London Hotels
London Hotel Guide
As a self-proclaimed Marriott super nerd, I’ve stayed at their properties during each of my visits to London. I love Marriott hotels, and it helps that the Marriott Bonvoy reward program is one of the best in the world. Membership is free and helps you earn perks like free breakfast, dedicated reservations lines, suite upgrades, and more for use at 7,000 locations worldwide. When my wife and I went to London for my goddaughter’s christening, we used points to book our entire 10-day stay and paid absolutely nothing. Yeah, you could say I’m a fan.
Here are my favorite places to stay in London, in no particular order:
1. W London
The W is a luxury hotel with a boutique feel, and it’s my go-to choice when visiting London. I’ve booked with this property on five occasions, and they’ve yet to let me down.
Situated in Soho just off of Leicester Square, the W is close to multiple tube stops, making it easy to get around London. But with luxury shopping and world-class theaters within walking distance, you may opt to stick around the neighborhood.
The W’s colorful modern exterior sets the tone for a hip, perfectly curated stay. Upon entering the lobby, an elevator bumping club music ferries you up to the first-floor check-in.
On the first floor, you’ll also find the Perception Bar, a trendy club-style bar and restaurant with nightly DJs and playful design elements like a neon Union Jack, plush couches, and mirror balls. The bartenders are pros who quickly get to know you and your drink of choice (mine’s the Old Fashioned). Thursday through Sunday, the club atmosphere takes over with a lively crowd and occasional events, including London Fashion Week afterparties.
The swanky, slightly industrial guest rooms buzz with energy and feature a unique layout. The vanity and sink occupy an island in the middle of the room, with the water closet and shower hidden behind mirrored doors. The spacious vanity also doubles as a desk. (Tip for my fellow workcationers: open the windows slightly to enjoy the sounds of the street performers below.)
The Marriott brand is known for its incredibly comfy beds, and the W London is no exception. Their bedding is so popular that you can purchase the same pillowtop mattress, down pillows, linens, and more from your stay here. Don’t feel like getting out of bed? Not to worry – your room’s smart lighting, television, music, and room service are all controlled via an iPad.
The fitness center has ample equipment for a good workout with plenty of free weights and machines, including a dual cable and a Smith rack. You’ll also find a few treadmills, stationary bikes, a row machine, and lockers to stash your belongings during your workout. The fitness center is attached to the W’s luxury AWAY Spa and shares a sauna available to all guests.
2. London Marriott County Hall
Located in the shadow of the London Eye, the Marriott County Hall is another excellent Marriott offering. The private drive to the main entrance feels secluded and serene, a far cry from this bustling Westminster neighborhood.
Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Elizabeth Tower, and Big Ben are all a block away, just across the River Thames. Explore the area’s shopping and restaurants and admire the London skyline as you stroll the pedestrian path along the river. I frequently run this path (more like a three-lane road), and it’s never too crowded.
King George V and Queen Mary opened County Hall in 1922, and its rich interior showcases classic British style and original oak paneling. Enjoy afternoon tea in the decadent library and a reasonably-priced, high-quality dinner in Gillray’s, the hotel’s steakhouse.
On my last visit, the hotel had added cartoon portraits by a local artist to hallways and guest rooms. I loved the modern touch this brought to the hotel’s classic design.
County Hall offers unmatched views from its prime location overlooking the River Thames and Parliament. During my most recent stay, I received an upgraded suite on the northeast corner of the building. At night, I looked out over the glowing city lights with a direct view of the London Eye.
Guest rooms feature roomy dual closets and a large dresser that doubles as an entertainment center, but the bathroom is the real star here. A turn-of-the-century map of London papers the walls, accenting white marble, subway tile, and gleaming chrome fixtures. There’s nothing like taking care of business in style.
