2012 is definitely London’s time to shine. From the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to the Olympic Games, the city is ready once again for the limelight. In eager anticipation, hotels in London are polishing their brass and straightening up their collars. And while there are hotels of every stripe, sure to fit any budget or style, a few are giving a fresh spin on the London hotel scene. We looked to Travel + Leisure for their roundup of London’s hottest new hotels and chose a few of our shared favorites. To see other hotels that have received accolades from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor, just use our Awards filter.
W London – Leicester Square (Rates from $394)
(Photo credit: W London – Leicester Square)
Starwood certainly upped the ante with the addition of W London – Leicester Square. This hip hotel is unabashedly fond of color, as shown by the vivid pops of poppy red, purple and gold everywhere. At the same time, a liberal dosage of stark white keeps things from looking too comical. After all, this is where the well-heeled set come to play, judging by the celebrities and beautiful people who hang out at the exclusive bar, Wyld, or celebrity-chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant, Spice Kitchen. One thing’s clear: this ain’t your grandmummy’s hotel.
Town Hall Hotel (Rates from $230)
(Photo credit: Town Hall Hotel)
A little bit off the beaten path, with a lot of unexpected touches, the Town Hall Hotel proves that classy doesn’t have to equate to stuffy. Somehow, the past, present and future intertwine beautifully, with whimsical nods from one era to another. Virtually every room type offers a full kitchen, which is a welcome convenience for those who prefer to handle a few meals on their own, but also for those who might enjoy hiring a private chef to cook dinner in the room (yes, you can do that here). Don’t miss the Michelin-starred on-site restaurant, Viajante. It’s just one of the surprises you’ll encounter in this hidden gem.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane (Rates from $436)
(Photo credit: Richard Waite)
If riding in a Rolls Royce is how you like to roll, then the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is where you’ll want to be. Offering complimentary rides to locations nearby, the Rolls is merely one way this luxury London hotel seeks to impress. While it’s not a new hotel per se, it’s fresh off a major redesign that saw it staying true to its elegant Four Seasons roots while imparting its own stylish spin. Best of all, gorgeous views abound from vantage points like the Tenth Floor Lounge to the luxurious Spa, so you can soak in all that this magnificent city has to offer.
See more hotels in London on our site. Tell us: what’s your favorite London hotel?
