraordinary hotels don’t just host you; they leave a mark.

At The Curious Esquire, we believe a true luxury hotel isn’t merely defined by thread count or service, but by the way it makes you feel. Seen. Understood. Entirely unburdened.

Here are five of London’s most exquisite sanctuaries, each offering an experience so refined, it lingers long after you leave.

The Savoy – Timeless Theatre on the Thames
Opened in 1889 as London’s first purpose-built luxury hotel, The Savoy has been a benchmark of opulence and theatrical flair ever since. It introduced electric lighting, elevators, and en-suite bathrooms to the capital’s elite. Designed by César Ritz and with a culinary program once led by Auguste Escoffier, The Savoy was always destined to make history. Its American Bar remains one of the most decorated hotel bars in the world.

The two-bedroom Royal Suite, spanning the entire riverside of the fifth floor, offers uninterrupted views of the Thames and includes a personal butler, private bar, and the option of a dedicated Rolls-Royce chauffeur. Its walls have hosted monarchs and rockstars alike.

There’s a magic to The Savoy that defies replication. Perhaps it’s the riverside arrival, or the legacy of guests like Oscar Wilde and Elizabeth Taylor. It feels grand, but never performative.

Insider Tip: Arrive by boat for a discreet entrance few Londoners even know exists.

Claridge’s – The Crown Jewel of Mayfair
Claridge’s is more than a hotel; it’s a living institution. Favored by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, later beloved by Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and royalty from every continent, it has played host to decades of history with discreet glamour. Opened in 1812 and rebuilt in its current Art Deco glory in the 1920s, it remains the heartbeat of Mayfair.

The Penthouse Suite here feels like a private residence in the sky—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Mayfair, a grand piano, a personal butler, and a rare rooftop terrace offering serene perspective over the city.

Its halls hum with quiet authority. A place where your luggage vanishes and reappears, perfectly unpacked. A sanctuary where tradition is revered and elegance evolves gracefully.

Pair With: A visit to the in-house fashion archive for a private look at its couture history.

The Connaught – Where Discretion Meets Delight
The Connaught has held court on Carlos Place since 1897, but it wasn’t until its thoughtful renovation in the early 2000s that it became the modern standard for hushed luxury. It masterfully balances heritage wood paneling and classic fireplaces with contemporary design and an artistic soul.

The Apartment at The Connaught, designed by the late David Collins, is one of the most elegant in the city. With sweeping views of Mount Street, curated art pieces, a marble bathroom with double-height ceilings, and a round-the-clock butler, it’s a study in quiet sophistication.

From the Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze to the martini trolley at The Connaught Bar—frequently voted the world’s best—this is a place that doesn’t try to impress. It simply does.

Bespoke Suggestion: Let the Aman Spa tailor a wellness ritual to your energy and time zone before arrival.

The Ritz – Romance, Restored
When César Ritz opened The Ritz in 1906, he set out to create the ultimate experience of Louis XVI-style elegance in the heart of London. With its signature Palm Court, glittering chandeliers, and the city’s most iconic afternoon tea, The Ritz remains a love letter to luxury.

The Prince of Wales Suite, among London’s most theatrical, features an opulent four-poster bed, a private dining room, marble-clad bathrooms, and twin salons edged in gold. It’s the sort of space designed for state visits and royal occasions—and still managed with featherlight grace.

It’s a palace in hotel form, yet never intimidating. Gold leaf, silk upholstery, and whispered service set a tone that’s unmistakably The Ritz.

Dress Note: Gentlemen are required to wear jackets in the dining room, and somehow, it feels just right.

Shangri-La The Shard – Above and Beyond
Opened in 2014 as London’s first elevated hotel experience, Shangri-La spans floors 34 to 52 of The Shard—Western Europe’s tallest building. It brings Asian hospitality to new heights, both literally and in spirit, with intuitive service and vast panoramas from every room.

The Shangri-La Suite on the 39th floor is the pinnacle of vertical indulgence. Expect a walk-in dressing room, heated marble bathrooms, and a deep-soak tub positioned before Tower Bridge. A dedicated concierge arranges everything from sunrise yoga in the clouds to private dining served course by elegant course.

These rooms aren’t just beautiful—they’re transportive. And the infinity-edge Skypool on the 52nd floor, the city’s highest, offers a perspective few ever experience.

Stay Detail: For something unforgettable, time your bath to the hush of a London fog.

Final Thought
To stay at one of these properties isn’t simply to sleep—it’s to be understood. Because the most exquisite hotels don’t just impress. They stay with you.

Let us design your London stay with the kind of elegance that never needs announcing.