As a bit of a health nut, I typically book my hotels based on the fitness center. County Hall’s does not disappoint. This is a full-blown gym with all the bells and whistles of a major chain like 24-Hour Fitness: dozens of cardio machines, weight machines and free weights, a studio for classes, and much more. If you’re like me, you’ll feel a little bit better sneaking in a quick workout before eating your way through the city.
3. London Marriott Canary Wharf
Situated on the Isle of Dogs in East London, The Marriott Canary Wharf is a prime spot to escape central London. Initially established as the West India Docks, Canary Wharf has become an urban hub and global financial center. It boasts 16 million square feet of office and retail space and includes over 300 cafes, restaurants, and shops.
When we checked in, the host gave us a great introduction to the hotel and recommendations for the area. Guest rooms aren’t luxurious or over the top, but they’re simple, clean, and comfortable. And the views of Canary Wharf are fantastic, especially at night.
Check out the hotel’s executive lounge for drinks and canapes in the early evening and dessert later. They also have light snacks all day long if you’re feeling peckish. Next, stop by the chic G&Tea Lounge for various gin-based drinks and a good selection of wine and port. Finally, if you venture to the on-site Manhattan Grill steakhouse, order the asparagus and bearnaise sauce – it’s phenomenal.
The fitness center is small but has adequate equipment, including a few treadmills, elliptical trainers, a squat rack, lighter dumbbells, stationary bikes, and a cable machine. I was able to get solid workouts in here just fine, but if you need more, there’s a gym just down the street that offers day passes.
4. London Edition
The London Edition is the epitome of luxury. Modeled after Victorian-era private clubs, this spectacular Soho hotel drips with marble columns and paneled ceilings. The century-old landmark building received a luxury rebranding from Marriott in 2010. Now, it caters in making guests feel like royalty.
Once inside the lobby, you’ll stroll past the eclectic, upscale lobby bar to check in. The front desk agents do a great job of welcoming you and offer plenty of information about the hotel, amenities, and local attractions.
The guest rooms are outstanding. These decadent spaces feature details like floor to ceiling walnut paneling, furniture by British designer George Smith, and a mini pie (a local specialty) welcoming you to London.
It’s a nice touch.
The airy bedding melts you into a deep slumber, which is perfect if you’ve just come from a long flight. The oversized bathroom glistens white from top to bottom. Beautiful tile, a heated towel rack, and toiletries by French perfume house Le Labo all add to the luxe experience.
At Berners Tavern, the on-site restaurant, you’ll enjoy Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s fantastic spin on traditional British cuisine. Head chef Andrei Poptelecan wows with seasonal specials like Galician Chargrilled Octopus and Herdwick Lamb Rump. And the stunning Victorian decor will transport you to a time of men in their “tails” and women in fancy dresses.
In the basement, the hotel’s gym comes equipped with three treadmills, three elliptical trainers, half a dozen machines, and plenty of dumbbells. There’s enough room to get a good workout in, but not space for more than 2-3 people at a time.
5. London Marriott Marble Arch
The Marriott Marble Arch may not offer some of the over-the-top luxuries that others on this list do, but its stellar location more than makes up for its no-frills (or fewer-frills) approach. Situated in one of the most desirable areas of London, the hotel is two blocks from the city’s famed Hyde Park and within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street, and more.
Overall, this 4-star central London haven meets the Marriott standard of clean comfort and pleasant service. Guest rooms offer comfortable bedding, ample pillows, and basic amenities. Our bathroom also came with a lovely soaking tub. (Note: the sides of the tub are rather high, so please be careful getting in and out!).
The on-site restaurant, The Pickled Hen, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is buffet-style with a good selection of fruits, bread, and another breakfast fare, including a custom-order egg station. The lunch and dinner menus offer a variety of seafood, Indian cuisine, and vegetarian options. The food is reasonably priced, freshly made, and very tasty.
To access the underground fitness center, you’ll exit through the lobby and enter the parking garage door to the left of the hotel entrance. This gym is on the smaller side, with just enough space for a few cardio and weight machines, but the pool is large enough for lap swimming or lounging.