Westminster Borough

Step away from the urban sprawl and into an urban oasis; the tree-filled garden at Ham Yard features a bronze sculpture centrepiece by Tony Cragg. Inside you’ll find eclectic interiors by designer Kit Kemp, with vintage elements, bold patterns, bright colours and an array of art. Each room has its own personality, alongside handmade mattresses, rain showers and custom-designed furniture. Dine in a rooftop terrace bar, the Mediterranean-inspired Orso restaurant and take drinks in the bar. Guests also have access to a screening room, a spa and a fitness centre, plus a bespoke hat service where you can design their own headwear.

Part of the boutique Doyle Collection, this is a thoroughly modern property. The rooftop terrace is a real gem, with outdoor fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, cushioned sofas and rugs. An excellent place for a workout, the hotel’s Third Space gym and spa has an 18m indoor pool, as well as alternative therapy treatments. 250 bedrooms have accented vibrant colours and bold patterns, augmented by contemporary art pieces. Families are welcome with open arms; The Marylebone provides kids’ menus, free meals for under fives and teepee beds with inflatable mattresses, camping lamps, cookies and a flask of milk on request.

Europe’s first Grand Dame, The Langham opened its doors in 1865, soon racking up an illustrious list of patrons, like Louis-Napoleon III, Charles Dickens, one of the “Cambridge Five” spies Guy Burgess, Mark Twain, Princess Diana, Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie. It has been an innovator on the international hotel scene, with a prestigious reputation. It boasts a timeless elegance and award-winning eating and drinking venues overseen by Michel Roux Jr; Palm Court, Artesian Bar,The Wigmore and Roux at the Landau. Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club has an Asian theme with a huge heated indoor pool.

This modern glass-fronted building has 249 naturally styled bedrooms and suites, each with traditional Japanese tea sets, Grown Alchemist toiletries, 4k ultra HD TVs, contemporary detailing and the brand’s own luxury mattresses. A wellness centre includes a Pilates Reformer studio and treatments such as Nobu Zen, the brand’s signature ritual incorporating stretching and massage. Whether you stay here or not, do eat here. Nobu’s international range of restaurants have a trademark style, incarnated by the highly acclaimed Tokyo-based Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. There’s a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea, lounge, bar and Laurent-Perrier Terrace overlooking Portman Square and serving Nobu’s signature dishes.

It’s hosted the stars of Hollywood and members of the Royal Family for over two centuries. Spencer Tracy commented that he’d rather go to Claridge’s than to heaven when he dies. And Gordon Ramsay opened a restaurant here. This hotel is grand and British, with elements of its heritage – notably its art deco years – evident in the decor. Highlights include the Davies & Brook restaurant and The Fumoir, a sultry speakeasy-style glamorous bar. There’s a swish outdoor dining area, a spa and a famous afternoon tea. The kid-glove service is top-notch and attentive, with butlers in suites and the penthouse.

Get a taste of Japan in the heart of London at The Prince Akatoki. A stay here is a minimalist and mindful, yet five-star experience. The interior design evokes calm and tranquillity with lots of natural materials across 82 premium bedrooms. Alongside the ethos of Japanese hospitality, the property is full of furnishings and decorative touches that evoke the feel of Japan. And of course, the food follows suit. Guests can dine on fusion cuisine or bottomless brunch and take a sushi masterclass at TOKii, as well as enjoying an Asian whisky at The Malt Lounge and Bar.

A quintessentially British property, The Churchill is right at the heart of Marylebone, moment’s away from Selfridges and Oxford Street but offering a more peaceful setting overlooking Portman Square Garden. Its namesake (the iconic Prime Minister Winston Churchhill), is remembered in details and subtle nods throughout. A large property, it has 390 bedrooms and 50 suites – some of the latter offering multiple bedrooms and expansive living areas. It’s also home to the award-winning Churchill Bar and Terrace, Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli and the all-day dining venue, The Montagu Kitchen. The Churchill is part of the Hyatt Regency collection.

Less than a mile from the iconic attractions of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, the Conrad London St James is set within two 19th-century townhouses which were once Queen Anne’s Chambers and government offices. This property has been the Conrad London St. James since September 2014 and part of the Hilton Worldwide group, it became the brand’s 24th hotel, taking on the US chain’s upscale approach to international hospitality. There are plenty of nods to its past connections, not least in its fascinating and thoughtfully curated art collection as well as plenty of dining experiences from its themed afternoon teas, an art deco-inspired dining concept The Pen, The Hedgerow bar and a traditional London pub. This property oozes luxury and is one of our favourites in London.